bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenetic Function and Prognostic Value of DNA Topoisomerase II Alpha (TOP2A) in Human Malignances: A Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Zhao Fulai , Chang Junli , Wang Wenyi , Sun Xingyuan , Ma Xiaoping , Zhao Peng , Wang Yongjun , Yang Yanping
Published: October 2021

Increasing studies have revealed significant associations between TOP2A with oncogenesis and prognosis of human cancers; however, pan-cancer analysis has not been reported. Here, we explored the potential carcinogenic function, the association with clinical outcomes of TOP2A in 33 different human cancers. The results showed that TOP2A was amplified in 32 investigated cancers; TOP2A expression was significantly associated with metastasis of six different cancers, and significantly associated with the survivals of patients in ten different cancers; TOP2A encoded protein was obviously upregulated in five available cancers; phosphorylated TOP2A protein at S1106 was significantly upregulated in all six available cancers. Moreover, TOP2A expression was found to be associated with the cancer-associated immune cell infiltration, including fibroblasts, Tregs and macrophages. In addition, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses revealed a most significant association between TOP2A with Wnt signaling pathway, and DNA conformation change. This work provides a comprehensive knowledge of TOP2A in different cancers, including carcinogenic function, prognostic values for metastasis and clinical outcomes.
Clinical Use of Lymphocyte Subset Analysis: As a Prognostic Marker for Dogs with Pyometra
Authors: Yokota Shunya , YUKI Masashi , Fujikake Kohei , Masuda Kenichi , Hirano Takashi , Naito Eiji , Kainuma Daiki , Taira Hiroto , Narita Momoko
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLymphocyte subset analysis is clinically applied in human medicine. However, lymphocyte subset analysis is rarely used in small animal practice. We hypothesized that lymphocyte subsets analysis was useful in small animal practice as a biomarker for evaluating immune competence and predicting the disease prognosis. Lymphocyte subset analysis was performed prospectively for pyometra, a common disease in dogs, to assess its clinical usefulness in small animal practice.ResultsThis study included 29 dogs diagnosed with pyometra. They were classified into group 1 and group 2 on the basis of clinical course postoperatively. Sixteen dogs were classified in group 1 with no adverse events postoperatively. Thirteen dogs experienced adverse events such as increase in C-reactive protein concentration and white blood cell count, discharge from operation site, and hypoglycemia. These dogs were classified as group 2. Nine dogs were below the reference interval for the lymphocyte subset, eight of which were in group 2. Group 2 included significantly more dogs with lymphocyte subset abnormalities (p = 0.005). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, only the result of lymphocyte subset analysis was significantly associated with adverse events (p = 0.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.68–192). Most dogs in group 2 were successfully treated.ConclusionsThese results indicate that lymphocyte subset analysis is useful as a prognostic tool for pyometra. Further studies are necessary for evaluating the clinical usefulness of lymphocyte subset analysis in pyometra and other diseases.
Effect of ZrO2 Doping on the Microstructure and Dielectric Properties of Ca0.97Y0.03Cu3Ti4-xZrxO12 Ceramics
Authors: YU Haibo , WEI Yanliang , ZHANG Xiaolin , WANG Dang , ZHANG Yuying , CHU Ruiqing , Xu Zhijun
Published: October 2021

Dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics were studied by doping amount of Zr4+ donor on the basis of doping Y3+ donor. Ca0.97Y0.03Cu3Ti4-xZrxO12 (x=0, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, CYCTZO) ceramics were prepared by reaction sintering method, and the phase structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of the ceramics were studied. The single phase CCTO was detected in all ceramic samples. SEM images of samples showed a high density and uniform-sized microstructure, and the average grain sizes of the ceramics was reduced with increasing content of Zr4+ donor. Interestingly, the dielectric constant (εr) was increased significantly while the dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) was decreased with the suitable doping amount of Zr4+. CYCTZO ceramics with x=0.010 exhibited a relatively high εr value of 1.02×105 at 1kHz. Meanwhile, the improved grain boundaries response and dielectric properties were closely related to the strengthened grain boundaries resistance (Rgb). The present results indicate that the εr was improved and the tanδ was reduced by doping Zr4+ donors in Ca0.97Y0.03Cu3Ti4O12 (CYCTO) ceramics and explained that the electrical properties were closely related to the electrical heterogeneity of ceramic grains and grain boundaries.
COX-2/sEH Dual Inhibitor PTUPB Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation of Alveolar Epithelial Cells by Suppressing TGF-β1-Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Chen-Yu , Guan Xin-Xin , Song Zhuo-Hui , Jiang Hui-Ling , Liu Yu-Biao , Chen Ping , Duan Jia-Xi , Zhou Yong
Published: October 2021

Background: Arachidonic acid (ARA) metabolites are involved in the pathogenesis of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). However, the role of ARA metabolism in the progression of EMT in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of cytochrome P450 oxidase (CYP)/ soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) metabolic disorders of ARA in EMT during PF.Methods: A signal intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM) was given to induce PF in C57BL/6J mice. A COX-2/sEH dual inhibitor PTUPB was used to establish the function of CYPs/COX-2 dysregulation to EMT in PF mice. In vitro experiments, murine alveolar epithelial cells (MLE12) and human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were used to explore the roles and mechanisms of PTUPB on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT. Results: PTUPB treatment reversed the increase of mesenchymal marker molecule α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the loss of epithelial marker molecule E-Cadherin in lung tissue of PF mice. In vitro, COX-2 and sEH protein levels were increased in TGF-β1-treated alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). PTUPB decreased the expression of α-SMA and restored the expression of E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AECs, accompanied by reduced migration and collagen synthesis. Moreover, PTUPB alleviated the activation of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway induced by TGF-β1 in AECs.Conclusion: PTUPB inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT via inhibition of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway, which holds great promise for the clinical treatment of PF.
Predictive Value of The G1–G6 Transcriptomic Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for its Biological Behavior and Clinicopathological Features in China
Authors: Chen Ruonan , Zhou Zixiong , He Wubing , Chen Yi , Huang Aimin , Chen Lihong
Published: October 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a large number of genetic alterations are involved in the carcinogenetic process. A G1–G6 transcriptomic classification was previously proposed in a French study, and Korean and Singaporean groups indicated its potential application in Asian HCC patients. However, the genomic profiles of Chinese patients are distinct from patients of other regions, and therefore the suitability of this method in Chinese HCC patients has remained unknown.Materials/Methods: In this study, we tested the transcriptomic group classification from the French cohort on a cohort of HCC patients from China. a total of 107 HCC cases from China were selected for the G1–G6 transcriptomic molecular classification. The correlation between the G1–G6 molecular classification and clinicopathological features were analyzed. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to screen related targets and molecular signaling pathways.Results: We investigated the G1–G6 signatures in 107 Chinese HCC patients. HCC cases from China (n=107) were distributed as follows: G1 (17.76%), G2 (1.87%), G3 (18.69%), G4 (9.35%), G5 (23.36%), and G6 (28.97%) groups. We observed concordance between the genetic profiles and clinical features of Chinese HCC patients and French HCC patients. We found that the G1–G3 subgroups were associated with high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, high copy number of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, complex histopathological structure, macrovascular invasion, negative or weak Hep-Par1 expression, programmed death-ligand 1 expression, and liver cancer stemness. The G1 subgroup was mainly related to liver cancer stemness, and G3 subgroup showed the worst prognosis. The G5 and G6 subgroups were associated with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Compared with the G1–G4 group, the G1–G3 group showed significantly higher expression levels of regenerating family member 1 beta (REG1B), regenerating family member 3 gamma (REG3G), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (ITPR1), and enriched calcium signaling pathway.Conclusions: Our results clarify the correlation between G1–G6 molecular classification and molecular markers and molecular signaling pathways in the Chinese HCC population and initially established a link between the phenotype and molecular characteristics. This study enhances our understanding of the heterogenicity of China HCC and indicates that the G1–G6 signatures can be used to identify potential therapeutic biomarkers against HCC patients in China.
Effects of Food-Specific IgG on Health Outcomes of Asymptomatic Physical Examination Population
Authors: Wu Mingxia , Wang Xiaofang , Sun Li , Chen Zongtao
Published: October 2021

Background: Although food-specific IgG is associated with the development and progression of some diseases as shown by many studies, it is also present in the population without clinical symptoms. However, the damage of the immune response it evokes to the health of such population has not been studied yet.Methods: The asymptomatic physical examination population (APEP) was selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the physical examination data were collected. The subjects were divided into IgG-positive group (IgG-po group) and IgG-negative group (IgG-neg group). The hematologic and imaging examination results were compared between the two groups, and their odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated using binary logistic regression to determine the relationship between food-specific IgG and different health outcomes. Results: The data of 28,292 subjects were included in the analysis of the study. The overall IgG positive rate was up to 52.3%, with mild to moderate IgG positive predominantly. Compared with IgG negative group, IgG positive group was associated with a decrease in the risks of hypertriglyceridemia, abnormal fasting blood glucose and overweight(OR=0.87,95%:CI:0.83-0.92; OR=0.93,95%CI:0.87-0.99; OR=0.92,95%CI:0.87-0.96) and with an increase in the incidence rate of thyroid nodule (OR=1.09,95%CI:1.04-1.15).Conclusion: Food-specific IgG is generally present in APEP and has an unique distribution profile, which plays a positive role in maintaining normal body weight and metabolic indicators(triglyceride(TG) and fasting blood glucose(FBG)), without influencing the nutritional status. The physiological mechanism is worth further study.
ROS/PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-Catenin Signalings Activate HIF-1α-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming to Impart 5-Fluorouracil Resistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dong Shuohui , Liang Shuo , Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhang Xiang , Luo Li , Li Linchuan , Zhang Wenjie , Li Songhan , Xv Qian , Zhong Mingwei , Zhu Jiankang , Zhang Guangyong , Hu Sanyuan
Published: October 2021

Background: Acquired resistance of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) remains a clinical challenge in colorectal cancer (CRC), and efforts to develop targeted agents to reduce resistance have not yielded success. Metabolic reprogramming is a key cancer hallmark and confers several tumor phenotypes including chemoresistance. Glucose metabolic reprogramming events of 5-FU resistance in CRC has not been evaluated, and whether abnormal glucose metabolism could impart 5-FU resistance in CRC is also poorly defined.Methods: We generated three acquired 5-FU resistance CRC cell line models, and the detailed assessment of glucose metabolism was performed by in vitro and in vivo experiments, including glucose and lactate utilization, the RNA and protein expressions of glucose metabolism‐related enzymes, the changes of intermediate metabolites of glucose metabolite pool and so on. We detected the protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in primary tumors and circulating tumor cells of CRC patients by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Stably HIF1A knockdown in cell models were established with a lentiviral system. The influence of both HIF1A gene knockdown and pharmacological inhibition on 5-FU resistance in CRC was detected in cell models in vivo and in vitro.Results: Here we describe the condition of abnormal glucose metabolism in 5-FU-resistant CRC in detail, and we demonstrate that the enhanced glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway in CRC are associated with increased HIF-1α expression. We also show that HIF-1α-induced glucose metabolic reprogramming imparts 5-FU resistance in CRC. HIF-1α showed enhanced expression in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells and clinical specimens, and increased HIF-1α levels were associated with failure of fluorouracil analog-based chemotherapy in CRC patients and poor survival. Upregulation of HIF-1α in 5-FU-resistant CRC occurs through non-oxygen-dependent mechanisms of reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of PI3K/Akt signaling, and aberrant activation of β-catenin in the nucleus. Both HIF-1α gene knock-down and pharmacological inhibition restored the sensitivity of CRC to 5-FU, indicating the potential efficacy of strategies targeting HIF-1α as an upstream glycolytic pathway regulator. Conclusions: Our results indicate HIF-1α is a potential biomarker for 5-FU-resistant CRC, and targeting HIF-1a in combination with 5-FU may represent an effective therapeutic strategy in 5-FU-resistant CRC.
Simple Fabrication and Carrier Type Modification of Semi-Conductive C/Al2O3 Composites by Powder Mixtures and Pulsed Electric Current Sintering
Authors: Nguyen Huu Hien , Xin Yunzi , Shirai Takashi
Published: October 2021

Semi-conductive C/Al2O3 ceramic composites were successfully fabricated by a pretty simple approach, combining a powder mixture process and pulsed electric current sintering. In order to obtain homogeneous distribution of carbon contents, popular polymers were used as carbon fillers to mix with Al2O3 powder by a wet ball milling step. The sintering was conducted by pulsed electric current sintering without any special requirement of the reductive environment like in conventional sintering. Density of bulk bodies, states of carbon contents after sintering and the electrical properties were analyzed in this study. Although the density of sintered bodies and their electrical properties were not superior, those characteristics of C/Al2O3 ceramic composites in this study were still comparatively high among semi-conductive ceramics. Especially, the carrier type of semi-conductive C/Al2O3 composites could be modified easily by adding polycarboxylic acid (PCA) in the powder mixture as a dispersant.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OFAGRICULTURAL PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS OF UKRAINIAN PROVINCES OFTHE RUSSIAN EMPIRE (EARLY 20TH CENTURY)
Authors: Lysenko Maiia
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to study the international cooperation of
agricultural societies and its impact on the modernization of Ukrainian provinces.
The author used comparative, chronological, problem and analytical research
methods. On the basis of archival documents and the press of that time the author
described and systematized new materials about the international activity of
agricultural societies of the Ukrainian provinces. The author proves that it took
various forms and contributed to the borrowing of useful foreign experience.
It was found that international activities had developed from personal ties to
mutual cooperation. The public’s tasks include holding numerous events. The author
reconstructs the process of participation of members of agricultural organizations
in various international events, including exhibitions. It was emphasized that these
contacts were of mutual interest. They provided an opportunity for members of
voluntary associations to learn from foreign experience. It is important that the
experience was taken consciously.
Considerable attention is paid to the initiatives of individuals – members of
agricultural societies. The trips contributed to positive changes in society and the
modernization of the region in general. The article examines the issue of conducting
tours, practices for local landowners abroad by agricultural associations. The
expediency of such forms of cooperation was realized by members of agricultural
societies. The public understood the need for change.
We drew attention to a wide range of countries with which representatives
of agricultural societies cooperated. The public of the Ukrainian provinces was
interested in foreign governmental and public institutions in the field of agriculture.
There was a search for new forms of work, among which is the creation of the socalled American agency.
Foreign relations of Volyn hop growers should be called indicative. The joint
work of representatives of the Volyn Hop Society was carried out together with
government experts, foreign partners, including Ukrainian cooperatives in London.
The initiative of agrarian public organizations received government assistance,
and export chambers were established. Agricultural societies became their active
participants and co-founders.
It is concluded that the adoption of foreign experience and contacts with foreign
organizations and professionals have contributed to qualitative changes in society.
The influence of the ship static and dynamic characteristics on the amplitude of the oscillatory movements – RAO specter
Authors: Mihaela Greti Manea
Published: October 2021

Possibilities in anticipation of functional performance of the ships in real sea navigation conditions, since the early stages of design, is a challenge for naval architects, motivated by the need to reduce design time and cost of construction. The paper presents a computer-assisted study of the characteristics that define the behaviour of the ship under real navigation conditions (RAO spectrum of the ship response to the action of the sea waves) depending on the ship static and dynamic characteristics. For the study was used the features offered by OCTOPUS software. Program library was used for both the vessel itself and navigation modelling environment, for regular waves as well for the irregular waves which was modelled using Jonswap energy spectrum.
On the experimental testing procedures for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) behaviour evaluation in static and dynamic regime
Authors: Florina Bucur
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, extensive work has been carried out on the study of materials behaviour subjected to a variety type of loads, especially on new materials with improved mechanicals properties. The UHMWPE, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a material with hight resistance at static, dynamic and even impulsive loads that can have a large number of practical applications is proposed to be studied in this article. The current paper aims to propose a series of experimental procedures in order to characterise the behaviour of different specimen types of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene subjected to static and dynamic loads. Laboratory tests were performed aiming to confirm the proposed experimental approach.
Economic policies to reduce CO2 emissions in maritime transport
Authors: Doru Coșofreț
Published: October 2021

The international shipping industry contributes with 2.7% to the global emissions of CO2. In light of the projected growth of world trade by 2050 and the demand for maritime transport, it is necessary to identify and implement additional measures compared to the existing measures to reduce CO2 emissions. A category of measures with the potential for implementation is Market-Based Mechanisms (MBM). The paper presented a synthesis of the types of market-based mechanisms proposed to be implemented in maritime transport. Also, in the situation of implementing the market mechanism based on the introduction of the tax depending on the quantity of CO2 emitted by the ship, there is presented a calculation program for determining the amount of CO2 emitted during a voyage.
Problems of ship repairing and maintenance activities in shipyards and mathematical methods to solve that
Authors: Emil Manea
Published: October 2021

Mathematical statistics are applied in the field of engineering sciences where there are conditions of risk and uncertainty and where it is necessary to make some rigorously argued decisions. This paper purpouse is to illustrate, the opportunity to use probability theory in solving complex problems from the maritime vessels shipyard maintance and repairing activity, conditioned by uncertainty, risk and variability. The authors intended to demonstrate the fact that usinng the theory of probabilistic calculations could provide an efficient solution for the maintenance work of the drydocked ships in respect with requirement of the classification societies.
The importance of educational resources using online platforms in pre-university education
Authors: Nuţi Savin
Published: October 2021

E-learning is the integrated hardware and software environment in which students individually or assisted by teachers, assimilate new knowledge and skills, in accordance with the objectives set, using specific training methods. In the Romanian education, e-learning is proving to be an excellent tool, the current period knowing a series of research efforts in the field of education through electronic media.
Methodology for ensuring computer security for vulnerable systems
Authors: Violeta Nicoleta Opris
Published: October 2021

Risk assessment is a process that provides cloud users with useful data for understanding the impact. We define a security incident as an event that attempts unauthorized access to databases. It is similar to an attack on the integrity and confidentiality of information.
Ballistic threats on military helicopters
Authors: Catalin Adetu
Published: October 2021

The importance of helicopters cannot be disputed, since they perform missions of transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and of course, air ground-support, being a real weapon, when are properly equipped. This article presents the ballistic threats on military helicopters, the risks that helicopters face, the threats that appears during the missions and protective measure. Also, critical and sensitive areas of the helicopters will be presented.
The process of adapting the European Union to changes in the security environment
Authors: Iulian Cojocaru
Published: October 2021

The instability of the security environment is dangerous and can become devastating for a state, a region, a continent or even for the whole world if the necessary measures are not taken immediately. The main issues that have, over time, underpinned the European project were security and social welfare. These aspects are still important today and are very topical, representing at the same time the main objectives of the European Union, even if the changes are fast, and the security environment we live in is particularly fragile. For over half a century, the European Union has continuously contributed to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity, raised the standards of living, launched a single currency and has constantly evolved to create a single market in which people, goods, services and the capital can move freely, as if it were in the territory of a single country. Now, the European Union must face the existing challenges and adapt to the changes in the security environment. The adaptation to the new, to the changes, is the fundamental property of the European Union, and this must change and at the same time adapt the mode of action in relation to the alternatives that have occurred both from a quantitative and qualitative point of view.At present, the adaptability of the European Union in the new global security context is precisely its ability to understand the changes and make the necessary adjustments immediately to the current requirements, to react promptly with appropriate responses that will lead to the restoration of the status quo.
Matlab Simulink simulation of naval electric propulsion using synchronous motor fed from cycloconverter drive
Authors: Vlad Mocanu
Published: October 2021

The content of the paper presents the virtual construction of an electric propulsion system from the source to synchronous motor with variable speed which drives the propeller. The variable speed of the propeller is obtained by changing the frequency of the supply voltage produced by the cycloconverters (12 pulses). Electric propulsion system simulation with cycloconverter is made in Matlab Simulink, which highlights the characteristics of the synchronous motor used in naval propulsion.
The Assessment of Port Services Integration Within the Supply Chain. Connectivity Analysis Case on Constanta Port
Authors: Catalin Popa
Published: October 2021

The importance of port services integration into the global supply chain has been broadly approached in a broad range of scientific papers. Considering its updated technical and technological perspectives, most of the previous studies have been focused on the conceptualization of port supply chain integration as part of the global logistic chain. The purpose of the study is meant to consequently disclose by extensive literature review, the most common indicators that measure the effectiveness of the port services as to further depict how deeply integrated are the ports as functional component within the global supply chain, using the selected key performances indicators. In general, these indicators are metrics set up to monitor the cost, value, service, and waste, to illustrate the gap between planning and execution into a company's supply chain, the article seeking to put together most of the useful indicators in case of assessing the port logistic integration into the supply chain. Apart to the literature review, another research purpose, was to point the port evaluation pursuance support, on the example of Constanta port, suggesting the way to follow for deeper analysis in logistic integrative perspective.
Aspects of psychological training in alpine skiing at the age of 14-16
Authors: Denisa Catana Brus
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this research is to signal the importance of mental training which consists in developing those aspects of the athlete's psycho-behavioral activity that condition him an effective conduct in training both in terms of full adaptation to stress and stress, and in terms of technical and tactical perfection. In this sense, we start from the premise that psychological monitoring in performance sports in general and in alpine skiing in general through objective investigations and evaluations, determine the achievement of superior results both in the training of athletes and in competition
Assessment of training in the naval pentathlon
Authors: Constantin Cristinel OLARU
Published: October 2021

The performance performed by the athlete in the competition depends on its ability to solve the complex situation specific to that competition. The factors that create these locations may be of an internal nature, represented by the individual characteristics of the athlete (psychomotor and intellectual skills, attitudes, adaptability to changes in the situation), or of an external nature (social, environmental, specific factors) [14]. In order to achieve maximum performance, the athlete must respond optimally to the interaction of specific internal and external factors. The evaluation is one of the integral parts of the instructional-educational process, and the results of the evaluation reflect the effectiveness of the efforts of the coach and the team involved in the training of athletes. At the same time, the evaluation process will ensure an objective knowledge of the training process ensuring its adjustment and optimization.
An Aβ3‑10‑KLH vaccine decreases Aβ plaques and astrocytes and microglia activation in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Yang , Xu Bing , Zhou Jin , Wang Jinchun , Wang Guoqing , Cao Yunpeng
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate β‑amyloid peptide (Aβ) plaques and changes of astroglia and microglia in mice with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, 18 transgenic mice with amyloid precursor protein (APP) /presenilin‑1 (PS1) were randomized into the Aβ3‑10‑KLH vaccine, Aβ1‑42 vaccine, and phosphate‑buffered saline (PBS) groups. The mice were injected at different time points. The Morris water maze test was used to identify the spatial learning and memory abilities of the mice. Immunohistochemistry was done to examine the Aβ, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and transmembrane protein 119 (TMEM119). Correspondingly, enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was done to measure interleukin (IL) ‑1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ‑α in the brain of transgenic mice. The Morris water maze results showed that both the Aβ3‑10‑KLH vaccine and the Aβ1‑42 peptide vaccine could improve the cognitive function of APP/PS1 transgenic mice significantly. Aβ3‑10‑KLH and Aβ1‑42 inoculations reduced Aβ load and suppressed astrocytes and microglia
proliferation in the cortex compared with the PBS group. While there was no significant difference between the two groups, Aβ3‑10‑KLH and Aβ1‑42 vaccines decreased the brain levels of IL‑1β and TNF‑α as compared with the PBS group, but without difference between the two vaccines. In conclusion, early immunotherapy with an Aβ vaccine reduces the activation of glial cells and deposition of Aβ plaque in the brain of transgenic mice.
Effects of scopolamine treatment and consequent convulsion development in c‑fos expression in fed, fasted, and refed mice
Authors: Turkmen Asli , Nurten Asiye , Erguven Mine , Bilge Emine
Published: October 2021

Fasting, anticholinergics, and seizures affect c‑fos activation in the brain. Additionally, antimuscarinic treated fasted animals develop convulsion soon after re‑feeding. Therefore, we assessed whether c‑fos expression changes in fed, fasting, and refed animals and how scopolamine treatment affects these changes. We further assessed whether there is a change in c‑fos expression after convulsions. For this purpose, BALB/c mice fasted for 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h periods were used. The animals were treated with saline or scopolamine. Half\r\nof the animals treated with saline or scopolamine were given food 20 min after injection. All animals were observed for development of convulsions for 30 min. At the end of this period, the brains of all animals were removed, and the percentage of c‑fos active cells in the hypothalamus was determined immunohistochemically. Convulsions occurred within 1‑48 h of fasting, after scopolamine treatment and re‑feeding. Compared to fed animals, c‑fos expression was not significantly changed in those undergoing different fasting periods, but significantly decreased after 12 h fasting. After animals were allowed to eat, c‑fos activation significantly increased in the 1, 3, 6 and\r\n12 refed‑saline groups and decreased in the 48 refed‑saline group. Scopolamine treatment in 1‑24 h fasted animals increased c‑fos expression, but decreased in 48 h fasted animals. Whereas convulsion development in scopolamine‑treated 3, 6, 12 and 24 h refed animals suppressed c‑fos expression. These results demonstrate that re‑feeding and scopolamine treatment induces neuronal activity in the hypothalamus, while scopolamine induced convulsions after food intake suppressed the c‑fos activity.
Class III malocclusion: a challenging treatment using miniscrews for extra anchorage
Authors: Matsumoto Mirian Aiko Nakane , Monteiro Patrícia Maria , Mendes Wendes Dias , Ferreira José Tarcísio Lima , Romano Fábio Lourenço , Stuani Maria Bernadete Sasso
Published: October 2021

Aims

This article presents the nonsurgical orthodontic treatment of a skeletal Class III malocclusion of an adult patient.

Methods

Because the patient refused an orthognathic surgical procedure, the mandibular first premolars were extracted and orthodontic camouflage using miniscrew anchorage was used to correct dental asymmetries and the occlusal relationship.

Results

The treatment strategy was successful and provided an acceptable aesthetic functional occlusion.

Conclusion

When appropriately indicated, the orthodontic camouflage of a class III malocclusion can avoid orthognathic surgery and, through the use of mini-implants as skeletal anchorage, enhance the results.
Possible Effect of Astaxanthin on Obesity-related Increased COVID-19
Infection Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Örs Elif Didem , Alkan Şenay Burçin , Öksüz Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a body mass index
equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater. It is an important and escalating global public health problem.
Obesity is known to cause low-grade chronic inflammation, increasing the burden of noncommunicable
and possibly communicable diseases. There is considerable evidence that obesity is
associated with an increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection
as well as significantly higher COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. It appears plausible
that controlling the chronic systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity may have
a positive impact on the symptoms and the prognosis of COVID-19 disease in obese patients.
Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a naturally occurring carotenoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
and immunomodulatory activities. As a nutraceutical agent, it is used as a preventative and a
co-treatment in a number of systemic neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.
This review article will discuss the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and the effect of
ASTX on obesity and obesity-related inflammation. The potential positive impact of ASTX anti-
inflammatory properties in obese COVID-19 patients will be discussed.
The Concurrent Therapeutic Potential of Adipose-derived Mesenchymal
Stem Cells on Gentamycin-induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Mohamed Ayman Saber , Rawash Mohamed A. , El-Zayat Emad M.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) are a type of stem cell employed
to repair damaged organs. This study aimed to see how effective AMSCs are at treating gentamycin-
induced hepatorenal damage in rats.

Methods:

18 male Wister rats were assigned into three groups; control, Gentamycin (GM), and
GM+AMSCs. GM induced hepatorenal toxicity through daily injection (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for eight
days. On day 9, AMSC (106 cells/ml/rat) was injected intravenously.

Results :

Creatinine, urea, uric acid, AST, ALP, ALT, TNF-, and MDA levels decreased, whereas
IL-10, GSH, and CAT levels increased, indicating the therapeutic potency of intravenous injection
AMSCs.

Conclusion:

The current study demonstrated the simultaneous therapeutic efficacy of adipose mesenchymal
stem cells on the liver and kidney in the treatment of Gentamycin-induced hepatotoxicity.
These data show that AMSCs could be a feasible therapy option for liver and kidney disease.
Natural Compounds as Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducers to Reduce the Deleterious Consequences Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Sorrenti Valeria , Consoli Valeria , Grosso S. Salvo , Vanella Luca
Published: October 2021

:

The virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) causes
COVID 19 (CoronaVIrus Disease 19), a global pandemic with multi-organ failure, resulting in
high morbidity and mortality. Some individuals are more vulnerable than others and have deleterious
consequences following covid- 19. It has been postulated that Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) reduction
and free heme may contribute to many of the inflammatory phenomena observed in
COVID-19 patients. Therefore, HO-1 inducers could prove to be potential therapeutic or preventive
agents for COVID 19. Many of the natural compounds present in fruits and vegetables, such as
polyphenols, were able to induce HO-1. The aim of this review is to focus on the main foods containing
bioactive compounds able to induce HO-1 for an informed choice of foods to use to counteract
damage from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Review on Documented Medicinal Plants used for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Joshi Bhuwan C. , Juyal Vijay , Sah Archana N. , Verma Piyush , Mukhija Minky
Published: October 2021

Background:

Cancer is a frightful disease and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Naturally derived compounds are gaining interest of research workers as they have less toxic side effects as compared to currently used treatments, such as chemotherapy. Plants are the pool of chemical compounds, which provide a promising future for research on cancer.

Objective:

This review paper provides updated information gathered on medicinal plants and isolated phytoconstituents used as anticancer agents and summarises the plant extracts and their isolated chemical constituents exhibiting anticancer potential on clinical trials.

Methods:

An extensive bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing worldwide established scientific databases like SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, ScienceDirect, Springerlink, Web of Science, Wiley, SciFinder and Google Scholar etc. In the next few decades, herbal medicine may become a new epoch of medical system.

Results:

Many researches are going on medicinal plants for the treatment of cancer but it is a time to increase further experimental studies on plant extracts and their chemical constituents to find out their mechanism of action at molecular level.

Conclusion:

The article may help many researchers to start off further experimentation that might lead to the drugs for the cancer treatment.
Corrigendum to: Combined Preference Ranking Algorithm for Comparing and Initial Ranking of Cloud Services
Authors: Quadir Md Abdul , Vijayakumar Varadarajan
Published: October 2021

A spelling error appeared in the authors’ list of the article titled “Combined Preference Ranking Algorithm for Comparing
and Initial Ranking of Cloud Services”, published in “Recent Advances in Electrical and Electronic Engineering”, 2020, Vol.
13, no. 2. [1].

Details of the error and a correction are provided here.

We regret the error and apologize to readers.

The original article can be found online at: https://benthamscience.com/journals/recent-advances-in-electrical-andelectronic-
engineering/volume/13/issue/2/

ORIGINAL:

Abdul Qadir Md and Varadarajan Vijayakumar

CORRECTED:

Abdul Quadir Md and Varadarajan Vijayakumar
A Novel Intuitionistic Fuzzy Time Series Method Based on Bootstrapped Combined Pi-Sigma Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Bas Eren , Egrioglu Erol , Kölemen Emine
Published: October 2021

Background:

Intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting methods have been started to solve the forecasting problems in the literature. Intuitionistic fuzzy time series methods use both membership and non-membership values as auxiliary variables in their models. Because intuitionistic fuzzy sets take into consideration the hesitation margin and so the intuitionistic fuzzy time series models use more information than fuzzy time series models. The background of this study is about intuitionistic fuzzy time series forecasting methods.

Objective:

The study aims to propose a novel intuitionistic fuzzy time series method. It is expected that the proposed method will produce better forecasts than some selected benchmarks.

Method:

The proposed method uses bootstrapped combined Pi-Sigma artificial neural network and intuitionistic fuzzy c-means. The combined Pi-Sigma artificial neural network is proposed to model the intuitionistic fuzzy relations.

Results and Conclusion:

The proposed method is applied to different sets of SP&500 stock exchange time series. The proposed method can provide more accurate forecasts than established benchmarks for the SP&500 stock exchange time series. The most important contribution of the proposed method is that it creates statistical inference: probabilistic forecasting, confidence intervals and the empirical distribution of the forecasts. Moreover, the proposed method is better than the selected benchmarks for the SP&500 data set.
Immersion Experiences in a Tablet-Based Markerless Augmented Reality Working Memory Game: Randomized Controlled Trial and User Experience Study
Authors: Zhang Bo , Robb Nigel
Published: October 2021

Background

In recent years, augmented reality (AR), especially markerless augmented reality (MAR), has been used more prevalently to create training games in an attempt to improve humans' cognitive functions. This has been driven by studies claiming that MAR provides users with more immersive experiences that are situated in the real world. Currently, no studies have scientifically investigated the immersion experience of users in a MAR cognitive training game. Moreover, there is an observed lack of instruments on measuring immersion in MAR cognitive training games.

Objective

This study, using two existing immersion questionnaires, investigates students’ immersion experiences in a novel MAR n-back game.

Methods

The n-back task is a continuous performance task that taps working memory (WM) capacity. We compared two versions of n-back training. One was presented in a traditional 2D format, while the second version used MAR. There were 2 experiments conducted in this study that coordinated with 2 types of immersion questionnaires: the modified Immersive Experiences Questionnaire (IEQ) and the Augmented Reality Immersion (ARI) questionnaire. Two groups of students from two universities in China joined the study, with 60 participants for the first experiment (a randomized controlled experiment) and 51 participants for the second.

Results

Both groups of students experienced immersion in the MAR n-back game. However, the MAR n-back training group did not experience stronger immersion than the traditional (2D) n-back control group in the first experiment. The results of the second experiment showed that males felt deeply involved with the AR environment, which resulted in obtaining higher levels of immersion than females in the MAR n-back game.

Conclusions

Both groups of students experienced immersion in the MAR n-back game. Moreover, both the modified IEQ and ARI have the potential to be used as instruments to measure immersion in MAR game settings.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000045314; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051725
Complete and Resilient Documentation for Operational Medical Environments Leveraging Mobile Hands-free Technology in a Systems Approach: Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Woo MinJae , Mishra Prabodh , Lin Ju , Kar Snigdhaswin , Deas Nicholas , Linduff Caleb , Niu Sufeng , Yang Yuzhe , McClendon Jerome , Smith D Hudson , Shelton Stephen L , Gainey Christopher E , Gerard William C , Smith Melissa C , Griffin Sarah F , Gimbel Ronald W , Wang Kuang-Ching
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Prehospitalization documentation is a challenging task and prone to loss of information, as paramedics operate under disruptive environments requiring their constant attention to the patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a mobile platform for hands-free prehospitalization documentation to assist first responders in operational medical environments by aggregating all existing solutions for noise resiliency and domain adaptation.

METHODS

The platform was built to extract meaningful medical information from the real-time audio streaming at the point of injury and transmit complete documentation to a field hospital prior to patient arrival. To this end, the state-of-the-art automatic speech recognition (ASR) solutions with the following modular improvements were thoroughly explored: noise-resilient ASR, multi-style training, customized lexicon, and speech enhancement. The development of the platform was strictly guided by qualitative research and simulation-based evaluation to address the relevant challenges through progressive improvements at every process step of the end-to-end solution. The primary performance metrics included medical word error rate (WER) in machine-transcribed text output and an F1 score calculated by comparing the autogenerated documentation to manual documentation by physicians.

RESULTS

The total number of 15,139 individual words necessary for completing the documentation were identified from all conversations that occurred during the physician-supervised simulation drills. The baseline model presented a suboptimal performance with a WER of 69.85% and an F1 score of 0.611. The noise-resilient ASR, multi-style training, and customized lexicon improved the overall performance; the finalized platform achieved a medical WER of 33.3% and an F1 score of 0.81 when compared to manual documentation. The speech enhancement degraded performance with medical WER increased from 33.3% to 46.33% and the corresponding F1 score decreased from 0.81 to 0.78. All changes in performance were statistically significant (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study presented a fully functional mobile platform for hands-free prehospitalization documentation in operational medical environments and lessons learned from its implementation.
The 21st Century Cures Act and Multiuser Electronic Health Record Access: Potential Pitfalls of Information Release (Preprint)
Authors: Arvisais-Anhalt Simone , Lau May , Lehmann Christoph U , Holmgren A Jay , Medford Richard J , Ramirez Charina M , Chen Clifford N
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

Although the Office of The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC) Information Blocking Provision in the Cures Act Final Rule is an important step forward in providing patients free and unfettered access to their electronic health information (EHI), in the contexts of multiuser electronic health record (EHR) access and proxy access, concerns on the potential for harm in adolescent care contexts exist. We describe how the provision could erode patients’ (both adolescent and older patients alike) trust and willingness to seek care. The rule’s preventing harm exception does not apply to situations where the patient is a minor and the health care provider wishes to restrict a parent’s or guardian’s access to the minor’s EHI to avoid violating the minor’s confidentiality and potentially harming patient-clinician trust. This may violate previously developed government principles in the design and implementation of EHRs for pediatric care. Creating legally acceptable workarounds by means such as duplicate “shadow charting” will be burdensome (and prohibitive) for health care providers. Under the privacy exception, patients have the opportunity to request information to not be shared; however, depending on institutional practices, providers and patients may have limited awareness of this exception. Notably, the privacy exception states that providers cannot “improperly encourage or induce a patient’s request to block information.” Fearing being found in violation of the information blocking provisions, providers may feel that they are unable to guide patients navigating the release of their EHI in the multiuser or proxy access setting. ONC should provide more detailed guidance on their website and targeted outreach to providers and their specialty organizations that care for adolescents and other individuals affected by the Cures Act, and researchers should carefully monitor charting habits in these multiuser or proxy access situations.