bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GCN2 Regulates ATF3-p38 MAPK Signaling Transduction in Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Chen Zhongqiu , Zhang Jingyuan , Wei Dong , Chen Jingyu , Yang Jun
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a fatal disease of pulmonary vascular lesions leading to right heart failure. Heritable PVOD (hPVOD) is related to biallelic mutation of EIF2AK4 (encoding GCN2), but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of PVOD and to find potential drug targets for PVOD. GCN2 dysfunction led to an enhanced transcription of collagen I gene ( col1a1 and col1a2) through decreasing ATF3-dependent p38 phosphorylation inhibition in PVOD, which promotes the collagen I synthesis in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and eventually leads to increased collagen deposition in pulmonary artery. Four GCN2 knockout (KO) cell lines (exon 15 or 33 mutation) were successfully constructed by epiCRISPR system. Two induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated by reprogramming peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PVOD patient. It was also comfirmed that GCN2 dysfunction could lead to increased expression of collagen I in lateral plate mesoderm lineage-smooth muscle cells (LM-SMCs) differentiated from both GCN2 KO cell lines and iPSCs. SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38) improved hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular remodeling in mitomycin C (MMC)-induced PVOD rats by right ventricle echocardiography. On the whole, we proposed that GCN2 deficiency decreased ATF3-dependent p38 phosphorylation inhibition in PVOD development and suggested a potential therapeutic reagent of SB203580 for the treatment of the disease.
Grassroots Archive Collection at CDRCSL
Authors: Yan Yunxiang , Li Tian , Huang Yanjie
Published: May 2021

This article aims to introduce the value of grassroots archives at the Center for Data and Research on Contemporary Social Life (CDRCSL) at Fudan University for qualitative research in social sciences and humanities. This special collection includes written materials on various aspects of social life that are left outside the official archive system. We first introduce the types and features of the grassroots archives collection and then briefly review the values of these primary sources, illustrated by two examples. We conclude with brief discussion on some case studies based on the primary data from the CDRCSL collection and our reflection on the tension between the protection of subject privacy and preservation of historical truth.
Noteworthy Literature of 2020: COVID Effects in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Rove Jessica Y. , Reece T. Brett , Cleveland Joseph C. , Pal Jay D.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has affected every aspect of life over the last year. This article reviews some of the effects that the pandemic had on cardiac surgery including volumes, ethical concerns with resource-intense procedures like dissection and transplant, and ECMO for COVID-19-derived refractory respiratory failure.
Circadian, Week-to-Week, and Physical Exercise-Induced Variation of Serum Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4
Authors: Sækmose Susanne Gjørup , Holst René , Lottenburger Tine , Ytting Henriette , Nielsen Hans Jørgen , Junker Peter , Schlosser Anders , Sorensen Grith Lykke
Published: May 2021

Serum microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (sMFAP4) has been investigated as a biomarker for various diseases and is demonstrated to show significant gradual increase with severity of liver fibrosis. Ideal biomarkers used for disease diagnosis or prognosis should display deviating levels in affected individuals only and be robust to factors unrelated to the disease. Here we show the impact of normal physiological variation of sMFAP4 by characterizing the circadian variation, week-to-week variation, and physical exercise-induced levels. Serum samples from 3 groups of healthy volunteers were drawn: 7 times during a 24-hour period, 5 times during a 3-week period, and before and after a standardized physical exercise challenge. sMFAP4 was determined by AlphaLISA. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed effects modeling of repeated measurements. Circadian variation of sMFAP4 was demonstrated, with time of peak and nadir values depending on age and gender. For males, the peak values were observed during nighttime whereas for females, peak values were observed in the morning. Individual sMFAP4 levels remained stable over a period of 3 weeks and physical exercise inferred a mild negative influence. In conclusion, the circadian sMFAP4 variation was significant, and the levels could be influenced by physical activity. However, these variations were of limited magnitude relative to previously observed disease-induced levels in support of the biomarker potential of sMFAP4.
Enabling robust simulation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether 3 (PODE3) combustion in engines
Authors: Lin Qinjie , Tay Kun Lin , Zhao Feiyang , Yang Wenming
Published: May 2021

PODE3 reaction mechanism developments are still in the early stages with very limited research. In particular, reaction mechanisms to characterize PODE3 combustion are neither sufficiently compact nor robust for 3D numerical simulations. Hence, the current work seeks to develop a compact yet reliable PODE3 reaction mechanism, embedded with appropriate chemistry to describe polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon reactions. A decoupling methodology has been employed to achieve the desired outcome. The final mechanism comprises only 120 species and 560 reactions even after including components of diesel and gasoline surrogates. It has been validated with ignition delay times, laminar flame speeds, jet-stirred reactor species concentration profiles, flame species concentration profiles, extinction strain rates, heat release rates in constant volume combustion chamber, homogeneous charge compression ignition engine combustion, and direct injection compression ignition engine combustion. In a numerical investigation conducted using gasoline/diesel/PODE3 blends, soot emissions are observed to decrease with PODE3 increment, which establishes PODE3 as a promising additive. Intriguingly, the current study has also discovered that with 15% PODE3 addition, soot and its precursors will increase in concentration during combustion, though this effect will be outweighed by oxidative effects towards the end. Overall, the new mechanism has been proven suitable and feasible for engine simulations.
Improving the Quality and Performance of Institutional Review Boards in the U.S.A. Through Performance Measurements
Authors: Tsan Min-Fu
Published: May 2021

Performance measurement leads to quality improvement, because performance measurement can identify areas of vulnerability to guide quality improvement activities. Recommendations from empirical institutional review board (IRB) performance measurement data on research approval criteria, expedited review protocols, exempt protocols, and IRB continuing review requirements published over the past 10 years are reviewed here to improve the quality and efficiency of IRBs. Implementation of these recommendations should result in improvements that can be evaluated by follow-up performance measurements.
Development of a system for monitoring performance in the strength and conditioning domain
Authors: Gordon David , van Lopik Katherine , Hayward Steven , Philpott Lydia , Conway Paul , West Andrew
Published: May 2021

The development hardware and software aspects of a novel system for monitoring performance in the strength and conditioning domain are summarized in this paper. A development framework is presented to enable the capture of development processes and support detailed comparison of performance monitoring systems. The framework couples the established Computer Integrated Manufacture Open Systems Architecture (CIMOSA) with Unified Modelling Language (UML) to document both the software development and implementation. Corrective algorithms are proposed that have increased the accuracy of the IMU outputs in monitoring the performance of a countermovement jump. Lastly, a wireless Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) has been validated for use within the strength and conditioning domain by comparison with an optical motion capture reference measure.
Low skeletal muscle mass predicts relevant clinical outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. A meta analysis
Authors: Surov Alexey , Wienke Andreas
Published: May 2021

Background:

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the influence of sarcopenia, defined as low skeletal muscle mass, on clinical outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on a large sample.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were screened for associations between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in HNSCC up to December 2020. Overall, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the studies involved was checked according to the QUADAS instrument. The meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan 5.3 software. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models with inverse-variance weights were used to account for heterogeneity between the studies.

Results:

The 27 included studies comprised 7704 patients with different HNSCCs. The cumulative calculated frequency among the studies was 42.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.34–48.65]. Sarcopenia was associated with occurrence of severe postoperative complications, odds ratio (OR) 4.79, 95% CI (2.52–9.11), p < 0.00001. Sarcopenia predicted disease-free survival (DFS), simple regression: hazard ratio (HR) 2.00, 95% CI (1.63–2.45), p < 0.00001, multiple regression: HR 1.64, 95% CI (1.33–2.03), p < 0.00001. Also, sarcopenia was associated with lower overall survival (OS), simple regression: HR 1.96, 95% CI (1.71–2.24), p < 0.00001, multiple regression: HR = 1.87, 95% CI (1.53–2.29), p < 0.00001. In patients who underwent definitive chemotherapy and/or radiation, sarcopenia predicted lower OS (simple regression), HR 1.95, 95% CI (1.61–2.36), p < 0.00001, multiple regression: HR = 1.51, 95% CI (1.17–1.94), p < 0.002). In patients with primary surgical strategy with or without adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, sarcopenia was associated with lower OS (simple regression), HR 2.21, 95% CI (1.72–2.84), p < 0.00001, multiple regression: HR = 2.05, 95% CI (1.55–2.72), p < 0.00001).

Conclusion:

The cumulative prevalence of sarcopenia in HNSCC is 42.0%. Sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for OS and DFS in patients with HNSCC who undergo curative therapy. Sarcopenia is associated with the occurrence of severe postoperative complications.
Putting democracy at the heart of the EU’s Russia strategy
Authors: Freudenstein Roland
Published: May 2021

It is high time for a fundamental review of the EU’s strategy towards Russia. After years of fruitless attempts to ‘reset’ relations with Moscow through a kind of engagement that has all too often ended up in appeasement, the EU and its member states should prepare for a long stand-off and put democracy at the centre of the relationship. This means doing better at defending our democracy against hostile interference from the Kremlin, strengthening democratic movements and the rule of law in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood, supporting Russia’s civil society with more determination and creativity, and mentally preparing for a democratic post-Putin Russia. In short, we have to offer more help to Russia’s democrats and be more confrontational with the Kremlin. All this has to happen in close coordination with our transatlantic allies and as part of a global effort to support democrats and defend democracy against authoritarianism.
Intracranial ependymomas: The role of advanced neuroimaging in diagnosis and management
Authors: Varrassi Marco , Bellisari Flavia Cobianchi , De Donato Maria Carmela , Tommasino Emanuele , Di Sibio Alessandra , Bruno Federico , Di Vitantonio Hambra , Splendiani Alessandra , Di Cesare Ernesto , Masciocchi Carlo
Published: May 2021

Intracranial ependymomas represent a rare subgroup of glial tumours, showing a wide variety of imaging characteristics, often representing a challenging diagnosis for neuroradiologists. Here, we review the most recent scientific Literature on intracranial ependymomas, highlighting the most characteristic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of these neoplasms, along with epidemiologic data, recent classification aspects, clinical presentation and conventional therapeutic strategies. In addition, we report an illustrative case of an 18-year-old girl presenting with an intracranial supratentorial, anaplastic ependymoma, with the aim of contributing to the existing knowledge and comprehension of this rare tumour.
Piceatannol promotes hepatic and renal AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α mitochondrial pathway in rats exposed to reserpine or gamma-radiation
Authors: Mahmoud Moustafa Enas , Rashed Engy Refaat , Rashed Rasha Refaat , Omar Nesreen Nabil
Published: May 2021

Human exposure to radio-therapeutic doses of gamma rays can produce late effects, which negatively affect cancer patients’ quality of life, work prospects, and general health. This study was performed to explore the role of Piceatannol (PIC) in the process of “mitochondrial biogenesis” signaling pathway as possible management of disturbances induced in stressed animal model(s) either by gamma-irradiation (IR) or administration of reserpine (RES); as a mitochondrial complex-I inhibitor. PIC (10 mg/kg BW/day; orally) were given to rats for 7 days, after exposure to an acute dose of γ-radiation (6 Gy), or after a single reserpine injection (1 g/kg BW; sc). Compared to reserpine or γ-radiation, PIC has attenuated hepatic and renal mitochondrial oxidative stress denoted by the significant reduction in the content of lipid peroxides and NO with significant induction of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX, and GR activities. PIC has also significantly alleviated the increase of the inflammatory markers, TNF-α and IL-6 and apoptotic markers, cytochrome c, and caspase-3. The decrease of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic responses were linked to a significant amelioration in mitochondrial biogenesis demonstrated by the increased expression and proteins’ tissue contents of SIRT1/p38-AMPK, PGC-1α signaling pathway. The results are substantiated by the significant amelioration in mitochondrial function verified by the higher levels of ATP content, and complex I activity, besides the improvement of hepatic and renal functions. Additionally, histopathological examinations of hepatic and renal tissues showed that PIC has modulated tissue architecture after reserpine or gamma-radiation-induced tissue damage. Piceatannol improves mitochondrial functions by regulating the oxidant/antioxidant disequilibrium, the inflammatory and apoptotic responses, suggesting its possible use as adjuvant therapy in radio-therapeutic protocols to attenuate hepatic and renal injuries.
Suitable Diagnosis and Treatment of Esophageal Ruptures in Cases of Non-Boerhaave Syndrome: A Comparison With Boerhaave Syndrome
Authors: Hayakawa Shunsuke , Ogawa Ryo , Ito Sunao , Nakaya Seiichi , Okubo Tomotaka , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Takahashi Hiroki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: May 2021

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is frequently reported in cases of esophageal perforation; however, there are relatively few studies on non–Boerhaave syndrome (nBS). This study clarifies the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with nBS among those with esophageal ruptures. Twelve patients with esophageal ruptures who underwent surgery at our department over 14 years were classified into 2 groups: 4 in the nBS group and 8 in the BS group. Patient characteristics, surgical methods, surgical outcomes, and complications were compared between the groups. The chief complaints varied between the groups. The nBS group had significantly higher preoperative C-reactive protein ( P = .007) and required 5 days (median) from onset to surgery. Moreover, the perforation diameter was significantly smaller in the nBS group than in the BS group ( P = .013). Suturing of the perforation site was performed during the initial surgery in 8 BS group patients (100%) and 1 nBS group patient (25%; P = .018). Only drainage was performed during the initial surgery for 3 nBS group patients (75%). The complications did not significantly differ between the groups ( P = 1.000), and no deaths were reported. The chief complaints of patients with nBS are diverse, and esophageal perforation should be cited as a differential diagnosis even in the absence of vomiting or chest pain symptoms. In the initial surgery for patients with nBS, the perforation site does not necessarily need to be closed. It is treatable by second-stage surgery or by natural closing.
The Porchlight Project: A Pilot Study to Adapt the Senior Companion Program to Enhance Memory Care Services and Supports
Authors: Rosebush Christina E. , Stabler Henry , Nkimbeng Manka , Louwagie Katie , Fields Noelle L. , Jutkowitz Eric , Shippee Tetyana P. , Gaugler Joseph E.
Published: May 2021

Older adult volunteer programs present an important opportunity to provide low cost, community-based support to families living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). In this mixed methods pilot study, volunteers ( n = 15) from the Minnesota Senior Companion Program received training in AD/ADRD and palliative care, with the objective of providing more “dementia capable” support to people living with memory loss and their family caregivers. Volunteers applied their skills by engaging clients in a series of guided conversations over 3 months of dementia capable visits. Despite enrollment challenges, volunteers, clients, and caregivers reported that the intervention was appropriate and useful to improve understanding of memory loss and enhance volunteer-client communication. Results of the pilot study were used to refine the Porchlight Project for a future statewide evaluation.
Infrastructure for Delivery of Integrated Child Development Services and Uptake of Pre-school Education Services: Insights from Palghar, India
Authors: Joe William , Kumar Abhishek , Rajpal Sunil , Misra Archa , Alambusha Ruby , Sharma Smriti , Subramanian S. V.
Published: May 2021

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a flagship programme of the Government of India and is delivered through a vast network of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)—Courtyard Shelters—across rural and urban areas of the country. The ICDS is, however, affected by low coverage of various ICDS services, in general, and preschool education (PSE) services, in particular. This article aims to understand whether status of AWC infrastructure can have an effect on enhancing the coverage of PSE component. The article has twofold objectives: (a) to develop an AWC infrastructure index (AII), which can be applied to support programmatic monitoring and evaluation by ICDS and (b) to comprehend the association of AII with attendance and uptake of PSE services. Based on descriptive and econometric analysis of the AWC infrastructure data from Palghar (Maharashtra, India), it is demonstrated that better infrastructure is associated with higher PSE service coverage. The article concludes by highlighting the relevance of investing in AWC infrastructure, refurbishments and quality improvements to expand ICDS service coverage, particularly for the PSE services.
Development of Fe3O4 core–TiO2 shell nanocomposites and nanoconjugates as a foundation for neuroblastoma radiosensitization
Authors: Liu William , Mirzoeva Salida , Yuan Ye , Deng Junjing , Chen Si , Lai Barry , Vogt Stefan , Shah Karna , Shroff Rahul , Bleher Reiner , Jin Qiaoling , Vo Nghia , Bazak Remon , Ritner Carissa , Gutionov Stanley , Raha Sumita , Sedlmair Julia , Hirschmugl Carol , Jacobsen Chris , Paunesku Tatjana , Kalapurkal John , Woloschak Gayle E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in childhood which, despite the current progress in radiotherapy and chemotherapy protocols, still has a high mortality rate in high risk tumors. Nanomedicine offers exciting and unexploited opportunities to overcome the shortcomings of conventional medicine. The photocatalytic properties of Fe3O4 core-TiO2 shell nanocomposites and their potential for cell specific targeting suggest that nanoconstructs produced using Fe3O4 core-TiO2 shell nanocomposites could be used to enhance radiation effects in neuroblastoma. In this study, we evaluated bare, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) coated Fe3O4@TiO2 as potential radiosensitizers for neuroblastoma in vitro.

Results

The uptake of bare and MIBG coated nanocomposites modestly sensitized neuroblastoma cells to ionizing radiation. Conversely, cells exposed to DOPAC coated nanocomposites exhibited a five-fold enhanced sensitivity to radiation, increased numbers of radiation induced DNA double-strand breaks, and apoptotic cell death. The addition of a peptide mimic of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) to nanoconjugates coated with MIBG altered their intracellular distribution. Cryo X-ray fluorescence microscopy tomography of frozen hydrated cells treated with these nanoconjugates revealed cytoplasmic as well as nuclear distribution of the nanoconstructs.

Conclusions

The intracellular distribution pattern of different nanoconjugates used in this study was different for different nanoconjugate surface molecules. Cells exposed to DOPAC covered nanoconjugates showed the smallest nanoconjugate uptake, with the most prominent pattern of large intracellular aggregates. Interestingly, cells treated with this nanoconjugate also showed the most pronounced radiosensitization effect in combination with the external beam x-ray irradiation. Further studies are necessary to evaluate mechanistic basis for this increased radiosensitization effect. Preliminary studies with the nanoparticles carrying an EGF mimicking peptide showed that this approach to targeting could perhaps be combined with a different approach to radiosensitization – use of nanoconjugates in combination with the radioactive iodine. Much additional work will be necessary in order to evaluate possible benefits of targeted nanoconjugates carrying radionuclides.

Graphic abstract
SSBER: removing batch effect for single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Yin , Wang Fei
Published: May 2021

Background

With the continuous maturity of sequencing technology, different laboratories or different sequencing platforms have generated a large amount of single-cell transcriptome sequencing data for the same or different tissues. Due to batch effects and high dimensions of scRNA data, downstream analysis often faces challenges. Although a number of algorithms and tools have been proposed for removing batch effects, the current mainstream algorithms have faced the problem of data overcorrection when the cell type composition varies greatly between batches.

Results

In this paper, we propose a novel method named SSBER by utilizing biological prior knowledge to guide the correction, aiming to solve the problem of poor batch-effect correction when the cell type composition differs greatly between batches.

Conclusions

SSBER effectively solves the above problems and outperforms other algorithms when the cell type structure among batches or distribution of cell population varies considerably, or some similar cell types exist across batches.
Ultrasonic diagnosis of asymptomatic rupture of uterine in second trimester of pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery for interstitial pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Tong Chun , Gong Lijun , Wei Yuan , Liu Zhaohui , Wang Yiting , Yuan Pengbo
Published: May 2021

Background

Uterine rupture is a rare, life-threatening event in obstetrics that may be fatal for the mother and fetus. Therefore, obstetricians need to pay attention to and should consider the antenatal diagnosis of uterine rupture in women having its risk factors. Successful conservative management for asymptomatic uterine rupture due to previous laparoscopic surgery for interstitial pregnancy has already been reported but remains understudied.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old woman was diagnosed asymptomatic uterine rupture at 22 weeks gestation by a routine second-trimester ultrasound scan. She had a history of laparoscopic salpingectomy with cornual wedge resection for interstitial pregnancy 10 months before this pregnancy. Refusing doctor’s twice advice of terminating the pregnancy, the patient insisted carrying on the pregnancy, and followed up by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Fetal growth was appropriate, fetal movements were good and the patient had no symptoms, without uterine contraction or amniotic fluid loss throughout follow-up period. Caesarean section was carried out at 34 + 1 weeks with a good maternal and neonatal outcome.

Conclusions

A previous history of laparoscopic salpingectomy with cornual wedge resection could be a risk factor for uterine rupture in pregnant women. Sonographers should be alert to this potential risk in pregnant women with a history of laparoscopic salpingectomy with cornual wedge resection even in asymptomatic patients.
Responsiveness of the EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire in patients with spondyloarthritis
Authors: Tsang Helen Hoi Lun , Wong Carlos King Ho , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Lau Chak Sing , Chung Ho Yin , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: May 2021

Background

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life due to functional impairments. Generic health instruments like the EuroQoL 5-dimension (EQ-5D) is important for cost-utility analysis of health care interventions and calculation of quality-adjusted life-years. It has been validated in patients with SpA. However, its responsiveness property is unclear. Hence, the aim of study is to test the responsiveness properties of the EQ-5D health measure for Chinese patients with SpA.

Methods

Prospective and consecutive recruitment of 151 Chinese patients with SpA was conducted with follow-up assessments 6 months later. Demographic data including smoking and drinking habits, education level, income and occupation was collected. Disease-associated data including disease duration, presence of back pain, peripheral arthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis, uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease was also recorded. Questionnaires regarding disease activity and functional disability (BASDAI, BASFI, BASGI, BASMI, ASDAS), mental health (HADS) and the EQ-5D scores were recorded. Responsiveness was tested against the global rating of change scale (GRC) and changes in disease activity using BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP.

Results

A total of 113 (74.8%) patients completed the follow-up assessments. Most patients (61.6%) had low disease activity level with BASDAI <4 and 39.7% of patients had inactive disease by ASDAS-CRP. EQ-5D scores was well discriminated along with BASDAI and BASFI scores. EQ-5D scores also correlated well with HADS. The GRC was not able to discriminate adequately. No significant ceiling or floor effect was observed.

Conclusions

EQ-5D demonstrates satisfactory responsiveness property for assessment of changes in SpA disease activity.

Level of evidence

II
Professional satisfaction of health professional undergraduates and influencing factors in Hebei province, China
Authors: Liu Yatian , Sun Xiaofeng , Yuan Yuqi , Zhang Ye , Liu Jieru , Duan Yufan , Tang Longmei
Published: May 2021

Background

Professional satisfaction of health professional students can impact on their medical professional achievement. Understanding the professional satisfaction of health professional students and identifying its relative factors is beneficial to strengthen the professionalism education of health professional students, and provide solid foundation for future medical achievements.

Methods

A self-made questionnaire was used to survey undergraduate students of six medical universities in Hebei province. The survey included three aspects: students’ basic situation, professional selection and cognition, and basic situation of colleges. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare the professional satisfaction of students with different characteristics. All covariates were used in the ordinal logistics regression analysis to identify the independent factors associated with professional satisfaction.

Results

A total of 1238 (97.7%) students responded to the questionnaire in the survey, and 66.0% were women. Students with public health majors had decreased satisfaction compared with those with clinical-related majors. Professional satisfaction decreased among women compared with men. The non-first-choice students had lower professional satisfaction compared with the first-choice students. Students who chose their volunteer with the help of others had lower professional satisfaction compared with students who independently chose their volunteer. Students who did not understand the employment status had lower professional satisfaction compared with students who understood the employment status. Students with fewer employment prospects had lower professional satisfaction compared with students with bright employment prospects. Students generally dissatisfied with the canteen had lower professional satisfaction compared with students satisfied with the canteen. Students who were very satisfied or satisfied with teaching levels were more likely to have professional satisfaction.

Conclusions

The professional satisfaction of health professional undergraduates in Hebei province is high. Employment-related aspects and university environment influence professional satisfaction including canteens, understanding of employment status, teachers’ teaching level, etc., which are the main factors affecting professional satisfaction, but the factors such as student employment prospects and majors cannot be changed in the current environment.
Core-binding factor beta is required for osteoblast differentiation during fibula fracture healing
Authors: Guo Tuanmao , Xing Yanli , Chen Zhongning , Wang Xianhong , Zhu Haiyun , Yang Lan , Yan Yong
Published: May 2021

Background

Growing evidence has implicated core-binding factor beta (Cbfb) as a contributor to osteoblast differentiation, which plays a key role in fracture healing. Herein, we aimed to assess whether Cbfb affects osteoblast differentiation after fibula fracture.

Methods

Initially, we established a Cbfb conditional knockout mouse model for subsequent studies. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and collagen II in the fracture end. Next, we isolated and cultured osteoblasts from specific Cbfb conditional knockout mice for BrdU analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and von Kossa staining to detect osteoblast viability, differentiation, and mineralization, respectively. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of osteoblast differentiation-related genes.

Results

The Cbfb conditional knockout mice exhibited downregulated expression of PCNA and collagen II, reduced ALP activity, and mineralization, as well as diminished expression of osteoblast differentiation-related genes. Further, Cbfb knockout exerted no obvious effects on osteoblast proliferation.

Conclusions

Overall, these results substantiated that Cbfb could promote fibula fracture healing and osteoblast differentiation and thus provided a promising therapeutic target for clinical treatment of fibula fracture.
Long-term survival after Carpentier-Edwards Perimount aortic valve replacement in Western Denmark: a multi-centre observational study
Authors: Krasniqi Lytfi , Kronby Mads P. , Riber Lars P. S.
Published: May 2021

Background

This study describes the long-term survival, risk of reoperation and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing solitary surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) with a Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CE-P) bioprosthetic in Western Denmark. The renewed interest in SAVR is based on the questioning regarding the long-term survival since new aortic replacement technique such as transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) probably have shorter durability, why assessment of long-term survival could be a key issue for patients.

Methods

From November 1999 to November 2013 a cohort of a total of 1604 patients with a median age of 73 years (IQR: 69–78) undergoing solitary SAVR with CE-P in Western Denmark was obtained November 2018 from the Western Danish Heart Registry (WDHR). The primary endpoint was long-term survival from all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were survival free from major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE), risk of reoperation, cause of late death, patient-prothesis mismatch, risk of AMI, stroke, pacemaker or ICD implantation and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Time-to-event analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curve, cumulative incidence function was performed with Nelson-Aalen cumulative hazard estimates. Cox regression was applied to detect risk factors for death and reoperation.

Results

In-hospital mortality was 2.7% and 30-day mortality at 3.4%. The 5-, 10- and 15-year survival from all-cause mortality was 77, 52 and 24%, respectively. Survival without MACCE was 80% after 10 years. Significant risk factors of mortality were small valves, smoking and EuroSCORE II ≥4%. The risk of reoperation was < 5% after 7.5 years and significant risk factors were valve prosthesis-patient mismatch and EuroSCORE II ≥4%.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with a Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valve shows a very satisfying long-term survival. Future research should aim to investigate biological valves long-term durability for comparison of different SAVR to different TAVR in long perspective.
HSP90-dependent PUS7 overexpression facilitates the metastasis of colorectal cancer cells by regulating LASP1 abundance
Authors: Song Dan , Guo Ming , Xu Shuai , Song Xiaotian , Bai Bin , Li Zhengyan , Chen Jie , An Yanxin , Nie Yongzhan , Wu Kaichun , Wang Shiqi , Zhao Qingchuan
Published: May 2021

Background

Pseudouridine synthase (PUS) 7 is a member of the PUS family that catalyses pseudouridine formation. It has been shown to be involved in intellectual development and haematological malignancies. Nevertheless, the role and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PUS7 in solid tumours, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), remain unexplored. This study elucidated, for the first time, the role of PUS7 in CRC cell metastasis and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We conducted immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and western blotting to quantify the expression of PUS7 in CRC tissues as well as cell lines. Besides, diverse in vivo and in vitro functional tests were employed to establish the function of PUS7 in CRC. RNA-seq and proteome profiling analysis were also applied to identify the targets of PUS7. PUS7-interacting proteins were further uncovered using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry.

Results

Overexpression of PUS7 was observed in CRC tissues and was linked to advanced clinical stages and shorter overall survival. PUS7 silencing effectively repressed CRC cell metastasis, while its upregulation promoted metastasis, independently of the PUS7 catalytic activity. LASP1 was identified as a downstream effector of PUS7. Forced LASP1 expression abolished the metastasis suppression triggered by PUS7 silencing. Furthermore, HSP90 was identified as a client protein of PUS7, associated with the increased PUS7 abundance in CRC. NMS-E973, a specific HSP90 inhibitor, also showed higher anti-metastatic activity when combined with PUS7 repression. Importantly, in line with these results, in human CRC tissues, the expression of PUS7 was positively linked to the expression of HSP90 and LASP1, and patients co-expressing HSP90/PUS7/LASP1 showed a worse prognosis.

Conclusions

The HSP90-dependent PUS7 upregulation promotes CRC cell metastasis via the regulation of LASP1. Thus, targeting the HSP90/PUS7/LASP1 axis may be a novel approach for the treatment of CRC.
Sex-specific plasticity and the nutritional geometry of insulin-signaling gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: McDonald Jeanne M. C. , Nabili Pegah , Thorsen Lily , Jeon Sohee , Shingleton Alexander W.
Published: May 2021

Background

Sexual-size dimorphism (SSD) is replete among animals, but while the selective pressures that drive the evolution of SSD have been well studied, the developmental mechanisms upon which these pressures act are poorly understood. Ours and others’ research has shown that SSD in D. melanogaster reflects elevated levels of nutritional plasticity in females versus males, such that SSD increases with dietary intake and body size, a phenomenon called sex-specific plasticity (SSP). Additional data indicate that while body size in both sexes responds to variation in protein level, only female body size is sensitive to variation in carbohydrate level. Here, we explore whether these difference in sensitivity at the morphological level are reflected by differences in how the insulin/IGF-signaling (IIS) and TOR-signaling pathways respond to changes in carbohydrates and proteins in females versus males, using a nutritional geometry approach.

Results

The IIS-regulated transcripts of 4E-BP and InR most strongly correlated with body size in females and males, respectively, but neither responded to carbohydrate level and so could not explain the sex-specific response to body size to dietary carbohydrate. Transcripts regulated by TOR-signaling did, however, respond to dietary carbohydrate in a sex-specific manner. In females, expression of dILP5 positively correlated with body size, while expression of dILP2,3 and 8, was elevated on diets with a low concentration of both carbohydrate and protein. In contrast, we detected lower levels of dILP2 and 5 protein in the brains of females fed on low concentration diets. We could not detect any effect of diet on dILP expression in males.

Conclusion

Although females and males show sex-specific transcriptional responses to changes in protein and carbohydrate, the patterns of expression do not support a simple model of the regulation of body-size SSP by either insulin- or TOR-signaling. The data also indicate a complex relationship between carbohydrate and protein level, dILP expression and dILP peptide levels in the brain. In general, diet quality and sex both affect the transcriptional response to changes in diet quantity, and so should be considered in future studies that explore the effect of nutrition on body size.
Single-visit chairside adjustment of a metal-acrylic resin implant-supported fixed complete dental prosthesis on an unloaded implant using a novel fixed attachment system: a case report
Authors: Molinero-Mourelle Pedro , Al-Haj Husain Nadin , Abou-Ayash Samir , Yilmaz Burak , Iizuka Tateyuki , Schimmel Martin
Published: May 2021

Background

Implant-supported prosthetic treatment options are reliable for elderly edentulous patients with systemic health problems. These patients often need cost- and time-efficient solutions to avoid complications. However, it is a challenge for clinicians to treat these patients without surgical interventions, placement of additional implants, or the need to renew existing prostheses.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old medically compromised caucasian male patient using multiple medications was referred for prosthetic rehabilitation of his edentulous maxilla after several implant failures. Because the patient’s health was compromised, further surgical interventions were ruled out and the treatment was centered on the use of the remaining implants by placing a fixed attachment system and altering the existing prosthesis. The stepwise management of the patient’s situation through the use of a new attachment system and adjustment of existing prosthesis is described in the present case report.

Conclusions

Although implant therapy is not always contraindicated for medically compromised patients, it is preferable not to perform extensive surgeries to avoid complications. This clinical report describes an alternative, safe option based on a novel fixed attachment system to salvage an existing maxillary implant-supported fixed complete dental prosthesis of a patient with systemic health problems.
Physiological and morphological traits associated with germinative and reproductive stage of garden orache (A. hortensis L. var. rubra) under water stress
Authors: Kachout S. Sai , BenYoussef S. , Ennajah A. , Abidi S. , Zoghlami A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Drought is a major problem limiting the growth and development of plants in the world and especially in Tunisia. Halophytes constitute a renewable wealth and they offer great flexibility with regard to abiotic stresses, and they are evaluated for their ecological and potential food use.

Results

The proposed work identifies the response of Atriplex hortensis var. rubra to the germinal stage and the reproductive stage under a deficient water regime to measure the drought resistance of this plant that has very interesting forage production abilities. The morphological and water parameters are used to characterize the physiological response of this species to the effects of water deficit. For the germination test, four levels of osmotic potential caused by PEG-6000 solutions at different levels of water potential (− 0.1, − 0.5, − 1.0, − 1.5 MPa) were adopted in seed of A. hortensis germination media. The methodology adopted in the second experiment is based on the cultivation of potted plants stored in a semi-controlled greenhouse at flowering stage. The water deficit was imposed on the plants by watering stop for a week, and the control plants are subjected to a water regime maintained irrigated at 100% of the capacity in the field. Drought tolerance was scored 30 days after the drought stress commenced based on the number of branches and leaf, dry biomass, relative water content, leaf water potential, and nitrogen content. No significant difference was observed in germination rates for all PEG concentrations throughout the experiment which are still close to 60%. The results obtained for the second experiment show a high tolerance of A. hortensis under water stress. Drought induced decreases in two physiological parameters, the number of branches and leafs, and the relative water content of annual Atriplex. Heatmap and PCA data revealed that physiological parameters are more sensitive than morphological parameters in distinguishing the control and drought treatments.

Conclusions

Indeed, the orache is distinguished by a great ability to retain water potential after a month of stress. Thus, height, number of branches, leaf and shoot dry weight, and percentage of nitrogen were significantly similar for controls and stressed for A. hortensis. On the other hand, measured root length and basic and midday water potential show significant variability between controls and stressors. In addition, these results highlight the importance of the resistance of Atriplex halophyte forage to drought.
3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane for wearable breast hyperthermia
Authors: Mukai Yusuke , Li Sixian , Suh Minyoung
Published: May 2021

Microwave breast hyperthermia is a class of cancer treatment, where breast temperature is elevated by a focused electromagnetic (EM) radiation to impair cancer cells. While the current mainstream in microwave breast hyperthermia is centered on bulky and rigid systems, wearable antennas would offer considerable benefits such as superior conformity to individual patient anatomy and better comfort. In this proposition, this paper presents 3D-printed flexible antenna prototypes for wearable breast hyperthermia applications. Since the dielectric properties are expected to dominate the antenna gain but could be influenced by the solid volume percentage, this work first investigates the relationship between the dielectric properties and solid volume percentage of a 3D-printed flexible filament. From this, it is found that with decrease in the solid volume percentage, the dielectric constant decreases following the classic theory of dielectric mixture. Based on this observation, optimal antennas are designed for substrates in different infill levels by running a 3D full-wave EM simulator and fabricated by 3D printing a polyurethane filament. Temperature elevations in a synthetic breast tissue are measured by a thermometer and are ~ 5.5 °C and ~ 3.2 °C at the 5 mm- and 7 mm-deep locations, respectively. The infill percentage makes little difference in the heating efficacy. Based on these findings, this translational study sheds light on the possibility of wearable breast hyperthermia with the 3D-printed flexible and conformal antennas.
Community distribution of oxygen: a unique COVID-19 intervention
Authors: Ukor Nelson Ashinedu , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Uwizeyimana Theogene , Ahmadi Attaullah , Ekwebelem Osmond C. , Fadele Precious , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: May 2021

The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world has exposed some long-standing deficiencies in health systems, particularly in environments with low financial and medical resources. Most patients ill with COVID-19 require oxygen and supportive therapy for survival as there remains no conclusively established curative therapy. Following a number of critical research work and drawing from a millennia-long evolution of medical practice, respiratory support has been identified as a paramount intervention to ensure lives are saved when supportive care is required, and oxygen is an essential commodity to achieve this. This letter focuses on the numerous means for oxygen delivery to health facilities and in turn the end users and expands on the importance of innovation to improve oxygen supply. We describe a community distribution system with a telemedicine structure that can be leveraged for oxygen delivery.
Use of a 4 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug II in the treatment of a renal arteriovenous fistula: a case report
Authors: Castellano Davide , Boghi Andrea , Comelli Chiara , Di Maggio Luca , Savio Daniele
Published: May 2021

Background

We report the use of a 4 mm vascular Amplatzer for the occlusion of a renal arterovenous fistula between the renal artery, at the hylum trifurcation point, and an aneurismatic vein draining into the main renal vein, where there was no possibility to use any other device from the venous side, because of the diameter and the high flow, neither from the arterious side without sacrificing lobar branches. The device was implanted at the exact point of communication, like a patent foramen ovale occluder, with the distal disc into the artery lumen and the other two proximal discs into the venous side.

Case presentation

A 34-years-old Caucasian woman suffered several episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia associated with dyspnoea, after the onset of post-pregnancy hypertension. She underwent CTA, spectral Doppler sonography and angiography which showed a renal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) between the renal artery, at the hylum trifurcation point, and an extremely ectatic vein draining into the main renal vein of the right kidney.

With both arterial and venous access, the RAVF was selectively embolized using a 4 × 6 mm Amplatzer Vascular Plug II, released into the communication between artery and vein ensuring the patency of vessels involved.

The RAVF was almost completely excluded and the hemodynamic effects associated were also corrected.

Conclusions

The use of this device, though in an alternative way, allowed the exclusion of the high flow A-V fistula without sacrificing any parent renal vessel and preserving the renal function.