bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a m6A RNA Methylation Regulator-related Signature for Prognosis and Immune Response in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiao , Sheng Hongxu , Xia Pinghui , Wang Yiqing , Yu Li , Lv Wang , Hu Jian
Published: August 2020

BackgroundN6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is related to cancer pathogenesis and development. However, few studies have investigated the role of m6A regulator genes in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC).MethodsGene expressions with clinicopathological data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We compared the expression of twenty m6A regulator genes between tumor and normal samples. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model were used to derive a multi-gene signature. A signature-based nomogram was developed, and the prediction performance was validated by an exterior validation set (GSE72094). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to construct a co-expression network and identify the hub genes. The association of m6A signature with immunity was examined.ResultsSeventeen differentially expressed genes were identified. A five-gene prognostic signature (IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, HNRNPA2B1, METTL3, and HNRNPC) was determined, and demonstrated as an unfavorable prognostic factor. A signature-based nomogram was developed to predict each patient’s survival probability, and the nomogram was well calibrated and showed a satisfactory discrimination. Turquoise was identified as the most risk-related module, and genes in this module were enriched in the pathway of cell cycle. Six genes were determined as the hub genes. High-risk patients had significantly higher expression of PD-L1, higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), higher proportion of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response, and lower proportion of T cells CD8.ConclusionsIn summary, the signature-based nomogram is useful for survival prediction, and high-risk patients were more sensitive to the ICB therapy.
Protein Biogenesis Demands of the Early Secretory Pathway in Komagataella Phaffii
Authors: Alva Troy R , Riera Melanie , Chartron Justin
Published: August 2020

Background: Eukaryotes use distinct networks of biogenesis factors to synthesize, fold, monitor, traﬃc, and secrete proteins. During heterologous expression, saturation of any of these networks may bottleneck titer and yield. To understand the ﬂux through various routes into the early secretory pathway, we quantiﬁed the global and membrane-associated translatomes of Komagataella phaﬃi. Results: By coupling Ribo-seq with long-read mRNA sequencing, we generated a new annotation of protein-encoding genes. By using Ribo-seq with subcellular fractionation, we quantiﬁed demands on co- and posttranslational translocation pathways. During exponential growth in rich media, protein components of the cell-wall represent the greatest number of nascent chains entering the ER. Transcripts encoding the transmembrane protein PMA1 sequester more ribosomes at the ER membrane than any others. Comparison to Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals conservation in the resources allocated by gene ontology, but variation in the diversity of gene products entering the secretory pathway. Conclusion: A subset of host proteins, particularly cell-wall components, impose the greatest biosynthetic demands in the early secretory pathway. These proteins are potential targets in strain engineering aimed at alleviating bottlenecks during heterologous protein production.
Design and validation of a questionnaire to measure the acceptance of telemedicine by healthcare professionals in Germany
Authors: Verfürth Martina
Published: August 2020

Background: Telemedicine allows healthcare professionals to manage patient treatments remotely and to benefit from the interaction of telemedicine centers. Even though telemedicine responds to the current burdens in healthcare systems, these complex infrastructures depend on technology, financing, organization, policy, legislation, and, not least, on their corresponding acceptance by the user. Little is known in this context about the drivers for this acceptance by healthcare professionals giving treatment. Germany, with the highest healthcare spending in the world, is particularly lagging here.Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify the acceptance factors that had already been detected and frequently confirmed. These factors were evaluated according to the coverage of the interactive infrastructures with telemedicine centers and how accurately they fitted Germany. The identified factors were adapted, and missing factors were designed, via an idea collection for items. The reliability of the developed constructs was tested using a field test to check the constructs using item revision analysis.Results: Frequently supported external variables, taken from 17 filtered studies covering the technical, organizational, social, legal, and individual context, were identified. However, the review showed that there was less focus on the German setting and the interactive aspect, so the market-related variables were adapted and new constructs of “trust in the telemedicine center” and “relationship to patient” were added. Ten variables were proven to have a reliability, measured with Cronbach’s Alpha, of more than 0.7.Conclusion: This paper enhances the already existing technology acceptance studies in healthcare by covering German specifications and the interactive character of TSSs. A corresponding questionnaire has been developed ready for future research.
Genome-wide survey of sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 in Rosaceae and expression analysis of PbrSnRK2 in response to ABA stress
Authors: Chen Guodong , Wang Jizhong , Qiao Xin , Jin Cong , Duan Weike , Sun Xiaochuan , Wu Juyou
Published: August 2020

Background
The members of the sucrose non-fermenting 1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) family are specific serine/threonine protein kinases in plants, which play important roles in stress signal transduction and adaptation. Because of these positive regulatory roles in response to adversity, the genes encoding them are considered potential candidates for breeding of plants for disease resistance and genetic improvement. However, there is far less information about this kinase family and the function of these genes has not been explored in Rosaceae.
Results
A genome-wide survey and analysis of the genes encoding members of the SnRK2 family were performed in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) and seven other Rosaceae species. A total of 71 SnRK2 genes were identified from the eight Rosaceae species and classified into three subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis and structural characteristics. Purifying selection played a crucial role in the evolution of SnRK2 genes, and whole-genome duplication and dispersed duplication were the main forces underlying the characteristics of the SnRK2 gene family in Rosaceae. Transcriptome data and qRT-PCR assays revealed that the distribution of PbrSnRK2s was very extensive including across the roots, leaves, pollen, styles, and flowers, although most of them were mainly expressed in leaves. In addition, under stress conditions, the transcript levels of some of the genes were upregulated in leaves in response to ABA treatments.
Conclusions
This study provides useful information and a theoretical introduction for the study of the evolution, expression, and functions of the SnRK2 gene family in plants.
Successful implementation of ChicaEducation system for Oncology Residency Standardized Training
Authors: Yao Quan , Wu Hong , Zou Lian , Lan Haitao , Luo Shuchun , Lu Shun , Li Xianfu , Lang Jinyi , Xu Chuan
Published: August 2020

Background The ability to access knowledge and skills of radiation oncology is fundamental for oncology residency standardized training.Methods This study evaluates whether or not the ChicaEducation system for oncology residency standardized training contributes to training radiation oncology medical students. As a virtual reality system for radiotherapy training, ChicaEducation system was successfully implemented. We compared the ChicaEducation system training module with a traditional training module. Whether the integration of ChicaEducation into medical teaching was intended to enhance students’ autonomic learning and comprehensive analysis was also evaluated.Results The integration of ChicaEducation system into oncology residency standardized training was valuable compared to traditional training methods and could improve radiation oncology medical students’ perceptions and understanding. ChicaEducation system training module was positive and could enhance radiation oncology medical students’ level of confidence in radiation oncology.Conclusions The role of ChicaEducation system training module in delivering an efficient quantity of oncology medical education was ascertained because of its ability to visualize conceptual information within a simulated clinical environment. The ChicaEducation system may alleviate economic burdens in some hospitals and be used for training for doctors in rural areas.
Dosimetric benefits of dynamic wave arc over co-planar volumetric modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Abdelghaffar Alshaymaa , Kishi Noriko , Ashida Ryo , Matsuo Yukinori , Hirashima Hideaki , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Yoshimura Michio , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Mohamed Ahmed El Sayed , Ali Elsayed Mostafa , Gaber Mohamed Soliman , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: August 2020

Background: Dose reduction to the duodenum is important to decrease gastrointestinal toxicities in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) treated with definitive radiotherapy. We aimed to investigate whether dynamic wave arc (DWA), a volumetric-modulated beam delivery technique with simultaneous gantry/ring rotations passing the waved trajectories, is superior to coplanar VMAT (co-VMAT) with respect to dose distributions in LAPC. Methods: DWA and co-VMAT plans were created for 13 patients with LAPC in the pancreatic head or body. The prescribed dose was 45.6 or 48 Gy in 15 fractions. The dose volume indices (DVIs) for the gross tumor volume, planning target volume (PTV), stomach, duodenum, small bowel, large bowel, kidney, liver, and spinal cord were compared between the corresponding plans. The values of the gamma passing rate, monitor unit (MU), and beam-on time were also compared. Results: DWA significantly reduced the volumes of the duodenum receiving 39, 42, and 45 Gy by 1.1, 0.8, and 0.2 cm3, respectively. However, the mean liver dose and maximal dose of the spinal cord were increased in DWA by 1.0 and 1.1 Gy, respectively. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the target volumes except for dose irradiated to 2% of PTV (PTV D2%) (110.4% in DWA vs. 109.6% in co-VMAT). There were also no significant differences in the other DVIs. Further, the gamma passing rate was similar in both plans. The MU and beam-on time increased in DWA by 31 MUs and 15 seconds, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with co-VMAT, DWA generated significantly lower duodenal doses with acceptable trade-offs in LAPC.
Design of 3D-Printed Cable Driven Humanoid Hand Based on Bidirectional Elastomeric Passive Transmission
Authors: Chen Te-Ru , Zhao Xing-Wei , Ma Guo-Cai , Tao Bo , Yin Zhou-Ping
Published: August 2020

Motion control of the human hand is the most complex part of the human body. It has always been a challenge for a good balance between the cost, weight, responding speed, grasping force, finger extension, and dexterity of prosthetic hand. In order to research and imitate the movement of the human hand, a 3D-printed cable driven humanoid hand based on bidirectional elastomeric passive transmission (BEPT) is designed in this paper. A semi-static model of BEPT is investigated based on energy conservation law to analyze the mechanical properties of BEPT. Then a simulation of dynamics of finger grasping is conducted. For a better imitation of human hand and a better grasping performance, specific BEPT is selected according to human finger grasping experiments. The advantage of BEPT based humanoid hand is that a good balance between the price and performance of the humanoid hand is achieved. Experiments proved that designed humanoid hand’s excellent grasping performance can be realized through BEPT. The designed prosthetic hand’s single fingertip force can reach 33N and has a good force control effect with 430g’s weight. It can not only grab fragile objects like raw eggs and paper cup, but also achieve strong grasping force to damage metal cans.
Sex-specific Metabolic Characterization of Serum and Liver of Mice with High-fat Diet
Authors: Zhou Yi , Li Chen , Wang Xinyi , Chen Qinbo , Deng Pengxi , Wang Wuqiong , Zheng Hong , Zhao Liangcai , Gao Hongchang
Published: August 2020

Background: Obesity exhibit sex differences is well established, but its metabolic mechanism remains unclear. Thus, investigation of metabolic pattern of male and female mice with high-fat diet (HFD) is of substantial importance for explore the potential mechanism linking gender differences in obesity.Methods: In the present study, we analyzed the metabolic changes in serum and liver of male and female mice with high-fat diet using nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic approach.Results: Principle component analysis show that the metabolic pattern of serum and liver of male mice with HFD was significantly distinguished from the other groups. Furthermore, the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein was found in the serum of male mice with HFD. Moreover, metabolomic results of liver reveal that tricarboxylic acid cycle and amino acid metabolism are increased in female mice with HFD.Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggest that the differences in energy and amino acid metabolism of males and females were most likely influence the predisposition to obesity.
WITHDRAWN: Immunoscore Signature Predicts Postoperative Survival and Adjuvant Chemotherapeutic Benefits in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhuge Lingdun , Huang Binhao , Xie Juntao , Gao Zhendong , Zhao Yue , Zheng Difan , Zheng Shanbo , Xiang Jiaqing , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to construct the immunoscore (IS) to facilitate the prediction of postoperative survival and benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: A total of 249 patients who received radical esophagectomy at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were divided into training set and testing set. 89 patients with ESCC from TCGA database were enrolled into validation set. Myeloid cells in tumor microenvironment were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or CIBERSORT, and then were included into LASSO cox regression model to construct immunoscore. The predictive value of immunoscore for prognosis after surgery or ACT was analyzed. Results: Immunoscore was constructed by 4 types of myeloid cells including macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells and dendritic cells, and was demonstrated as IS=2^(0.527719*Mφ -0.2604269*MC-0.4812935*DC-0.4519706*Neu). The overall survival was significantly different between 2 immunotypes, which were divided according to the immunoscore, in all sets (P<0.001, P=0.005, and P=0.002, respectively). And immunotype A was identified as an independent predictor for survival benefit in all 3 sets (HR=2.068, P=0.005; HR=2.028, P=0.007; HR=6.474, P=0.007; respectively). In patients who received ACT, immunotype A was significantly related to longer overall survival in both training set (P<0.001) and testing set (P=0.011). The nomogram based on immunotype and other clinicopathological factors showed good efficiency of predicting response to ACT. Finally, several important cytokines and pathways were highly enriched in immunoscore A subgroup. Conclusion: The immunoscore was an effective prognostic predictor in ESCC for patients undergoing surgical resection and receiving ACT.
Determinants and patterns of recurrence of primary varicose veins after Endovenous laser ablation
Authors: Elseidy Sheref A. , Hatem M. , Awad Ahmed K. , Mzaik Obaie , Mandal Debvarsha , Mohamad Tamam
Published: August 2020

Background: The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the different recurrence patterns, sites and determinants impacting primary varicose vein recurrence after endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).Methods: 127 symptomatic patients (127 limbs) with great saphenous vein incompetence who underwent EVLA were followed up for recurrence. Twenty-seven patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 100 patients (100 limbs) for analysis. Outcomes: Recurrence defined by venous clinical severity score (VCSS) or patterns of reflux on the duplex ultrasound examination. Assessments were done at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure.Results: Two-year life table analysis showed varicose vein recurrence in 9(7.1%) of limbs. Varicose vein recurrence was due to refluxing anterior accessory saphenous vein in 77.8% patients (p <0.001, 95% CI 3.2 to 1669.1), re-canalization (66.6%), non-truncal varicosities (55.5 %) and incompetent perforators 77.8% patients (p <0.001, 95% CI 2.7 to 69.3).Recurrence was mostly seen owed to both incompetent perforators and accessory saphenous vein, BMI more than 30.5 kg/m2 is noted in 77.8 % (p <0.001, 95% CI 1.105 to 1.590) of recurrence patients.
Epidemiological patterns of ocular morbidity among under five years of age children in Khartoum State- Sudan 2020
Authors: Ibrahim Mohanad Kamaleldin Mahmoud , Ibrahim Hadeel Kamaleldin Mahmoud , Mohamed Ala Saifaldawla Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Background: Development of the visual system begins prenatally and continues after birth. However, owing to how personal and subjective a person’s sight is, children may not realize they have a vision problem. Visual impairment in early childhood can significantly impair development of visual, motor, and cognitive function and lead to adverse psychosocial consequences. This research aimed to study the epidemiological patterns of ocular morbidity in children aged less than five years old.Methods: The study is a retrospective patient record study carried out in three tertiary eye care hospitals in Khartoum State- Sudan. All children records for the year 2019 were reviewed, and the total number included was 10886 patients’ files. The records were reviewed estimate the number of under five years of age children and the patterns of ocular morbidity. The data were summarized and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The proportions were estimated, patterns of ocular morbidity were identified according to age groups and gender.Results: The proportion of under five years children was 5% of the total population and 45% of the total children below 16 years. The predominant age group affected with ocular morbidity is (3–5 years old with 53%). Eye infections affected (19%), allergic eye diseases (16.8%), orbital diseases (12.4%), refractive errors (10.8%), squint (9.3%), corneal diseases (6.6%), cataract (6%), glaucoma (2.3%), neurogenic eye (2%) and tumors (0.23%).There are some variations in morbidity according to age groups among the under five years of age children.Conclusions: The proportion of under five years children is high. The predominant ocular morbidity affecting children below five years of age is eye infections, followed by allergic eye diseases and refractive errors while other serious and blinding eye diseases mounted a considerable percentage. Although of small percentage but worth mentioning that malignant eye tumors were one of the patterns of ocular morbidities affecting children of under five years of age. Patterns of ocular morbidity showed some gender variations.
Higher education institutions and the use of online instruction and online tools and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak - An online review of selected U.S. and SA's universities
Authors: Chaka Chaka
Published: August 2020

This online quasi-scoping review set out to review how 64 U.S. and 21 South African universities pivoted to online course delivery and used online tools and resources as one of their collective responses to continue their teaching and learning activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review was conducted on five online search engines, six online databases and two online social networking sites. Generally, all of the U.S and South African universities investigated transitioned to online classes and temporarily relinquished their in-person, campus-based classes. Additionally, all of these universities transiently opted for a strong form of social distancing and embraced emergency remote online pedagogy. Moreover, four online delivery typologies, with their attendant multiple permutations, emerged from these two sets of universities. Furthermore, when both U.S. and South African universities temporarily pivoted their classes to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, they embraced and adopted certain online tools and resources more than the others. For instance, pertaining to 64 U.S. universities, Zoom was the most preferred tool, with video conferencing and LMS platforms emerging as the two dominant platforms. As regards the 21 South African universities, Blackboard (Collaborate) emerged as the most preferred tool, with both LMS and video conferencing platforms emerging as the two dominant platforms. Overall, Zoom, Blackboard (Collaborate) and institutional LMSes were the three common tools to which both sets of universities pivoted during the pandemic. Finally, the two sets of universities only embraced low-tech versions of the 4IR technologies such as video-conferencing, social media technologies, and cloud computing.
Hydroxytyrosol effectively improves the quality of pig sperm at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Wenuyu , Li Dong , Tian Xueka , He Yulin , Xiao Zitong , Wang Xiaoting , Du Renrang , Yang Gongshe , Yu Taiyong
Published: August 2020

Background: Artificial insemination technology is the production technology used in more than 99% of the world's pig farms. Preservation of semen is mainly conducted at room temperature (17°C), during which the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In our research, by adding different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent during the storage of boar semen at 17°C, we compared them with the traditional diluent to study the cumulative amount of ROS, the extent of membrane damage, the sperm acrosome integrity, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and other indicators to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol on the changes of active oxygen and sperm quality during storage. After we determined the optimal amount of hydroxytyrosol in the diluent, Proteomics was used to monitor difference in sperm protein expression between the control group and the addition of 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol (optimum concentration) group after three days’ storage. Ultimately, we selected the control group and the addition of 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol group to test the effect of artificial insemination.Results: During storage of pig semen at room temperature, the sperm quality of the hydroxytyrosol-treated group was significantly improved (P < 0.05). Besides, its antioxidant capacity was also significantly improved (P < 0.05). Proteomics sequencing analysis proved that the addition of hydroxytyrosol treatment group has potential value in improving sperm cell quality. The significant increase in sow pregnancy rate and the increase in piglet birth weight also confirmed that sperm quality during storage can be of vital importance in actual production (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Based on our results, we demonstrated that the addition of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent can not only improve the quality of pig sperm, but also has an irreplaceable role in improving the efficiency of artificial insemination.
Sex Differences in Biopsy-confirmed Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Yiting , Zhang Jue , Zhang Junlin , Wu Yucheng , Zhang Rui , Ren Honghong , Guo Ruikun , Cooper Mark , Liu Fang
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the association between sex differences and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with biopsy-confirmed diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study. A total of 336 patients with biopsy-confirmed DKD who were followed up for at least 12 months were enrolled. Baseline clinical and pathological data were collected. ESKD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <15 mL/min/1.73m 2 or initiation of renal replacement therapy. The association between sex differences and ESKD was assessed using the log-rank test and Cox regression. Result: There were 239 (71%) male and 97 (29%) female patients in our cohort. Female patients had higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but relatively mild renal interstitial inflammation, compared with male. There was a lower proportion of female patients in the very high risk grade according to the chronic kidney disease categories. During a median follow-up time of 20 months, 101 (57.7%) men and 43 (44.3%) women entered into ESKD, with no significant difference by the log-rank test. Univariant and multivariant Cox regression further showed that sex difference was not associated with ESKD. Conclusion: Female patients had the higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, but relatively mild renal interstitial inflammation, compared with male patients. However, there does not appear to be an association between sex difference and ESKD in our study.
Fear of childbirth among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gelaw Tiruset , Ketema Teklemariam Gultie , Beyene Kassaw , Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha
Published: August 2020

Background
Fear of childbirth is one of the life challenges the women encounter during pregnancy. It is an important source of distress for the women and their families and also increases the odds of obstetric complications during childbirth. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of fear of childbirth and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among pregnant women who attended antenatal care at public health facilities in Arba Minch from November 1st − 30th 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to include the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview by using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire (W-DEQ) was used to score fear of childbirth. Epi Data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25.0 software were used for data management. Descriptive and analytic analyses were done and statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence level in multivariable analysis.
Results
A total of 387 pregnant women have participated in this study. Forty (10.3%) of the pregnant women had a low degree fear, 154(39.8%) had a moderate degree fear, 98(25.3%) had a high degree fear, and 95(24.5%) had severe degree fear of childbirth. Unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.74), current pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI: 2.72, 14.29), and poor social support (AOR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.68) were factors significantly associated with severe degree fear of childbirth.
Conclusion
Almost three-fourth of the pregnant women in this study area had moderate to severe degree fear of childbirth. Tailoring counseling during antenatal care visits is needed to address those women who are at a high risk of considerable childbirth fear and its health consequences.
Efficiency of Non-invasive Prenatal Screening in Pregnant Women at Advanced Maternal Age
Authors: Zhu Hui , Jin Xiaoxiao , Xu Yuqing , Zhang Weihua , Liu Xiaodan , Jin Jinglei , Qian Yeqing , minyue Dong
Published: August 2020

Background
To evaluate the efficiency of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in the prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidies in pregnant women at advanced maternal age (AMA).
Methods
From February 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, 29,343 pregnant women at AMA underwent NIPS and followed-up were recruited. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for detecting fetal chromosomal aneuploidies were analyzed. The relationship between maternal age and common fetal chromosomal aneuploidy was observed.
Results
The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of NIPS for detecting fetal trisomy 21 were 99.11%, 99.96%, 90.98%, and 100%, respectively. These same parameters for detecting fetal trisomy 18 were 100%, 99.94%, 67.92%, and 100%, respectively. Finally, these parameters for detecting trisomy 13 were 100%, 99.96%, 27.78%, and 100%, respectively. The prevalence of fetal trisomy 21 increased with maternal age. There were significant differences in the prevalence of fetal trisomy 21 among the groups I (35-37-year-old), II (38-40-year-old) and III (41-year-old and older) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
It is indicated that NIPS is an effective prenatal screening method in pregnant women at AMA.
Correlation between Brain 18F-AV45 and 18F-FDG PET Distribution Characteristics and Cognitive Function in Patients with Mild and Moderate AD
Authors: Jing Jiaojiao , Zhang Feng , Zhao Li , Xie Jinghui , Chen Jianwen , Zhong Rujia , Zhang Yanjun , Dong Chunbo
Published: August 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of amyloid beta (Aβ) load and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) metabolism and analyze their correlation with cognitive impairment in the cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients using 18F-florbetapir (18F-AV45) and 18F-FDG PET technology.
Methods

27 patients with AD were enrolled. All AD patients underwent detailed clinical and imaging examinations of the nervous system, completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests, and finished 18F-AV45 and 18F-FDG PET scans. NeuroQ software was used to analyze PET images.
Results

81.48% (22 out of 27) AD patients had significantly increased Aβ load and 96.30% (26 out of 27) had significantly reduced FDG metabolism. Moderate AD patients had more brain areas of reduced FDG metabolism with more severe reduction in some brain regions compared with mild AD patients, despite there was no differences of Aβ load between these patients. The range of reduced FDG metabolism was negatively correlated with the total scores of MMSE and MoCA, and the degree of FDG metabolism in some brain regions was positively correlated with the total score of MMSE and MoCA.
Conclusion

Brain 18F-AV45 and 18F-FDG imaging may be potential biomarkers of AD, and 18F-FDG imaging is correlated with the degree of cognitive impairment in AD patients.
CyberKnife Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis: protocol of study
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Wengang , Li Dong , Zhang Dan , Duan Xuezhang
Published: August 2020

Background: There is a lack of data on the safety and the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy in small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and this study was conducted to explore on this field.Methods: This study is designed as a mono-center study. The participants who were diagnosed with HCC and decompensated cirrhosis received Cyberknife stereotactic body radiation therapy (CK-SBRT). The primary outcome measures are to calculate overall survival rates (OS), progression-free survival rates (PFS) and local control rates (LC). The secondary outcome measures are to observe radiation-induced liver injury (RILD) rates after CK-SBRT. Moreover, adverse reactions are also observed.Discussion: HCC patients’ options of treatments were limited by poor liver function. CK-SBRT may offer an option for these patients. We propose to conduct a study to explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of CK-SBRT in treating HCC patients with decompensated cirrhosis (≤5 cm). The trial protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of 302 Hospital of PLA (People’s Liberation Army). The Ethics number is 2020062D.Trail registration: Clinical trails number: NCT04512833. Date of registration: August, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04512833
LncRNA CRNDE Acts as a ceRNA and Regulates AML Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via miR136-5p/MCM5 Axis
Authors: Liu Chen , Zhong Liang , Shen Chenlan , Chu Xuan , Luo Xu , Yu Lihua , Ye Jiao , Xiong Ling , Dan Wenran , Li Jian , Liu Beizhong
Published: August 2020

Background: Increasing evidence demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important factors in the regulation of cell processes and tumorigenesis. The long-noncoding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene has been found to be related to several types of cancer. Although CRNDE is highly expressed in AML, its mechanism of action in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is unknown.Methods: The expression levels of CRNDE and miR-136-5p mRNAs were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The effects of CRNDE knockdown on cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK8 assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of proteins related to cell cycle, cell apoptosis and MCM5 were analyzed by Western blotting. The luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interaction between CRNDE and miR-136-5p and between MCM5 and miR-136-5p in AML. The RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to verify whether CRNDE exists in the miRNA mediated RISC complex.Results: In this study, we used GEPIA database to confirm that CRNDE expression was significantly upregulated in AML samples. The silencing of CRNDE inhibited AML cells’ proliferation ability, increased AML cells’ apoptotic rate and arrested AML cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Mechanistically, CRNDE served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-136-5p and upregulated MCM5 expression by sponging miR-136-5p. In addition, rescue assays revealed that the effects of CRNDE knockdown could be reversed by miR-136-5p inhibitors in AML cells. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the CRNDE-miR-136-5p-MCM5 axis modulates AML progression and provide a new regulatory network of CRNDE in AML.
Civilian Gunshot Wounds to The Head: A Case Report, Clinical Management, and Literature Review.
Authors: Qi Haoyi
Published: August 2020

Background: Civilian Gunshot wounds to the head refers to the brain injury caused by projectiles such as gun projectiles and various fragments generated by explosives, gunpowder, etc. as a power launch or explosion. Gunshot wounds to the head is the deadliest of all gun injuries, according to literature statistics, the survival rate is only 9%.1 Due to the strict management of various types of firearms, they rarely occur, so the injury mechanism, injury and trauma analysis, clinical management, and surgical standards are almost based on military experience, and there are few related reports especially the head suffered a fatal blow more than once in a short time. We report a case with a return to almost complete recovery despite the patient suffered shots on the head twice in a short period of time.Case Presentations: We present a case of a 53-year old male who suffered twice gunshot injuries to the head under unknown circumstances. On initial presentation the patient had a Glasgow Coma Score of 6, unable to communicate, loss of consciousness. The first bullet penetrated from the right frontal area and finally reached the right occipital lobe. When the patient subconsciously covers his head with his hand, the second bullet through the patient's right palm bone, entered from the right frontotemporal, and stayed deep in the lateral sulcus. The patient had a cerebral hernia when he was admitted to the hospital, and immediately entered the operating room for rescue after a compute tomography scan. After two foreign body removals and one skull repair, the patient recovered completely.Conclusions: Gunshot wounds to the head have a high mortality rate and usually require aggressive management. Evaluation of most gunshot injuries requires extremely fast imaging examination upon arrival at the hospital followed by proactive treatment against infection, seizure and increased intracranial pressure. Surgical intervention is usually necessary, and its key point usually includes the timing of the operation, the method of operation, and the scope of the operation.
A Multi-parametric Prognostic Model Based on Clinical Features and Serological Markers Predicts Overall Survival in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Viral Infection
Authors: Chen Shulin , Huang Hanqing , Liu Yijun , Lai Changchun , Peng Songguo , Zhou Lei , Chen Hao , Xu Yiwei , He Xia
Published: August 2020

Background
To develop and validate a multi-parametric prognostic model based on clinical features and serological markers to estimate overall survival (OS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection.
Methods
The prognostic model was generated by using Lasso regression in training cohort. The incremental predictive value of the model to traditional TNM staging and clinical treatment for individualized survival was evaluated by concordance index (C-index), time-dependent ROC (tdROC), and decision curve analysis (DCA). A model risk score nomogram for OS was built by combining TNM staging and clinical treatment. Then we stratified patients into high and low risk subgroups according to the model risk score. Difference in survival between subgroups was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Furthermore, correlations between the prognostic model and TNM staging or treatment were analysed.
Results
The C-index values of the model for predicting OS were 0.769 and 0.676 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively, which were higher than that of TNM staging, and treatment, the tdROC curve and DCA also showed the model had good predictive accuracy and discriminatory power than TNM staging and treatment. And the nomogram shown some clinical net benefit. According to the model risk score, we divided the patients into low risk and high risk subgroups. The differences of OS rates were significant in the subgroups. Furthermore, the model was positive correlation with TNM staging and treatment.
Conclusions
The proposed prognostic model showed favorable performance than traditional TNM staging and clinical treatment for estimating OS in NSCLC (HBV+) patients.
Long-term Performance of ‘Delicious’ Apple Trees Grafted on Geneva® Rootstocks and Trained to Four High-density Systems under New York State Climatic Conditions
Authors: Reig Gemma , Lordan Jaume , Hoying Stephen , Fargione Michael , Donahue Daniel J. , Francescatto Poliana , Acimovic Dana , Fazio Gennaro , Robinson Terence
Published: August 2020

We conducted a large (0.8 ha) field experiment of system × rootstock, using Super Chief Delicious apple as cultivar at Yonder farm in Hudson, NY, between 2007 and 2017. In this study, we compared six Geneva® rootstocks (‘G.11’, ‘G.16’, ‘G.210’, ‘G.30’, ‘G.41’, and ‘G.935’) with one Budagovsky (‘B.118’) and three Malling rootstocks (‘M.7EMLA’, ‘M.9T337’ and ‘M.26EMLA’). Trees on each rootstock were trained to four high-density systems: Super Spindle (SS) (5382 apple trees/ha), Tall Spindle (TS) (3262 apple trees/ha), Triple Axis Spindle (TAS) (2243 apple trees/ha), and Vertical Axis (VA) (1656 apple trees/ha). Rootstock and training system interacted to influence growth, production, and fruit quality. When comparing systems, SS trees were the least vigorous but much more productive on a per hectare basis. Among the rootstocks we evaluated, ‘B.118’ had the largest trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), followed by ‘G.30’ and ‘M.7EMLA’, which were similar in size but they did not differ statistically from ‘G.935’. ‘M.9T337’ was the smallest and was significantly smaller than most of the other rootstocks but it did not differ statistically from ‘G.11’, ‘G.16’, ‘G.210’, ‘G.41’, and ‘M.26EMLA’. Although ‘B.118’ trees were the largest, they had low productivity, whereas the second largest rootstock ‘G.30’ was the most productive on a per hectare basis. ‘M.9’ was the smallest rootstock and failed to adequately fill the space in all systems except the SS, and had low cumulative yield. The highest values for cumulative yield efficiency (CYE) were with ‘G.210’ for all training systems except for VA, where ‘M.9T337’ had the highest value. The lowest values were for all training systems with ‘B.118’ and ‘M.7EMLA’. Regardless of the training system, ‘M.7EMLA’ trees had the highest number of root suckers. Some fruit quality traits were affected by training system, rootstock or system × rootstock combination.
JT gravity at finite cutoff
Authors: Iliesiu Luca , Kruthoff Jorrit , Turiaci Gustavo , Verlinde Herman
Published: August 2020

We compute the partition function of 2D2D
Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) gravity at finite cutoff in two ways: (i) via an
exact evaluation of the Wheeler-DeWitt wavefunctional in radial
quantization and (ii) through a direct computation of the Euclidean path
integral. Both methods deal with Dirichlet boundary conditions for the
metric and the dilaton. In the first approach, the radial
wavefunctionals are found by reducing the constraint equations to two
first order functional derivative equations that can be solved exactly,
including factor ordering. In the second approach we perform the path
integral exactly when summing over surfaces with disk topology, to all
orders in perturbation theory in the cutoff. Both results precisely
match the recently derived partition function in the Schwarzian theory
deformed by an operator analogous to the T\bar TTT‾
deformation in 2D2D
CFTs. This equality can be seen as concrete evidence for the proposed
holographic interpretation of the T\bar TTT‾
deformation as the movement of the AdS boundary to a finite radial
distance in the bulk.
La cristología en América Latina antes y después de Medellín (1968). Giro en la comprensión de la cruz
Authors: Costadoat Carrasco Jorge
Published: August 2020

El documento de Medellín constituye el punto de partida de una reflexión cristológica original en América Latina. En este ensayo se concluye que esta originalidad estriba en haber reconocido a la historia una importancia epistemológica mayor. Esta innovación condujo a los teólogos latinoamericanos a repensar la cruz en favor de la liberación de los pobres más que como instrumento de perdón de los pecados. A este efecto se compara la cristología de la liberación desarrollada después de la II Conferencia General del Episcopado Latinoamericano con la cristología de los manuales preconciliares de De Verbo incarnato. La crítica de Eduardo Briancesco a la cristología de Medellín, recogida al comienzo del texto, es útil para ver la transición de un paradigma teológico a otro.
Intelección, intención y sentido de la educación religiosa en la escuela
Authors: Reyes Fonseca José Orlando , Meza Rueda José Luis
Published: August 2020

La educación religiosa ha estado presente en la historia de Colombia desde el patronato español hasta nuestros días bajo distintas denominaciones. Sin embargo, en estos tiempos de pluralidad, secularización y laicismos, se encuentran diversas actitudes frente a la religión en la escuela. Seguros de su necesidad e importancia, resulta pertinente pensar en las características de una educación religiosa escolar que resulte más pertinente para los tiempos actuales. Por tal razón, este artículo ahonda en su naturaleza, propósito y legitimación en procura de brindar algunas claves que podrían ser traducidas en contenidos curriculares y modos didácticos que puedan contribuir a una mejor comprensión del fenómeno religioso y promover el crecimiento del sujeto en su dimensión religiosa.
Adolescent Conflict and Young Adult Couple Relationships: Directionality of Violence
Authors: Paíno Quesada Susana Gaspara , Aguilera-Jiménez Noelia , Rodríguez-Franco Luís , Rodríguez-Díaz Francisco Javier , Alameda-Bailén Jose Ramón
Published: August 2020

The objective of this research was to study victimization and aggression in adolescent and young couple relationships, as well as to identify the directionality of violence perpetration in a sample of 984 people between 15 and 31 years of age, of which 58.2% were women and 41.8% were men. Regarding the educational level of the population under study, 26% were students of junior high school, senior high school, or vocational training and 56.5% were college students. The research design followed the nonprobability purposive sampling method and used the DVQ-R questionnaire. The results suggest that violence is 65.2% bidirectional and 14.30% unidirectional, being bidirectionality more frequent in psychological violence and decreasing when physical violence occurs. The results reveal the need to integrate the different modalities of dating violence (unidirectional and bidirectional) and unperceived violence –that gives rise to technical abuse– into the different prevention programs addressed to adolescents and youth.
The Clinics of Work: An Alternative Vision of Occupational Health
Authors: Orejuela Johnny , Malvezzi Sigmar , Vásquez Andrés , Mendes Ana Magnolia
Published: August 2020

This theoretical paper depicts the clinics of work as a subdisciplinary and interdisciplinary field of the social psychology of work and organizations, interested in analyzing and intervening from a critical-clinical perspective in the subjectivity-work-context relationship, in the context of discomfort, suffering, and pleasure, and thus, in the mental health within this field. Consequently, it separates from traditional occupational health, which ignores subjective singularities. The subdiscipline of clinics of work develops the determinants of pleasure, discomfort, and suffering at work, standing out in the process as a possible alternative of occupational health, based on research practice and intervention from a critical perspective.
An Exploratory Study for Assessment of Multimodal Semantic Memory in Colombian Children
Authors: Navarro María C. , Marmolejo-Ramos Fernando , Vásquez Valentina , Carrea Bárbara , Vélez Jorge I. , Mebarak Chams Moisés
Published: August 2020

Semantic memory (SM) is a type of long-term memory associated with the storage of general information about the world. Here we assessed the characteristics of the SM battery, developed by Catricalà et al. (2013), in a sample of Colombian children. This battery was originally conceived to evaluate adults, and features six subtests that assess SM in different modalities, using a common set of 48 stimuli in both living and nonliving categories. The design of the current study is of a cross-sectional and exploratory type. The sample was composed of 111 children, 57 boys (51%) and 54 girls (49%), who were 6 (n = 68) and 7 (n = 43) years old and had no intellectual disability. Robust linear regression models and correlation networks were used. We found an effect of age on general intelligence after correcting for gender, and no differences on the six subtest scores after corrections for gender and age were performed. Furthermore, age was found to be positively associated with the naming of colored photographs (β = .75, p = .039), naming in response to an oral description (β = 1.81, p = .039), picture sorting at four levels (β = 7.22, p = .029), and sentence verification (β = 26.66, p = .01). In addition, there were differences between the results obtained in adults in the original study and in the children of our study. This exploratory study supports the feasibility of the Spanish translation of the Catricalà et al. (2013) battery to assess SM in children with a nonclinical condition. Future studies are needed to evaluate the psychometric properties of this SM battery, and to corroborate and expand our findings in a larger sample of control children, and in children with some degree of intellectual disability or suffering of some neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions.