bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Vesicles Released from Neprilysin Gene-Modified Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Enhance Therapeutic Effects in an Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model
Authors: Jeong HyeJu , Kim Ok Joon , Oh Seung-Hun , Lee Sanghoon , Reum Lee Han A. , Lee Kee Ook , Lee Boo-Yong , Kim Nam Keun
Published: December 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal studies have reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic effects; however, clinical trial results are controversial. Neprilysin (NEP) is the main cleavage enzyme of β-amyloid (Aβ), which plays a major role in the pathology and etiology of AD. We evaluated whether transplantation of MSCs with NEP gene modification enhances the therapeutic effects in an AD animal model and then investigated these pathomechanisms. We manufactured NEP gene-enhanced human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and intravenously transplanted them in Aβ1-42-injected AD animal models. We compared the differences in behavioral tests and immunohistochemical assays between four groups: normal, Aβ1-42 injection, naïve hUC-MSCs, and NEP-enhanced hUC-MSCs. Both naïve and NEP-enhanced hUC-MSC groups showed significant improvements in memory compared to the Aβ1-42 injection group. There was no significant difference between naïve and NEP-enhanced hUC-MSC groups. There was a significant decrease in Congo red, BACE-1, GFAP, and Iba-1 and a significant increase in BDNF, NeuN, and NEP in both hUC-MSC groups compared to the Aβ1-42 injection group. Among them, BDNF, NeuN, GFAP, Iba-1, and NEP showed more significant changes in the NEP-enhanced hUC-MSC group than in the naïve group. After stem cell injection, stem cells were not found. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were equally observed in the hippocampus in the naïve and NEP-enhanced hUC-MSC groups. However, the EVs of NEP-enhanced hUC-MSCs contained higher amounts of NEP as compared to the EVs of naïve hUC-MSCs. Thus, hUC-MSCs affect AD animal models through stem cell-released EVs. Although there was no significant difference in cognitive function between the hUC-MSC groups, NEP-enhanced hUC-MSCs had superior neurogenesis and anti-inflammation properties compared to naïve hUC-MSCs due to increased NEP in the hippocampus by enriched NEP-possessing EVs. NEP gene-modified MSCs that release an increased amount of NEP within EVs may be a promising therapeutic option in AD treatment.
Analysis of Mining Crack Evolution in Deep Floor Rock Mass with Fault
Authors: Chen Juntao , Zhang Yi , Ma Kai , Tang Daozeng , Li Hao , Zhang Chengxiang
Published: December 2021

To further explore the crack evolution of floor rock mass, the mechanism of fault activation, and water inrush, this paper analyzes the crack initiation and propagation mechanism of floor rock mass and obtains the initiation criteria of shear cracks, layered cracks, and vertical tension cracks. With the help of simulation software, the process of fault activation and crack evolution under different fault drop and dip angles was studied. The results show that the sequence of crack presented in the mining rock mass is vertical tension cracks, shear cracks, and layered cracks. The initiation and propagation of the shear cracks at the coal wall promote the fault activation, which tends to be easily caused at a specific inclination angle between 45° and 75°. The fault drop has no obvious impact on the evolution of floor rock cracks and will not induce fault activation. However, the increase of the drop will cause the roof to collapse, reducing the possibility of water inrush disaster. Research shows that measures such as adopting improved mining technology, reducing mining disturbance, increasing coal pillar size, and grouting before mining as reinforcement and artificial forced roof can effectively prevent water inrush disasters caused by deep mining due to fault activation.
Prognostic Value of lncRNA PVT1 for Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hao Jinyong , Yuan Bo , Gou Yani , Ma Jichun , Huang Xiaojun
Published: December 2021

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic value of lncRNA PVT1 for patients with gastric cancer. Methods. A comprehensive literature searching was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang Database to identify published studies on the expression level of lncRNA PVT1 in human gastric cancer. STATA 12.0 was conducted to perform the meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes including patients’ age, genders, TNM stage, OS, and DFS were assessed in the study. Results. A total of 8 studies involving 747 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that higher expression level of lncRNA PVT1 was associated with GC patients’ gender (for male:

OR
=
2.27

, 95% CI: 1.67~3.07,

P
=
0.000

), invasion depth (for T3~4:

OR
=
3.98

, 95% CI: 2.85~5.56,

P
=
0.000

), poorer OS (

HR
=
1.68

, 95% CI: 1.43~1.97,

P
=
0.000

), and DFS (

HR
=
1.74

, 95% CI: 1.44~2.08,

P
=
0.000

). Conclusion. Higher expression level of lncRNA PVT1 is significantly associated with GC patients’ gender, invasion depth, poorer OS, and worse DFS. lncRNA PVT1 might act as a novel predictive biomarker of poor prognosis and clinicopathological characteristics for gastric cancer.
Banhasasim‐Tang Ameliorates Spatial Memory by Suppressing Oxidative Stress through Regulation of ERK/p38 Signaling in Hippocampus of Mice
Authors: Pak Malk Eun , Oh You-Chang , Park Yeo Jin , Kim Jae Kwang , Shin Min-Gyeong , Yoon Jong Hyuk , Go Younghoon
Published: December 2021

Since ancient times, Banhasasim‐tang (BHS) has been used to treat functional dyspepsia in East Asia. Here, we aimed to determine the protective action of BHS on hippocampal neurons against oxidative stress. We investigated the functional effect of BHS on a scopolamine‐induced mouse model, and molecular analysis was performed in glutamate‐induced HT22 cells. We observed that BHS administration ameliorated memory dysfunction in scopolamine‐treated mice. BHS administration also increased neuronal survival and acetylcholine activity and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus of mice. In hippocampal cells, BHS treatment rescued glutamate‐induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. We observed an increase of HO‐1 and a decrease of Nrf2 protein expression in glutamate‐induced oxidative stress; however, the expression level of these proteins was significantly rescued by BHS treatment. BHS treatment also regulated phosphorylation of p38, p53, ERK, and CREB. Therefore, our data indicated that BHS may reduce oxidative stress through regulation of ERK‐CREB and p38‐p53 signaling in the hippocampus, resulting in decreased neuronal damage and improved memory in rodent models of neurodegenerative disease.
Detoxification II Prescription Suppresses the Th-17/IL-17 Inflammatory Axis to Improve the Liver Function of ACLF-Rats via Inactivating the P38MAPK Pathway
Authors: Shi Qinglan , Bai Wenjie , Mao Dewen , Chen Yueqiao , Wang Kejing , Qiu Hua , Wu Jinyu
Published: December 2021

Hepatitis is a metabolic system disease which is a serious challenge to the medical and healthcare system of the world. This study attempted to investigate the therapeutic effect and illustrate the regulation pharmacological mechanism of Detoxification II Prescription on ACLF. In this study, the rats were injected with D-galactosamine to establish ACLF-rat models, and the levels of cholinesterase (CHE), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBiL) were measured with the related kits to reflect the liver functions of the rats. The levels of IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ in the serums of the rats were detected by qRT-PCR, and the percentages of Th-17 cells in CD4+ cells of the rats were measured by flow cytometry assay. In the results, the increased ALT, AST, TBiL, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and percentage of Th-17 cells in CD4+ and decreased ALB and CHE were found in the serums of the ACLF-rats, while Detoxification II Prescription could partly reverse those indexes of the ACLF-rats. Moreover, it was also found that Detoxification II Prescription could inhibit the expression of P38MAPK, and P38MAPK downregulation obviously improved the liver function indexes of the ACLF-rats including the levels of ALT, AST, TBiL, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and percentage of Th-17 cells in CD4+ cells. In conclusion, this study suggested that Detoxification II Prescription could suppress the Th-17/IL-17 inflammatory axis to improve the liver function of ACLF-rats via inhibiting the activity of the P38MAPK pathway.
Restoration and Design of Ice Sculpture Structure following Multivision Sensor and Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction Technology
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study is to improve the structure restoration and design of ice sculptures. This study discusses the concept and artistic expression of ice sculpting based on the relevant theoretical knowledge of visual sensing technology and three‐dimensional reconstruction technology. Based on this, the ice sculpture structure restoration and design model based on multivision sensors and three‐dimensional reconstruction technology is constructed, and the model is compared with the manual test. The results show that the ice sculpture structure restoration and design model based on a multivision sensor and three‐dimensional reconstruction technology is feasible and has high efficiency and stability compared with artificial ice sculpture restoration. In the experiment of structure reconstruction and restoration of an ice sculpture, the manual group 1 spends 237 minutes, the manual group 2 spends 252 minutes, and the time spent by the model group is very stable, which is about 139 minutes. Due to the difference in manual group personnel, their carving time is also different. As the carving continues, the possibility of errors made by the two manual groups increases. Therefore, ice sculpture structure restoration and design based on multivision sensors and three‐dimensional reconstruction technology will provide a reference for the study in the field of ice sculpture structure restoration and design.
Qualitative Discrimination of Intact Tobacco Leaves Based on Near-Infrared Technology
Authors: Lu Mengyao , Zhou Qiang , Chen Tian’en , Li Junhui , Jiang Shuwen , Gao Qin , Wang Cong , Chen Dong
Published: December 2021

To explore the application of near-infrared (NIR) technology to the quality analysis of raw intact tobacco leaves, a nondestructive discrimination method based on NIR spectroscopy is proposed. A “multiregion + multipoint” NIR spectrum acquisition method is developed, allowing 18 NIR diffuse reflectance spectra to be collected from an intact tobacco leaf. The spectral characteristics and spectral preprocessing methods of intact tobacco leaves are analyzed, and then different spectra (independent or average spectra) and different algorithms (discriminant partial least-squares (DPLS) and Fisher’s discriminant algorithms) are used to construct discriminant models for verifying the feasibility of intact leaf modeling and determining the optimal model conditions. Qualitative discrimination models based on the position, green-variegated (GV), and the grade of intact tobacco leaves are then constructed using the NIR spectra. In the application and verification stage, a multiclassification voting mechanism is used to fuse the results of multiple spectra from a single tobacco leaf to obtain the final discrimination result for that leaf. The results show that the position-GV discrimination model constructed using independent spectra and the DPLS algorithm and the grade discrimination model constructed using independent spectra and Fisher’s algorithm achieve optimal results with intact leaf NIR wavenumbers from 5006–8988 cm−1 and the first-derivative and standard normal variate transformation preprocessing method. Finally, when applied to new tobacco leaves, the position-GV model and the grade model achieve discrimination accuracies of 95.18% and 92.77%, respectively. This demonstrates that the two models have satisfactory qualitative discrimination ability for intact tobacco leaves. This study has established a feasible method for the nondestructive qualitative discrimination of the position, GV, and grade of intact tobacco leaves based on NIR technology.
Provision of Endodontic Treatment in Dentistry amid COVID‐19: A Systematic Review and Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad , Fazal Ayesha , Javaid Muhammad Mohsin , Hussain Muhammad Waqar , Siddiqui Ammar Ahmed , Hyder Mawra , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: December 2021

Background. The risk of acquiring COVID‐19 during a pandemic is a major concern among health care workers. Dental professionals being in close proximity to the patients had been exposed more than other health care workers. Hence, all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly advised to be followed. Methods. A detailed relevant literature search was conducted in international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, from January 2020 to November 2020. All the studies that provided recommendations regarding endodontic procedures during the COVID‐19 pandemic were included, and those that were not in the English language, case reports, book chapters, and short communications were excluded in this review. In the end, only 6 articles were selected for the systematic review considering that complete information regarding the provision of dental care in the time of COVID‐19 with diagnostic accuracy (STARD) was provided. Results. Endodontic treatments were restricted to only emergency dental procedures, and all other patients have advised medications and catered through teledentistry. Endodontic emergencies were advised to be carried out with minimal aerosol production procedures. Conclusion. Provision of endodontic care during COVID‐19 restricted to only emergency dental procedures by strictly following standard operating procedures. A protocol for COVID‐19 prevention was followed by all the dentists and the dental staff in the dental clinics.
Investigation of Engineering Properties of Cement‐Stabilized Calcareous Sand Foundation
Authors: Chai Yuan , Jiang Dai-Ping , Wang Fu-Jiang , Lyu Hai-Bo
Published: December 2021

Calcareous sand is widespread around Nansha Islands, South China Sea. In oceanic and coastal engineering, calcareous sand is usually used as a building foundation and backfill material for airport runway embankments. The engineering characteristics of calcareous sand is different from terrigenous sand because of its irregular grain shape, lower particle strength, and internal voids, which have caused many engineering problems in the last decades. Cement‐stabilized soil, as a common foundation reinforcement method, can solve these engineering problems and improve the foundation strength effectively. Therefore, it is very important to estimate the engineering characteristics of cement‐stabilized calcareous sand foundations. In this paper, the basic engineering characteristics, bearing capacity, and deformational behavior of calcareous sand were studied by carrying out a series of tests on cement‐stabilized calcareous sand. It is found that: (1) the uniaxial compression strength of calcareous sand is higher than that of Guangzhou soft soil but lower than that of filter medium quartz sand; (2) the deformation of the calcareous sand under compression is mainly plastic, and the elastic deformation gradually increases with increasing cement content; (3) the apparent cohesion of calcareous sand increases, while internal friction angle decreases with increasing cement content; (4) cement‐stabilized method can significantly improve the bearing capacity of calcareous sand foundation, especially for the saturated state. A cement content equal to or more than 15% and a thickness of 1/8 of the foundation can effectively improve the bearing capacity of the foundation; and (5) the ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation by numerical calculation is higher than that by experiments, while the settlement by calculating is lower.
Applying Feasibility Investigation of Resin Modifying Agent in Asphalt Pavement Materials
Authors: Chu Lijing , Li Yi , Huang Linghui , Qiu Jingyu , Sun Xiaolong , Cang Zhi , Lv Jianbing
Published: December 2021

In order to promote the resin modifying agent applied into pavement materials, a type of resin modifying agent was selected as the modifier to prepare modified asphalt. The molecular crystal structure of the modifying material was characterized by using the X‐ray diffraction test (XRD). The microstructure and element composition of PA6 was investigated through focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM). The thermal property and functional groups of PA6 were studied by thermogravimetric analysis‐Fourier infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) test. The physical property and rheological properties of PA modified asphalt were evaluated to confirm the applying feasibility of PA6 in asphalt. The results indicated that PA6 was the semicrystalline polymer and the existence of γ crystal form might improve the toughness of asphalt materials effectively. The thermal decomposition process of PA6 could be divided into three stages roughly: inert weight loss stage, rapid weight loss stage, and stable stage. The amount of PA6 modifier should be appropriately controlled during the application process to ensure the comprehensive effect of PA6 on high‐temperature performance and low‐temperature performance. The corresponding initial modulus attenuation value of PA modified asphalt was less than 70# asphalt under the same test conditions.
A Pragmatic Pilot Cluster-Randomized Study of Tobacco Screening and Smoking Cessation Program for Community Pharmacies in Japan: FINE Program
Authors: Onda Mitsuko , Horiguchi Michiko , Domichi Masayuki , Sakane Naoki , Mohamed Haniki
Published: December 2021

Objectives. To investigate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation program (FINE program) in community pharmacies. Methods. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 11 community pharmacies in Japan. The participants were randomly assigned to a pharmacist-led structured smoking cessation program (intervention group) or pharmacist-led usual care (control group). The intervention group was followed up over the telephone on the third day of smoking cessation, and ongoing follow-up and advice were provided according to the original smoking cessation guidebook developed for the current study based on a behavioral change approach. The control group received brief advice and ready-made pamphlets on smoking cessation from pharmacists upon their visit to these community pharmacies. The primary outcome was continued smoking cessation as determined by self-reporting and carbon monoxide monitoring with a microsmokerlyzer after 3 months. Results. Five hundred and seventy-two smokers who met the eligibility criteria visited the pharmacies included in the study. Of these individuals, 24 patients agreed to participate in the study. The quit rates were 45.5% and 18.2% in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P = 0.380, effect size = 0.60). Conclusion. Based on the effect size values, the FINE program may be effective to some extent, but the difference was not significant. We speculate that this is related to the small sample size due to difficulty in recruiting. Further studies with an effective recruitment method and larger sample sizes are needed to accurately verify the effectiveness of this program.
Regular Aspirin Use and Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Marinac Catherine R. , Lee Dong Hoon , Colditz Graham A. , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Rosner Bernard , Bustoros Mark , Ghobrial Irene M. , Birmann Brenda M.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Inflammation is important in multiple myeloma pathogenesis, and regular aspirin use has been shown to confer a reduced risk of multiple myeloma. The influence of aspirin on survival after multiple myeloma diagnosis is unknown.

Methods:

We identified 436 men and women diagnosed with multiple myeloma between 1980 and 2016 in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses' Health Study who reported aspirin intake biennially on follow-up questionnaires. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, we estimated HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with the effect of aspirin use on multiple myeloma–specific and overall mortality.

Results:

Compared with nonusers, participants who used aspirin after diagnosis had a multivariable HR for multiple myeloma–specific mortality of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.46–0.79) and for overall mortality of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.49–0.80), after adjustment for age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, sex, body mass index, prediagnosis aspirin use, and number of comorbidities. For postdiagnosis aspirin quantity, we observed a modest trend of reduction in multiple myeloma–specific and all-cause mortality with increasing number of 325-mg tablets of aspirin per week, although the CIs for 1 to <6 and ≥6 tablets overlapped. Results were not materially different before or after the availability of novel therapies (before vs. after the year 2000). Prediagnosis frequency or duration of aspirin use was not significantly associated with multiple myeloma–specific or overall mortality.

Conclusions:

These findings support the use of aspirin as a complementary strategy to enhance multiple myeloma survival.

Impact:

Confirmation in samples that have comprehensive clinical information is encouraged.
Abstract P174: YAP1 drives immune suppression in urothelial carcinoma of bladder
Authors: Sadhukhan Pritam , Feng Mingxiao , Illingworth Emily , Sloma Ido , Ugurlu M. Talha , Sille Fenna , Choi Woonyoung , McConkey David J. , Hoque Mohammad
Published: December 2021

YAP1 is a principal component of the Hippo pathway and is considered as one of the critical regulators of tumorigenesis. Recent studies indicate that YAP1 can suppress the antitumor immunity and influence the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by inducing TGFβ/SMAD pathway, but the mechanisms of YAP1 regulated modulation of tumor immune microenvironment is still in its infancy. Most importantly no study has been reported in YAP1 associated immune suppression in UCB. Here, we used syngeneic mouse models with three different mouse bladder cancer cells (MB49, UPPL595 and BBN 975) and demonstrated that YAP1 amplification upregulates the expression of IL-6 in tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, which in turn directly induces immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). YAP1 expression in cancer cells significantly induces the infiltration of MDSCs and attenuates the CD8 T cells in tumor tissue. YAP1 upregulation also induces different CXCR2 associated ligands and influences the polarization of naive macrophages into M2 type or tumor associated macrophages. Additionally, YAP1 expression enhances cancer stemness properties in the cancer cells and induces the intracellular accumulation of lipid droplets, which may also be a major factor in the development of immunosuppressive TME. Our pilot in vivo studies also suggest that YAP1 downregulation in the tumor cells can stimulate antitumor adaptive immunity in the host and improve tumor immunogenicity, leading to tumor regression. Overall, our results demonstrated the key role of YAP1 in modulating the TME and establish a potential rationale for targeting YAP1 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for treating UCB.

Citation Format: Pritam Sadhukhan, Mingxiao Feng, Emily Illingworth, Ido Sloma, M. Talha Ugurlu, Fenna Sille, Woonyoung Choi, David J. McConkey, Mohammad Hoque. YAP1 drives immune suppression in urothelial carcinoma of bladder [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P174.
Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Threshold Opioid-Agonist Treatment in Hard-To-Reach Populations with Opioid Dependence
Authors: Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Ohldieck Christian , Haaland Øystein A. , Fadnes Lars Thore , Johansson Kjell Arne
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Opioid-use disorder is related to premature death worldwide. Opioid-agonist treatment (OAT) is an effective treatment for opioid dependence. OAT delivery platforms may influence treatment access and outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of low-threshold OAT compared to the standard treatment. Methods: Patients with diagnosed opioid dependence undergoing low-threshold OAT at the Bergen delivery platform in Norway were enrolled in a cohort study in 2014–2019. A national OAT cohort was the reference group. The main outcomes were treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, overdose death, and all-cause mortality during the first year following treatment initiation and the full treatment period. Additionally, healthcare utilization in the periods before and during OAT was investigated. Results: Compared to the reference cohort, the low-threshold cohort (n = 128, mean age: 38 years, women: 28%) showed treatment retention rates of 95% versus 92%, illicit opioid use of 7% versus 10%, non-fatal overdose of 7% versus 6%, and death at 1.0% versus 1.3%, respectively. The incident rate ratios (IRRs) for healthcare utilization increased substantially during the OAT period compared to the period before; the IRR increased by 3.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8, 3.9) and 3.4 (95% CI: 3.1, 3.9) for all in- and outpatient healthcare, respectively. Conclusions: Low-threshold OAT was at least as effective and safe as the standard OAT in terms of treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, and death. Healthcare utilization increased during the OAT compared to the period before. Lowering the threshold for OAT entrance within proper delivery platforms should be broadly considered to reduce harm and improve healthcare access among patients with opioid dependence.
Changing the Landscape of Stroke in Egypt
Authors: Aref Hany , Zakaria Magd , Shokri Hossam , Roushdy Tamer , El Basiouny Ahmed , El Nahas Nevine
Published: December 2021

Egypt, a low-middle-income country, is the most populated nation in the Middle East with a high overall crude prevalence rate of stroke (963/100,000 inhabitants), accounting for 6.4% of all deaths. In this article, we discuss how, through a corrective plan, we could change the landscape of stroke services in Egypt, in a relatively short time, raising thrombolysis rate from <1% to 12.3%, with shortening of door-to-needle time. We could build a database that now exceeds 5,000 patients, our centers received international accreditation and several awards, and we developed tele-stroke service.
Role of Signaling Pathways during Cardiomyocyte Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Soltani Leila , Mahdavi Amir Hossein
Published: December 2021

Multipotent stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), represent a promising source to be used by regenerative medicine. They are capable of performing myogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. Also, MSCs are characterized by the expression of multiple surface antigens, but none of them appear to be particularly expressed on MSCs. Moreover, the prospect of monitoring and controlling MSC differentiation is a scientifically crucial regulatory and clinical requirement. Different transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation. Due to the paucity of studies exclusively focused on cardiomyocyte differentiation of MSCs, the present study aims at describing the roles of various signaling pathways (FGF, TGF, Wnt, and Notch) in cardiomyocyte differentiation of MSCs. Understanding the signaling pathways that control the commitment and differentiation of cardiomyocyte cells not only will expand our basic understanding of molecular mechanisms of heart development but also will enable us to develop therapeutic means of intervention in cardiovascular diseases.
Anatomical properties of Hibiscus macrophyllus and its mature wood development
Authors: Basri Efrida , Damayanti Ratih , Darwis Atmawi , Saefudin  , Wahyudi Imam
Published: December 2021

The Hibiscus macrophyllus tree is widely planted in Indonesia especially on Java Island. It has several advantages to be developed commercially as a community or plantation forest compared to the famous introduced species Falcataria moluccana and Anthocephalus spp., including faster growth, higher wood density, and better stem morphology (straighter, more rounded, and lesser branches). However, information about the basic properties of this wood grown in plantations is limited. This study aimed to investigate the anatomical properties of H. macrophyllus and their variation at three ages (8, 12 and 16 years old), as well as to predict the mature wood development by using radial variation in fiber length, microfibril angle (MFA), and wood density from pith toward the bark as the indicators. The wood samples were obtained from a community forest area at Ciamis Regency, West Java Province. Furthermore, anatomical characteristics were examined through wood slides following the IAWA List, while fibre and vessel element dimensions were measured through macerated specimens prepared by modified Franklin’s method. The MFA was determined by X-Ray Diffraction, while wood density was measured in line with British Standard 373-57. The results showed that the anatomical structures were not influenced by tree age, except for wood porosity, and fibre and vessel element dimensions. The 16-year-old tree tended to be semi-ring-porous, the younger trees were diffuse-porous, while the fiber and vessel element length, as well as the diameter, were decreased. Meanwhile, the wall thickness was increased. The fibre length, MFA, and wood density were useful indicators for wood maturity that seemed to be developed at about 11 years of age.
Molecular phylogeny and diversity of Laburnicola (Didymosphaeriaceae): a new species from Uzbekistan
Authors: HTET ZIN HNIN , MAPOOK AUSANA , GAFFOROV YUSUFJON , CHETHANA K.W. THILINI , LUMYONG SAISAMORN , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: December 2021

Laburnicola is a genus in Didymosphaeriaceae that includes saprobic and endophytic fungal taxa. The current study conducted in the subalpine region of Uzbekistan discovered a new species on a dead stem of a wild rose plant. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of combined LSU, SSU, ITS, and TEF 1-ɑ dataset confirmed the new species’ taxonomic position in Laburnicola. Our new species, Laburnicola zaaminensis (TASM 6152), was clustered with L. dactylidis (MFLUCC 16-0285) with strong bootstrap support. A detailed description together with illustrations are provided for Laburnicola zaaminensis. Furthermore, an annotated species list, a distribution map, and a taxonomic key for Laburnicola species are provided. This is the first record of Laburnicola from Central Asia.
Book review: Sanjeev Kumar (Ed.), Gandhi and the Contemporary World
Authors: Rai Dhananjay
Published: December 2021

Sanjeev Kumar (Ed.), Gandhi and the Contemporary World, Routledge, 2020, xvi+234 pp., ₹995. ISBN: 9780367479183 (Hardcover).
COVID’s Effect on India’s Health Services: A Commentary
Authors: Qadeer Imrana
Published: December 2021

Using a comprehensive framework (the state’s will to deliver, its institutional strength and its legitimacy), this article assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public sector healthcare services in India. The power to deliver was explicit when the interventions were harsh, increasing the burden of death and disease on health services. But when it came to healthcare by the public sector we find a worsening of achievements of non-COVID ailments during the pandemic and an inability to tackle the second wave due to gaps in the nation's infrastructure, a centralised control undermining state authority; and visible results of a flawed policy that pushed further the agenda of making healthcare a profitable business.
COVID-19 and Social Science Research— Beyond Disruption and Digital Divide, a Digital Turn
Authors: Jamil Ghazala
Published: December 2021

This comment takes a bird’s eye view of the problems and changes in social sciences caused, amplified or accelerated by the pandemic. It further problematises the formulation of the impact of COVID-19 beyond the disruption-and-digital-divide framing to argue that the nature of certain realities has been digitalising already for a considerable amount of time in more complicated and non-linear ways than the criticism of ‘online education’ has captured. The digital transformation of social realities calls for an acknowledgement of a comprehensive digital turn in social science research.
Rurality Versus Readiness: The Relationship Between State-Level Connection and Capacity Variables and the Management of Medical Stockpiles for a Public Health Emergency
Authors: Myers Nathan
Published: December 2021

This study investigates what factors contributed to the score a state received for managing its medical countermeasures stockpile pre-COVID-19. It is particularly interested in the relationship between a state’s level of rural population and its countermeasure management capacity. A fixed-effects regression analysis was run using data from 2016 to 2019 to test for a relationship between the percentage of rural population in a state and the states’ countermeasures management score, while controlling for other relevant social, economic, and political variables such as level of social associations, the segregation index, and the level of income inequality. Rurality and physicians per capita proved to be significant and negative. A subsequent analysis found that states with higher levels of rural populations have lower levels of COVID-19 vaccinations, even accounting for effective countermeasure management. This points to rural states having challenges in regard to medical countermeasures that cannot be completely solved with technocratic solutions.
Facilitators and Barriers to Student Learning and Impact of an Undergraduate Clinical Posting in Psychiatry: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Salazar Luke Joshua , Chari Uttara , Sharma Pratheek , Sreedaran Priya
Published: December 2021

Background:

There is an absence of information on empirical evaluation of undergraduate psychiatry training programs in India. We aimed to evaluate a clinical posting in psychiatry for undergraduate medical students.

Methods:

We employed levels one and two of Kirkpatrick’s four-level program evaluation model. The qualitative study used written feedback that was collected using a semistructured questionnaire. For quantitative metrics, we used end-of-posting assessment scores and frequencies of standard comments provided by examiners on case-based discussions with students to evaluate their clinical skills.

Results:

We obtained written feedback from 40 female and 19 male fifth-semester students. We identified facilitators (patient interaction, outpatient department observation and teaching, demonstration of signs, case presentation and discussion, evening posting, observation of clinical work, use of anecdotes while teaching, and lectures by senior faculty) and barriers (organizational issues related to evening posting and disinterest in didactic teaching) to the students learning psychiatry, and the perceived impact of the posting for the students (changed attitudes, knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills acquired). The mean total score on case-based discussion, assigned to 22 groups of students, was 3.86 out of 5.

Conclusion:

We described the impact of the posting and identified unique facilitators and barriers to students’ learning in psychiatry. These findings will inform the choice of teaching-learning methods in the context of the new Competency-Based undergraduate Medical Education (CBME) curriculum.
Assessment of late gadolinium enhancement-negative chronic total occlusion by longitudinal strain analysis using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Xin , Mou Anna , Huang RongChong , Song Qingwei , Liu Ailian , Li Zhiyong
Published: December 2021

Background

Strain analysis has become commonly used in clinical practice in various heart diseases.

Purpose

To explore whether late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-negative areas with coronary artery chronic total occlusion (CTO) appear normal when analyzed for longitudinal strain using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Material and Methods

A total of 16 patients and 31 healthy controls who underwent 1.5-T MR at our hospital between January 2015 and July 2017 were included in the study. The LGE-CMR of patients with CTO was negative. Left ventricular functional parameters, segmental longitudinal strain/strain rate, and perfusion parameters were measured using CVI42 software.

Results

For myocardial segments supplied by CTO vessels, systolic longitudinal strain rate (SLSR)was significantly lower than that of healthy controls, and diastolic longitudinal strain rate (DLSR) was significantly higher (1.19 1/s vs. 1.02 1/s; P = 0.018). Moreover, longitudinal strain (LS), SLSR, and DLSR did not differ between good and poor collateral circulation. Perfusion index of CTO territory segments was lower than non-CTO territory segments (0.20 vs. 0.22; P = 0.027). No correlation was found between longitudinal strain parameters and perfusion parameters.

Conclusion

Although LGE-CMR was negative in patients with CTO, the myocardial SLSR of CTO territory segments was significantly lower than that of healthy controls.
A New Interpretation of the Grid System Reform in the Late Period
Authors: Yasuoka Yoshifumi
Published: December 2021

This paper offers a new art-historical interpretation of the grid reform of anthropomorphic representations in Egypt around the mid-seventh century BC. The objective of this paper is two-fold. First, it will demonstrate the problems with previous interpretations, which depended, on the one hand, upon the written record of Diodorus Siculus regarding the Egyptian method of statue production, and upon comparative analyses of the two-dimensional representation of human figures on the other. Secondly, this paper is devoted to providing a new understanding of the art-historical context of the grid reform. This reform – in which Late Period Egyptians abandoned the tradition that had been utilised for nearly 1,800 years and created a completely new system by uniting the Egyptian metrological system and the traditional method of grid projection – less reflects improvement in the appearance of the image, and rather demonstrates a metaphysical development that had never been seen or experienced before.
Use of a digital image correlation method for full-field shrinkage measurement in injection molding
Authors: Dupuis Antoine , Pesce Jean-Jacques , Marijon Jean-Baptiste , Roux Stéphane , Régnier Gilles
Published: December 2021

An original methodology using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has been designed to precisely measure full-field shrinkages of injection molded polymer plates and then to give the opportunity to compare quantitatively extensive numerical simulations to experiments. The principle of the methodology is based on the full-field strain determination between a reference image of the mold and that of injection-molded parts, which are 275 × 100 × 2.2 mm3 plates. To allow for DIC calculation, 50 µm-depth engravings were machined by electro-discharge process at the surface of the mold. The result of the analysis is a 2D full-field shrinkage map over the whole plate surface (i.e. flow and transverse), with a standard deviation of 0.03%. The marking density has been shown to have a roughly linear influence on the precision of shrinkage measurement. This methodology allows the quantification of the effect of several injection parameters on in-plane shrinkage fields: holding pressure, injection flow rate and direction, geometry of injection gates, or geometrical constraints. Once the best set of parameters of material constitutive laws is identified for the simulation of polymer plates, the simulation procedure is ready to be applied on more complex 3D geometries.
Strain gauge placement optimization methodology to measure multiaxial loads of complex structure
Authors: Růžička Jan
Published: December 2021

The use of a strain gauge to measure loads is, in some respects, similar to its use in determining stress, but a different approach is required. In load measurement, it is necessary to compile a suitably selected configuration of strain gauges, which can be used to measure often very complex loads of the structure. For designing the engine mount instrumentation for the Flying Test Bed, an optimization tool has been developed. The algorithm and the theory behind the instrumentation design are described in detail. The basic principle is to find the strain gauge configuration that eliminates the measurement error due to the noise in the measured signal as much as possible. The input for optimization is the strain response of the structure to the applied loads analyzed using the FE model. In contrast to the common strategy using purely stochastic methods, this developed tool uses a hybrid approach based on a combination of a heuristic approach with repeated deterministic local optimization. The optimization is focused on the connection of a simple uni-axial strain gauge to a quarter-bridge and a T-rosette to a half-bridge that provides temperature compensation. Furthermore, an approach is proposed that takes into account the possibility of failure of some strain gauges. The instrumentation is thus robust and allows to obtain quality data even in the event of failure of some of the strain gauges.
Adaptive robust precision control of an active spray boom suspension with disturbance estimation
Authors: Cui Longfei , Xue Xinyu , Le Feixiang
Published: December 2021

When the boom sprayer works in the field, the boom must be parallel to the undulating ground or crop canopy. Aiming at the problem of low control accuracy and poor stability caused by parameter uncertainties and time-varying disturbances in the electro-hydraulic active boom suspension system, this paper proposes an adaptive robust precision control algorithm based on disturbance estimation. Firstly, the dynamic analysis modeling method is adopted to establish the nonlinear dynamic model and mechanism geometric equation of the pendulum active and passive suspension. Then, the controller was designed based on the nonlinear model of the suspension system. The proposed controller uses the backstepping design method to integrate the disturbance observer into the adaptive robust controller, which can effectively deal with the parameter uncertainties and time-varying disturbances in the suspension system model. Finally, a large number of experiments were carried out by taking a 28 m large boom active suspension driven by a single-rod hydraulic pressure as an example. Using an established rapid control prototype of a large boom suspension, a variety of control algorithm comparison experiments were carried out, and a 6-DOF motion platform was used to simulate the motion coupling interference of the sprayer chassis. The experiment results illustrate the high-performance characteristics of the proposed controller and improve the tracking performance of the active pendulum suspension system under various parameter uncertainties and time-varying disturbances.
The Use and Misuse of Organizational Research Methods ‘Best Practice’ Articles
Authors: Kreamer Liana M. , Albritton Betsy H. , Tonidandel Scott , Rogelberg Steven G.
Published: December 2021

This study explores how researchers in the organizational sciences use and/or cite methodological ‘best practice’ (BP) articles. Namely, are scholars adhering fully to the prescribed practices they cite, or are they cherry picking from recommended practices without disclosing? Or worse yet, are scholars inaccurately following the methodological best practices they cite? To answer these questions, we selected three seminal and highly cited best practice articles published in Organizational Research Methods (ORM) within the past ten years. These articles offer clear and specific methodological recommendations for researchers as they make decisions regarding the design, measurement, and interpretation of empirical studies. We then gathered all articles that have cited these best practice pieces. Using comprehensive coding forms, we evaluated how authors are using and citing best practice articles (e.g., if they are appropriately following the recommended practices). Our results revealed substantial variation in how authors cited best practice articles, with 17.4% appropriately citing, 47.7% citing with minor inaccuracies, and 34.5% inappropriately citing BP articles. These findings shed light on the use (and misuse) of methodological recommendations, offering insight into how we can better improve our digestion and implementation of best practices as we design and test research and theory. Key implications and recommendations for editors, reviewers, and authors are discussed.
Book review: Puaschunder, J. 2020: Governance & Climate Justice: Global South & Developing Nations
Authors: You Jongeun
Published: December 2021

Puaschunder, J. 2020: Governance & Climate Justice: Global South & Developing Nations. Palgrave Macmillan. 312 pp., €77.99. ISBN: 978-3-319-63280-3 (Hardcover). 10.1007/978-3-319-63281-0
Iron-based phosphorus chelator: Risk of iron deposition and action on bone metabolism in uremic rats
Authors: Carmo Wander Barros do , Castro Bárbara Bruna Abreu , Manso Luísa Cardoso , Carmo Priscylla Aparecida Vieira do , Rodrigues Clóvis Antônio , Custódio Melani Ribeiro , Jorgetti Vanda , Sanders-Pinheiro Helady
Published: December 2021

Phosphate chelators are frequently used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). New iron-based chelators remain understudied and offer a promising therapeutic option for the control of bone and mineral disorders of chronic kidney disease (BMD-CKD). We assessed the effect of the phosphorus chelator, chitosan-iron III (CH-FeCl), compared to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in BMD-CKD and the potential iron overload in uremic rats. Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups, namely the control, CKD, CKD/CH-FeCl, and CKD/CaCO3 groups. CKD was induced by adding 0.75% (4 weeks) and 0.1% (3 weeks) adenine to the diet. The chelators were administered from week 3 through week 7. The renal function, BMD-CKD markers, and histomorphometry of the femur were assessed at week 7. The CKD group showed a significant increase in creatinine (83.9 ± 18.6 vs. 41.5 ± 22.1 µmol/L; P = 0.001), phosphate (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.2 ± 0.2 mmol/L; P = 0.001), fractional excretion of phosphorus (FEP) (0.71 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.17; P = 0.0001), and FGF23 (81.36 ± 37.16 pg/mL vs. 7.42 ± 1.96; P = 0.011) compared to the control group. There was no accumulation of serum or bone iron after the use of CH-FeCl. The use of chelators reduced the FEP (control: 0.71 ± 0.20; CKD/CH-FeCl: 0.40 ± 0.16; CKD/CaCO3 0.34 ± 0.15; P = 0.001), without changes in the serum FGF23 and parathyroid hormone levels. Histomorphometry revealed the presence of bone disease with high remodeling in the uremic animals without changes with the use of chelators. The CH-FeCl chelator was efficient in reducing the FEP without iron accumulation, thereby paving the way for the use of this class of chelators in clinical settings in the future.