bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quercetin Alleviates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Modulating p38 MAPK‐Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Liang Weidong , Abulizi Yakefu , Xu Tao , Cao Rui , Xun Chuanhui , Zhang Jian , Sheng Weibin
Published: May 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a degenerative and chronic spinal disorder often associated with the older population. Oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor of aging that results in the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Quercetin (QUE), a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, has been studied in research on degenerative diseases. However, the potential effects and mechanisms of action of QUE on IVDD remain unclear. In this study, the effects of QUE on antiapoptosis and ECM metabolism were firstly investigated in TBHP‐treated NPCs. Meanwhile, the autophagy inhibitor, 3‐MA, and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, were used in subsequent TBHP‐induced NPC experiments to determine whether QUE exerted its protective effects through autophagy and the p38 MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, the therapeutic effects of QUE were confirmed in vivo using a rat tail needle puncture‐induced model of IVDD. We found that QUE treatment significantly alleviated oxidative stress‐decreased cell viability and intracellular ROS levels in NPCs treated with TBHP. Furthermore, treatment with QUE led to a decrease in apoptosis as measured by decreased Bax and increased Bcl‐2 expression and PE/7‐AAD flow cytometry analysis. QUE also promoted ECM stability as measured by increased collagen II and aggrecan and decreased MMP13 levels. Our results also showed that QUE promoted the expression of autophagy markers beclin‐1, LC3‐II/I, and decreased p62. Inhibition of autophagy by inhibitor 3‐MA may partially reverse the protective effect of QUE on apoptosis and ECM degeneration, indicating that autophagy was involved in the protective effect of QUE in NPCs. Further study confirmed that QUE partially inhibited the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 activated autophagy, indicating that QUE protected NPCs against apoptosis and prevented ECM degeneration via the p38 MAPK‐autophagy pathway. Finally, using a rat tail puncture‐induced model of IVDD, we confirmed that QUE had a protective effect against IVDD. Our results suggest that QUE could prevent IVDD by modulating p38 MAPK‐mediated autophagy and, therefore, is a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of IVDD.
Early Prediction of Organ Failures in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis Using Text Mining
Authors: Luo Jiawei , Lan Lan , Yang Dujiang , Huang Shixin , Li Mengjiao , Yin Jin , Xiao Juan , Zhou Xiaobo
Published: May 2021

It is of great significance to establish an assessment model for organ failures in the early stage of admission in acute pancreatitis (AP). And the clinical notes are underutilized. To predict organ failures for AP patients using early clinical notes in hospital, early text features obtained from the pretrained Chinese Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers model and attention-based LSTM were combined with early structured features (laboratory tests, vital signs, and demographic characteristics) to predict organ failures (respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal) in 12,748 AP inpatients in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2008 to 2018. The text plus structured features fusion model was used to predict organ failures, compared to the baseline model with only structured features. The performance of the model with text features added is superior to the model that only includes structured features.
[Retracted] Analysis of Intestinal Flora and Levels of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Interleukin‐32, and Gastrin 17 in Patients with Gastric Cancer via Carbon Nanoparticle Laparoscopy
Authors: Bai Liping , Yu Fubing , Bai Lixian , Zhang Yinhui , Li Zhi , Li Peng , Yang Xueyan , Ma Zhijian
Published: May 2021

In order to explore the changes of intestinal flora and serum levels of relevant substances in patients with gastric cancer before and after surgery with carbon nanoparticle laparoscopy, a total of 180 patients with early distal gastric cancer who adopted laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer in the general surgery department of TCM Hospital of Shi Jia Zhuang City from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: traditional laparoscopic operation (control group) and carbon nanoparticle laparoscopic operation (experimental group) were adopted for treatment for the two groups, respectively. Postoperative evaluation included the difference between the two groups in the operative time, the efficiency of intraoperative lymph node dissection, and the number of lymph node detection. The adverse reactions, changes of intestinal flora before and after surgery in the two groups, and the serum levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), interleukin‐32 (IL‐32), and gastrin 17 were evaluated. In the experimental group, the success rate of carbon nanoparticle tracer black staining reached 100%, and the operation time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The lymph node detection rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the lymph node metastasis rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). The sentinel lymph node sensitivity of the experimental group reached 92.3%, and the specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative prediction rates reached 100%; the experimental group patients were with an obviously higher incidence of level I‐II gastrointestinal reaction (P < 0.05). Postoperative increases in Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus were observed in both groups, while decreases in Enterococcus and Escherichia coli were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the degree of increase and decrease in the experimental group was greater than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of EGFR, IL‐32, and gastrin 17 in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the control group on 3 d, 7 d, and 15 d after surgery (P < 0.05). In the radical gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer, carbon nanoparticle laparoscopy was not only helpful for the localization of small tumors but also for the thorough dissection of lymph nodes after the surgery, and the postoperative adverse reactions of carbon nanoparticle laparoscopy were also less, which was of great significance for the improvement of intestinal flora and the reduction of serum levels of EGFR, IL‐32, and gastrin 17 in gastric cancer patients.
[Retracted] Real‐Time Animation Complexity of Interactive Clothing Design Based on Computer Simulation
Authors: Xin Yufeng , Zhang Dongliang , Qiu Guopeng
Published: May 2021

With the innovation of computer, virtual clothing has also emerged. This research mainly discusses the real‐time animation complex of interactive clothing design based on computer simulation. In the process of realizing virtual clothing, the sample interpolation synthesis method is used, and the human body sample library is constructed using the above two methods (primitive construction method and model reconstruction method) first, and then, the human body model is obtained by interpolation calculation according to the personalized parameters. Building a clothing model is particularly important for the effect of trying on. The clothing that needs to be displayed can be scanned and then input into the computer to build the model. The model can be directly built in 3DMAX and other software and then its surface texture can be mapped, or the clothing model can be directly built. The 3D model in the 3ds file is loaded by the loop body nested switch branch selection structure. Correspondingly, the write‐back operation of 3ds files is similar. Just follow the general structure of the 3ds file and write the root block, version information block, edit information block, key frame information block, etc. to a brand new file in sequence. The main reason for this article to perform the 3ds file write‐back operation is that, after the clothing model is dynamically simulated through the dynamic principle, the deformed key animation frame needs to be saved as a 3ds file so that it can be further imported into the 3DSMAX software and generated by the renderer, form high‐quality picture information, and finally get high‐definition animation video. In the CPU‐GPU hybrid method, modules such as force calculation, collision processing, and position update use the GPU method, while overstretching is processed by the CPU method, making the overall performance 10 times higher than the pure CPU method. This research helps to promote the development of 3D virtual clothing design.
Myopic Simple Hemorrhage Presenting as Radial Hemorrhage in Henle’s Fiber Layer
Authors: Mazzola Marco , Premoli Laura , Metrangolo Cristian , Cattaneo Jennifer , Premi Elias , Donati Simone , Azzolini Claudio
Published: May 2021

This case report describes a simple hemorrhage (SH) presenting as radial hemorrhage in Henle’s fiber layer (HFL) in a patient with high myopia. A 26-year-old girl with high myopia was referred to our center for sudden onset of decreased vision and a central scotoma in the right eye (OD). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/100 OD. Fundus examination showed a stellate intraretinal hemorrhage in the fovea of the OD. The hemorrhage was organized in a peculiar petaloid pattern with feathery distal edges, suggesting localization within the radially oriented HFL. The presence of both choroidal neovascularization and microvascular abnormalities consistent with macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel 2) were excluded. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of myopic SH was made. At 4-month follow-up BCVA OD spontaneously improved to 20/40, without any treatment been ever administered to the patient. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography OD showed reabsorption of the hemorrhage and almost complete restoration of the foveal architecture. The intraretinal location and spread of the hemorrhage into the HFL in our patient are an unusual presentation of SH, which vividly highlights the anatomy of the fovea. Since fibers in HFL are quite delicate and loosely arranged, this layer is very susceptible to deposition of transudates, exudates, hemorrhage, and other products. Radial hemorrhage in HFL has been originally reported in 4 patients as complication of MacTel 2. It has been previously postulated that it may represent a characteristic finding in MacTel 2 that may develop as a result of microvascular abnormalities of the deep retinal capillary plexus. On the contrary, our data suggest that radial hemorrhage in the HFL does not represent a characteristic finding of MacTel 2, but must rather be considered a non-specific sign with multiple possible etiologies.
Polyhydroxybutyrate: A Useful Product of Chlorotic Cyanobacteria
Authors: Koch Moritz , Forchhammer Karl
Published: May 2021

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a carbon polymer with diverse functions, varying greatly on the organism producing it. This microreview describes the current knowledge about PHB metabolism, structure, and different physiological roles with a special focus on cyanobacteria. Despite the physiological function of PHB in the cyanobacterial phylum still being unknown, these organisms provide the unique opportunity to directly convert atmospheric CO2 into bioplastic using a solar-based process. Recent research on PHB metabolism in the cyanobacterial model organism Synechocystis revealed a sophisticated control of PHB granule formation. Novel insights about the metabolic background of PHB synthesis resulted in the engineering of the first cyanobacterial superproducer strain.
Comparison of Insulin, Metformin, and Glyburide on Perinatal Complications of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Xian , Liu Wanting , Chen Huizhen , Chen Qiu
Published: May 2021

Aim: This systematic and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of insulin, metformin, and glyburide on perinatal complications for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL], and Cochrane Methodology Register), Web of Science (Science and Social Science Citation Index), and ClinicalTrials (Clinicaltrials.gov) were searched, as well as manual searching. We included randomized controlled trials comparing efficacy and safety of metformin versus glyburide, metformin versus insulin, and glyburide versus insulin in patients with GDM. Results: We included 32 articles including 5,964 patients published from inception to July 2020. Compared with insulin, metformin was more effective at lower incidence of macrosomia (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50–0.88, p = 0.005), lower incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67–0.91, p = 0.002), less neonatal hypoglycemia (RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56–0.80, p < 0.0001), decreased birth weight (BW) (SMD: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.62 to −0.12, p = 0.004), lower incidence of large for gestational age (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.50–0.90, p = 0.002), shorter gestation age at delivery (MD: −0.22, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.10, p = 0.0002), lower maternal weight gain (MD: −1.41, 95% CI: −2.28 to −0.55, p = 0.001), less incidence of caesarean section delivery (RR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78–0.95, p = 0.0004), lower maternal postprandial blood glucose (SMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −0.72 to −0.11, p = 0.008), and lower incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.83, p = 0.01). However, glyburide, compared with insulin, was associated with higher BW (MD: 54.95, 95% CI: 3.87–106.03, p = 0.03) and increased the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia (RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12–2.07, p = 0.007). Meanwhile, compared to glyburide, metformin was associated with higher maternal fasting blood glucose (SMD: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.36, p = 0.01) and lower incidence of induction of labor (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59–0.97, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This review suggests that metformin can decrease the incidence of perinatal complications, and it should be considered as a generally safe alternative to insulin.
Social Support and Functional Decline in the Oldest Old
Authors: Hajek André , Brettschneider Christian , Eisele Marion , Mallon Tina , Oey Anke , Wiese Birgitt , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Fuchs Angela , Pentzek Michael , Gühne Uta , Röhr Susanne , Weeg Dagmar , Bickel Horst , Kleineidam Luca , Wagner Michael , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , König Hans-Helmut
Published: May 2021

Objective: Longitudinal studies investigating the link between social support and functional decline are limited among the oldest old. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine whether changes in social support are associated with functional decline among the oldest old longitudinally using panel regression models. Methods: Longitudinal data from 3 waves (waves 7, 8, and 9) of a multicenter prospective cohort study covering primary care patients aged ≥85 years were used. In the analytical sample, n equaled 624 individuals. The validated Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale and the well-established Barthel Index (ADL) were used to quantify functional status. The psychometrically sound Lubben Social Network Scale was used to measure social support. Several potential confounders such as age, marital status, cognitive decline, or depressive symptoms were included in the fixed effects (FE) regression models. Results: Linear FE regressions showed that a decrease in social support is associated with functional decline (IADL: β = 0.03, p < 0.05; ADL: β = 0.27, p < 0.05) in men but not in women. With IADL as outcome measure, the interaction term (sex × social support) achieved statistical significance (p < 0.01). With regard to covariates, functional decline (IADL and ADL) was consistently associated with increasing age, an increase in the number of chronic conditions (except for women [ADL]), and cognitive decline (except for men [ADL]). Furthermore, functional decline (ADL) was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. Discussion: Our findings highlight the meaning of social support for functional status among the oldest old. Finding ways to sustain social support in highest age may be a promising approach in order to postpone functional decline.
Como deliberar quando tudo é caos? Dilemas morais e decisões éticas na gestão pública de um desastre
Authors: Santos Laís Silveira , Lebioda Laleska , Serafim Mauricio Custódio
Published: May 2021

Em 2008, a região do Vale do Itajaí no Estado de Santa Catarina foi noticiada nacional e internacionalmente por passar pelo seu pior desastre e um dos piores da história do Brasil. Após um período de muitas chuvas, a região sofreu com enchentes, inundações e deslizamentos. Os gestores de organizações de Defesa Civil estadual e municipal tiveram que tomar decisões eticamente complexas que envolveram dilemas morais pessoais e profissionais relacionados a resgates, triagem e ajuda humanitária. Este caso para ensino tem como objetivo proporcionar: familiaridade com a temática ‘ética da gestão de emergências’ na gestão pública; aperfeiçoamento da capacidade reflexiva e argumentativa em casos contendo dilemas morais reais, a partir de conteúdos éticos (filosofias morais) presentes nas disciplinas de filosofia e ética; potencializar o raciocínio moral em situações complexas de tomada de decisão; e desenvolvimento da habilidade de reconhecer questões éticas relacionadas à gestão pública para sua prática profissional. O contexto do caso é baseado em dilemas morais reais, adaptados para fins didáticos. O caso pode ser utilizado em cursos de graduação e pós-graduação da área de Administração Pública, especialmente em disciplinas relacionadas à ética e política pública, bem como na área de gestão em disciplinas que discutem o processo decisório.
Perspectivas histórico culturais da loucura na Guerra Fria (1945-1989)
Authors: Milan Letícia Portella
Published: May 2021

A presente resenha sobre o livro Madness in Cold War America de Alexander Dunst busca apresentar a trajetória da loucura entre uma patologia e a retórica cultural e de estado americano. A partir de cinco capítulos densamente construídos o autor apresenta a importância de localizar a loucura como produto da Guerra Fria. A partir de fontes literárias e cinematográficas o autor faz uma intensa analise sobre como a psicanálise e psiquiatria se tornou popular no cotidiano dos americanos. Ademais, a retórica do governo americano também utilizou do vocabulário teórico da psicanalise para enquadrar os indivíduos que eram compatíveis com a ideologia liberal, dessa maneira, a polarização entre o normal e louco se estendeu tanto para uma condenação da União Soviética como irracional/ patológica como também para enquadrar os comportamentos aceitáveis na sociedade americana.
Jesus the Samaritan: synthesizing Two Approaches to the Historical Jesus and their Conceptions on the Continuity between Jesus and the Gospels
Authors: Wegner Jonathan D.
Published: May 2021

This article documents how two approaches to the historical Jesus, the criteria of authenticity and the memory approach, generally produce divergent takes on the character of the (dis)continuity between Jesus and the Gospels. It highlights some of their respective strengths and weaknesses and attempts to synthesize their strengths through an analysis of the Good Samaritan. Alongside John P. Meier, it accepts that Jesus did not utter this parable, yet it also embraces insights from the memory approach on the role played by the memory of Jesus upon the Gospels’ portrayals of him. It argues for reading the parable as a creative remembrance, not of a historical utterance, but of a complex of historical impressions of Jesus.
John the Baptist: The Absinthe of the Divine Feast?
Authors: Baumgarten Albert I.
Published: May 2021

My contribution focuses on the ‘Competition Thesis’ between John, Jesus and their disciples in reconstructing the life of the Baptist. One great merit of JBHT is adopting the Competition Thesis.

When summarizing, guided by the Competition Thesis, Marcus first plays the devil’s advocate, enumerating the reasons that John should be seen as an independent figure claiming for himself the leading place in the scenario of end times. However, Marcus’s conclusion reverts to a position closer to the traditional view of John as witness and forerunner. John was the ‘absinthe of the divine feast’, as suggested by Renan. I confess: I am convinced by the devil’s advocate.

Direct evidence for the competition thesis is thin. It is based on an indirect and contrary reading of the gospels, as often ‘protesting too much’ in insisting on the secondary role of John. Nevertheless, I maintain that the competition thesis should be embraced fully. One example of how it should be deployed is discussed in this article: the logion in Q, Matt 11:2-6//Luke 7:18-23, which concludes, ‘Happy is the man who does not find me a stumbling block’.
Analogies, Possibilities and Probabilities: Joel Marcus’s John the Baptist
Authors: Klawans Jonathan
Published: May 2021

This essay dialogues with Joel Marcus’s volume on John the Baptist. After praising Marcus’s penchant for introducing helpful analogies, questions are raised regarding two of Marcus’s hypotheses. First, it is difficult to accept that the Baptist was ever associated with the Qumran sectarians; second, it is equally doubtful that the Baptist was a nuanced legal reformer. A third section probes additional matters regarding the Baptist and purity in ancient Judaism. The common denominator to many issues raised here is Marcus’s tendency to treat the possible as probable.
Stylasterids (Hydrozoa: Stylasteridae) from Mar del Plata submarine canyon and adjacent area (southwestern Atlantic), with a key to the species off Argentina
Authors: BERNAL M.C. , CAIRNS S.D. , PENCHASZADEH P.E. , LAURETTA D.
Published: May 2021

The Argentine continental margin is a poorly explored area as regards its benthic biodiversity. Few works have been made near the Brazil-Malvinas confluence (around 38° S) regarding corals, especially in deep waters (over 1000 m). Hitherto 17 species of stylasterids are known from southwestern Atlantic (SWA) off Argentina. Fourteen species of stylasterids collected from the Mar del Plata submarine canyon and adjacent area in years 2012 and 2013 at depths between 800 and 2200 m are discussed, including the descriptions of 13 of them. The geographic distribution of six species and bathymetric range of occurrence of two species are broadened in this work. Stations where most specimens were collected are located in areas where sedimentation is known to be scarce. Species in common between the study area and the Antarctic region, south of Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and New Caledonia suggest the Circumpolar Antarctic Current and the Malvinas Current are the means for dispersion. A key of identification of all stylasterid species off Argentina is included.
A new sandstone-dwelling leaf-toed gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius mekongensis) from the Thai-Lao border
Authors: PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , PANITVONG NONN , KUNYA KIRATI , SUMONTHA MONTRI
Published: May 2021

We describe Dixonius mekongensis sp. nov. from sandstone formations in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, in extreme eastern Thailand along the Laotian border. The new species differs from all currently recognized Dixonius by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 51.2 mm; 16 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 32 to 34 paravertebral scales; 22 to 24 longitudinal rows of ventral scales across the abdomen; seven precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; a marked canthal stripe; and a spotted to uniform dorsal pattern. This description brings the number of Dixonius species to 13, with six species endemic to Thailand.
Application of DNA barcoding confirms the female, male, larva and host of Bocchus scobiolae Nagy (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae)
Authors: OLMI MASSIMO , MITA TOSHIHARU , GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA , VOLLARO MASSIMO , VÁRI GÁBOR
Published: May 2021

Bocchus scobiolae Nagy (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae, Bocchinae) was reared in Szeged, Hungary. The female, male and immature larva were associated by mitochondrial COI sequences. B. scobiolae, previously known only from Romania, is recorded for the first time from Hungary, Moldova, and Turkey. Caliscelis wallengreni (Stål) (Hemiptera: Caliscelidae) is mentioned for the first time as host of B. scobiolae. B. vernieri Olmi is indicated for the first time from Hungary. Helegonatopus rasnitzyni (Trjapitzin, 1963) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), recorded for the first time from Hungary, was reared from B. scobiolae (new record).
Silencing Circ_0005075 Inhibits the Invasion and Migration of Colon Cancer Cells and Induces Apoptosis
Authors: Kong Xiancheng , Zhang Hao , Huang Jianping , Yan Liang , Sha Li , Jiang Haifeng
Published: May 2021

Colon cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive tract, mostly occurring at the junction of the rectum and colon. It easily invades multiple internal organs and tissues, causing systemic injury and mortality to patients. The occurrence and development of colon cancer involve multiple
genes and multiple factors. It is greatly significant to identify oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that influence the development of colon cancer and to study their mechanism of action for colon cancer diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, circRNA are involved in the development of several
types of tumors by affecting miRNA regulation on target gene expression. In the present study, circ_0005075 siRNA and circ_0005075 siRNA + mir-335 inhibitor were transfected into colon cancer SW620 cells, and circ_0005075 gene expression was significantly decreased after transfecting circ_0005075
siRNA into SW620 cells. Silencing circ_0005075 expression significantly inhibited SW620 cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and promoted apoptosis, downregulated PCNA and vimentin expression, and upregulated E-cadherin and cleaved caspase3 expression. After circ_0005075 siRNA + mir-335
was transfected, it inhibited circ_0005075 and mir-335 expression, which significantly affected the vigor, invasion and migration ability, apoptosis rate of SW620 cells, as well as PCNA, E-cadherin, vimentin, and cleaved caspase3 expression. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that circ_0005075
silencing inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of SW620 cells and promoted apoptosis by upregulating mir-335 expression.
Red Raspberry Extracts Inhibit A549 Lung Cancer Cell Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Through the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ren Jiayi , Wang Lifang , Fu Jia , Wang Chunyang , Gong Yan , Guo Chunfeng
Published: May 2021

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer ranks first among all malignant tumors in the world. Because it is relatively asymptomatic at early stages, most patients do not become aware of the disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Advanced lung cancer metastasis results
in systemic cachexia and effective treatment becomes challenging, leading to poor response and outcome. Therefore, the development of new drugs for the treatment of lung cancer is paramount. In this study, A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of red raspberry extract and the
proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were evaluated. The results indicated that red raspberry extract reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of the cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, E-cadherin, EGFR,
and STAT3 proteins. Treatment with red raspberry extract reduced the expression of cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, EGFR, and STAT3, whereas the expression of E-cadherin increased. Following transfection of an EGFR overexpression vector into A549 cells, we observed a reduced inhibitory effect
of the red raspberry extract on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells. In addition, EGFR overexpression abrogated the increased expression of cyclin D1, N-cadherin, vimentin, EGFR, and STAT3 protein expression in A549 cells following extract treatment. In contrast, E-cadherin
protein expression was decreased under these treatment conditions. Overall, this study suggests that red raspberry extract may reduce the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelialmesenchymal transition of A549 lung cancer cells by inhibiting the activation of the EGFR/STAT3 signaling
pathway. These findings may lead to the development of new strategies to treat advanced lung cancer.
Effects of Gentiopicroside on Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Xinyi , Li Suying , An Shuo
Published: May 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) cells were sorted into six groups: NC, different concentrations of gentiopi-croside, pcDNA-NC, pcDNA-Nrf2, pcDNA-NC + gentiopicroside, and pcDNA-Nrf2 + gentiopicroside. The detection and comparison of cell survival and apoptosis showed that the activity of GC cells
decreased and the apoptosis rate increased after gentiopicroside treatment. Western blot detection was performed to determine the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Bcl-2, Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated
protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and antioxidant response element (ARE). Kits were used to determine the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. The MDA
content, NADPH oxidase activity, and Keap1 and Bax expression levels increased, and the SOD activity and Bcl-2, PCNA, Nrf2, and ARE expression levels decreased. Nrf2 overexpression increased the cell activity, SOD activity, and Nrf2, ARE, PCNA, and Bcl-2 expression levels and reduced the apoptosis
rate, MDA content, NADPH oxidase activity, and Bax and Keap1 expression levels. At the same time, Nrf2 overexpression reversed the effects of gentiopicroside on oxidative stress and apoptosis of GC cells. These results suggest that gentiopicroside probably promotes oxidative stress and apoptosis
of GC cells by inhibiting the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.
Toosendanin Affects the Occurrence and Development of Prostate Carcinoma Cells DU145 by Regulating Forkhead Box C2-Antisense RNA 1
Authors: Shen Siyao , Xiong Junhui , Zeng Zhigang , Zhao Hong , Zeng Xiaochun , Fu Bin
Published: May 2021

Prostate carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the male genitourinary system. Toosendanin can inhibit the biological behavior of a variety of malignant tumor cells (such as ovarian carcinoma, lung carcinoma, and breast carcinoma, etc.), but its effect on the malignant behavior of
prostate carcinoma cells and its mechanism are not yet understood. Therefore, this article discusses the influence of toosendanin on the multiplication, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of prostate carcinoma cells and its possible mechanism. Different doses (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 ^M) of toosendanin
can reduce the cell viability, number of colonies, number of migrating cells, number of invasive cells, and Bcl-2 protein and FOXC2-AS1 levels of prostate carcinoma cells, as well as increase the apoptosis rate and Bax protein level. Overexpression of FOXC2-AS1 can increase the cell viability,
number of colonies formed, number of migrating cells, number of invasive cells, and Bcl-2 protein expression, as well as reduce the rate of apoptosis and Bax protein level after toosendanin treatment of prostate carcinoma cells. It was demonstrated that toosendanin may inhibit the multiplication,
migration, and invasion of prostate carcinoma cells and promote its apoptosis by down-regulating FOXC2-AS1 expression.
Circular RNA Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate 5-Kinase Type 1 Alpha Affects Prostate Cancer Lymph Node Carcinoma of Prostate-Cell Multiplication and Apoptosis via Regulating MicroRNA-299-3p Expression
Authors: Yuan Haofeng , Li Yiqian , Shi Xiangmin , Zou Yun , Cai Chongyue
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in aging men. This research explores the its molecular mechanisms of the circular RNA (circRNA) circPIP5K1A and its role in the multiplication and apoptosis of prostate cancer LNCaP cells. Cancerous tissue and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples
were selected from 37 prostate cancer patients hospitalized from January 2016 to January 2020. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to amplify circPIP5K1A and detect the miR-299-3p levels. Cells from the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line were divided into the si-circPIP5K1A
group, si-negative control (NC) group, miR-299-3p group, miR-NC group, si-circPIP5K1A + anti-miR-299-3p group, and si-circPIP5K1A + anti-miR-NC group. Microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess the cell viability; flow cytometry was used to detect and analyze cell apoptosis; western
blot was used to study the protein expression; the dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the targeted regulation of miR-299-3p by circPIP5K1A. CircPIP5K1A expression in prostate cancer tissue increased when miR-299-3p expression was reduced (P < 0.05) compared to those
in the adjacent tissue. After inhibition of circPIP5K1A or overexpression of miR-299-3p, the activity of LNCaP cells decreased, the apoptosis rate of LNCaP cells increased, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 expressions in LNCaP decreased, and Bax expression increased (P < 0.05). Due to CircPIP5K1A
regulation of miR-299-3p expression, mir-299-3p interference reversed the effect of circPIP5K1A inhibition of LNCaP-cell multiplication and apoptosis. Inhibiting the expression of circPIP5K1A may inhibit LNCaP-cell multiplication and expedite cell apoptosis by up-regulating miR-299-3p.
Impact of Patient Socioeconomic Disparities on Time to Tympanostomy Tube Placement
Authors: McCoy Jennifer L. , Dixit Ronak , Lin R. Jun , Belsky Michael A. , Shaffer Amber D. , Chi David , Jabbour Noel
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Extensive literature exists documenting disparities in access to healthcare for patients with lower socioeconomic status (SES). The objective of this study was to examine access disparities and differences in surgical wait times in children with the most common pediatric otolaryngologic surgery, tympanostomy tubes (TT).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary children’s hospital. Children ages <18 years who received a first set of tympanostomy tubes during 2015 were studied. Patient demographics and markers of SES including zip code, health insurance type, and appointment no-shows were recorded. Clinical measures included risk factors, symptoms, and age at presentation and first TT.

Results:

A total of 969 patients were included. Average age at surgery was 2.11 years. Almost 90% were white and 67.5% had private insurance. Patients with public insurance, ≥1 no-show appointment, and who lived in zip codes with the median income below the United States median had a longer period from otologic consult and preoperative clinic to TT, but no differences were seen in race. Those with public insurance had their surgery at an older age than those with private insurance ( P < .001) and were more likely to have chronic otitis media with effusion as their indication for surgery (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5, P = .003).

Conclusions:

Lower SES is associated with chronic otitis media with effusion and a longer wait time from otologic consult and preoperative clinic to TT placement. By being transparent in socioeconomic disparities, we can begin to expose systemic problems and move forward with interventions.

Level of Evidence:

4
Infrastructure Investment in India: Squaring Theory, Data and Common Sense
Authors: Hasnat Tanzeem
Published: May 2021

The study makes a novel attempt to estimate the quantum of funds channelised in the physical infrastructure sector, by the private–public split as well as per project parameters. The study finds a downward trend in the private investment in infrastructure post 2009–2010. This needs to be understood in correspondence with the rise in the number of stalled/shelved projects under private ownership post 2008–2009. This rise in the locked-in finances could explain the disincentive in making fresh investments by the private sector. However, what this data also reveals is that the average per stalled/shelved project cost is higher under public ownership even though the number of such projects isfound higher under private ownership. Lumpy project investments are locked in public projects that can be viewed as a real cost. Fiscal prudence leaves little scope for further extension of finances from the government’s kitty in this domain. Moreover, commercial banks cannot be relied on due to the staggering share of non-performing assets emanating from the over exposure to this sector. A market for long-term debt could be a panacea for the perils facing the sector as well as the stressed banking sector.

JEL Codes: E01, E22, E69, G31
Numerical study of composite material (FRP/TRC)-reinforced masonry walls under in-plane loading
Authors: Bui Thi-Loan , Djamai Zakaria Ilyes , Larbi A Si , Reboul N , Ferrier E
Published: May 2021

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) and textile-reinforced concretes (TRCs) are becoming increasingly common solutions for strengthening masonry walls. This study focuses on different approaches for modelling the behaviour of hollow concrete block masonry walls strengthened with FRPs and a TRC subjected to in-plane loading. Specifically, the masonry is modelled using the heterogeneous approach, wherein the damage post-peak softening behaviours of both bricks and mortar are considered, as this approach is appropriate for material and structure scales. To model the FRP/TRC-reinforced masonry walls, the reinforcements (FRPs/TRC) are perfectly connected to the substrate. Although the homogeneous approach is proposed to model the FRPs with linear elastic behaviour and is shown to be appropriate for modelling the FRP-reinforced masonry walls, the TRC is modelled using the heterogeneous approach, allowing for the real contribution of the filaments to be expressed through an ‘efficiency factor’. The numerical results show that this factor has a significant influence on the behaviour of the TRC and therefore, on the overall behaviour of the TRC-reinforced walls. However, the ‘efficiency factor’ of the TRC sample is significantly higher than that of the TRC in the strengthened wall. This result confirms that the choice of the heterogeneous approach to model the TRC in our case is appropriate. Moreover, it verifies that it is impossible to transpose this global factor from the material scale (uniaxial tensile stress) to the structure scale when the application target is a masonry wall (multi-axiality, and therefore, complexity of the stress). Consequently, the constitutive laws of the TRC composite obtained through only direct uniaxial tensile characterization procedures are insufficient to enable a suitable restitution of the overall behaviour of the masonry reinforced with the TRC. In addition, regardless of the nature of the reinforcement, the overall behaviours of the masonry walls reinforced with the FRPs/TRC are governed by both the axial stiffness of the reinforcement and the compressive strength of the masonry substrate.
Sources of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Microorganisms in Dental Aerosols
Authors: Meethil A.P. , Saraswat S. , Chaudhary P.P. , Dabdoub S.M. , Kumar P.S.
Published: May 2021

On March 16, 2020, 198,000 dentists in the United States closed their doors to patients, fueled by concerns that aerosols generated during dental procedures are potential vehicles for transmission of respiratory pathogens through saliva. Our knowledge of these aerosol constituents is sparse and gleaned from case reports and poorly controlled studies. Therefore, we tracked the origins of microbiota in aerosols generated during ultrasonic scaling, implant osteotomy, and restorative procedures by combining reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (to identify and quantify SARS-CoV-2) and 16S sequencing (to characterize the entire microbiome) with fine-scale enumeration and source tracking. Linear discriminant analysis of Bray-Curtis dissimilarity distances revealed significant class separation between the salivary microbiome and aerosol microbiota deposited on the operator, patient, assistant, or the environment ( P < 0.01, analysis of similarities). We also discovered that 78% of the microbiota in condensate could be traced to the dental irrigant, while saliva contributed to a median of 0% of aerosol microbiota. We also identified low copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the saliva of several asymptomatic patients but none in aerosols generated from these patients. Together, the bacterial and viral data encourage us to conclude that when infection control measures are used, such as preoperative mouth rinses and intraoral high-volume evacuation, dental treatment is not a factor in increasing the risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic patients and that standard infection control practices are sufficiently capable of protecting personnel and patients from exposure to potential pathogens. This information is of immediate urgency, not only for safe resumption of dental treatment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but also to inform evidence-based selection of personal protection equipment and infection control practices at a time when resources are stretched and personal protection equipment needs to be prioritized.
The dual status of filled pauses: Evidence from genre, proficiency and co-occurrence
Authors: Kosmala Loulou , Crible Ludivine
Published: May 2021

The present corpus study aims to contribute to the debate regarding the lexical or non-lexical status of filled pauses. Although they are commonly associated with hesitation, disfluency, and production difficulty, it has also been argued that they can serve more fluent communicative functions in discourse (e.g., turn-taking, stance-marking). Our work is grounded in a usage-based and discourse-functional approach to filled pauses, and we address this debate by examining the multiple characteristics of euh and eum in spoken French, as well as their co-occurrence with discourse markers. Combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, we analyze their distribution across different communication settings (prepared monologs vs. spontaneous conversations) and levels of language proficiency (native vs. non-native). Quantitative findings indicate differences in frequency, duration, position, and patterns of co-occurrence across corpora, and our qualitative analyses identify fine-grained differences, mainly two distinct patterns of distribution (initial position clustered with a discourse marker vs. medial position clustered with other hesitation markers), reflecting the different “fluent” and “disfluent” uses of filled pauses. We thus argue for a dual status of euh and eum based on formal, functional, and contextual features.
Dyeing silk and cotton fabrics using Fuji apple peel and the properties of the dyed fabrics
Authors: Yasukawa Akemi , Fukuyama Momoko , Iwai Kunihisa
Published: May 2021

A new source of natural dyes, which possessed antibacterial and UV protection properties, was proposed. Natural dyes were extracted from Fuji apple peel. The extract contained two anthocyanins and five quercetin glycosides. Silk and cotton fabrics were dyed using the extract with and without six types of mordants: Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Ti4+, Fe3+, and Cu2+. The properties of the dyed fabrics were investigated by various means. The K/S values were used to show relative color strength of the dyed fabrics and the CIELAB color system was used to show the color hue of the dyed fabrics. The crystallinity of the silk was lower than that of the cotton. The silk was dyed deeper than the cotton regardless of the dyeing conditions, including dyeing temperature, dyeing period, and solution pH. This result comes from the existence of carboxyl and amino groups and low crystallinity of silk fibers. Fabrics with various colors, including pink, green, brown, and gray, were obtained by mordant dyeing. The dyed fabrics had splendid performance; that is, antibacterial and UV shielding properties. Color fastness to washing (color change) was comparably low but was enhanced with Ti4+ and Fe3+ mordants.
Does Grit Matter to Employees’ Quality of Work Life and Quality of Life? The Case of the Korean Public Sector
Authors: Kim Min Young , Lee Hyo Joo
Published: May 2021

To ensure the quality of the work done in the Korean career civil service system (which is characterized by stability, such as lifelong job security), the public sector must use methods to motivate their employees and improve their performance in the long run. In this study, we propose that grit, as a type of work motivation, can boost employee well-being (i.e., job satisfaction, job stress) and organizational outcomes (i.e., organizational commitment, performance). Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the validity of grit among public employees from a collectivist culture; to this end, we use the 2016 survey of Korean public officials ( N = 2,070). The results are as follows: (a) grit has a direct positive effect on quality of work life (QWL), (b) QWL can increase employee’s quality of life (QOL), and (c) professionalism and goal-oriented culture negatively and positively regulate grit and QWL. We also examined how employee motivation (e.g., grit) can enrich their QWL and QOL. Altogether, this study supports the argument that human resource (HR) managers should pay attention to grit. To achieve success, one needs not only some level of ability but also the zeal and capacity for hard labor, the latter two of which are considered to constitute grit. Given that, this research targeted grit in the Korean context—not the Western one—and examined its effects in the Korean public sector, where conscientiousness is emphasized.
Effect of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Gustatory Function in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jiang Rong-San , Shih Kai-Hsiang , Liang Kai-Li
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

In this study, we investigated the effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) on gustatory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods:

Forty-three patients with CRS who underwent FESS were included in this study. Prior to FESS and 3 months after surgery, the severity of rhinosinusitis was assessed using the Taiwanese version of the 22-item SNOT (SNOT-22), endoscopic examination, and acoustic rhinometry. The olfactory function was evaluated using the phenylethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test and the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, and the gustatory function was evaluated using the whole mouth suprathreshold taste test (WMTT) and the taste quad test (TQT). Subgroup analyses were performed based on CRS phenotypes and endotypes.

Results:

The SNOT-22 significantly improved 3 months after FESS for all patients with CRS. The endoscopic score and olfactory function significantly improved in patients with eosinophilic CRS and in patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The WMTT sweet and bitter scores were significantly lower after FESS in CRSwNP, but the TQT sweet score was significantly higher in patients without nasal polyps. In addition, patients with noneosinophilic CRS had significantly decreased WMTT and salty scores 3 months after FESS.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that the effect of FESS on gustatory function of patients with CRS was different with the different testing procedures, the association with nasal polyps, and the underlying inflammatory patterns.