bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
circITGA7 Acts As miR-370-3p Sponge to Suppress The Proliferation of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Guo Yonglian , Li Guohao , Wan Zhihua , Zhang Yuanjie , Liu Dong , Luo Gang
Published: July 2021

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) refers to one of the most common tumors in male’s genitourinary system. Emerging research has confirmed that circRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the correlation between circular RNA circITGA7 and PCa still remains unclear. Here, the role of circITGA7 in PCa was explored and the underlying mechanism was investigated as well.Methods: The circRNA expression profiles in PCa and the paracancerous tissues were established by high-throughput sequencing. The expression levels of circITGA7 in PCa tissues and cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, EdU and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the effects of circITGA7 on PCa cell proliferation. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis on downstream target genes was carried out. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the direct relationship between miR-370-3p and circITGA7 or P21CIP1.Results: circITGA7 was downregulated in PCa tissues and cells. Gain- or loss-of-function assays showed that circITGA7 inhibited the proliferation of PCa cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, circITGA7 served as a sponge for miR-370-3p and miR-370-3p could target P21CIP1 in PCa cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation induced by circITGA7 could be reversed by transfecting miR-370-3p mimic. Conclusion: Our data indicated that circITGA7 played an important role in inhibiting tumor proliferation in PCa and might be a potential therapeutic target.
Electrodiagnostic Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Ocular Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shahriari Mansoor , Karimzadeh Afshin , Esmaily Hadi , Rezanejad Saman , Nikkhah Homayoun , Yadgari Maryam , Pourhoseingholi Asma
Published: July 2021

Purpose To assess the occurrence and severity of electrodiagnostic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome (ED-CTS) in patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and compare them with normal subjects.Method A 1:1 case-control study was designed and 60 patients with PEX were recruited from May 2019 to February 2021, and the findings were compared with 59 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination and nerve conduction velocity test at the median nerve was used to assess the occurrence and severity of ED-CTS in both hands.Results The mean age of participants was 59.8 ± 4.5 years. Occurrence of ED-CTS was 38.3% in PEX patients and 20.3% in control subjects (P = 0.025). There was also a significant difference in the severity, and presence of asymptomatic CTS (P < 0.05). Adjusting other variables, including; age, sex and job difficulty, having severe ED-CTS showed a 3.49-fold higher chance in the PEX group (P = 0.002). Conclusion There is a direct relation between PEX and the occurrence, as well as severity of ED-CTS.
Prognostic Implication of Admission HbA1c for All-cause Mortality in Ischemic Heart Failure Among a Chinese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Qiu Weida , Chen Sicheng , Cai Anping , Xiao Xiaoju , Gao Zhiping , Lin Jijin , Li Liwen
Published: July 2021

Background: The impact of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) on heart failure (HF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) differs among studies, and IHD is a preponderant cause in HF. We investigated the link between admission HbA1c and all-cause mortality in a Chinese population with ischemic heart failure (IHF).Methods: Eligible patients with IHF at the Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from December 2015 to June 2019 were enrolled to investigate the association between admission HbA1c and all-cause mortality of IHF with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.Results: Of 1413 participants, the median age was 63.2 ± 10.9 years, 85% were men and median admission HbA1c level was 6.82%. All-cause mortality was higher in HbA1c >7% group compared with HbA1c ≤7% group (hazard ratio (HR): 1.328, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.016-1.735, p =0.037), and sensitivity analysis appeared the consistent result. The association between HbA1c and all-cause mortality was also statistically significant in the male and younger cohorts.Conclusions: Elevated admission HbA1c level (>7%) is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality of IHF in the general population, and there is also a consistent trend among male and younger individuals. Further explorations are required to elucidate whether glycemic management plays a crucial role in the progression of IHF within female and elderly population.
Correlation Between Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Serum Uric Acid, Results From 15843 Subjects in 2016-2020
Authors: Ma Mingzhu , Wang Liangxu , Zhong Xiaoni , Zhong Li , Chen Rong , Li Longfei , Mao Min
Published: July 2021

Objective: Uric acid is thought to be associated with the occurrence of atherosclerosis, which is closely related to cardio-cerebrovascular disease. However, the present study examined serum uric acid (SUA) and its correlation with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), which is a major issue. The purpose of this paper is to examine serum uric acid concentration and its correlation with carotid artery atherosclerosis according to age and sex groups.Methods: Individuals who underwent physical examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2016 to 2020 were selected. The physical examination information of the subjects was recorded, and biochemical indexes such as blood uric acid levels were collected. The intima media thickness of the carotid artery was measured by ultrasound. Using traditional atherosclerosis risk factors as adjustment variables, the association between blood uric acid levels and atherosclerosis was assessed by logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 15,843 subjects (73.90% male) were included, with an average age of 52±12 (20-92) years. The prevalence of CIMT thickened was 9.51%, and the plaque prevalence was 28.59%. Univariate analysis results showed that there were significant differences in CIMT thickening and plaque occurrence among different SUA level groups in both men and women (P<0.0001). After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, increased SUA levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of CIMT thickening (male: ≤220 μmol/L as the reference group, 220-290 μmol/L: OR=1.591, 95% CI: 1.069-2.367; 290-360 μmol/L: OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.127-2.415;360-430 μmol/L: OR=1.634, 95% CI: 1.116-2.393; >430 μmol/L: OR=1.857, 95% CI: 1.264-2.73;P < 0.05. female: ≤210 μmol/L as the reference group, 260-310 μmol/L: OR=1.419, 95% CI: 1.059-1.901; 310-360 μmol/L: OR=1.432, 95% CI: 1.048-1.957; >360 μmol/L: OR=1.557, 95% CI: 1.113-2.177; P < 0.05). Correlation analysis in each age subgroup showed that CIMT was significantly associated with SUA in men ≥60 years old and women 45-60 years old and ≥60 years old (male: ≤220 μmol/L as the reference group, >430 μmol/L: OR=1.972, 95% CI: [1.2,3.238]. female: ≤210 μmol/L as the reference group, >360 μmol/L (45-60 years old): OR=1.77, 95% CI:[1.107,2.832]; > 360 μmol/L (≥60 years old), OR = 1.65, 95% CI: [1.067, 2.551]. P < 0.05).Conclusions: In both men and women, increased SUA levels are closely associated with thickened CIMT, which is associated with a higher risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease. The age at which this association was observed in women was lower than in men, and whether this result is due to changes in hormone levels before and after menopause remains to be prospectively studied.
Correlation between Glucokinase Regulator (GCKR) Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Uric Acid Levels in Taiwanese Adolescents
Authors: Ho Li-Ju , Lu Chieh-Hua , Su Ruei-Yu , Lin Fu-Huang , Su Sheng-Chiang , Kuo Feng-Chih , Chu Nain-Feng , Hung Yi-Jen , Liu Jhih-Syuan , Hsieh Chang-Hsun
Published: July 2021

Background: Recent genome-wide association studies revealed a positive association between hyperuricemia and variants of the glucokinase regulator (GCKR) gene in adults. This study replicated the genetic association in a Taiwanese adolescent population. Methods: The frequencies of different genotypes or alleles of the GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were compared between 962 subjects (468 boys, 494 girls) with hyperuricemia (HUA) and normal uric acid (NUA) levels relative to gender. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the genetic role in abnormal uric acid (UA) concentrations. Results: Boys had higher UA levels than girls (6.68 ± 0.06 and 5.23 ± 0.04 mg/dl, respectively, p < 0.001). The T allele had a higher HUA frequency than the C allele in both SNPs in girls; the rest of the frequencies of alleles and genotypes did not differentiate between subjects with HUA and NUA groups in both genders. However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds ratio for hyperuricemia incidence in TT genotype carriers was 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 3.00) and higher than the C-carrier genotype in rs1260326 of the girl population. Conclusion: The GCKR rs1260326 polymorphism is associated with higher UA concentrations in Taiwanese girl adolescents.
Inhibitory Effect of Centipede Scolopendra Extract on Gallbladder Carcinoma via Up-regulation of PUMA
Authors: Yan Cheng , Xiao Yangyan , Ji Jingfen , Liu Zhide , Zhang Weichang , Chen Zonglin , Li Qinglong , Cai Wenwu
Published: July 2021

Background: To observe the effect of centipede scolopendra extract on gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and further investigate its underlying mechanism.Methods: The GBC cell line GBC-SD was purchased and cultured. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was constructed. The mRNA expression levels of PUMA were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and protein expression levels of p53, PUMA, Bax and Bcl-2 were measured by western blotting respectively. Viability and proliferation were detected using MTT and colony formation assays respectively. The apoptosis rate was determined by Annexin-V-FITC/PI double staining. Results: The GBC-SD cell line was successfully obtained and cultured. MTT and colony formation assays demonstrated that the viability and proliferation of GBC-SD cells could be markedly inhibited by centipede scolopendra extract in a concentration-dependent manner in the limited concentration range. Following pretreatment with centipede scolopendra extract, RT-qPCR demonstrated that the expression levels of PUMA were markedly increased in the GBC-SD cells, and western blotting showed that the high expression of PUMA was accompanied by upregulation of Bax and downregulation of p53 and Bcl-2 in the GBC-SD cells. However, this effect has proved hard to reproduce after PUMA-siRNA. Flow cytometry revealed that the apoptosis rate was 9.8±2.2%, 25.3±3.6%, 10.6±2.0%, and 13.5±2.4% in control group, centipede scolopendra extract group, PUMA-siRNA group, and centipede scolopendra extract combined with PUMA-siRNA group respectively. Conclusions: Centipede scolopendra extract could induce the apoptosis of GBC-SD cells by promoting the PUMA-Bax signaling pathway. It could serve as a potential novel therapy for GBC in clinical practice.
New Reduction-Oxidation Indices Applied to Mixtures in the Impact on Seasonal and Circadian Rhythm Studies of The Essential Oil From Leaves of Piper Gaudichaudianum Kunth (Piperaceae) – A Folk Medicine and Ritualistic Plant
Authors: Ramos Ygor Jessé , Costa-Oliveira Claudete da , Candido-Fonseca Irene , de Queiroz George Azevedo , Guimarães Elsie Franklin , Defaveri Anna Carina Antunes e , Moreira Davyson de Lima
Published: July 2021

Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth (Piperaceae) is widely used in Brazil as medicinal and ritualistic. In this study, chemophenetic patterns were evaluated based on leaves’ essential oils (EOs) chemical composition. Several collections were performed to accomplish circadian rhythm and seasonal studies. Besides, a predictive methodology was developed and submitted to Proof of Concept (PoC) to determine the metabolism pattern and evaluate the reduction-oxidation of complex mixtures: Weighted Average Redox Standard (SRO) and General Mixture Redox Index (GMOR). Fresh leaves EOs obtained by hydrodistillation were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The main identified compounds were sesquiterpenes. Nineteen terpene skeletons were registered. There was chemical composition variation at different phenological stages. EOs varied more between day and night than seasonally. Nine chemotypes are proposed based on our results and those from literature. SRO and GMRO analyzes highlighted a possible redox balance throughout day and night. Compounds per carbon skeleton diversification in EOs are matched by an increase in compounds SRO. We also report for the first time high chemical phenotype plasticity based on EOs analysis and its implications for P. gaudichaudianum chemophenetics, chemosystematics and ecology.
The Feature Extraction for Coronavirus Disease Classification Techniques
Authors: Masruriyah Anis Fitri Nur , Basri Hasan , Handayani Hanny Hikmayanti , Fauzi Ahmad
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 has been an epidemic since the end of 2019. The number of patients with COVID-19 continues to escalate until new variants emerge. The COVID-19 detection procedure begins with detecting early symptoms, furthermore confirmed by the swab and CXR methods. The process of swab and CXR takes a relatively long time since in CXR some patients have the same symptoms as pneumonia. This study carried out the classification of COVID-19 and not COVID-19 with feature extraction techniques and classification methods. The result of this study capable to identify CXR with COVID-19 and an accuracy of 96.5%. In addition, this study even compares the classification results without using feature extraction techniques. The comparison result showed that feature extraction was able to significantly improve accuracy.
Anxiety mouse model was constructed employing single intraperitoneal injection of m-Chlorophenpiperazine
Authors: li mai jia , Ye tian yuan , Qi dong mei , Cheng xiao rui , Liu xi jian
Published: July 2021

Background

Anxiety disorder is a common mental disorder. It is necessary to establish a rapid, stable and specific anxiety model to provide theoretical basis for further research on the pathogenesis of anxiety and drug development.
Aim
Establish a rapid, stable, specific anxiety model.
Methods

A single intraperitoneal injection of m-chlorophenylpipera-zine(mCPP) (1, 2, 4 mg/kg) was given to male ICR mice to establish an anxiety model, and the effects of mCPP on anxiety behavior, pain, athletic ability, passive avoidance response ability and depressive behavior of male ICR mice were evaluated.
Results

A single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP shortened time in open arms and decreased the percentage of time in open arms of mice in elevated plus-maze test, mCPP also shortened center zone distance and reduced the number of entries to central zone in open field test. Moreover, mCPP reduced head-dip counts and increased head-dip latency of mice in hole-board test. After administrated with a single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP for 24h, the mice showed no significant difference for the entry into the light side and the percentage of time in light side of light-dark box test. A single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP had no effects on tail flick latency, rotating time, number of errors and the step-down latency, the immobility time of mice in tail-flick test, rotarod test, step-down test and TST respectively.
Conclusion

A rapid, stable and specific anxiety mouse model can be constructed by using a single intraperitoneal injection of mCPP.
Simplistic calculation of the tunneling splittings for proton transfer in malonaldehyde and formic acid dimer using the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation
Authors: Tikhonov Denis S.
Published: July 2021

In this manuscript we present an approach for computing tunneling splittings for large amplitude motions. The core of the approach is a solution of an effective one-dimensional Schrödinger equation with an effective mass and an effective potential energy surface composed of electronic and harmonic zero-point vibrational energies of small amplitude motions in the molecule. The method has been shown to work in cases of three model motions: nitrogen inversion in ammonia, single proton transfer in malonaldehyde, and double proton transfer in the formic acid dimer. In the current work we also investigate the performance of different DFT and post-Hartree-Fock methods for prediction of the proton transfer tunneling splittings, quality of the effective Schrödinger equation parameters upon the isotopic substitution, and possibility of a complete basis set (CBS) extrapolation for the resulting tunneling splittings.
The DAWN study of dorzagliatin as add-on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial
Authors: Chen Li , Yang Wenying , Zhu Dalong , Li Xiaoying , Gan Shenglian , Dong Xiaolin , Su Junping , Li Wenhui , Jiang Hongwei , Zhao Wenjuan , Yao Minxiu , Song Weihong , Lu Yibing , Zhang Xiuzhen , Li Huifang , Wang Guixia , Qiu Wei , Yuan Guoyue , Ma Jianhua , Li Wei , Li Ziling , Wang Xiaoyue , Zeng Jiao’e , Yang Zhou , Liu Jingdong , Liang Yongqian , Lu Song , Zhang Huili , Liu Hui , Liu Ping , Fan Kuanlu , Jiang Xiaozhen , Li Yufeng , Su Qing , Ning Tao , Tan Huiwen , An Zhenmei , Jiang Zhaoshun , Liu Lijun , Zhou Zunhai , Zhang Qiu , Li Xuefeng , Shan Zhongyan , Xue Yaoming , Mao Hong , Shi Lixin , Ye Shandong , Zhang Xiaomei , Sun Jiao , Yang Tao , Li Feng , Lin Jingna , Zhang Zhinong , Zhao Ying , Li Ruonan , Guo Xiaohui , Yao Qi , Lu Weiping , Qu Shen , Li Hongmei , Tan Liling , Wang Wenbo , Yao Yongli , Chen Daoxiong , Li Yulan , Gao Jialin , Hu Wen , Fei Xiaoqiang , Wu Tianfeng , Dong Song , Jin Wenlong , Li Chenzhong , Zhao Dong , Feng Bo , Zhao Yu , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2021

Metformin is the first-line therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) through mechanism of reduction in hepatic glucose production and fasting plasma glucose. Dorzagliatin is a novel glucokinase activator (GKA) that improves glucose and insulin sensitivity which significantly reduces post meal plasma glucose. Combination of dorzagliatin with metformin would offer benefits through the synergy of two mechanisms. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial (NCT03141073), the efficacy and safety of dorzagliatin add-on to metformin in T2D patients were assessed. Eligible T2D patients (n=767) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to dorzagliatin group or placebo group add-on to metformin (1500 mg/day) for a 24-week double-blind treatment, then followed by a 28-week open-label treatment with dorzagliatin in all patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) level at week 24 and the safety was assessed throughout the trial. At week 24, the HbA1c was reduced from baseline in dorzagliatin group, superior to placebo (-1.02% vs. -0.36%; ETD, -0.66%; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.53; P<0.0001), with the effects sustained through 52 weeks. The 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPPG) was significantly decreased in dorzagliatin group over placebo (-98.10 mg/dl vs. -53.46 mg/dl, P<0.0001), and the homeostasis model assessment 2-β (HOMA2-β) and homeostasis model assessment 2-IR (HOMA 2-IR) were significantly improved at week 24 over placebo. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the two groups during the 24 weeks. The hypoglycemia occurred in 4 (1.0%) out of 382 patients in dorzagliatin group during the 52 weeks. No severe hypoglycemia events were reported. In T2D patients with inadequate glycemic control by metformin alone, dorzagliatin demonstrated fast onset and sustained glycemic control with a good safety and tolerability profile for 52 weeks.
Evaluation of an Experimental Modal Analysis Device for Micromilling Tools
Authors: Filho Joel Martins Crichigno , Melotti Saulo
Published: July 2021

Stable machining conditions in the micromilling process are critical to increase the production of small components. Precise frequency response measurements are essential to generate the stability diagrams. Therefore, impact hammer application which mostly relies on operator's skill and experience is very time-consuming and can produce imprecise results. This study aims to analyze a device developed to perform the experimental modal analysis of micromilling tools. The device facilitates the positioning of a fixed point Laser Doppler Vibrometer ( LDV ) as well as providing automatic and reproductive impact tests. Two mirrors supported by kinematic mounts are used to position the laser beam on the micro milling tool surface. The impact hammer is composed of a force sensor attached to a custom designed flexure-based body, in which an automated electromagnetic releases the mechanism. A set of experiments were conducted to perform the precision positioning of the laser beam and the impact hits. The impact force repeatability in terms of the magnitude and impulse duration were also investigated. The application of the device was demonstrated through modal testing of two micromilling tools with two different diameters.
Unraveling the Appropriate Dose for Infusion of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Mononuclear Cells in Alleviating Hyperoxia Induced Lung Injury in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Du Xue , Chen Jia , Chen Yuhan , Yin Xiaojuan , Zhang Xing , Yang Xiao , Feng Zhichun
Published: July 2021

Background: Intravenous infusion of human umbilical cord blood derived mononuclear cells (hUCB-MNCs) alleviates the hyperoxia-induced neonatal lung injury. The aim of this preclinical study was to determine the optimal dose of hUCB-MNCs in alleviating hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal mice.Method: Newborn C57BL6/J mice were randomly exposed to hyperoxia (85% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) after birth for 14 days. Three different doses of hUCB-MNCs, 3×106 cells/kg (D1), 3×106 cells/kg (D2), and 3×106 (D3), were administered intravenously at postnatal day 7(P7). At P28, lungs were harvested for analyses including morphology for alveolarization, pulmonary function assessment for lung motion and lung blood flow, expression of inflammatory factors and growth factors including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, MMP9, TGF-β and VEGF. Result: We discovered that hyperoxia-induced lung injuries, such as reduced alveolarization, as evidenced by increased mean chord length (MCL) and radical alveolar area (RAA) and decreased radical alveolar counts (RAC) were significantly restored in D1, D2 and D3, with the best in D3. Enhanced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 concomitant with attenuated expression of IL-10 and IL-2 were shown in all groups with the most significance in D3. Down-regulated expression of TGF-β, MMP9 and up-regulated expression of VEGF in lung tissue were observed in all groups, with the largest extent in D3.Conclusion: Collectively, our study revealed the appropriate dose of intravenous infusion of hUCB-MNCs in alleviating hyperoxia-induced lung injury through modulating inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in neonatal mice.
Non-sebaceous Lymphadenoma of the Thymus: a Case Report
Authors: Shanlian Wu , Yuping Bai , xunlu Xie , Guangxiu Guo
Published: July 2021

Background: non-sebaceous lymphadenoma (NSL) is a rare benign tumor with a predominant lymphoid background within which is embedded solid or duct-like structures squamous epithelial nests, lacking of sebaceous differentiation. Non-sebaceous lymphadenoma most commonly arises within the salivary glands. However, Non-sebaceous lymphadenoma arises in the thymus have not been reported.Case presentation: A 53-year-old female patient, computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest for patient showed a nodular (19 ×13 × 16-mm) in the anterior mediastinum, and with mild homogeneous enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT. The patients underwent total thymectomy with removal of the anterior mediastinal nodule by thoracoscope via below the costal margin of the Xiphoid process. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of epithelial nests and prominent lymphoid stroma, with a capsule and clearly demarcated from the surrounding thymus tissue. The epithelial nests are arranged in solid nests or duct-like structures, lacking of sebaceous differentiation and cytological atypia. The pathological diagnosis was lymphadenoma, non-sebaceous type. There were no signs of recurrence 6 months after the surgery.Conclusions: There are very few reported cases of non-sebaceous lymphadenoma occurred in thymus in the medical literature. So accurate understanding of the histopathologic diagnosis of this rare tumor is important to avoid unnecessary overtreatment.
Inference of genetic networks using random forests: performance improvement using a new variable importance measure
Authors: Kimura Shuhei , Takeda Yahiro , Tokuhisa Masato , Okada Mariko
Published: July 2021

Background: Among the various methods so far proposed for genetic network inference, this study focuses on the random-forest-based methods. Confidence values are assigned to all of the candidate regulations when taking the random-forest-based approach. To our knowledge, all of the random-forest-based methods make the assignments using the standard variable importance measure defined in tree-based machine learning techniques. We think however that this measure has drawbacks in the inference of genetic networks. Results: In this study we therefore propose an alternative measure, what we call ``the random-input variable importance measure,'' and design a new inference method that uses the proposed measure in place of the standard measure in the existing random-forest-based inference method. We show, through numerical experiments, that the use of the random-input variable importance measure improves the performance of the existing random-forest-based inference method by as much as 45.5% with respect to the area under the recall-precision curve (AURPC). Conclusion: This study proposed the random-input variable importance measure for the inference of genetic networks. The use of our measure improved the performance of the random-forest-based inference method. In this study, we checked the performance of the proposed measure only on several genetic network inference problems. However, the experimental results suggest that the proposed measure will work well in other applications of random forests.
Motion-in-depth effects on interceptive timing errors in an immersive enviornment
Authors: López-Moliner Joan , Malla Cristina
Published: July 2021

We often need to interact with targets that move along arbitrary trajectories in the 3D scene. In these situations, information of parameters like speed, time-to-contact, or motion direction is required to solve a broad class of timing tasks (e.g., shooting, or interception). There is a large body of literature addressing how we estimate different parameters when objects move both in the fronto-parallel plane and in depth. However, we do not know to which extent the timing of interceptive actions is affected when there is MID involved. Unlike previous studies that have looked at the timing of interceptive actions using constant distances and fronto-parallel motion, we here use immersive virtual reality to look at how differences in the above-mentioned variables influence timing errors in a shooting task performed in a 3D environment. Participants had to shoot at targets that moved following different angles of approach with respect to the observer when those reached designated shooting locations. We recorded the shooting time, the temporal and spatial errors and the head’s position and orientation in two conditions that differed in the interval between the shot and the interception of the target’s path. Results show a consistent change of the temporal error across approaching angles: the larger the angle, the earlier the error. Interestingly, we also found different error patterns within a given angle that depended on whether participants tracked the whole target’s trajectory or only its end-point. These differences had larger impact when the target moved in depth and are consistent with underestimating motion-in-depth in the periphery. We conclude that the strategy participants use to track the trajectory interacts with MID and affects timing performance.
Usefulness of Lung Ultrasound for early detection of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Patients on Veno-Arterial Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Authors: Pasqueron Jean , Dureau Pauline , Arcile Gauthier , Duceau Baptiste , Hariri Geoffroy , Lepere Victoria , Lebreton Guillaume , Rouby Jean-Jacques , Bouglé Adrien
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) is the most common and severe complication in patients treated with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). HAP early detection is challenging but crucial for improving clinical outcomes. We conduct an observational study to assess whether Lung Ultrasound (LUS) improves detection of HAP in in patients treated with veno-arterial ECMO.METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study including adult patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation assistance that presented acute respiratory failure. Bedside LUS and chest radiography were performed at the time of inclusion when HAP was suspected. Then the patients were independently assessed for HAP including microbiological evidence. The sonographic features of HAP on veno-arterial ECMO were determined. We then compared the performance of the lung ultrasound simplified clinical pulmonary score (LUS-sCPIS), including bio-clinical data and the Doppler detection of intrapulmonary shunt, to the sCPIS, including bio-clinical and chest radiological data for detection of HAP. RESULTS: We included 70 patients, of which 44 (63%) were independently diagnosed with hospital-acquired pneumonia. LUS examination revealed that Doppler intrapulmonary shunt (P=0.0000043) and dynamic air bronchogram (P=0.00024) were the most frequent hospital-acquired pneumonia-related signs. The LUS-sCPIS (Area under the curve = 0.77) yielded significantly better results than the sCPIS (Area under the curve = 0.65; P = 0.004), while leukocyte count, temperature and chest radiology were not discriminating for the hospital-acquired pneumonia diagnosis.CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia is a daily challenge for the clinician managing patients on veno-arterial ECMO . Lung ultrasound is more powerful than chest radiography and can be a valuable aid as initial imaging modality for the diagnosis of pneumonia. Intrapulmonary shunt detected using color Doppler and dynamic air bronchogram appear to be particularly discriminating for the diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia.CLINICAL TRIAL REGSITRATION: NA
Serum Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor (sGDNF) is a Novel Biomarker in Predicting Cirrhosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Liu Cheng , Yang Guangyue , Zhuang Liping , Sun Tiantian , Yeo YeeHui , Tao Le , Zhang Wei , Ma Wenting , Wu Liu , Yang Zongguo , Yang Yanqin , Xue Dongying , Zhang Jie , Feng Rilu , Matthias Ebert , Dooley Steven , Seki Ekihiro , Liu Ping
Published: July 2021

We assessed the potential of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as a useful biomarker to predict cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.A total of 735 patients from two medical centers (385 CHB patients and 350 healthy controls) were included to determine the association of serum and tissue GDNF levels with biopsy-proven cirrhosis. The diagnostic accuracy of serum GDNF (sGDNF) was estimated and compared with other indices of cirrhosis. We showed significantly higher levels of sGDNF in CHB patients with fibrosis (28.4 pg/ml vs. 11.6 pg/ml in patients without) and patients with cirrhosis (33.8 pg/ml vs. 23.5 pg/ml in patients without). The areas under receiver operating curve (AUROCs) of sGDNF were 0.83 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80-0.87) for predicting liver fibrosis and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79-0.89) for cirrhosis. Findings from serum protein level and hepatic mRNA expression were consistent. Using the best cutoff to predict cirrhosis, we categorized the patients into sGDNF-high and sGDNF-low groups. The sGDNF-high group had significantly larger Masson’s trichrome and reticulin staining-positive area, higher Scheuer score and METAVIR fibrosis stage (all p<0.001) but not steatosis. On multivariable regression, sGDNF was independently associated with cirrhosis with an odds ratio at 6.98 (95% CI: 1.10-17.94). Finally, we demonstrated that sGDNF outperformed AST to platelet ratio index, FIB-4, fibroscore, forn index, and fibrometer in differentiating F4 vs. F3.Using serum, tissue mRNA, and biopsy data, our study revealed a significant potential of sGDNF as a novel non-invasive biomarker for cirrhosis in CHB patients.
Determination of Time-to-ignition and Flaming Duration of Biomasses in a Muffle Furnace
Authors: Silva Diego Aleixo Aleixo , Carvalho Natália , Pires Ariane Aparecida Felix , Padilla Elias Ricardo Durango , Hansted Ana Larissa Santiago , Yamaji Fabio Minoru
Published: July 2021

Measuring the energy characteristics of solid biofuels can help to determine the most suitable species for combustion. The objective of this study is to propose a new methodology for determining the ignition time and flaming duration in lignocellulosic biomass. A muffle furnace was used, instead of an epiradiador, to measure the variables. The optimal oven temperature was defined according to the average time-to-ignition of biomasses in the literature. Ten biomasses were analyzed to obtain their high heating value, volatile matter, fixed carbon content, ash content, time-to-ignition, and flaming duration. The results showed a high correlation between the biomass volatile content, time-to-ignition, and flaming duration. In the literature, it is described that high levels of volatile materials accelerate the ignition of the material. Thus, the association between the volatile matter and the variables analyzed justifies the use of the muffle furnace methodology. Furthermore, biomasses with high levels of volatile matter have longer flaming durations than other solid biofuels.
Research Trends in Mobile Shopping Behavior: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Saibaba S.
Published: July 2021

The mobile phone, with revolutionary smart capabilities, provided its users enormous benefits, especially the convenience of shopping through websites and applications from anywhere and anytime. There are several academic studies conducted to measure the adoption and usage behavior of consumers towards mobile shopping platforms, for more than a decade. However, the research on mobile shopping behavior had gained more attention only in the last few years. The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed and systematic review of mobile shopping literature (from the consumer behavior perspective) and perform quantitative analysis, with the help of bibliometric analysis. The study examined 158 academic articles that was obtained from Scopus, to perform bibliometric analysis, and the analysis revealed that the research on mobile shopping behavior had gained more attention between 2012 and 2018. The paper identifies the key contributions in terms of the most productive journals, countries, institutions, papers, and authors in research on consumers’ mobile shopping behavior. The co-citation reference analysis, keyword co-occurence analysis and word cloud technique had been used, to identify the evolution of various themes focused in this area. This study’s results will make researchers and scholars to have better understanding about the knowledge structure of academic research on mobile shopping through bibliometrics and visualization techniques.
Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Sudan: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Khairy Amna , Mahgoob Esra , Nimir Mohammad , Ahmed Mohammed , Jubara Mawahib , Eltayeb Dalya , Ahmed Ayman
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Following emergency approval of COVID-19 vaccines, several studies have investigated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Nevertheless, the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine by HCWs in Sudan remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and it’s determinants among the HCWs. Methods: A web-based cross sectional study design was used to study COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated determinants. The semi-structured questionnaire was distributed electronically, data collection took place from March-April 2021. Results: A total of 576 HCWs have responded to the survey with mean age of 35 years. The majority were females (53.3%), Medical Doctors (55.4%), and located in the capital state; Khartoum (76.0%). The absolute refusal of COVID-19 vaccine was expressed by 16% of the respondents while 57% were willing to get vaccinated. Males were twice to four times more likely to accept the vaccine. Lower acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine was significantly associated with the nursing profession (OR= 0.35, 95% CI:0.15-0.82, P<0.00), increased perceived harm from the vaccine (OR= 0.11, 95% CI: 0.05-0.23, P <0.00), lack of confidence in the source of vaccine (OR= 0.16, 95% CI:0.08-0.31, P=0.00), organizations and government supervising COVID-19 vaccination process ( OR=0.31, 95% CI:0.17-0.58 P=0.00). Conclusion: This study highlights a moderate level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability by the HCWs in Sudan. Effective communication of correct, regular, up-to-date evidence on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines is crucial to building trust in vaccines. Special consideration should be in place to address vaccine hesitancy among female HCWs and the nursing profession.
Experimental Study and High-Efficiency Simulation of In-Plane Behavior of Composite Frame Slab
Authors: Pan Wen-Hao , Tao Mu-Xuan , Zhao Chuan-Hao , Ding Ran , Xu Li-Yan
Published: July 2021

Experimental and numerical studies were conducted to investigate the in-plane behavior of the steel–concrete composite frame slab under cyclic loads. In the experimental study, an in-plane loading test of a typical composite frame slab was designed by constraining its out-of-plane deformations. The test observations, the load–displacement relationship, and the shear and flexural deformation components were discussed to investigate the in-plane load resistant behavior and the failure mechanism of the slab. The experimental results demonstrated an evident shear cracking concentration behavior and a pinching hysteretic curve associated with a typical shear-tension failure mode of the composite frame slab. In the numerical study, a high-efficiency modeling scheme based on the multiple vertical line element model (MVLEM) and the fiber beam–column element was developed for the test specimen. Comparisons with the experimental results showed that the developed model predicted the overall load–displacement relationship, the relationships associated with the shear and flexural deformation components, and the failure mode with a reasonable level of accuracy.
Upper-secondary teachers’ perceptions of the Matura exam in mathematics
Authors: Glavaš Amanda , Jukić Matić Ljerka , Prša Sara
Published: July 2021

This paper reports a study on mathematics teachers’ perceptions of the Matura mathematics exam in Croatia. The study focuses on the suitability of mathematics school textbooks for students’ preparation for the exams, the complexity of the tasks in the exams, the grading and scoring of the exams, and teachers’ level of satisfaction with student achievement. The study used a convenience sampling method. It was conducted through a questionnaire administered to 308 upper secondary mathematics teachers. The findings showed that teachers do not perceive school textbooks as suitable resources to prepare for the higher level exam. Furthermore, the teachers believe that the test length is not appropriate i.e., the time given to students for the higher level exam is insufficient. On average they are satisfied with their students’ results, but are undecided about the criteria and scoring of the Matura. Vocational school teachers showed more dissatisfaction with the requirements and outcomes of the Matura exam compared to grammar school teachers. The results of this empirical study can be taken as a good starting point for re-assessing the requirements of the Matura exam in mathematics.
A Descriptive Review of Epidemiology of COVID–19 in Smokers
Authors: Vijayan Rupalakshmi , Nagpal Shavy , Pradhananga Swostik , Mathew Anoopa , Thevuthasan Sindhu , Gara Sirisha , Chitamanni Pavani , Hassan Syed Adeel
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 caused by SARS Cov 2, gains entry to bronchial epithelial cells by binding of the viral spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors. We conducted a non - systematic review of databases with (English articles only), PubMed, Google Scholar using keywords like “COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV-2,” “novel coronavirus,” smoking,” “smokers,” “nicotine.” A total of 33 articles were reviewed. Smokers were 1.4 times more likely to have severe COVID-19 (RR=1.4 95% CI: 0.98-2.00), and 2.4 times more likely to require an ICU admission (RR= 2.4 CI: 1.43-4.04) when compared to non-smokers (n=926). Current smokers were less likely to experience an adverse outcome (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24–0.74), compared to former smokers.  22% of current smokers and 46% of former smokers had more severe complications. Current smokers had a case fatality rate of 38.5% (n=1790) and higher odds of mortality (OR= 1.25) especially males >65 years (OR=2.51). Public education about smoking cessation should be implemented along with standard guidelines to prevent disease progression.
IDENTIFYING DIMENSIONS OF REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION: A REFERENCE FRAMEWORK FOR STUDIES ON REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENTS
Authors: YENİÇIRAK Hasan
Published: July 2021

There are revolution theories that formulate why and how the revolution occurred, which has a deep-rooted tradition of thought. Each attempt to theorize the revolution has some fundamental problems. No revolution theory covers all variables, but it is possible to reach some objective revolutionary criteria that try to understand and explain revolutionary change and transformation. In this work, we will examine the revolution theories and arrive at objective revolutionary criteria that will guide our understanding of revolutionary change and transformation. In this direction, we will begin our work by examining the theories of revolution and revealing the basic premises at the center of each revolution theory. Next, we will consider the main problems of the revolution theories we have examined. Finally, we will reveal the dimensions of revolutionary change and transformation that we can see in many revolutions, based on the revolution theories we have examined.
Sustainable Development in China and Russia: Comparative Legal Research
Authors: Fangkun X. , Symaniuk N.
Published: July 2021

This article examines the specifics of legal regulation of sustainable development in China and Russia. This topic is exceptionally relevant today since legal regulation of this area should create effective frameworks for the relationship between people and nature. The authors draw attention to the fact that sustainable development is better implemented when it is supported both by international standards and, necessarily, by national laws. The approaches then that China and Russia, both member countries of the BRICS bloc, are taking in implementing sustainable development are of importance, and thus described and contrasted in this study. To do so, the authors apply the comparative legal analysis, which makes it possible to distinguish both the advantages of international and national systems and the disadvantages. Based on their methodology, the authors formulate possible recommendations for each nation.
SYMBOLIC VALUES AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE GRAND ETHIOPIAN RENAISSANCE DAM PROJECT IN ETHIOPIAN IDENTITY POLITICS
Authors: ASSEFA ANDEBET HAILU , GEDIFEW BELAYNEH TAYE
Published: July 2021

This paper attempts to show how the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) ’s economic and political gains could help develop a shared outlook to regulate Ethiopia’s opposing political trajectories, i.e., the ethnocentric and pan-Ethiopian nationalist camps. Presently, different ethnic-based “in-group and out-group” contrasting political discourses have dominated Ethiopian polity. The paper reviews and exposes relevant philosophical concepts, including “mirror identity,” primordial and instrumental conception of ethnicity. Notably, following Anderson’s (2006) line of thought, nationalism as a “cultural artefact” and expression of an “imagined community,” the paper argues that GERD could serve as a shared symbolic and developmental language to reshape Ethiopian national consciousness and imagination by improving the political and economic domains of the country. Accordingly, the GERD covertly or overtly helps reform the polity’s self-recognition mechanisms and circuitously re-approaches outstanding political differences by inspiring trust-based relations among major political actors. Ethnocentric motivations raise political questions such as secession, the right to linguistic and cultural recognition, economic equality, and political security and representation by using their respective ethnic lines as means of political mobilization. In current Ethiopia, political identities have been practically blended with ethnic identity. In this sense, as diverse ethnic groups exist, political borders sustain among the multiple ethnic-based nationalists and between pan-Ethiopian and ethnocentric actors. Thus, a comprehensive dialogue and constructive political cross-fertilization are required between various political actors, horizontally and vertically, among ethnocentric nationalists and the pan-Ethiopian advocates. In Ethiopia, the realization of internal political consensus requires an instantaneous remedial mechanism. Accordingly, the politically drawn antithetical ethnic demarcations and occasionally fabricated historical narratives have undeniably pushed politics into unfavourable conditions. That is why, as the paper maintains that developmental projects such as the GERD would have pertinent economic and political mechanisms to developing a national sentiment, which in turn symbolically facilitate national consensus among the major political actors. Hence, borrowing Fukuyama’s (2018) notion of “creedal national identity”, one could resonate that developmental projects can help realize symbolic worth by constructively enabling citizens to recognize their countries’ foundational ideals and elevating common factors. The present paper does not examine the GERD project’s external geopolitical and legal concerns concerning scope, although these topics are worth examining for further investigations.