bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tragic Stability and Elusive Selfhood: On the Drive for Self-Development in Contemporary China
Authors: Hizi Gil
Published: September 2021

The requirement for “self-development” through the ceaseless acquisition of skills and credentials has long been central for young adults in China. However, due to the multiple and unpredictable demands of social institutions, many social actors also prime the cultivation of a self that does not succumb to immediate occupational and material impositions. In this article, I describe how young adults in a second-tier city pursue a model of personhood that brings together socio-economic competence and singular individuality. These individuals aspire to expand their range of experiences and their spatial mobility, thereby reifying an image of a self that transcends narrow social roles and networks. Drawing on Jean-Paul Sartre's dualistic philosophy, I analyse young adults’ attempts to realise individualised selves by destabilising their ontological ground. I argue that this phenomenon is magnified in China through widespread notions of a “moral crisis” and its supposable suppression of social actors’ agency.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Calycanthaceous Derivatives
Authors: Zhu Rui , Yang Cheng , Han Ke , Gu Yongdong , Zhang Jiwen , Zheng Shaojun , Bai Hongjin
Published: September 2021

A series of calycanthaceous alkaloid analogs have been synthesized in excellent yields. All the target compounds were evaluated in vitro for biological activity against a broad range of plant pathogen fungi, bacteria and human pathogenic fungi, and some of the designed compounds exhibited potential activity in the primary assays. Notably, Compound b7 illustrated higher degrees of activity against Aspergillu sflavu than amphotericin B, with a minimal inhibitory concentration value of 15.63 µg·mL−1. Compound b7 displayed the most effective activity among the tested calycanthaceous analogs and might be a novel potential leading compound for further development of antifungal agent.
Ultrasound-Guided Meniscal Injection of Autologous Growth Factors: A Brief Report
Authors: Di Matteo Berardo , Altomare Daniele , Garibaldi Riccardo , La Porta Agostino , Manca Angelo , Kon Elizaveta
Published: September 2021

Meniscal degeneration is a common finding even in young patients’ knees, and it is regarded as a predictor for the onset of early osteoarthritis (OA). When symptomatic, it represents a challenge since arthroscopic surgery provides unpredictable results: recent evidence has shown that partial meniscectomy is not better than conservative management up to 2 years of follow-up, and the removal of meniscal tissue may accelerate OA progression toward OA. Intra-articular injection of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid may help in providing temporary symptomatic relief, but no influence should be expected on the quality of the meniscal tissue. Biologic agents have been adopted to treat a variety of degenerative musculoskeletal pathologies, and the use of platelet-derived growth factors (GFs) has become routine. Preclinical studies have documented that platelet-derived GFs may play a beneficial role in stimulating meniscal repair and regeneration by triggering anabolic pathways and stimulating local mesenchymal stem cells from synovium. Furthermore, also mechanical stimulation (e.g., arthroscopic trephination or percutaneous needling) in the red-red or red-white zone may further promote tissue healing. The purpose of the present brief report is to describe the clinical outcomes at 18 months’ follow-up in a cohort of patients affected by symptomatic medial meniscus degeneration and treated by percutaneous needling plus intra- and perimeniscal injection of autologous conditioned plasma (ACP). The procedure was shown to be safe and provided significant pain reduction and improvement in subjective scores. This treatment option deserves further investigation in a comparative setting, to establish whether it could offer advantage over isolated intra-articular injections.
Electrical stimulation to treat tinnitus: a meta-analysis and systemic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Ting , Zhang Jin , Wang Bing , Zhang Wen , Xu Min , Yang Shuangyuan , Liu Hui
Published: September 2021

Background and aims:

Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms that patients experience, and it can be debilitating. No effective drug treatments are available for tinnitus, although considerable research investigating its mechanisms and possible treatments is underway. Electrical stimulation has been considered a promising and well-tolerated therapeutic strategy for tinnitus. This meta-analysis study was aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of electrical stimulation in patients with tinnitus.

Methods:

Relevant studies were retrieved from the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), Wanfang and Weipu databases. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) which focus on loudness and distress evaluation (0–10 points) were used to assess perceived tinnitus suppression after treatment. Subgroup analysis was also performed based on different stimulating areas and methods, follow-up times, tinnitus duration and electrical current intensity. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for data synthesis, and Stata 15.1 software was used for analyses of publication bias and sensitivity.

Results:

Our meta-analysis included 11 studies involving a total of 447 patients with tinnitus. The results showed that electrical stimulation significantly reduced THI scores [mean difference (MD) = −9.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −14.25, −5.13; p < 0.0001; I2 = 80%] and VAS scores between the two groups (VAS loudness scores, MD = −0.72; 95% CI = −1.20, −0.25; VAS distress scores, MD = −0.90; 95% CI = −1.17, −0.63). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that THI scores in electrical stimulation group of different stimulating areas and methods follow-up times, tinnitus duration and electrical current intensity were generally reduced, regardless of the acute or subacute tinnitus group or left temporoparietal area (LTA) group with no statistical significance between two groups.

Conclusion:

Overall, electrical stimulation may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for tinnitus.
Acetazolamide prevents hypoxia‐induced reactive oxygen species generation and calcium release in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle
Authors: Shimoda Larissa A. , Suresh Karthik , Undem Clark , Jiang Haiyang , Yun Xin , Sylvester J.T. , Swenson Erik R.
Published: September 2021

Upon sensing a reduction in local oxygen partial pressure, pulmonary vessels constrict, a phenomenon known as hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Excessive hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction can occur with ascent to high altitude and is a contributing factor to the development of high‐altitude pulmonary edema. The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide, attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction through stimulation of alveolar ventilation via modulation of acid–base homeostasis and by direct effects on pulmonary vascular smooth muscle. In pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), acetazolamide prevents hypoxia‐induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), although the exact mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. In this study, we explored the effect of acetazolamide on various calcium‐handling pathways in PASMCs. Using fluorescent microscopy, we tested whether acetazolamide directly inhibited store‐operated calcium entry or calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, two well‐documented sources of hypoxia‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i in PASMCs. Acetazolamide had no effect on calcium entry stimulated by store‐depletion, nor on calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum induced by either phenylephrine to activate inositol triphosphate receptors or caffeine to activate ryanodine receptors. In contrast, acetazolamide completely prevented Ca2+‐release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum induced by hypoxia (4% O2). Since these results suggest the acetazolamide interferes with a mechanism upstream of the inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors, we also determined whether acetazolamide might prevent hypoxia‐induced changes in reactive oxygen species production. Using roGFP, a ratiometric reactive oxygen species‐sensitive fluorescent probe, we found that hypoxia caused a significant increase in reactive oxygen species in PASMCs that was prevented by 100 μM acetazolamide. Together, these results suggest that acetazolamide prevents hypoxia‐induced changes in [Ca2+]i by attenuating reactive oxygen species production and subsequent activation of Ca2+‐release from sarcoplasmic reticulum stores.
Management of COVID-19 at the pandemic’s first wave in Ecuador
Authors: Briones-Claudett Killen H , Murillo Vásconez Roger Alexander , Rivera Salas Carolina del Rosario , Briones-Zamora Killen H , Briones-Márquez Diana C , Icaza-Freire Andrea , Grunauer Michelle
Published: September 2021

During March and April 2020, Ecuador was the country with the highest death toll in Latin America due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Simultaneously, research was being developed and published globally, and to a certain extent, guided therapeutic approaches in real time, mostly in under-resourced settings. We present the case of a 59-year-old male physician residing in Guayaquil, who presented with severe coronavirus disease 2019, in which mechanical ventilation, prone position, and pulmonary protective ventilatory strategy were used. We discuss the clinical management of the first reported case in the literature of a physician in Ecuador who survived severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, as well as the topic of self-medication within health professionals, the management approach that was emerging at the moment in scientific publications and guiding treatment, the role of responsible research and its worldwide impact, and the emotional burdens of the care team who had to make very difficult decisions in extremely adverse circumstances.
Subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy in a patient with 18q deletion syndrome, primary immune deficiency, and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hogendorf Anna , Szadkowska Agnieszka , Michalak Arkadiusz , Surman Marta , Trojan-Borczynska Karolina , Młynarski Wojciech , Janczar Szymon
Published: September 2021

18q deletion syndrome (OMIM #601808) results from a deletion of a part of a long arm of 18 chromosome and is characterized by mental retardation and congenital malformations. We present an exceptional case of a 12-year-old girl with severe phenotype of 18q deletion syndrome, frequent infections, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, and vitiligo. At first, the patient was diagnosed with selective immunoglobulin A (sIgAD) which explained her susceptibility to both infections and autoimmunity. With time, sIgAD progressed to common variable immune deficiency-like (CVID-like) disorder. She had a minimum of 12 infections per year, approximately twice as many courses of different antibiotics and up to three hospitalizations annually, making the treatment of diabetes difficult. Due to safety issues (increased risk of adverse reaction to blood products) and patient’s convenience, subcutaneous IgG (SCIG) replacement therapy was initiated. We noticed a substantial decrease in the number of infections and improvement of metabolic control of diabetes.
Intramuscular BoNT/A injections cause an inflammatory response in the muscle tissue of rats
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Pacolet Alexander , Elfving Betina , Ledri Litsa N
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether intramuscular BoNT/A injections cause an systemic inflammatory response and a local inflammatory response in the muscle tissue.

Methods

Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats treated with BoNT/A (i.m., 1IU) were divided in four groups, depending on the time of BoNT/A injection (2 days before, 1, 2, and 4 weeks before the experiment). Bio-Plex Pro Rat Cytokine 23-plex Multiplex Assay (Bio-Rad, USA).

Results

Systemic inflammation: 17 cytokines (IL1-α ( p = 0.005), IL-1β ( p = 0.01), IL-2 ( p = 0.04), IL-4 ( p = 0.03), IL-6 ( p = 0.03), IL-10 ( p = 0.02), IL12(p70) ( p = 0.03), IL-13 ( p = 0.04), IL-17 ( p = 0.03), GM-CSF ( p = 0.03), INF-γ ( p = 0.03), MIP-1α ( p = 0.03), MIP-3α ( p = 0.04), RANTES ( p = 0.001), TNF-α ( p = 0.04), vascular endothelial growth factor ( p = 0.03), and MCP-1 ( p = 0.02)) showed significantly higher expression levels 2 days after intramuscular BoNT/A injections compared to other time points (1, 2, and 4 weeks). Local inflammation: 12 cytokines (IL-1β ( p = 0.02), IL-6 ( p = 0.002), IL-10 ( p = 0.02), IL-13 ( p = 0.04), IL-17 ( p = 0.02), TNF-α ( p = 0.001), GM-CSF ( p = 0.01), M-CSF ( p = 0.04), MIP-1α ( p = 0.04), MIP-3α ( p = 0.002), RANTES ( p = 0.02), and MCP-1( p = 0.004)) showed higher expression levels 2 and/or 4 weeks after intramuscular BoNT/A injections compared to the other time points (2 days and 1 week).

Conclusion

Intramuscular BoNT/A injections result in a rapid systemic inflammatory response that only lasts a couple of days. At the same time, intramuscular BoNT/A injections cause an inflammatory response locally in the muscle with significantly higher cytokine levels 2 and/or 4 weeks after injections.
Management of Peritonsillar Abscesses in Adults: Survey of Otolaryngologists in Canada and the United States
Authors: Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Grant Amy , Hong Paul , Corsten Martin , Wu Vincent , Taylor S. Mark , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Rigby Matthew H.
Published: September 2021

Objective

The management of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) has evolved over time. We sought to define contemporary practice patterns for the diagnosis and treatment of PTA.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

The 15‐question survey was distributed to members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (CSO) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS).

Methods

An iterative, consensus‐based process was used for survey development. Primary outcomes were to determine methods of diagnosis and first‐line treatments for PTA. Exploratory, secondary outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

The survey response rate was 12.6% (n = 1176). Most participants were attending staff (86%) in a community hospital setting (60%) and had been in practice for more than 20 years (38%). Most respondents (78%) indicated that at least half of the time, cross‐sectional imaging had already been performed before they were consulted. Half of respondents (49%) indicated that they perform incision and drainage of the abscess as first‐line treatment, while few (16%) provide medical management alone. In exploratory analysis, participants from the AAO‐HNS had higher odds of imaging already being performed before consultation (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; 95% CI, 4.6‐29.4) and increased odds of using medical management alone as a first‐line treatment (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3‐4.2) compared to respondents from the CSO.

Conclusion

There is wide practice variation in the diagnosis and management of acute, uncomplicated PTA among otolaryngologists in Canada and the United States. The use of cross‐sectional imaging and medical management alone may differ between countries of practice.
Platelet variability index: a measure of platelet count fluctuations in patients with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Li Na , Heddle Nancy M. , Nazy Ishac , Kelton John G. , Arnold Donald M.
Published: September 2021

Fluctuations in platelet count levels over time may help distinguish immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from other causes of thrombocytopenia. We derived the platelet variability index (PVI) to capture both the fluctuations in platelet count measurements and the severity of the thrombocytopenia over time. Raw PVI values, ranging from negative (less severe thrombocytopenia and/or low fluctuations) to positive (more severe thrombocytopenia and/or high fluctuations) were converted to an ordinal PVI score, from 0 to 6. We evaluated the performance characteristics of the PVI score for consecutive adults with thrombocytopenia from the McMaster ITP Registry. We defined patients with definite ITP as those who achieved a platelet count response after treatment with intravenous immune globulin or high-dose corticosteroids and possible ITP as those who never received ITP treatment or did not respond to treatment. Of 841 patients with thrombocytopenia, 104 had definite ITP, 398 had possible ITP, and 339 had non-ITP thrombocytopenia. For patients with definite ITP, the median PVI score was 5 [interquartile range (IQR) 5, 6] for patients with possible ITP, the median PVI score was 3 (1, 5); and for patients with non-ITP thrombocytopenia, the median PVI score was 0 (0, 2). A high PVI score correlated with the diagnosis of definite ITP even when calculated at the patient’s initial assessment, before any treatment had been administered. Platelet count fluctuations alone contributed to the specificity of the overall PVI score. The PVI score may help clinicians diagnose ITP among patients who present with thrombocytopenia for evaluation.
Development of a Csy4-processed guide RNA delivery system with soybean-infecting virus ALSV for genome editing
Authors: Luo Yanjie , Na Ren , Nowak Julia S. , Qiu Yang , Lu Qing Shi , Yang Chunyan , Marsolais Frédéric , Tian Lining
Published: September 2021

Background

A key issue for implementation of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing for plant trait improvement and gene function analysis is to efficiently deliver the components, including guide RNAs (gRNAs) and Cas9, into plants. Plant virus-based gRNA delivery strategy has proven to be an important tool for genome editing. However, its application in soybean which is an important crop has not been reported yet. ALSV (apple latent spherical virus) is highly infectious virus and could be explored for delivering elements for genome editing.

Results

To develop a ALSV-based gRNA delivery system, theCas9-basedCsy4-processedALSVCarry (CCAC) system was developed. In this system, we engineered the soybean-infecting ALSV to carry and deliver gRNA(s). The endoribonuclease Csy4 effectively releases gRNAs that function efficiently in Cas9-mediated genome editing. Genome editing of endogenous phytoene desaturase (PDS) loci and exogenous 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) sequence inNicotiana. benthamiana(N. benthamiana) through CCAC was confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, CCAC-induced mutagenesis in two soybean endogenousGW2paralogs was detected.

Conclusions

With the aid of the CCAC system, the target-specific gRNA(s) can be easily manipulated and efficiently delivered into soybean plant cells by viral infection. This is the first virus-based gRNA delivery system for soybean for genome editing and can be used for gene function study and trait improvement.
National multi-stakeholder meetings: a tool to support development of integrated policies and practices for testing and prevention of HIV, viral hepatitis, TB and STIs
Authors: Simões Daniel , Matulionyté Raimonda , Stoniene Loreta , Wysocki Piotr , Kowalska Justyna , Gasbarrini Nadia , Cosmaro Lella , Blažić Tatjana Nemeth , Dišković Arian , Dominković Zoran , Jovovic Iva , Razmiene Ilona , Maffeo Manuel , Jakobsen Stine F.
Published: September 2021

Background

Country level policies and practices of testing and care for HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections are lagging behind European recommendations on integration across diseases. Building on previous experiences and evidence, the INTEGRATE Joint Action arranged four national stakeholder meetings. The aim was to foster cross-disciplinary and cross-disease collaborations at national level as a vehicle for strengthened integration of testing and care services. This article presents the methodology and discusses main outcomes and recommendations of these meetings.

Methods

Local partners in Croatia, Italy, Lithuania and Poland oversaw the planning, agenda development and identification of key persons to invite to ensure that meetings addressed main challenges and issues of the respective countries. Invited national stakeholders represented policy and public health institutions, clinical settings, testing sites and community organisations. National experts and experts from other European countries were invited as speakers and facilitators. Main topic discussed was how to increase integration across HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections in testing and care policies and practice; tuberculosis was also addressed in Lithuania and Italy.

Results

The agendas reflected national contexts and the meetings provided a forum to engage stakeholders knowledgeable of the national prevention, testing and care systems in interaction with international experts who shared experiences of the steps needed to achieve integration in policies and practice. The evaluations showed that participants found meetings relevant, important and beneficial for furthering integration. Of the respondents 78% agreed or strongly agreed that there was a good representation of relevant national stakeholders, and 78% that decision/action points were made on how to move the agenda forward. The importance of securing participation from high level national policy makers was highlighted. Outcomes were nationally tailored recommendations on integrated policies and strategies, diversification of testing strategies, stigma and discrimination, key populations, cost effectiveness, surveillance and funding.

Conclusions

Shifting from single to multi-disease approaches require collaboration among a broad range of actors and national multi-stakeholder meetings have proven excellent to kick-start this. Face-to-face meetings of key stakeholders represent a unique opportunity to share cross-sectoral perspectives and experiences, identify gaps in national policies and practices and agree on required next steps.
Mapping the PHQ-8 to EQ-5D, HUI3 and SF6D in patients with depression
Authors: Abdin Edimansyah , Chong Siow Ann , Seow Esmond , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: September 2021

Background

There is limited evidence of mapping clinical instruments to a generic preference-based instrument in Asian patient populations. The current study aims to map the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-8) onto the EuroQol Five-Dimension (EQ-5D), the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) and the Short Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) which helps to inform future cost-utility analyses of treatments for depression.

Methods

A total of 249 participants who had completed PHQ-8, EQ-5D, SF-6D and HUI3 questionnaires were included in the analyses. A beta regression mixture model was used to map the utility scores as a function of PHQ-8 total scores, PHQ-squared, age and gender. The predictive accuracy of the models was examined using mean absolute error and root mean square error.

Results

The results were compared against two common regression methods including Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Tobit regression models. The mean age of the sample was 36.2 years (SD = 11.1). The mean EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, HUI3 and SF-6D utility scores were 0.615, 0.709, 0.461 and 0.607, respectively. The EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utility scores were best predicted by the beta mixture regression model consisting of PHQ-8 total sores, PHQ-squared, and covariates including age and gender. The HUI3 was best predicted by the OLS regression model.

Conclusions

The current study provides important evidence to clinicians and researchers about the mapping algorithms that can be used in economic evaluation among patients with depression.
Measuring coverage of maternal and child health services using routine health facility data: a Sierra Leone case study
Authors: Maïga Abdoulaye , Amouzou Agbessi , Bagayoko Moussa , Faye Cheikh M. , Jiwani Safia S. , Kamara Dauda , Koroma Ibrahim B. , Sankoh Osman
Published: September 2021

Background

There are limited existing approaches to generate estimates from Routine Health Information Systems (RHIS) data, despite the growing interest to these data. We calculated and assessed the consistency of maternal and child health service coverage estimates from RHIS data, using census-based and health service-based denominators in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We used Sierra Leone 2016 RHIS data to calculate coverage of first antenatal care contact (ANC1), institutional delivery and diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus 3 (DPT3) immunization service provision. For each indicator, national and district level coverages were calculated using denominators derived from two census-based and three health service-based methods. We compared the coverage estimates from RHIS data to estimates from MICS 2017. We considered the agreement adequate when estimates from RHIS fell within the 95% confidence interval of the survey estimate.

Results

We found an overall poor consistency of the coverage estimates calculated from the census-based methods. ANC1 and institutional delivery coverage estimates from these methods were greater than 100% in about half of the fourteen districts, and only 3 of the 14 districts had estimates consistent with the survey data. Health service-based methods generated better estimates. For institutional delivery coverage, five districts met the agreement criteria using BCG service-based method. We found better agreement for DPT3 coverage estimates using DPT1 service-based method as national coverage was close to survey data, and estimates were consistent for 8 out of 14 districts. DPT3 estimates were consistent in almost half of the districts (6/14) using ANC1 service-based method.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the challenge in determining an appropriate denominator for RHIS-based coverage estimates. Systematic and transparent data quality check and correction, as well as rigorous approaches to determining denominators are key considerations to generate accurate coverage statistics using RHIS data.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Long non-coding RNA SLC2A1-AS1 induced by GLI3 promotes aerobic glycolysis and progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-378a-3p to enhance Glut1 expression
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Zhang Qing , Song Yinsen , Hao Yibin , Cui Yunxia , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xueying , Qin Yue , Zhu Guangzhao , Wang Feng , Dang Jinghan , Ma Shanshan , Zhang Yanting , Guo Wenna , Li Shenglei , Guan Fangxia , Fan Tianli
Published: September 2021

Background

Emerging evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs play pivotal roles in tumor energy metabolism; however, the detailed mechanisms of lncRNAs in the regulation of tumor glycolysis remain largely unknown.

Methods

The expression of SLC2A1-AS1 was investigated by TCGA, GEO dataset and qRT-PCR. The binding of GLI3 to SLC2A1-AS1 promoter was detected by Luciferase Reporter Assay System and Ago2-RIP assay. FISH was performed to determine the localization of SLC2A1-AS1 in ESCC cells. Double Luciferase Report assay was used to investigate the interaction of miR-378a-3p with SLC2A1-AS1 and Glut1. Gain-of-function and Loss-of-function assay were performed to dissect the function of SLC2A1-AS1/miR-378a-3p/Glut1 axis in ESCC progression in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We identified a novel lncRNA SLC2A1-AS1 in ESCC. SLC2A1-AS1 was frequently overexpressed in ESCC tissues and cells, and its overexpression was associated with TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis of ESCC patients. Importantly, GLI3 and SLC2A1-AS1 formed a regulatory feedback loop in ESCC cells. SLC2A1-AS1 promoted cell growth in vitro and in vivo, migration and invasion, and suppressed apoptosis, leading to EMT progression and increased glycolysis in ESCC cells. SLC2A1-AS1 functioned as ceRNA for sponging miR-378a-3p, resulting in Glut1 overexpression in ESCC cells. MiR-378a-3p inhibited cell proliferation and invasion as well as induced apoptosis, resulting in reduced glycolysis, which was partly reversed by SLC2A1-AS1 or Glut1 overexpression in ESCC cells.

Conclusion

SLC2A1-AS1 plays important roles in ESCC development and progression by regulating glycolysis, and SLC2A1-AS1/miR-378a-3p/Glut1 regulatory axis may be a novel therapeutic target in terms of metabolic remodeling of ESCC patients.
Efficacy of fipronil/(S)-methoprene/eprinomectin/praziquantel (Broadline®) against Thelazia callipaeda in naturally infected cats
Authors: Zanet Stefania , Morelli Simone , Di Cesare Angela , Bò Stefano , Traversa Donato , Lebon Wilfried , Beugnet Frederic , Simonato Giulia , Ferroglio Ezio
Published: September 2021

Background

The present clinical field trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of a broad-spectrum parasiticide spot-on formulation containing eprinomectin (Broadline®) against Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm in naturally infected cats.

Methods

Fifteen privately owned cats harboring at least one live adult T. callipaeda were included in the study. Cats were randomly allocated to an untreated control group of seven cats or to a Broadline®-treated group of eight cats. Cats were treated on Day 0; ocular examinations were performed at inclusion and on Days 7 and 14; eyeworms were recovered and counted on Day 14. The primary efficacy assessment was based on group comparison of number of T. callipaeda on Day 14.

Results

Seven days after treatment, six of eight treated cats were negative for eyeworm infection per visual examination, and on Day 14 no eyeworms were found in the treated cats while the seven untreated cats were still infected (geometric mean: 1.97). All cats had inflammatory ocular signs at inclusion; on Day 14, five of eight treated cats had recovered while all untreated control cats were still symptomatic. All collected parasites were confirmed to be T. callipaeda by morphology and molecular characterization.

Conclusions

A single treatment with Broadline® provided 100% efficacy against feline thelaziosis and improved related ocular inflammation signs.

Graphical abstract
Disruption of the white matter structural network and its correlation with baseline progression rate in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Li Wenbin , Wei Qianqian , Hou Yanbing , Lei Du , Ai Yuan , Qin Kun , Yang Jing , Kemp Graham J. , Shang Huifang , Gong Qiyong
Published: September 2021

Objective

There is increasing evidence that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting large-scale brain networks. However, it is still unclear which structural networks are associated with the disease and whether the network connectomics are associated with disease progression. This study was aimed to characterize the network abnormalities in ALS and to identify the network-based biomarkers that predict the ALS baseline progression rate.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 73 patients with sporadic ALS and 100 healthy participants to acquire diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images and construct white matter (WM) networks using tractography methods. The global and regional network properties were compared between ALS and healthy subjects. The single-subject WM network matrices of patients were used to predict the ALS baseline progression rate using machine learning algorithms.

Results

Compared with the healthy participants, the patients with ALS showed significantly decreased clustering coefficientCp(P = 0.0034,t = 2.98), normalized clustering coefficientγ(P = 0.039,t = 2.08), and small‐worldnessσ(P = 0.038,t = 2.10) at the global network level. The patients also showed decreased regional centralities in motor and non-motor systems including the frontal, temporal and subcortical regions. Using the single-subject structural connection matrix, our classification model could distinguish patients with fast versus slow progression rate with an average accuracy of 85%.

Conclusion

Disruption of the WM structural networks in ALS is indicated by weaker small-worldness and disturbances in regions outside of the motor systems, extending the classical pathophysiological understanding of ALS as a motor disorder. The individual WM structural network matrices of ALS patients are potential neuroimaging biomarkers for the baseline disease progression in clinical practice.
In the post-COVID-19 era, is the illegal wildlife trade the most serious form of trafficking?
Authors: Doody J. Sean , Reid Joan A. , Bilali Klejdis , Diaz Jennifer , Mattheus Nichole
Published: September 2021

Despite the immense impact of wildlife trafficking, comparisons of the profits, costs, and seriousness of crime consistently rank wildlife trafficking lower relative to human trafficking, drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. Using the published literature and current events, we make the case, when properly viewed within the context of COVID-19 and other zoonotic diseases transmitted from wildlife, that wildlife trafficking is the most costly and perhaps the most serious form of trafficking. Our synthesis should raise awareness of the seriousness of wildlife trafficking for humans, thereby inducing strategic policy decisions that boost criminal justice initiatives and resources to combat wildlife trafficking.
Exploring the relationships between various dimensions of receptive vocabulary knowledge and L2 listening and reading comprehension
Authors: Ha Hung Tan
Published: September 2021

The article presents an empirical study that investigates the single- and cross-modality relationships between different dimensions of receptive vocabulary knowledge and language skills, as well as the importance of academic vocabulary knowledge in academic listening and reading comprehension. An Updated Vocabulary Levels Test (UVLT), a Vietnamese version of the Listening Vocabulary Levels Test (LVLT), an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) listening test and an academic IELTS reading test were administered to 234 tertiary level Vietnamese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Research findings showed that (1) orthographic and aural vocabulary knowledge were strongly correlated (r = .88) and of equal significance to L2 listening and reading comprehension, (2) receptive vocabulary knowledge was a very powerful and reliable predictor of learners’ receptive language proficiency, (3) knowledge of academic vocabulary strongly correlated with academic listening (r = .65) and reading (r = .60) comprehension and the mastery of the Academic Word List (AWL) could suggest a band score 6.0 in both the IELTS listening and academic reading tests.
What factors impact pedestrian and cyclist fatalities? A state level analysis
Authors: Hafeez Zoabe , Mehta Malvi
Published: September 2021

Background

Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities have increased since 2010 after a long downward trend. Trucks and SUVs, collectively called light trucks, have also increased in sales and size, which may affect pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, pedestrian and cyclist commuters vary by state and it has been speculated that an increase in such commuters may affect fatalities. Studying vulnerable road users can bestow clues on best practices for infrastructure and public health.

Methods

State level pedestrian and cyclist fatality data was obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for 2018. Light truck registration by state was obtained from the Office of Highway Policy Information for 2018. Commuters who walk or bike to work were obtained from the American Community Survey from 2009 to 2011, from the latest Centers for Disease Control report. We performed multiple linear regression, accounting for total motor vehicle lane miles per 100 people, also obtained from the Office of Highway Policy Information for 2018. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess predictors for pedestrian and cyclist fatalities with the predictors variables of light truck registration, lane miles per 100 people, and proportion of commuters who are vulnerable road users. Secondary analysis included simple linear regression of the predictor variables against each other.

Results

The multiple regression model, including proportion of light truck registration, lane miles per 100 people, and proportion of commuters who are vulnerable road users, accounted for 18% of the variability in the outcome variable (p = 0.03). An increased number of vulnerable road users were negatively associated with pedestrian and bicyclist fatality. Additionally, there appeared to be an association between motor vehicle lane miles per 100 people and proportion of light truck registrations that was also significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The variables affecting vulnerable road user deaths are important to understand given their increased risk exposure on the road. This state level study identifies a potential protective variable with increased vulnerable road users being associated with a decrease in pedestrian and bicyclist death rates. Additionally, light truck proportions do not appear to have a significant effect on death rates.
NanoSIMS and EPMA dating of lunar zirconolite
Authors: Wang Nian , Mao Qian , Zhang Ting , Hao Jialong , Lin Yangting
Published: September 2021

Zirconolite is a common Zr-rich accessary mineral in mafic rocks. It is also an ideal U–Pb/Pb–Pb chronometer because it commonly contains high U content (mostly 0.1–10 wt%) and negligible initial Pb. However, zirconolite is usually very small (e.g., ~ 1 μm in width) in lunar rocks, requiring a high spatial resolution analysis. We analyzed a single, large (25 μm × 20 μm) grain of zirconolite in lunar meteorite NWA 4485 using Pb–Pb dating by NanoSIMS and U–Th–Pb dating by EPMA. The resultant U–Th–Pb age is 4540 ± 340 Ma (2σ) with a spatial resolution of 1.3 μm. The Pb–Pb age by NanoSIMS is 4348.5 ± 4.8 Ma (2σ) with a spatial resolution of ~ 2 μm, consistent with the age of 4352 ± 10 Ma and 4344 ± 14 Ma reported in the same meteorite and its paired meteorite NWA 4472. Although U–Th–Pb age is somewhat older, it still includes the NanoSIMS results within the analytical uncertainty. This work demonstrates the potential application of the combined EPMA dating and REE analysis of lunar zirconolite, with the benefits of high spatial resolution, non-destructive, and readily accessibility of the instrument. The precision of the EPMA dating (7.6%, 2σ) can be improved by increasing the counting time for Pb, U and Th. We expect to apply this EPMA technique for a quick and non-destructive age survey and geochemical study of zirconolite grains from the lunar mare basalts newly returned by Chang’E-5 mission which landed on a very young (1.2–2.0 Ga by crater-counting chronology) basalt unit in Procellarum KREEP Terrain.
A cross-sectional study of olfactory and taste disorders among COVID-19 patients in China
Authors: Li Jian-Hui , Sun Yi , Li Mei-Rong , Yuan Hu , Yang Chang-Liang , Huang Cheng-Cheng , Zhou Feng-Jie , Chen Rui-Yao , Zhang Lei-Bo , Yu Ning , Liu Qiong , He Jing-Jing , Zhou Xue-Jun , Fu Xiao-Bing , Yang Shi-Ming
Published: September 2021

To determine the prevalence and clinical features of olfactory and taste disorders among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in China. A cross-sectional study was performed in Wuhan from April 3, 2020 to April 15, 2020. A total of 187 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) completed face-to-face interviews or telephone follow-ups. We found that the prevalence of olfactory and taste disorders was significantly lower in the Chinese cohort than in foreign COVID-19 cohorts. Females were more prone to olfactory and taste disorders. In some patients, olfactory and taste disorders precede other symptoms and can be used as early screening and warning signs.
Data and optimization model of an industrial heat transfer station to increase energy flexibility
Authors: Kohne Thomas , Theisinger Lukas , Scherff Jan , Weigold Matthias
Published: September 2021

Nations and companies are forced to reduce CO2emissions and decelerate global warming. In this development, the transition of the heating sector is still in its infancy despite the relatively large share of thermal energy in the total energy consumption. Industrial companies can contribute significantly to reduce CO2emissions by using waste heat through connecting their industrial energy supply system (IESS) to a district heating system (DHS). This paper focuses on emission reduction potential of an (industrial) heat transfer station (HTS) regarding energy flexibility and sector coupling required for the successful integration of industrial waste heat. To optimize the operating behaviour of the HTS, a data and optimization model is integrated into a digital twin (DT) based on reference architecture model for industry 4.0 (RAMI4.0). Within the DT, the information, functional and business layer are modeled. The effects of operating the HTS supported by central modules of the DT are evaluated on one year’s data of an IESS of a real industrial site. The results show a potential operating cost reduction by 6 % for the IESS and increases in profits of 1.3 % for the DHS. Scope 2 emissions can be reduced by 25 % for the IESS and 180 % for the DHS respectively, strongly depending on emission factors and allocation methods.
Destructive reconstruction in China: interpreting authenticity in the Shuidong Reconstruction Project, Huizhou, Guangdong Province
Authors: Yang Zilin
Published: September 2021

In the name of conservation, many local governments in China have demolished and reconstructed their historic districts using pseudo-antique architecture as part of their commercial developments. While the destructive reconstruction practice involves issues such as who plays the decisive role in defining authenticity in the targeted district considering the creativity and imagination entailed in reconstruction, few studies analyse the factors leading to changes in the interpretation of authenticity throughout the destructive reconstruction process. Through a discourse analysis on project portfolios and semi-structured interviews with government officials, project planners and Shuidong residents, this study investigates the interpretation and implementation of the national-level authenticity principles in the Shuidong Reconstruction Project in Huizhou, Guangdong Province. Narratives of authenticity in local heritage practices are constantly changing because of the shifting local politics and regulatory powers involved. The effectiveness of national-level authenticity principles at the local level relies largely on the establishment of sub-national heritage regulations and the authorisation of heritage, which draws inspections from upper-level administrations. This study reveals certain socio-political factors that affect the relationship between reconstruction practices and the interpretation of authenticity. The political and profit-oriented tendency of local heritage conservation practices in China demonstrates the mismatch between conservation ideologies and bureaucratic realities.
Ultra spin liquid in Lu3Cu2Sb3O14
Authors: Shaginyan V. R. , Msezane A. Z. , Artamonov S. A. , Japaridze G. S. , Leevik Y. S.
Published: September 2021

We analyze recent measurements of C/T, specific heat C divided by temperature T, of a recently observed ultra spin liquid. The measurements are carried out in magnetic fields on the triangular lattice compound

. We show that the obtained heat capacity

formed by the ultra spin liquid as a function of temperature T vs. magnetic field B behaves very similar to the electronic specific heat

of the HF metal

and the quantum magnet

. We demonstrate that the effective mass of spinon

exhibits the universal scaling coinciding with scaling observed in heavy-fermion (HF) metals and in

. Based on these observations we conclude that a strongly correlated spin liquid determines the thermodynamic properties of the ultra spin liquid of

.
Thyroid Function and Risk of Anemia: A Multivariable-Adjusted and Mendelian Randomization Analysis in the UK Biobank
Authors: van Vliet Nicolien A , Kamphuis Annelies E P , den Elzen Wendy P J , Blauw Gerard J , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Noordam Raymond , van Heemst Diana
Published: September 2021

Context

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with higher anemia prevalence, although causality remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid function and anemia.

Methods

This cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization study included 445 482 European participants from the UK Biobank (mean age 56.77 years (SD 8.0); and 54.2% women). Self-reported clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism was stated by 21 860 (4.9%); self-reported clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism by 3431 (0.8%). Anemia, defined as hemoglobin level of < 13 g/dL in men and < 12 g/dL in women, was present in 18 717 (4.2%) participants.

Results

In cross-sectional logistic regression analyses, self-reported clinical diagnoses of hypo- and hyperthyroidism were associated with higher odds of anemia (OR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19 and OR 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91-1.30), although with wide confidence intervals for hyperthyroidism. We did not observe an association of higher or lower genetically influenced thyrotropin (TSH) with anemia (vs middle tertile: OR for lowest tertile 0.98 [95% CI, 0.95-1.02]; highest tertile 1.02 [95% CI, 0.98-1.06]), nor of genetically influenced free thyroxine (fT4) with anemia. Individuals with genetic variants in the DIO3OS gene implicated in intracellular regulation of thyroid hormones had a higher anemia risk (OR 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10); no association was observed with variants in DIO1 or DIO2 genes.

Conclusion

While self-reported clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism was associated with higher anemia risk, we did not find evidence supporting a causal association with variation of thyroid function within the euthyroid range. However, intracellular regulation of thyroid hormones might play a role in developing anemia.