bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity of mancozeb on Sertoli–germ cell co-culture system: Role of MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Mohammadi-Sardoo Mohaddeseh , Mandegary Ali , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noureddin , Moballegh Nasery Mahshid , Nabiuni Mohammad , Amirheidari Bagher
Published: October 2021

Mancozeb (MZB) is a worldwide fungicide for the management of fungal diseases in agriculture and industrial contexts. Human exposure occurs by consuming contaminated plants, drinking water, and occupational exposure. There are reports on MZB’s reprotoxicity such as testicular structure damage, sperm abnormalities, and decrease in sperm parameters (number, viability, and motility), but its molecular mechanism on apoptosis in testis remains limited. To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in male reprotoxicity induced by MZB, we used primary cultures of mouse Sertoli–germ cells. Cells were exposed to MZB (1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 μM) for 3 h to evaluate viability by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation). Cell death and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were measured in these cells using flow cytometry and western blotting. In addition, some groups were exposed to N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 5 mM) in the form of co-treatment with MZB. Mancozeb reduced viability and increased the level of intracellular ROS, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) MAPK proteins phosphorylation, and apoptotic cell death, which could be blocked by NAC as an inhibitor of oxidative stress. The present study indicated for the first time the toxic manifestations of MZB on the Sertoli–germ cell co-culture. Redox imbalance and p38 and JNK signaling pathway activation might play critical roles in MZB-induced apoptosis in the male reproductive system.
Antibiotic Administration in an Animal Model of Chronic Peritoneal Dialysate Exposure
Authors: Mortier Siska , De Vriese An S. , Leyssens Anne , Vanacker Nele J. , Faict Dirk , Comelissen Maria , De Ridder Leo , Lameire Norbert H.
Published: October 2021

♦ Objectives

The high incidence of intraperitoneal infection remains an important problem in animal models of chronic dialysate exposure. Prophylactic antibiotic administration can be used to resolve this problem, but the isolated effects of antibiotics on peritoneal membrane function and structure are unknown. The present study examined the effects of prophylactic antibiotics on infection rate and peritoneal membrane function and structure in a rat model of chronic dialysate exposure.

♦ Design

A first group of rats (A; n = 12) received 10 mL 3.86% glucose dialysate twice daily through a heparin-coated catheter. In a second group of animals (B; n = 12), oxacillin 2.5 mg/day and gentamicin 0.04 mg/day were added to the dialysate. Group C ( n= 12) was injected twice daily with an identical dose of antibiotics dissolved in 1 mL of buffer solution. Group D ( n = 12) was left untreated. Dialysate cultures were obtained regularly. After 8 weeks of exposure, peritoneal transport studies were performed and samples for histology were obtained.

♦ Results

Technique survival was 92% in group A and 100% in the remaining groups. Five rats in group A but none of the animals in the other groups developed peritonitis. The transport rates of small solutes were elevated and net ultrafiltration was decreased in group A compared to the controls. Fibrosis, as evaluated by quantifying Picro Sirius Red staining with image analysis, was significantly elevated in group A (3.48% ± 1.06% vs 0.72% ± 0.51% in group D, p < 0.05) but not in group B (0.29% ± 0.07%) or in group C (0.52% ± 0.28%). Vascular density, measured by counting the number of blood vessels that stained positive for endothelial NO synthase, was increased in both groups that were exposed to dialysate: 153.0 ± 12.9/μm2 in group A and 131.6 ± 14.3/μm2 in group B, versus 76.76 ± 12.37/μm2 in group C and 73.2 ± 10.4/μm2 in group D ( p < 0.01).

♦ Conclusions

Prophylactic administration of oxacillin and gentamicin adequately prevented intraperitoneal infection in an animal model of chronic dialysate exposure. In addition, fibrosis was absent, suggesting intra-peritoneal infection rather than dialysate exposure is a causative factor.
Short- and Medium-Term Increase of CA125 in Peritoneal Effluent using a Neutral-pH Solution
Authors: Garcia Hector , Hernández-Jaras Julio , del Carmen Cruz María , Agramunt Isabel , Calvo Consuelo , Cerrillo Vicente
Published: October 2021

♦ Objective

To investigate the effects of an alternative peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution composed of a lactate/bicarbonate (Lac/Bic) mixture (35/2 mmol/L), pH 7.0, on the appearance of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in the peritoneal effluent.

♦ Methods

Eight stable PD patients received a conventional solution containing 35 mmol/L lactate (Lac) for 11.9 ± 9.2 months, and then changed to Lac/Bic for 3.1 ± 0.7 months. Each patient acted as his/her own control.

♦ Results

We studied 4 males and 4 females with a mean age of 57.4 ± 16.8 years. Higher concentrations (U/mL) ( p < 0.005) and appearance rates (AR) (U/min) ( p < 0.05) of CA125 in the dialysate were observed with Lac/Bic than with Lac, during the sampling times of the peritoneal equilibration test (10, 120, and 240 minutes) and in the overnight effluent: CA125 5.7 versus 0.6, 18.9 versus 1.9, 29.7 versus 3.7, and 43.2 versus 5.5 U/mL; and AR 1177 versus 125, 354 versus 36,297 versus 37, and 194 versus 26 U/min, respectively. Mean CA125 content in the 24-hour dialysate was 34.2 U/min (baseline) and 30.9 U/min (11.9 months) with Lac, and 207.9 U/min and 185 U/min after 1.6 and 3.1 months with Lac/Bic ( p = 0.009). The intraperitoneal pH was more physiological during the dwell with the Lac/Bic solution.

♦ Conclusions

The CA125 levels in the peritoneal effluent with Lac/Bic are an effect of the solution's neutral pH, as other factors of the prescription were constant. The Lac/Bic solution is more biocompatible than Lac, reflecting short- and medium-term changes in the mesothelial cells, whose clinical significance has not yet been determined.
Intraperitoneal Pressure in Children: Fill-Volume Related and Impacted by Body Mass Index
Authors: Fischbach Michel , Terzic Joëlle , Provot Emmanuel , Weiss Laurence , Bergere Valérie , Menouer Soraya , Soulami Kenza
Published: October 2021

♦ Objective

Prescription of intraperitoneal volume (IPV) in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) should be individualized in order to optimize both efficiency and tolerance. Intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) can be used as an objective assessment of IPV. Despite IPP being correlated with IPV, there is an important interindividual variability presumed to be secondary to other implicated factors.

♦ Design

Over the past 2 years, we conducted a prospective study in our patients on PD ( N = 17). For each child, we recorded, at every third month of follow-up, IPV (in milliliters per square meter body surface area), age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and IPP (measured as centimeters of water), collecting a total of 53 data points.

♦ Results

There was a positive correlation between IPV and IPP ( r= 0.36), but this correlation was weak in contrast to the strong correlation noted between BMI and IPP ( r= 0.82). Age had a different influence on IPP: in the younger-aged group (< 2 years), IPP decreased with age; in the older-aged group (≥ 2 years), IPP increased with age. In some infants, we noted a paradoxical result: a low IPV with a high IPP.

♦ Conclusions

The strong correlation noted between IPP and BMI gives a better understanding of the interindividual variability of the previously described unique relationship between IPP and IPV. The more obese the child ( i.e., the higher the BMI), the higher is his IPP for a fixed IPV.
An improved IDA-PBC method with link-side damping injection and online gravity compensation for series elastic actuator
Authors: Zhang Jiexin , Nie Pingyun , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2021

Elastic elements in series elastic actuator (SEA) will cause residual vibration in position control. Incorporating link-side damping injection and friction compensation, we propose an improved interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control (IDA-PBC+) method to suppress residual vibration. Damping on the motor side and link side can be adjusted simultaneously. In addition, the desired motor-side trajectory planning and online gravity compensation are also introduced to improve control performance and steady-state accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed method in suppressing residual vibration is experimentally verified with a two-degree-of-freedom SEA device.
Characterisation of a plate heat exchanger chevron type with carbon-based nanofluids under pulsed condition
Authors: Alasady Amina Hmoud , Maghrebi Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2021

In industrial-thermal applications, pulsating flow along with carbon-based nanofluids is a well adopted active method, although not in plate heat exchangers (PHEs). The performance of a PHE with carbon-based nanofluids was experimentally evaluated by superimposing pulsating flow along with steady-state flow. The results demonstrated that the use of GNP-water, hybrid GNP/MWCNT-water, and MWCNT-water nanofluids with volume fractions ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% in a steady-state flow led to improved average heat-transfer rates of 1.34, 1.27, and 1.25, respectively. Furthermore, implementation of pulsating flow enhanced the average heat-transfer rate, in comparison to that of the steady-state flow in the same nanofluids, in the range of 10.9%–28.2%, 9%–25.4%, and 7.1%–14.8%, respectively. Pulsating flow in nanofluids improved heat-transfer rate more than it did in pure water owing to the enhancement of the Brownian motion of the suspended carbon-based nanoparticles. In the considered volume fractions from 0.01% to 0.1%, the pulsating flow condition increased the pressure drop by a factor of 1.48, 1.49, and 1.62 for the MWCNT-water, hybrid GNP/MWCNT-water, and GNP-water nanofluids, respectively, in comparison to pure water. The experimental results indicated that the pulsating flow had a more profound influence on the improvement of heat-transfer rate and pressure drop in the case of GNP-based nanofluid than in the others. This could be attributed to the unique platelet shape of the GNP nanoparticles and consequently the higher Brownian motion. The improvement in the heat-transfer rate, obtained through implementation of the pulsating flow condition, outweighed the cost of increase in pressure drop in all the cases. Among the nanofluids considered, the hybrid GNP/MWCNT-water nanofluid exhibited the best overall performance of 1.2.
Feminist psychogeography long after May 1968: Whatever Happened to My Revolution
Authors: Breen Marcus
Published: October 2021

Whatever Happened to My Revolution offers a French feminist perspective on the impact today of the uprising by the left in Paris in May 1968. The continuing appeal of the events of ‘68 are considered to be in decline, yet the film suggests that the energy of 50 years ago continues to mobilize cultural politics through cinematic appeals that amount to the radical recuperation of some of the ambitions of the day, a continuation of the past in the present. Whatever Happened to My Revolution is explored with reference to Guy Debord's concept of psychogeography, which suggested new phases of discovery in social life for remaking urban life, cross-referencing aspects of Jacques Lacan's psychoanalytical approach that appear in the film, especially the concept of desire, informing its feminist psychogeography. The challenges facing the current generation can be described as a desire by the French left, in this film defined and described by women, for the realization of May ‘68s cultural transformations in public and private culture.
Multidimensional Rural Livelihoods in Indian Sub-Himalaya: Regional Analysis, Households Well-Being and Its Determinants
Authors: Ghosh Manoranjan , Ghosal Somnath
Published: October 2021

A cursory review of literatures shows a void in regional patterns analysis of rural livelihood in the sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India. Therefore, this study has attempted to examine the regional pattern of multidimensional rural livelihoods (assets, accessibility, health and education) in the study area. The study has attempted to look at the various determinants that make a region different from others in the same geographical space in terms of livelihood practices and household well-being. The study has applied a mixed research method, that is, Principal component analysis (PCA), household well-being indicator approach, multiple regressions, and focus group discussions (FGDs). The community blocks of the study area are found to be differently endowed in terms of different assets. The results show that marginalised castes and non-Hindu households have a relatively lower well-being score than the other households. The results suggest that daily work opportunities and an increase in the number of casual labourers positively impact the generation of decent and sustainable livelihood. It also shows an increase in the household well-being score to occupation groups such as businesses and salaried jobs. However, collection of sandstone and other construction materials from the river bed is emerging as a new source of livelihood.
Time for Universal Public Distribution System: Food Mountains and Pandemic Hunger in India
Authors: Narayan Swati
Published: October 2021

The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS 5) indicates that child stunting in India was severe and has been deteriorating since 2015. This trend could have worsened since the pandemic and the stringent lockdowns meant to contain it. There has been an acute increase in impoverishment as governmental food policies have further exacerbated rather than mitigated inequalities. Families eligible under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, have been provided with double food grain rations during two waves of the pandemic. However, nearly 42% of India’s population without these ration cards have been largely excluded from additional food relief from the central government. Simultaneously, India’s food grain stocks in government granaries have accumulated to their all-time peak with 2 years of bumper harvests. Therefore, in light of the acute distress faced by marginalised communities due to the pandemic, this article analyses the availability of adequate food grain stocks and contends that the time is opportune for the universal expansion of the public distribution system.
Clinicopathological Features and Survival of Adolescent and Young Adults with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Pan Shuya , Jiang Wenxiao , Xie Shangdan , Zhu Haiyan , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To explore clinicopathological characteristics and their prognostic value among young patients with cervical cancer (who are aged ≤25 years old).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database was used to extract data on cervical cancer patients. They were then stratified by age as young women (≤25 years old) and old women (26–35 years old) and analyzed for clinicopathology characteristics and treatment modalities. Prognosis was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curve, as well as hazard ratios using Cox regression modeling. The nomogram was developed based on Cox hazards regression model.

Results

Compared to 26–35 years old women, patients aged ≤25 years tended to be white ethnicity, unmarried, had earlier stage of disease. There was also a better prognosis among younger cohort. Grade, FIGO stage, histologic subtypes, and surgical modalities influenced the survival outcomes of young patients. Among young cohorts, surgery prolonged the survival time of IA-IIA stage patients while surgical and non-surgical management presented no statistically prognostic difference among patients at IIB-IVB stage. Besides, the nomogram which constructed according to Cox hazards regression model which contained independent prognosis factors including FIGO stage, surgery type, and histologic type of tumor can robustly predict survival of young patients.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer patients ≤25 years old were uncommon and lived longer than the older patients. Among these young patients at IA-IIA stage, surgical treatment could be more effective at preventing death than non-surgery. The nomogram could perfectly predict the prognosis of young adults and adolescents with cervical cancer.
Severe cisplatin-induced renal toxicity in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum
Authors: Gilbar Peter J , Pokharel Khageshwor
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Xeroderma pigmentosum is a rare genetic disorder of DNA repair, defined by extreme sensitivity to sunlight, leading to sunburn, skin pigmentation and increased incidence of skin cancers. Cisplatin acts by interfering with DNA repair mechanisms to cause DNA damage and apoptosis. It has indications in many malignancies including bladder, head and neck and lung cancers. Acute kidney injury is a well-known complication of cisplatin.

Case report

We report a 42-year-old male with a long history of Xeroderma pigmentosum treated with adjuvant cisplatin (40 mg/m2) in combination with radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. He presented to clinic prior to his second weekly dose of cisplatin with a severe acute kidney injury and a creatine level of 813 mmol/L and eGFR of 7 mL/min. No myelosuppression was present.

Management and outcome

Treatment consisted of aggressive electrolyte and fluid management. Creatinine levels slowly improved with conservative management without the need for dialysis. Radiation was completed without further cisplatin.

Discussion

Three cases of severe adverse effects from cisplatin administration in patients with Xeroderma pigmentosum have been reported, with all fatal. Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C plays an important role in the DNA repair process with the recognition and repair of damage to normal cells following cisplatin. Patients with Xeroderma pigmentosum can be carriers of defective Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C and if the degree of Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C inactivity is significant, fatalities could occur. Physicians should be aware of this rare but potentially lethal toxicity when considering systemic therapy for squamous cell carcinoma in patients diagnosed with Xeroderma pigmentosum.
Costs associated with United States pharmacopeia compliant infusion clinics
Authors: Kusoski Carolyn , Booth Jennifer , Salch Stephanie , Jozefczyk Harrison , Kennerly-Shah Julie
Published: October 2021

Purpose

As costs continue to rise in oncology, a strategy that has been implemented to limit these costs is use of alternative sites of care. However, there are differences in regulatory standards between common sites of care such as freestanding infusion clinics and hospital outpatient departments. The costs associated with United States Pharmacopeia compliance were evaluated in order to better understand the cost of universally compliant hospital outpatient departments.

Methods

Annual operational costs associated with United States Pharmacopeia compliance were estimated for a 30-chair infusion clinic with United States Pharmacopeia <797> and <800> pharmacy cleanrooms for non-hazardous and hazardous drugs, respectively. Annual United States Pharmacopeia compliance costs included: competency assessments, personal protective equipment, closed system transfer devices, labels, cleaning supplies, and environmental monitoring. One-time costs included initial cleanroom construction and renovations. Published information and benchmarks provided baseline assumptions for patient volume, staffing, and unit costs. If no published data was available, prices were estimated based on a similarly sized clinic.

Results

Recurring annual costs for a 30-chair fully compliant infusion clinic were calculated to be $785,207. One-time costs associated with initial construction and renovations were estimated to be $1,365,207–$1,535,207 and $965,207–$1,005,207, respectively.

Conclusions

Costs associated with increased operational oversight and regulatory standards are a major contributing factor to the facility fee of hospital outpatient departments. Ultimately, all sites of care share in the goal to provide optimal patient care while considering all aspects of patient care, including cost. Therefore, a move towards consistent regulatory standards across all settings would aid in preventing discrepancies in care.
“I prefer to build trust”: Parenting approaches to nurturing their children's digital skills
Authors: Savic Milovan
Published: October 2021

Positioned as digital natives, children are assumed to be experts in using social media. Though they are quick in picking up technical social media features, their ability to fully comprehend online risks is often questioned, raising parental anxiety about their children's engagement with digital media. While academic research has attempted to identify and measure digital skills, little is known about how these skills are negotiated within the family. This article draws on a qualitative study looking at the ways families with pre-teens negotiate the use of social media. Data collection included home-based interviews with 15 families from Melbourne, Australia ( n = 30). In each family, the eldest child (10 to 15 years old) and one of the parents were separately interviewed. Additionally, social media tours (a first-hand display of online practices) complemented interviews with children. This article discusses how confidence in children's abilities, as well as personal perceptions of the parent's digital capabilities, affects how the parent navigates their children's use of digital media, as well as their level of success in developing safe digital practices with their children. This article uncovers three dominant parental approaches that emerged across the sample: the watchdog, the chaperon, and the collaborator. Central to each of these are varying degrees of trust in a child's ability to engage in safe practices online.
Workplace experiences of physical educators with and without National Board Certification
Authors: Richards K. Andrew R. , Woods Amelia Mays , Wei Mengyi , Kim Jeongkyu
Published: October 2021

Physical educators tend to be perceived as teachers of a non-core, ancillary subject, meaning that they often contend with marginalization. In previous research, physical education National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) reported enhanced self-efficacy and confidence in their teaching with reduced feelings of marginality. Nevertheless, direct comparisons between the perceived workplace experiences of physical education NBCTs and non-NBCTs have not yet been made. The purpose of the current investigation was to examine the workplace experiences of physical education NBCTs and non-NBCTs while accounting for teaching level. A recruitment email was sent to 500 physical education NBCTs and 420 physical education non-NBCTs. Using a case–control design, 74 NBCTs were selected and matched with 74 non-NBCTs. A 2 × 2 factorial MANCOVA test, a univariate ANCOVA test, and an independent-samples t-test were used in data analysis. Results indicated that the main effect for NBCT status was significant. Specifically, NBCTs felt less isolated than their non-NBCTs counterparts. NBCTs generally perceived that they mattered more than non-NBCTs, especially at the secondary level. Additionally, teachers with NBCT certification reported higher levels of role conflict and role overload than those participants without NBCT status. This study highlights important connections between NBCT status and teachers’ workplace experiences that both relate to and extend previous research. Future scholars should consider seeking to understand the mechanisms that underlie reported differences between NBCTs and non-NBCTs.
Feminist theory and the problem of misogyny
Authors: Wrisley Samantha Pinson
Published: October 2021

Feminist theory, broadly construed, lacks a comprehensive theory of misogyny. While there has been a great deal of feminist work dedicated to analysing the social, cultural, political, and institutional effects of misogyny, the ancillary theories of misogyny these analyses produce are only ever partial, fragmented, vague or conceptually inconsistent. This article engages and critiques these theories by focusing on three separate but related issues within existing feminist scholarship on misogyny: the conflation of misogyny with sexism, the elision of misogyny's affective elements and the supplanting of misogyny with gendered violence. Through my identification and critique of these issues, I argue that misogyny should be understood as a profoundly complicated and emotional social dynamic. Moreover, I argue that to attempt to cleanse misogyny of its affective/emotional complexity or conflate misogyny with sexism and/or violence is to rob theorists of possible loci of apprehension and intervention. My hope is that this article will stimulate feminist theorists to work collectively towards a more comprehensive feminist understanding of misogyny – one that grapples with the interpersonal and affective complexities of how misogyny emerges, circulates and self-perpetuates.
The material conditions of non-domination: Property, independence, and the means of production
Authors: Bryan Alexander
Published: October 2021

While it is a point of agreement in contemporary republican political theory that property ownership is closely connected to freedom as non-domination, surprisingly little work has been done to elucidate the nature of this connection or the constraints on property regimes that might be required as a result. In this paper, I provide a systematic model of the boundaries within which republican property systems must sit and explore some of the wider implications that thinking of property in these terms may have for republicans. The boundaries I focus on relate to the distribution of property and the application of types of property claims over particular kinds of goods. I develop this model from those elements of non-domination most directly related to the operation of a property regime: (a) economic independence, (b) limiting material inequalities, and (c) the promotion of common goods. The limits that emerge from this analysis support intuitive judgments that animate much republican discussion of property distribution. My account diverges from much orthodox republican theory, though, in challenging the primacy of private property rights in the realization of economic independence. The value of property on republican terms can be realized without private ownership of the means of production.
Democracy or legacy? Boys’ views on early literacy in three Maltese state schools
Authors: Bonello Charmaine
Published: October 2021

Malta, a former British colony, has inherited a legacy of formal education, which remains stubbornly in place even after almost 60 years of independence. Similarly, persistent are arguments in research and policy highlighting democracy and children’s rights in early years practice and boys’ underachievement in literacy. This paper examines 5- to 6-year-old boys’ perspectives about their schooled reading and writing experiences in three Maltese state schools through the dual lenses of children’s rights and democratic practice to create new understandings of these widely discussed longstanding phenomena. The paper discusses themes emerging from three focus group interviews which were part of a broader mixed-methods phenomenological doctoral study. Findings revealed that most boys experienced undesirable reading and writing practices, pointing to a need to rollback the highly formalised approach to literacy practised in many early years of educational settings in Malta. This paper questions whether countries like Malta will remain paralysed by a legacy of early formal schooling or move forward to an actual realisation of children’s rights through sustained democratic early childhood paedagogies.
Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Day Services and the Families They Serve
Authors: Parker Lauren J. , Marx Katherine , Gaugler Joseph E. , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic forced adult day services (ADS) to close and abruptly end in-person services to clients. To understand the effect of the pandemic on ADS, a 20-item survey was used to examine services provided, staffing, finances, and plans to reopen. Data came from 22 sites participating in the Adult Day Service Plus a national randomized controlled trial. Of the 22 ADS sites responding to the survey, most (86.4%, n = 19) closed due to COVID-19 with nearly half closing due to a state mandate (52.6%, n = 10). Most sites reported the need to furlough or terminate staff (63.6%, n = 14). Services that sites continued to provide included telephone support (n = 22, 100%), delivery of food (n = 8, 36.4%), medical check-ins (n = 9, 40.1%), and activity via Zoom or YouTube (n = 14, 63.6%). Most of these services were provided without reimbursement. Adult day services have considerable potential as a platform for service innovation in community-based services.
Delivery of microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 by MS2 virus-like particles to therapeutically target hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Li Dandan , Zhang Rui , Peng Rongxue , Li Jinming
Published: October 2021

MicroRNAs are related to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and can serve as potential therapeutic targets. Therapeutic strategies increasing tumor-suppressive microRNAs and reducing oncogenic microRNAs have been developed. Herein, the effects of simultaneously altering two microRNAs using MS2 virus-like particles were studied. The sequences of microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 were connected and cloned into a virus-like particle expression vector. Virus-like particles containing microRNA-21-sponge and pre-microRNA-122 sequences were prepared and crosslinked with a cell-specific peptide targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Delivery effects were studied using RT-qPCR and functional assays to investigate the level of target mRNAs, cell toxicity, and the effects of proliferation, invasion, and migration. Virus-like particles delivered miR-21-sponge into cells, with the Ct value reaching 10 at most. The linked pre-miR-122 was processed into mature miR-122. The mRNA targets of miR-21 were derepressed as predicted and upregulated 1.2–2.8-fold, and the expression of proteins was elevated correspondingly. Proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were inhibited by miR-21-sponge. Simultaneous delivery of miR-21-sponge and miR-122 further decreased proliferation, migration, and invasion by up to 34%, 63%, and 65%, respectively. And the combination promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. In conclusion, delivering miR-21-sponge and miR-122 using virus-like particles modified by cell-specific peptides is an effective and convenient strategy to correct microRNA dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and is a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
3-D dynamic simulation of knitwear based on the hybrid model
Authors: Sha Sha , Wei Wantong , Xiao Bowen , Sha Di , Gao Yuqin , Cao Ruiqi , Jiang Xuewei , Deng Zhongmin , Tao Hui , Hu Xinrong , Luo Lei , Li Bin , Yuan Xiaohong
Published: October 2021

Due to the effect of force and deformation of fancy stitches, the simulation of knitwear is facing a great challenges of the real-time. In this paper, the physical-geometric hybrid method is applied to reduce the amount of calculation during the simulation of knitwear. Discretized Newton’s Method is used to analyze the gap between dynamic knitwear-human body and the knitwear model, and then the knitwear model is further divided into different regions. A three-dimensional (3-D) mesh for knitwear is constructed by the application of adaptive remeshing. This makes it possible to refine the mesh at the parts that need the presentation of fabric surface details. Simultaneously, it can merge the adjacent patches at parts without the requirement of showing the details, and form a large 3-D patch. In the light of regional division, the 3-D knitwear model is divided into the tight layer, floating layer, and loose layer. In addition, the geometric loop model based on the cuboid particle system is employed to simulate the real force of loops and knitwear for tight layer and loose layer. Near-rigid deformation method is also applied into the floating layer to improve simulation efficiency. In conclusion, the corresponding processing method is performed with different computational models, which brings the dynamic simulation effect of knitwear with realistic and real-time.
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP): the correlation between expression of Galectin-10 and Clinical-Cytological Grading (CCG)
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Giancaspro Rossana , Spadaccino Federica , Pennella Antonio , Fiore Valeria , La Gatta Emanuel , Grilli Gianluigi Mariano , Cassano Michele , Ranieri Elena
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is typically characterized by Type 2 inflammation. Several biomarkers of eosinophilic inflammation, including Galectin-10, also known as Charcot-Leyden crystal protein (CLCP), have been identified to establish eosinophilic infiltration of polyps, a reliable predictor of recurrence. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the Galectin-10 expression in nasal polyps of patients with CRSwNP and to assess the correlation of Charcot-Leyden crystals expression to the severity of CRSwNP according to Clinical-Cytological Grading (CCG).

Methods

A double-label immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate the expression of Gal-10, CD15, Tryptase, and CD63 and their eventual co-localization on histological samples of 18 patients with CRSwNP. Double-positive Gal-10+CD15+ and Galectin-10+Tryptase+ inflammatory cells were counted by confocal microscopy.

Results

Galectin-10 was detectable in all examined tissues from CRSwNP patients, and its expression increased as low, medium and high CCG tissues were examined, respectively. Galectin-10 was extensively present in inflammatory cells, while limited Galectin-10 deposits were detected around mucosal epithelial cells.

Conclusion

We showed the strong correlation between CCG and Galectin-10 expression, mainly colocalized with infiltrating eosinophils and mast-cells, in patients affected by CRSwNP.
Forecasting Buying Intention Through Artificial Neural Network: An Algorithmic Solution on Direct-to-Consumer Brands
Authors: Prasad Bikram , Ghosal Indrajit
Published: October 2021

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are emerging to reach more number of consumers with more potential to meet their expectations. They are characterized through their metamorphosis as the vertical brands sell their products from the manufacturer to consumers directly without any interruptions from distribution channels as in traditional mode of doing business. They are annihilating themselves in the virtual platforms and later disrupting their existing linear sales models. This empirical investigation is targeted to construct an algorithmic model through a deep learning process which has been instrumental to predict the purchase decision. This investigation has churned a predictive model that is based on the attributes of the buying behaviour of the consumers. The attributes of online buying behaviour like safety of transaction, availability of innovative products and quality of products have been considered to build a predictive model through artificial neural network (ANN). The accuracy of training and testing data are closer, which infers about the consistency and validity of the predictive model. There are several consequences arising from the predictive model obtained that can be seeded from customer-centred marketing and further stemmed from the framing of business strategy, gaining insights into market architecture and choice of customer
Progress in Cheerleading Safety: Update on the Epidemiology of Cheerleading Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments, 2010-2019
Authors: Xu Amy L. , Suresh Krishna V. , Lee R. Jay
Published: October 2021

Background:

Although the athleticism required of cheerleaders has increased, the risks of cheerleading have been less studied as compared with other sports.

Purpose:

To update our understanding of the epidemiology of cheerleading-related injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

We analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for cheerleading-related injuries presenting to nationally representative emergency departments (EDs) in the United States from January 2010 through December 2019. Extracted data included patient age and sex, injury characteristics (diagnosis, body region injured, time of year, and location where injury occurred), and hospital disposition. Using patient narratives, we recorded the cheerleading skills, settings, and mechanisms that led to injury. NEISS sample weights were used to derive national estimates (NEs) from actual case numbers.

Results:

From 2010 to 2019, a total of 9868 athletes (NE = 350,000; 95% CI, 250,000-450,000) aged 5-25 years presented to US EDs for cheerleading injuries. The annual number of injuries decreased by 15%, from 982 (NE = 35,000; 95% CI, 27,000-44,000) to 897 (NE = 30,000; 95% CI, 18,000-42,000) ( P = .048), corresponding to a 27% decline in the injury rate per 100,000 cheerleaders ( P < .01). The annual number of injuries caused by performing stunts decreased by 24%, from 240 (NE = 8700; 95% CI, 6700-11,000) to 216 (NE = 6600; 95% CI, 4000-9200) ( P = .01), with a 36% decline in the corresponding injury rate per 100,000 cheerleaders ( P < .01). Despite these decreases, annual incidence of concussions/closed head injuries increased by 44%, from 128 (NE = 3800; 95% CI, 2900-4700) to 171 (NE = 5500; 95% CI, 3400-7700) ( P = .02), and patients requiring hospital admission increased by 118%, from 18 (NE = 330; 95% CI, 250-410) to 24 (NE = 720; 95% CI, 440-1000) ( P < .01). The hospital admission rate increased by 9.0% ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

The number of cheerleading-related injuries presenting to US EDs decreased from 2010 to 2019. However, the incidence of concussions/closed head injuries and hospital admissions increased, suggesting that further measures are needed to improve safety for cheerleaders.
Quality of Marital Relationship and Sexual Interaction in Couples With Sexual Dysfunction: An Exploratory Study From India
Authors: Manjula V.  , Munivenkatappa Manjula , Navaneetham Janardhana , Philip Mariamma
Published: October 2021

Background:

Sexual dysfunction and marital intimacy and quality are found to have a reciprocal relationship. Examining this relationship in couples seeking help for sexual dysfunctions in the cultural context of India is worthwhile.

Aim:

This study aims to explore the nature of sexual functioning, sexual interaction, sexual communication, and marital intimacy and quality in couples with sexual dysfunction. Further, relationship between the above variables is also examined.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, single-group exploratory design was adopted. A sample of 155 married heterosexual individuals, with a clinical diagnosis of sexual dysfunction in either of the spouses, was included in the study. The tools used included MINI neuropsychiatric interview, Marital Quality Scale, Marital Intimacy Questionnaire, Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale, and Sexual Interaction Inventory.

Results:

Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in men and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women were the most common sexual dysfunctions. Majority of the sample were young adults. About 82% of the sample had moderate-to-severe levels of marital distress. Mood disorder was the most common psychiatric disorder reported in the sample. High levels of intimacy problems were seen with no significant gender differences in the overall marital quality or intimacy. Difficulty in the overall sexual interactions was found; however, higher levels of dissatisfaction with the frequency of sex and lower self-acceptance was reported by men compared to women. Significant interrelationships were found between marital quality and intimacy, sexual interaction, and sexual communication.

Conclusions:

Sexual dysfunctions and marital distress are closely related. Sexual interaction and sexual communication play a significant role in marital quality and intimacy.
Exploring embodied memories of terror through a multimodal research-creation practice
Authors: Marchetti Florencia
Published: October 2021

Pivoting on the body/life of the ethnographer as a point of impact, this article will offer a multimodal account of the ripple effects of state sponsored terror as lived in Argentina (1976–1983) and re-sensed in Canada throughout the Maple Spring and its aftermath (2012). Threading a series of theoretical and ethnographic vignettes, a conceptual weaving emerges that travels back and forth in time, working against the perceptual attack on the population produced by the military regime.
Randomised trial of the P2X3receptor antagonist sivopixant for refractory chronic cough
Authors: Niimi Akio , Saito Junpei , Kamei Tadashi , Shinkai Masaharu , Ishihara Hiroyuki , Machida Mitsuaki , Miyazaki Sayaka
Published: October 2021

Background

The purinoceptor subtype P2X3has been shown to have significant involvement in the cough reflex; the heterotrimer version of the purinoceptor (P2X2/3) has been implicated in taste disturbance. The most advanced clinical candidate antagonist gefapixant has low selectivity among P2X3receptors and induced taste disturbance, whereas newly developed sivopixant has high selectivity towards P2X3versusP2X2/3.

Methods

In a phase 2a, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, multicentre study, adult patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough received oral sivopixant 150 mg or placebo once daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 2–3-week washout period, and then crossed over to placebo or sivopixant for 2 weeks. Efficacy and safety of sivopixant were evaluated.

Results

Of 31 randomised patients, 15 in the sivopixant-first group and 15 in the placebo-first group completed the study. After 2 weeks of treatment, the placebo-adjusted ratios of the average hourly number of coughs to baseline during daytime (primary end-point) and over 24 h (secondary end-point) were −31.6% (p=0.0546) and −30.9% (p=0.0386), respectively. Sivopixant also improved health-related quality of life. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 12.9% and 3.2% of patients during sivopixant and placebo administration, respectively. Mild taste disturbance occurred in two patients (6.5%) during sivopixant administration.

Conclusions

Sivopixant reduced objective cough frequency and improved health-related quality of life, with a low incidence of taste disturbance, among patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough.
Breath analysis for detection and trajectory monitoring of acute respiratory distress syndrome in swine
Authors: Sharma Ruchi , Zhou Menglian , Tiba Mohamad Hakam , McCracken Brendan M. , Dickson Robert P. , Gillies Christopher E. , Sjoding Michael W. , Nemzek Jean A. , Ward Kevin R. , Stringer Kathleen A. , Fan Xudong
Published: October 2021

Despite the enormous impact on human health, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is poorly defined, and its timely diagnosis is difficult, as is tracking the course of the syndrome. The objective of this pilot study was to explore the utility of breath collection and analysis methodologies to detect ARDS through changes in the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles present in breath. Five male Yorkshire mix swine were studied and ARDS was induced using both direct and indirect lung injury. An automated portable gas chromatography device developed in-house was used for point of care breath analysis and to monitor swine breath hourly, starting from initiation of the experiment until the development of ARDS, which was adjudicated based on the Berlin criteria at the breath sampling points and confirmed by lung biopsy at the end of the experiment. A total of 67 breath samples (chromatograms) were collected and analysed. Through machine learning, principal component analysis and linear discrimination analysis, seven VOC biomarkers were identified that distinguished ARDS. These represent seven of the nine biomarkers found in our breath analysis study of human ARDS, corroborating our findings. We also demonstrated that breath analysis detects changes 1–6 h earlier than the clinical adjudication based on the Berlin criteria. The findings provide proof of concept that breath analysis can be used to identify early changes associated with ARDS pathogenesis in swine. Its clinical application could provide intensive care clinicians with a noninvasive diagnostic tool for early detection and continuous monitoring of ARDS.
Perianal disease onset age is associated with distinct disease features and need for intestinal resection in perianal Crohn’s disease: a ten-year hospital-based observational study in China
Authors: Wang Haichao , Wu Yaling , Ye Chen , Liu Zhanju , Wang Xiaolei
Published: October 2021

Background and aims

The significance of different ages of perianal disease (PD) onset in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease (PCD) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the impact of paediatric-onset PD (POP) and adult-onset PD (AOP) on the Crohn’s disease (CD) course in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

The medical records of diagnosed PCD patients from 2008 to 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The cumulative incidence and predictors of intestinal resection were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Complex perianal fistulas (71.7% vs 50.0%, p = 0.011) and infliximab (IFX) treatment (33.3% vs 22.0%, p = 0.044) were more common among the POP patients (age < 18 years old, n = 84). A younger PD onset age (15.1 ± 2.9 vs 30.2 ± 10.5 years, p < 0.001) and shorter PCD diagnostic delay (12 vs 24 months, p = 0.033) was found in the POP cohort. AOP patients (age ≥ 18 years old, n = 209) had a higher rate of current smoking (12.9% vs 4.8%, p = 0.040), stricturing behaviour (42.1% vs 27.4%, p = 0.024) and intestinal resection (21.1% vs 4.8%, p = 0.001). The cumulative probability of intestinal resection in AOP patients was higher than that in POP patients (p = 0.007). In multivariable analysis, AOP (OR: 4.939, 95% CI 1.538–15.855, p = 0.007), stricturing behaviour (OR: 1.810, 95% CI 1.008–3.251, p = 0.047) and rectal inflammation (OR: 3.166, 95% CI 1.119–8.959, p = 0.030) were predictive factors for CD-related intestinal resection in all PCD patients. AOP patients with complex perianal fistula (OR: 2.257, 95% CI 1.041–4.891, p = 0.039) and POP patients with rectal inflammation (OR: 3.166, 95% CI 1.119–8.959, p = 0.030) were more likely to suffer intestinal resection. The IFX administration significantly decreased the rate of intestinal resection in AOP patients (r = − 0.900, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

The AOP patients have more complicated luminal disease and higher rate of intestinal resection than COP patients. The perianal diseases onset-age can provide clinical treatment guidance for individual management of CD patients.