bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switch‐associated protein 70 protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through suppression of TAK1
Authors: Qian Qiaofeng , Li Yang , Fu Jiajun , Leng Dewen , Dong Zhe , Shi Jiajun , Shi Hongjie , Cao Dengwei , Cheng Xu , Hu Yufeng , Luo Qiujie , Hu Manli , Ran Yong , Tang Hao , Liu Hui , Liu Jinping
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

NAFLD is a progressive disease without known effective drug treatments. Switch‐associated protein 70 (SWAP70) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that participates in the regulation of many cellular processes. However, the role of SWAP70 in NAFLD remains unclear. This study aimed to identify the function and mechanism of SWAP70 in NAFLD.

Approach and Results

The results showed that the expression of SWAP70 was significantly increased in mice and hepatocytes after metabolic stimulation. Overexpression of SWAP70 in hepatocytes suppressed lipid deposition and inflammation, and SWAP70 knockdown created the inverse effect. Using hepatocyte‐specific Swap70 knockout and overexpression mice fed a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet, we demonstrated that SWAP70 suppressed the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, and fibrosis. Mechanically, RNA sequencing analysis and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that SWAP70 inhibited the interaction between transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) binding protein 1 and TAK1 and sequentially suppressed the phosphorylation of TAK1 and subsequent c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/P38 signaling. Inhibition of TAK1 activation blocked hepatocyte lipid deposition and inflammation caused by SWAP70 knockdown.

Conclusions

SWAP70 is a protective molecule that can suppress the progression of NAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis and inflammation. SWAP70 may be important for mitigating the progression of NAFLD.
Intracellular imaging of metmyoglobin and oxygen using new dual purpose probe EYFP‐Myoglobin‐mCherry
Authors: Penjweini Rozhin , Roarke Branden , Alspaugh Greg , Link Katie A. , Andreoni Alessio , Mori Mateus P. , Hwang Paul M. , Sackett Dan L. , Knutson Jay R.
Published: October 2021

The biological relevance of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in signaling, metabolic regulation, and disease treatment has become abundantly clear. The dramatic change in NO/ROS processing that accompanies a changing oxygen landscape calls for new imaging tools that can provide cellular details about both [O2] and the production of reactive species. Myoglobin oxidation to the met state by NO/ROS is a known sensor with absorbance changes in the visible range. We previously employed Förster resonance energy transfer to read out the deoxygenation/oxygenation of myoglobin, creating the subcellular [O2] sensor Myoglobin‐mCherry. We now add the fluorescent protein EYFP to this sensor to create a novel probe that senses both met formation, a proxy for ROS/NO exposure, and [O2]. Since both proteins are present in the construct, it can also relieve users from the need to measure fluorescence lifetime, making [O2] sensing available to a wider group of laboratories.
Clinical characteristics of pancreatic and biliary tract cancers associated with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Takamizawa Shigemasa , Morizane Chigusa , Tanabe Noriko , Maruki Yuta , Kondo Shunsuke , Hijioka Susumu , Ueno Hideki , Sugano Kokichi , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Okusaka Takuji
Published: October 2021

Background/Purpose

Pancreatic and biliary tract cancers are one of the Lynch syndrome‐associated malignancies. There are few reports describing the patients’ backgrounds and clinical characteristics.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with Lynch syndrome‐associated pancreatic or biliary tract malignant tumors at National Cancer Center Hospital between March 1992 and October 2019.

Results

Fourteen patients were included. They had a history of multiple cancers and a family history of cancer. For the six patients with pancreatic malignant tumor, the median age was 63 years. The primary tumor site of 5/6 patients with pancreatic cancer was the body or tail. Only one patient had pancreatic head cancer. The median overall survival (OS) was 68 (range, 17‐198) months. For the eight patients with biliary tract malignant tumor, the median age was 65.5 years. The primary tumor site of 5/8 patients was the intrahepatic bile duct, whereas the primary site of 2/8 was the hilar bile duct. The median OS was 62 (range, 3‐183) months.

Conclusions

This study brought out several observations on tumor location, late development, and favorable long‐term outcomes. Additional studies are needed to identify the characteristics.
Sand accumulation in the digestive tract of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): The role of the appendix
Authors: Winter Nicole , Clauss Marcus , Codron Daryl , Hummel Jürgen , Müller Jaqueline , Richter Henning , Kircher Patrick , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Martin Louise Françoise
Published: October 2021

We determined location and amount of accumulated sand in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) fed diets containing external (silicate) abrasives. Computed tomographic abdominal images of rabbits (n = 44) and guinea pigs (n = 16) that each received varying numbers (4–7) of different diets for 14 days each (total n = 311 computed tomographs), and radiographs of dissected GIT and presence of silica in GIT content (n = 46 animals) were evaluated. In rabbits, the majority of accumulated sand was located in the caecal appendix, an elongated, intestinal structure in the left side of the abdomen. The ‘wash‐back’ colonic separation mechanism in rabbits may be partly responsible for a retrograde transport of sand back to the caecum, where dense, small particles accumulate in the appendix. The appendix likely acted as a reservoir of these particles, leading to significant effects not only of the momentary but also of the previous diet on recorded sand volumes in the rabbits. Guinea pigs have no caecal appendix and a colonic separation mechanism not based on a ‘wash‐back’. Less sand accumulation was found in their GIT without a specific location pattern, and there were less previous diet effects in this species. None of the rabbits or guinea pigs developed clinical signs of obstruction during the study, and the recorded sand volumes represented 1.0 ± 1.2% of the 14‐d sand intake in rabbits and 0.2 ± 0.2% in guinea pigs. Accumulation of sand in volumes up to 10 cm3in the GIT of rabbits does not seem to cause clinical health impairment. Large inter‐individual differences in rabbits indicate inter‐individual variation in proneness to sand accumulation. The reason for the presence of a sand‐trapping caecal appendix in animals that are, due to their burrowing lifestyle and feeding close to the ground, predestined for accidental sand ingestion, remains to be unveiled.
Residual levels of five pesticides in peanut oil processing and chips frying
Authors: Duan Lifang , An Xiaokang , Pan Xinglu , Li Runan , Wang Kuan , Guo Luyao , Zhang Binbin , Dong Fengshou , Xiang Wensheng , Wu Xiaohu , Xu Jun , Zheng Yongquan
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Pesticide contamination in oil crops and processed products is an important food safety concern. The study was aimed to investigate the pesticide residue changes in press processing of peanut oil and frying of chips.

RESULTS

Five pesticides – chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, methoxyfenozide, azoxystrobin and propargite – which are often applied during growth period in peanut plants, were selected to investigate their residue changes in cold press processing of peanut oil and frying of potato chips. Results showed that the residues of the five pesticides were decreased by 3.1–42.6% during air‐drying before oil pressing. The residues of chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, methoxyfenozide and propargite in peanut oil were 2.05–3.63 times higher than that in peanut meal after cold pressing of the oil, except for azoxystrobin having a slightly lower residue in peanut oil, with 0.92 times that in peanut meal. The processing factors of the five pesticides in peanut oil ranged from 1.17 to 2.73 and were highly related to the log Kow of the pesticides. The higher the log Kow, the more easily was the pesticide partitioned in the peanut oil. Besides, as frying time increase during preparation of chips, the concentration of pesticides in peanut oil decreased gradually by 6.7–22.1% compared to the first frying. In addition, 0.47–11.06% of the pesticides were transferred to the chips through frying with contaminated oil.

CONCLUSION

This is first report showing that pesticides can transfer from contaminated oil to chips. There exists a potential dietary health risk by using pesticide‐contaminated oil for frying chips. This work could provide basic data for accurate dietary risk assessment of pesticide residues in peanut oil and its frying products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Physical and chemical properties of nabak (Zizyphus spina‐christi) seed kernel and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed oils
Authors: Embaby Hassan Elsayed , Miyakawa Takuya , Hachimura Satoshi , Muramatsu Tomonari , Nara Masayuki , Tanokura Masaru
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Nabak seed kernels and sweet pepper seeds, which are separated from the fruits and discarded as waste after processing or consumption, contain high levels of oils (30.19% and 19.57%, respectively). The chemical and thermal characteristics of nabak seed kernel oil (NSO) and sweet pepper seed oil (PSO) were investigated in this study.

RESULTS

The NSO and PSO contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (84.1% and 86.5%, respectively), and the major fatty acid was oleic acid (57.3%) in NSO, but it was linoleic acid (69.4%) in PSO. The triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles show that NSO contained ten TAG species, three of which represented 87.1%, namely C54:3, C52:2 and C54:4, and triolein was the dominant (OOO, 47.0%). Pepper seed oil contained nine TAG molecular species, four of which represented 93.6%, namely C54:6, C52:4, C54:4 and C52:5, and trilinolein was dominant (LLL, 44.0%). The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of NSO revealed that three exothermal peaks were detected during cooling, two endothermal peaks were detected during melting, and the major peak occurred at a low temperature. For PSO, three exothermal peaks were detected during cooling, three peaks were detected (one of them was exothermal) during melting, and the major peaks were observed at low temperatures. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that NSO and PSO did not contain peroxides or trans fatty acids, but they did contain low concentrations of free fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

This study offers a scientific basis for the use of NSO and PSO as new sources of edible oils for food applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimum growth and quality of the edible ice plant under saline conditions
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hernández María del Carmen , Garmendia Idoia
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Ice plant is a halophyte, known for its antioxidant activity and for being a highly functional food. It is capable of increasing its contents of health‐promoting compounds when subjected to certain stresses such as salinity. The objective of this work was to determine the plant's best growing conditions to achieve both an optimal production of bioactive metabolites and high crop yield. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum were grown under semi‐controlled conditions and four saline treatments were applied at: 0, 100, 200 and 300 mmol L–1 sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively.

RESULTS

The 100 mmol L–1 NaCl treatment induced a slight increase in shoot dry weight (DW) and enhanced the leaf area. At higher salinity levels, however, the shoot biomass decreased. The concentration of starch and total proteins declined as the concentration of salt increased, while the total soluble sugars (TSS) content was lower in 100 and 300 mmol L–1 NaCl treatments. Proline increased in conditions over 100 mmol L–1 NaCl. Furthermore, plants grown with 300 mmol L–1 of NaCl presented the highest values of glutathione, ascorbic acid and vitamin C. Antioxidant enzymes activity and total phenolics increased with the severity of the salinity.

CONCLUSION

Ice plant accumulates high levels of health‐promoting compounds when grown with 300 mmol L–1 NaCl. A high concentration of beneficial compounds, however, is detrimental to the plant's growth. Moreover, 100 mmol L–1 NaCl treatment not only improved the concentration of bioactive and antioxidant compounds but also preserved the crop yield. It could thus be interesting to promote the cultivation of this high nutritional value plant in environments of moderate salinity. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Neoadjuvant radiation for cutaneous and soft tissue angiosarcoma
Authors: Sharon Cimarron E. , Straker Richard J. , Shannon Adrienne B. , Shabason Jacob E. , Zhang Paul J. L. , Fraker Douglas L. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant radiation (NRT) is frequently utilized in soft tissue sarcomas to increase local control. Its utility in cutaneous and soft tissue angiosarcoma remains poorly defined.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Cancer Database (2004–2016) evaluating patients with clinically localized, surgically resected angiosarcomas. Factors associated with receipt of NRT in the overall cohort and margin positivity in treatment naïve patients were identified by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Of 597 patients, 27 (4.5%) received NRT. Increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 0.95,p = 0.025), tumor size more than or equal to 5 cm (OR 3.16,p = 0.02), and extremity tumor location (OR 3.99,p = 0.04) were associated with receipt of NRT. All patients who received NRT achieved an R0 resection (p = 0.03) compared with 17.9% of patients without NRT. Factors associated with risk of margin positivity included tumor size more than or equal to 5 cm (OR 1.85,p = 0.01), and head/neck location (OR 2.24,p = 0.006). NRT was not significantly associated with improved survival (p = 0.21).

Conclusions

NRT improves rates of R0 resection but is infrequently utilized in cutaneous and soft tissue angiosarcoma. Increased usage of NRT, particularly for patients with lesions more than or equal to 5 cm, or head and neck location, may help achieve complete resections.
Improvement of low anterior resection syndrome beyond 2 years after total mesorectal excision
Authors: He Siqi , Liu Zhanzhen , Li Li , Zhang Jinquan , Shi Lishuo , Song Yuntao , Lin Hongcheng , Sun Weipeng , Wang Jianping , Deng Yanhong , Wang Hui , Kang Liang , Dou Ruoxu
Published: October 2021

Aim

Bowel dysfunction after sphincter‐preserving proctectomy, also known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), has significant impact on survivors of rectal cancer. This study aimed to assess the temporal change of LARS beyond 2 years after proctectomy, which has not been fully studied.

Methods

We longitudinally enrolled consecutive patients who had received total mesorectal excision in a tertiary academic medical center, with preoperative neoadjuvant therapy if indicated. LARS score was longitudinally assessed by two serial follow‐ups, with a fixed interval of 18 months.

Results

Overall, 107 patients responded for the first follow‐up after a median of q20 months, 96 of whom responded for the second follow‐up after a median of 38 months. At the first follow‐up, 48 patients (44.9%) reported major LARS, compared with 23 (24.0%) at the second follow‐up (p < 0.001). Mean LARS score improved from 27.3 to 18.6, mostly from “urgency” (12.2 vs. 6.2, p < 0.001) and “clustering of stools” (9.7 vs. 7.7, p = 0.001). Anastomosis less than 3 cm from the anal verge was independently associated with LARS improvement.

Conclusion

Bowel dysfunction continues to improve 2 years after total mesorectal excision, with most symptom relief in urgency and stool clustering, especially in patients with lower anastomosis.
New Insights into Segmental Packing, Chain Dynamics and Thermomechanical Performance of Aliphatic Polyurea Composites: Comparison between Silica Oxides and Titanium (III) Oxides
Authors: Palaniandy Khanisya , Auckloo Sheik Ambarine Banon , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Chan Eng Seng , Pasbakhsh Pooria
Published: October 2021

Polyurea (PU) is intrinsically reinforced by its microphase‐separated morphology, giving its excellent mechanical properties. In this study, it is shown how a high‐index PU formulation applies easy diffusion of hard segments into the soft phase of the PU matrix and tune its chain mobility. Moreover, the interaction of micro (>100 nm), nano (<100 nm) fillers with the microdomains and their thermomechanical properties are unraveled. Herein, nanosilica oxide (NS) and micro titanium (III) oxide (Ti2O3) are incorporated at low loadings into a solvent‐free two‐component aliphatic PU via insitu polymerization. While NS achieves an interfacial interaction with urea groups and forms a tight hard segmental packing, the large‐sized Ti2O3 assembles the interconnected PU chain network, improving its crystallinity. Strong reinforcement by NS is noticed when tensile strength increased from 26 to 31 MPa and on the maximum thermal degradation temperature by 21 °C increment from the neat PU. In contrast, the soft segmental dynamics are triggered with the presence of Ti2O3 as indicated in the reduction in glass transition temperature and the 288% improvement in the storage modulus. This study provides an insightful perspective in designing robust PU composites, effective for myriad applications including strong and flexible films in circuit boards and photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Membrane properties of sulfonated polytriazoles with molecular branching
Authors: Singh Asheesh , Chaterjee Rimpa , Ghorai Arijit , Banerjee Susanta
Published: October 2021

The incorporation of branching units in the polymer is beneficial in improving many of the polymer properties. This article deals with the synthesis of branched sulfonic acid–based copolytriazoles (PTHPSH‐XX) to prepare freestanding membranes. The copolymers were synthesized by the click reaction of 1,4‐bis(prop‐2‐ynyloxy)benzene, 1,3,5 tris[2‐trifluoromethyl‐4(4‐azidophenyl) phenoxy]benzene (B3), and 4,4′‐diazido‐2,2′‐stilbene disulfonic acid disodium salt. The chemical constructions of the subsequent copolymers were established by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The copolymers showed high thermal stability, low water absorption, and outstanding structural robustness in their hydrated state. The presence of branching segments (B3) in the copolymers contributed to improved peroxide radical resistance and proton conductivity (71–192 mS/cm measured at 90°C) in comparison with their linear analogs. In addition, the membranes exhibited reasonably good set of mechanical properties (TS = 71–53 MPa, YM = 2.76–2.33 GPa). The membranes exhibited phase‐separated morphology in their transmission electron microscope images with ionic domains of 20–160 nm.
The role of tazobactam‐based combinations for the management of infections due to extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacterales: Insights from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists
Authors: Monogue Marguerite L. , Heil Emily L. , Aitken Samuel L. , Pogue Jason M.
Published: October 2021

Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacterales are a global threat to public health due to their antimicrobial resistance profile and, consequently, their limited available treatment options. Tazobactam is a sulfone β‐lactamase inhibitor with in vitro inhibitory activity against common ESBLs in Enterobacterales, including CTX‐M. However, the role of tazobactam‐based combinations in treating infections caused by ESBL‐producing Enterobacterales remains unclear. In the United States, two tazobactam‐based combinations are available, piperacillin‐tazobactam and ceftolozane‐tazobactam. We evaluated and compared the roles of tazobactam‐based combinations against ESBL‐producing organisms with emphasis on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic exposures in relation to MIC distributions and established breakpoints, clinical outcomes data specific to infection site, and considerations for downstream effects with these agents regarding antimicrobial resistance development. While limited data with ceftolozane‐tazobactam are encouraging for its potential role in infections due to ESBL‐producing Enterobacterales, further evidence is needed to determine its place in therapy. Conversely, currently available microbiologic, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical data do not suggest a role for piperacillin‐tazobactam, and we caution clinicians against its usage for these infections.
“Is it Language or Disability?”: An Ableist and Monolingual Filter for English Learners with Disabilities
Authors: Kangas Sara E.N.
Published: October 2021

In United States K‐12 schools, the question “Is it language or disability?” is one often asked about students dually identified as English learners (ELs) and students with disabilities. In this article, the author provides a brief historical overview of how and why this question arose in educational praxis. The author then explores the ways in which the question has evolved into a pervasive and troubling filter through which educators attempt to make sense of the academic performance, linguistic development, and even behaviors of ELs with disabilities. This language‐or‐disability filter, however, as the author argues, inordinately focuses on language and disability alone while ignoring the systemic contributors to the academic difficulties ELs with disabilities encounter. By attributing disability or language as the sole source of a wide range of “problems,” the filter reinforces a deficit mindset rooted in ableism and monolingualism. The author concludes the article by offering alternatives to “Is it language or disability?” that account for and shift attention to the systemic disadvantage ELs with disabilities experience in their schooling.
Teaching English to Special Educational Need Students through an Online Tool
Authors: Barros del Río María Amor , Sigona Concetta Maria , Blázquez Arribas Leticia , Alcalde Peñalver Elena
Published: October 2021

Language learning through online tools has become customary, especially during COVID‐19 pandemic, but this type of education does not always consider the requirements for students with special educational needs (SEN) despite teachers struggle to include disabled students in online teaching. This article presents the educational potential of using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to help SEN students learn English. First, a theoretical framework that covers the basis of the En‐Abilities project and the UDL pedagogical principles that sustain the platform organisation and contents is provided. Then, practical examples of some of the activities and the results gathered after its practical implementation are shown. In the conclusions, achievements are summarised and new paths to explore in the field of foreign languages learning for students with SEN are foreseen.
Symbolic homogenization and structure optimization for a periodically perforated cylindrical shell
Authors: Hauck Michael , Orlik Julia , Levandovskyy Viktor , Lykhachova Olga
Published: October 2021

The main focus of this paper lies in the drastic model reduction for a complex multi‐scale problem of linear elasticity. The core of the work lies in the structural optimization of periodic perforated cylindrical shells under a given load on a small portion of the surface. Periodic structure of the shell is a frame of beams. Algorithm presented in the paper utilizes two our recent analysis works on homogenization and dimension reduction of the problem in the perforated 3D shell to two‐dimensional homogenized shell, and then dimension reduction w.r.t. the beam thickness in auxiliary cell‐problems to problem on a frame of beams, by asymptotic method. In this paper, we found the analytical solution for the orthotropic cylindrical shell, obtained in the limit, by variable separation and Fourier analysis. The solution depends explicitly on the effective properties, which are computed symbolically, and on the design variables of the structure. Cell‐problems are solved by symbolic means and the structural design for this type of the loading has been optimized. Moreover, this yields a semi‐analytic optimization problem and the practical usage of the underlying theoretical derivation. We stress that the homogenization and dimension reduction of a shell with holes and the analytic solution to the corresponding macroscopic problem are new.
Thermodynamic modeling of a laser pulse heating in a rotating microelongated nonlocal thermoelastic solid due to G‐N theory
Authors: Hilal Mohamed I. M.
Published: October 2021

Rotation of a linear and homogenous microelongated thermoelastic medium with a uniform angular velocity are discussed in the present paper. The studied problem was considered as a perfecting conducting medium which irradiated by a non‐gaussian laser beam. The nonlocal thermoelasticity theory was motivated to discuss the model with the energy dissipation in Green‐Naghdi type III. Fourier and Laplace transforms are used to obtain the solution of the problem and get the considered physical quantities. The comparisons were computed numerically and represented graphically with different cases. The obtained results are applicable in many fields as earthquake engineering, nuclear physics, and manufacturing. It is found that the obtained results are significant.
A Functionally-Fitted Block Numerov Method for Solving Second-Order Initial-Value Problems with Oscillatory Solutions
Authors: Abdulganiy R. I. , Ramos Higinio , Akinfenwa O. A. , Okunuga S. A.
Published: October 2021

A functionally-fitted Numerov-type method is developed for the numerical solution of second-order initial-value problems with oscillatory solutions. The basis functions are considered among trigonometric and hyperbolic ones. The characteristics of the method are studied, particularly, it is shown that it has a third order of convergence for the general second-order ordinary differential equation, $$y''=f \left( x,y,y' \right) $$

y

′
′

=
f

x
,
y
,

y
′

, it is a fourth order convergent method for the special second-order ordinary differential equation, $$y''=f \left( x,y\right) $$

y

′
′

=
f

x
,
y

. Comparison with other methods in the literature, even of higher order, shows the good performance of the proposed method.
Explaining ethnic variations in adolescent mental health: a secondary analysis of the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Ahmad Gargie , McManus Sally , Bécares Laia , Hatch Stephani L. , Das-Munshi Jayati
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The relationship between ethnicity and adolescent mental health was investigated using cross-sectional data from the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study.

Methods

Parental Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire reports identified mental health problems in 10,357 young people aged 14 (n = 2042 from ethnic minority backgrounds: Mixedn = 492, Indiann = 275, Pakistanin = 496, Bangladeshin = 221, Black Caribbeann = 102, Black Africann = 187, Other Ethnic Groupn = 269). Univariable logistic regression models investigated associations between each factor and outcome; a bivariable model investigated whether household income explained differences by ethnicity, and a multivariable model additionally adjusted for factors of social support (self-assessed support, parental relationship), participation (socialising, organised activities, religious attendance), and adversity (bullying, victimisation, substance use). Results were stratified by sex as evidence of a sex/ethnicity interaction was found (P = 0.0002).

Results

There were lower unadjusted odds for mental health problems in boys from Black African (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04–0.61) and Indian backgrounds (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21–0.86) compared to White peers. After adjustment for income, odds were lower in boys from Black African (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.38), Indian (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.77), and Pakistani (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.89) backgrounds, and girls from Bangladeshi (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05–0.65) and Pakistani (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.99) backgrounds. After further adjustment for social support, participation, and adversity factors, only boys from a Black African background had lower odds (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.03–0.71) of mental health problems.

Conclusions

Household income confounded lower prevalence of mental health problems in some young people from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds; findings suggest ethnic differences are partly but not fully accounted for by income, social support, participation, and adversity. Addressing income inequalities and socially focused interventions may protect against mental health problems irrespective of ethnicity.
The parallel convergence of income and educational achievements: joint distribution dynamics
Authors: Wójcik Piotr Tadeusz
Published: October 2021

Human capital is an important factor of economic growth. Previous studies show that convergence patterns of income and education differ on a regional level. The purpose of this article is to verify whether there is statistical relationship between the patterns of educational achievements convergence and income convergence processes in Poland on the regional and local level. The paper describes and applies an innovative way for the formal verification of similarities in convergence patterns on the basis of transition matrices and kernel density estimation. The analysis is performed on Polish data for educational achievements (lagged exam results of 15-year old pupils) and income per capita worker on the regional and local level for the period 2003–2015. Despite the occurrence of (weak) convergence for both phenomena, each has a different course. Therefore, the processes of the income convergence and educational achievements convergence in Poland were not parallel.
Real-world outcomes of regorafenib combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced or metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer: A multicenter study
Authors: Yang Kaili , Han Lu , Wu Shikai , Qu Xiujuan , Li Qin , Zhao Chuanhua , Zhou Jing , Jin Xuan , Wang Yusheng , Yan Dong , Cheng Zhiqiang , Hua Yuwei , Zhang Yan , Ge Yang , Sun Jinghua , Deng Wei , Zhao Lin , Zhao Yunbo
Published: October 2021

Background

Treatment strategies are limited for patients with chemotherapy refractory microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with regorafenib in this population in routine clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who received at least one dose of ICIs combined with regorafenib in 14 Chinese medical centers. The primary outcome was objective response rate (ORR). This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on February 2020 (NCT04771715).

Results

Eighty-four patients received ICIs combined with regorafenib from January 2019 to January 2021. Most patients (91%) received two or more systemic treatment lines before the study treatment. Seventy-six patients (90%) had confirmed MSS status. At a median follow-up of 5.5 months, four patients achieved partial response (5%) and 37 patients achieved stable disease (45%) as the best response. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.1 months, and the median overall survival was 17.3 months. Eleven patients (13%) remained progression-free for more than 6 months. Baseline liver metastasis (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.07–3.69, P = 0.03) and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of ≥ 1.5 (HR 2.83, 95%CI 1.00–7.98, P = 0.05) were associated with shorter PFS in multivariate analysis. Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 16 patients (19%).

Conclusion

The combination of ICIs with regorafenib can be a valuable treatment option for a proportion of patients with chemotherapy refractory MSS colorectal cancer. Patients with no liver metastasis and a low NLR at baseline may derive most benefit from this strategy.
Winter and spring atmospheric rivers in High Mountain Asia: climatology, dynamics, and variability
Authors: Nash Deanna , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Jones Charles , Ding Qinghua
Published: October 2021

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) that reach the complex terrain of High Mountain Asia (HMA) cause significant hydrological impacts for millions of people. While ARs are often associated with precipitation extremes and can cause floods and debris flows affecting populated communities, little is known about ARs that reach as far inland as HMA. This paper characterizes AR types and investigates dynamical mechanisms associated with the development of ARs that typically affect HMA. Combined empirical orthogonal function (cEOF) analysis using integrated water vapor transport (IVT) is applied to days where an AR reaches HMA. K-means cluster analysis applied to the first two principal components uncovered three subtypes of AR events with distinct synoptic characteristics during winter and spring months. The first subtype increases precipitation and IVT in Western HMA and is associated with a zonally oriented wave train propagating within the westerly jet waveguide. The second subtype is associated with enhanced southwesterly IVT, anomalous upper-level cyclonic circulation centered on 45$$^\circ $$

∘

E, and precipitation in Northwestern HMA. The third subtype shows anomalous precipitation in Eastern HMA and southwesterly IVT across the Bay of Bengal. Interannual variations in the frequency of HMA ARs and relationships with various teleconnection patterns show that western HMA AR subtypes are sensitive to well-known remote large-scale climate factors, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and the Siberian High. These results provide synoptic characterization of the three types of ARs that reach HMA and reveal the previously unexplored significance of their contribution to winter and spring precipitation.
Role of integrins in the metastatic spread of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Krajnak Slavomir , Jäkel Jörg , Anić Katharina , Schwab Roxana , Schmidt Marcus , Hasenburg Annette , Roth Wilfried , Brenner Walburgis , Battista Marco Johannes
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Integrins may be involved in the metastatic spread of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) which determines the therapeutical approach and prognosis. We investigated the integrin expression in primary tumor and metastases of advanced HGSOC.

Methods

The expression of integrin α2, α4, α5, α6, and β1 was assessed by immunostaining in tumor samples of the ovary, omentum, and peritoneum of each patient. Differences in integrin expression among tumor localizations and their association with clinicopathological parameters were examined by Fisher’s exact test. The impact of integrin expression on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was examined by Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses.

Results

Hundred and thirteen tumor samples of 40 HGSOC patients were examined. The expression of the integrins did not differ between the three tumor localizations (all p values > 0.05) with the exception of high expression of integrin α4 in primary tumor and omentum (52.5% versus 47.5%, p = 0.008) and primary tumor and peritoneum (52.5% versus 47.5%, p = 0.050). High expression of integrin α4 in peritoneum was associated with poorer PFS (HR 2.02 95% CI 1.01–4.05, p = 0.047), younger age (p = 0.047), and death (p = 0.046). Median PFS in patients with high expression of integrin α4 was 13.00 months, whereas median PFS in patients without high expression of integrin α4 was 21.00 months (p = 0.040). Expression of other integrins did not correlate with PFS or OS.

Conclusion

Expression of integrin α4 may be altered during the metastatic spread of HGSOC and affect prognosis, whereas expression of integrin α2, α5, α6, and β1 did not reveal any prognostic value.
Fra-2 overexpression upregulates pro-metastatic cell-adhesion molecules, promotes pulmonary metastasis, and reduces survival in a spontaneous xenograft model of human breast cancer
Authors: Arnold Sabrina , Kortland Jan , Maltseva Diana V. , Nersisyan Stepan A. , Samatov Timur R. , Lezius Susanne , Tonevitsky Alexander G. , Milde-Langosch Karin , Wicklein Daniel , Schumacher Udo , Stürken Christine
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The transcription factor Fra-2 affects the invasive potential of breast cancer cells by dysregulating adhesion molecules in vitro. Previous results suggested that it upregulates the expression of E- and P-selectin ligands. Such selectin ligands are important members of the leukocyte adhesion cascade, which govern the adhesion and transmigration of cancer cells into the stroma of the host organ of metastasis. As so far, no in vivo data are available, this study was designed to elucidate the role of Fra-2 expression in a spontaneous breast cancer metastasis xenograft model.

Methods

The effect of Fra-2 overexpression in two stable Fra-2 overexpressing clones of the human breast cancer cell line MDA MB231 on survival and metastatic load was studied after subcutaneous injection into scid and E- and P-selectin-deficient scid mice.

Results

Fra-2 overexpression leads to a significantly shorter overall survival and a higher amount of spontaneous lung metastases not only in scid mice, but also in E- and P-deficient mice, indicating that it regulates not only selectin ligands, but also selectin-independent adhesion processes.

Conclusion

Thus, Fra-2 expression influences the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by changing the expression of adhesion molecules, resulting in increased adherence to endothelial cells in a breast cancer xenograft model.
A technique for constructing diverting loop ileostomy to prevent outlet obstruction after rectal resection and total colectomy: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Takehara Yusuke , Nakagawa Mihoko , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Kakisako Kensuke , Takano Yojiro , Seki Junichi , Shimada Shoji , Nakahara Kenta , Mukai Shumpei , Enami Yuta , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Kudo Shin-ei
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Preventing outlet obstruction associated with a diverting stoma is important. Previously, we constructed a diverting loop ileostomy with the proximal limb of the small intestine on the caudal side, namely the oral inferior (OI) method. However, to address the issue of twisting and stenosis of the small intestine, we recently constructed a diverting loop ileostomy with the proximal limb on the cranial side, namely the oral superior (OS) method. We compared the incidence of outlet obstruction between the two methods.

Methods

The subjects of this retrospective study were 133 patients who underwent colorectal resection or total colectomy, with D2 or more lymph node dissection and diverting loop ileostomy construction, between April, 2001 and December, 2018, at our hospital. The OI method was performed in 54 patients and the OS method was performed in 79 patients.

Results

In the OS group, a history of laparotomy, neoadjuvant therapy, clinical stage III, and the use of anti-adhesion materials were more common, whereas blood loss and the incidence of outlet obstruction were significantly lower. Multivariate analysis identified only OS placement as a significant factor for reducing the incidence of outlet obstruction.

Conclusion

When constructing a diverting loop ileostomy, placing the proximal limb on the cranial side is important.
Operant conditioning in antlion larvae and its impairment following exposure to elevated temperatures
Authors: Miler Krzysztof , Scharf Inon
Published: October 2021

Although ambush predators were previously considered limited in their cognitive abilities compared to their widely foraging relatives, there is accumulating evidence it does not hold true. Pit-building antlions are already known to associate vibrations in the sand with the arrival of prey. We used a T-maze and successfully trained antlions to turn right or left against their initial turning bias, leading to a suitable substrate for digging traps. We present here the first evidence for operant conditioning and T-maze solving in antlions. Furthermore, we show that exposure of second instar larvae to an elevated temperature led to impaired retention of what was learned in a T-maze when tested after moulting into the third instar, compared to larvae raised under a more benign temperature. We suggest that climate change, involving an increase in mean temperatures as well as rare events (e.g., heatwaves) might negatively affect the retention of operant conditioning in antlions, alongside known, more frequently studied effects, such as changes in body size and distribution.
GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo orbit geometry variations caused by general relativity focusing on Galileo in eccentric orbits
Authors: Sośnica Krzysztof , Bury Grzegorz , Zajdel Radosław , Ventura-Traveset Javier , Mendes Luis
Published: October 2021

Three main effects from general relativity (GR) may change the geometry and orientation of artificial earth satellite orbits, i.e., the Schwarzschild, Lense–Thirring, and De Sitter effects. So far, the verification of GR effects was mainly based on the observations of changes in the orientation of satellite orbital planes. We directly observe changes of the satellite orbit geometry caused by GR represented by the semimajor axis and eccentricity. We measure the variations of orbit size and shape of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites in circular and eccentric orbits and compare the results to the theoretical effects using three years of real GNSS data. We derive a solution that assumes the GR to be true, and a second solution, in which the post-Newtonian parameters are estimated, thus, allowing satellites to find their best spacetime curvature. For eccentric Galileo, GR changes the orbital shape and size in perigee in such a way that the orbit becomes smaller but more circular. In the apogee, the semimajor axis decreases but eccentricity increases, and thus, the orbit becomes more eccentric. Hence, the orbital size variabilities for eccentric orbits are greatly compensated by the orbital shape changes, and thus the total effect of satellite height change is much smaller than the effects for the size and shape of the orbit, individually. The mean semimajor axis offset based on all GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites is − 17.41 ± 2.90 mm, which gives a relative error of 0.36% with respect to the theoretical value.
Seat assignment problem with the payable up-grade as an ancillary service of airlines
Authors: Yoon Moongil , Lee Habin
Published: October 2021

The de-bundling and re-bundling of service products offered by low cost carriers from service innovation have become 'à-la-carte' services and chargeable ancillary services to generate additional revenues in the airline industry. In this paper, we focus on the payable upgrade option in airlines to increase revenue when customers' demands are uncertain. This study is as an extension of planned upgrade, which guarantees the use of low-quality services at a low price, but requires customers to pay to use upgraded benefits. In this paper, we focus on the seat assignment problem with the payable upgrade option to maximize revenue. Also, we set the condition under which payable upgrade options can generate more revenue. Furthermore, applying Belobaba's EMSR approach, we suggest an effective seat assignment method for multiple fare classes with a payable upgrade option to increase the total revenue. With a simple numerical example, we find that introducing a payable upgrade option can increase the revenue. Our method for allocating seats for multiple fare classes with a payable upgrade option can contribute effectively to revenue increases in airlines' branded fare products, as well as in other service industries.
Spatial concentration of creative industries and location of creative clusters in Poland
Authors: Namyślak Beata , Spallek Waldemar
Published: October 2021

The authors compared the geographical distribution of creative clusters in Poland with the spatial distribution of LQ (Location Quotient) measuring the concentration of creative entities in a given area. The study aimed to answer the following questions: what is the spatial distribution of clustering potential for creative industries?, which municipalities are home to entities forming creative clusters?, and, above all, are creative clusters actually formed in areas offering the greatest potential in this respect? In order to find answers to the above questions, the authors carried out two sub-analyses. The first led to the conclusion that only 1.9% of municipalities in Poland offer conditions for creative specialisations, including the formation of creative clusters (LQ > 1.25). The next step involved a comparison of geographical distribution of areas with clustering potential with areas being home to actual creative clusters. The authors did not observe any relationship between the value of LQ reflecting clustering potential for creative industries and the distribution and size of active creative clusters. The correlation coefficient between LQ and the number of cluster members was positive but weak. It shows that creative clusters in Poland are not formed in locations offering best conditions in terms of the number of potential members. Therefore, there are other factors behind the formation of cluster structures. Nevertheless, local potential should be the main driving force because it is one of the crucial components of favourable conditions for building economic specialisation and a foundation on which proper cluster structures should be built on.
Identification S100A9 as a potential biomarker in neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Xian , Xue Yukun , Feng Jiao , Tian Qingwu , Zhang Yunyuan , Wang Qing
Published: October 2021

Background

More than half of Neuroblastoma (NB) patients presented with distant metastases and the relapse of metastatic patients was up to 90%. It is urgent to explore a biomarker that could facilitate the prediction of metastasis in NB patients.

Methods and results

In the present study, we systematically analyzed Gene Expression Omnibus datasets and focused on identifying the critical molecular networks and novel key hub genes implicated in NB metastasis. In total, 176 up-regulated and 19 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Based on these DEGs, a PPI network composed of 150 nodes and 452 interactions was established. Through PPI network identification combined with qRT-PCR, ELISA and IHC, S100A9 was screened as an outstanding gene. Furthermore, in vitro tumorigenesis assays demonstrated that S100A9 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of NB cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings suggested that S100A9 could participate in NB tumorigenesis and progression. In addition, S100A9 has the potential to be used as a promising clinical biomarker in the prediction of NB metastasis.