bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Computer Corpus-Based Study of Chinese EFL Learners’ Use of Adverbial Connectors and Its Implications for Building a Language-Based Learning Environment
Authors: Deng Fei , Rasinski Timothy V.
Published: June 2021

This research adopts the methodology of corpus-based analysis and contrastive interlanguage analysis (CIA), using three corpora as the data source to analyze the adverbial connectors used by Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners (i.e., university students in Guangzhou, China) in their written English. Major findings show that Chinese EFL learners have displayed a general tendency to overuse English adverbial connectors in terms of total tokens when compared with native speakers of English, and Chinese EFL learners deviate notably from the native speakers of English in the use of some individual English adverbial connectors. The research explores that Chinese EFL learners’ use of English adverbial connectors might be influenced by L1 transfer, writing handbooks’ and teachers’ instruction, learners’ lack of audience awareness, and lack of stylistic awareness. The research has some implications for language learning: a large collection of learner corpora, a target language's native speakers corpus, a learner's mother language corpus, and corpus software AntConc can complement textbooks in language learners’ deep learning process, constituting a language-based learning environment for human languages with reduced perplexity and increased accuracy.
Will machines ever think like humans?
Authors: Riley Jeff
Published: June 2021

What is "human intelligence?" What is thinking? What does it mean to "think like a human?" Is it possible for machines to display human intelligence, to think like humans? This article explores these questions, and gives a brief overview of some important features of the human brain, and how computer scientists are trying to simulate those features and their ability to "think." The article answers some questions, but asks more---finishing with questions for readers to consider.
Seeing like a dataset from the global south
Authors: Sambasivan Nithya
Published: June 2021

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for marginalized communities worldwide. Articles will discuss design methods, theoretical/conceptual contributions, and participatory interventions with underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Discovering intersectionality
Authors: Thomas Jakita O. , Kumar Neha , To Alexandra , Brown Quincy , Rankin Yolanda A.
Published: June 2021

In this forum we explore different perspectives for how to apply intersectionality as a critical framework for design across multiple contexts.
--- Yolanda A. Rankin and Jakita O. Thomas, Editors
A conversation with Kamela Heyward-Rotimi
Authors: Amrute Sareeta , Heyward-Rotimi Kamela
Published: June 2021

Being watched means much more than being seen. This forum investigates information flows of sensing culled from sources as diverse as temperature check and iris scans to sound and movement sensors across terrains. After Veillance discusses how these systems distribute risk unevenly and shape the lives of populations across the globe.
--- Sareeta Amrute, Editor
Tempo-spatial integration of nociceptive stimuli assessed via the nociceptive withdrawal reflex in healthy humans
Authors: Henrich Mauricio Carlos , Frahm Ken Steffen , Andersen Ole Kæseler
Published: June 2021

Tempo-spatial integration of electrical noxious stimuli was studied using the nociceptive withdrawal reflex and a perceived intensity. Tibialis anterior and biceps femoris muscles were differentially modulated by the temporal characteristics of the stimuli and stimulated sites. These findings suggest that spinal neurons are playing an important role in the tempo-spatial integration of nociceptive information, leading to a reflex response that is distributed across multiple spinal cord segments and governed by an efficient defensive withdrawal strategy.
[Retracted] Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Wear Behavior of AlTiN Coating on Titanium Alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V)
Authors: Sivaprakasam P. , Kirubel A. , Elias G. , Maheandera Prabu P. , Balasubramani P.
Published: June 2021

In this study, the wear behavior of a physical vapor deposition (PVD) AlTiN coated on the titanium alloy was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze input factors, such as load (A), sliding speed (B), and sliding distance (C), while wear mass loss (WML) and coefficient of driction (COF) were considered as the response parameters. The statistical analysis shows that main factors, that is, interaction of AC and pure quadratic terms B2 and C2, have maximum influences on WML. However, COF was highly affected by load, sliding speed, and interaction of AB and quadratic term A2. The present work attempts to carry out empirical modeling to predict output response on WML and COF. Desirability‐based optimization technique was employed to obtain minimum WML and COF. Microscopy images of the wear tracks reveal visible grooves and scratches that confirm abrasive wear to be the primary wear mechanism accompanied by adhesive wear. The investigation concluded that AlTiN has better wear resistance properties and can be used to coat titanium implants for biomedical application. The result shows that the minimum WML and COF have been found at applied load 15 N, sliding speed at 0.5 m/s, and sliding distance 500 m.
The Efficient Proportional Myerson Values for Hypergraph Games
Authors: Wang Guangming , Cai Lei , Shan Erfang
Published: June 2021

This study deals with a class of efficient extensions of Myerson value for games with hypergraph communication situations in which the surplus is allocated proportionally. We introduce

w

-fairness of surplus and provide axiomatic characterizations of the new allocation rule. Furthermore, we give an example of research fund distribution amongst researchers, compare the numerical results with several values, and realize other efficient extensions of Myerson value can be obtained depending on the different measure function

w

on the hypergraph.
The Tensile Strength of Loess in Northwest China by Unconfined Penetration Test and the Distinct Element Simulation
Authors: Wu Xuyang , Bao Yun , Ren Mingyang , Liang Qingguo
Published: June 2021

The unconfined penetration test (UP test) is one of the indirect methods to measure the tensile strength of soils. Through a series of UP tests of undisturbed and remolded loess, the split angle (α) of the wedge body which was shaped in the process of the experiment was discussed. And then, the particle movement, the force transfer, and the fracture development law of the sample were studied by the distinct element method (PFC2D). The experiment and numerical simulation results show the following: (1) the split angle (α) presents an exponential decrease with tensile strength (σt) and a linear decrease with internal friction angle (φ); (2) K that can be written as tan (2α + φ) is a coefficient to calculate tensile strength, which is equal to 2.00 for remolded loess and 1.50 for undisturbed loess; (3) the distinct element simulation shows that the resisting force by the UP test comes from both tensile stress and shear stress; (4) the tensile fractures and shear fractures appear at almost the same time when the tensile stress is approximately 70% of tensile strength.
[Retracted] Texture Image Classification Method of Porcelain Fragments Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Wu Hongchang
Published: June 2021

The texture image decomposition of porcelain fragments based on convolutional neural network is a functional algorithm based on energy minimization. It maps the image to a suitable space and can effectively decompose the image structure, texture, and noise. This paper conducts a systematic research on image decomposition based on variational method and compressed sensing reconstruction of convolutional neural network. This paper uses the layered variational image decomposition method to decompose the image into structural components and texture components and uses a compressed sensing algorithm based on hybrid basis to reconstruct the structure and texture components with large data. In compressed sensing, to further increase each feature component, the sparseness of tight framework wavelet‐based shearlet transform is constructed and combined with wave atoms as a joint sparse dictionary big data. Under the condition of the same sampling rate, this algorithm can retain more image texture details and big data than the algorithm. The production of big data that meets the characteristics of the background text is actually an image‐based normalization method. This method is not very sensitive to the relative position, density, spacing, and thickness of the text. A super‐resolution model for certain texture features can improve the restoration effect of such texture images. And the dataset extracted by the classification method used in this paper accounts for 20% of the total dataset, and at the same time, the PSNR value of 0.1 is improved on average. Therefore, taking into account the requirements for future big data experimental training, this article mainly uses jpg/csv two standardized database datasets after segmentation. This dataset minimizes the difference between the same type of base text in the same period to lay the foundation for good big data recognition in the future.
Application of Fish Collagen-Nanochitosan-Henna Extract Composites for the Control of Skin Pathogens and Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Tayel Ahmed A. , Ghanem Reem A. , Al-Saggaf Mohammed S. , Elebeedy Dalia , Abd El Maksoud Ahmed I.
Published: June 2021

Skin is the largest protective organ that could be recurrently wounded and attacked by microorganisms. The wounded skin safeguarding and supporting were intended through natural derivatives. Fish collagen (Cg) type I, extracted from sea bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus), chitosan nanoparticles (NCht) from shrimp shells, and henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) leaves extract (He) were produced and physiochemically characterized. The antimicrobial potentialities of these compounds and their composites were assessed toward skin pathogens (Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus) using various assaying methods and microimaging techniques. The infrared and electrophoretic analysis of Cg validated its characteristics, and the IR-spectroscopic analysis of the compounds/composites indicated their physiochemical attributes and interrelations. The produced NCht particles had a diameter range of 64.6-308.8 nm, 104 nm mean diameter, and +31.3 mV zeta potentiality. Both NCht, He, and NCht/He composite exhibited significant antimicrobial potentiality toward skin pathogens; NCht/He was the strongest with inhibitory concentrations of 20.0 and 22.5 μg/mL and inhibition zones of 25.7 and 26.8 mm against S. aureus and C. albicans, respectively. The electron micrographs verified the synergistic microbicidal action of NCht/He, as they led to severe microbial lysis and deformations. The skin wounds’ treatment with NCht/He/Cg composite promoted the fastest and complete healing of wounded rats’ skin during 8 days of local treatment, with the absence of inflammation and infection signs; treated with NCht/He/Cg composite, the wound area vastly reduced from 63.6 mm2 to 15.9 and 9.1 mm2 after 2 and 4 days, respectively. The natural NCht/He/Cg composites are recommended as topical applications for optimum skin disinfection and regeneration.
FGF2 and EGF for the Regeneration of Tympanic Membrane: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lou Zhengcai , Lou Zihan , Jiang Yumeng , Chen Zhengnong
Published: June 2021

Objective. A systematic review was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) for regeneration of the tympanic membrane (TM). Methods. The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies. Experimental and clinical studies reporting acute and chronic TM perforations in relation to two healing outcomes (success rate and closure time) and complications were selected. Results. A total of 47 studies were included. Five experimental studies showed closure rates of 55%–100% with FGF2 compared with 10%–62.5% in controls for acute perforations. Five experimental studies showed closure rates of 30.3%–100% with EGF and 3.6%–41% in controls for chronic perforations. Two experimental studies showed closure rates of 31.6% or 85.7% with FGF2 and 15.8% or 100% with EGF. Nine clinical studies of acute large perforations showed closure rates of 91.4%–100% with FGF2 or EGF. Two clinical studies showed similar closure rates between groups treated with FGF2 and EGF. Seven clinical studies showed closure rates of 88.9%–100% within 3 months and 58%–66% within 12 months using FGF2 in repair of chronic perforations, but only one study showed a significantly higher closure rate in the saline group compared with the FGF2 group (71.4% vs. 57.5%, respectively,

P
=
0.547

). In addition, three experimental studies showed no ototoxicity associated with FGF2 or EGF. No middle ear cholesteatoma or epithelial pearls were reported, except in one experimental study and one clinical study, respectively. Conclusions. FGF2 and EGF showed good effects and reliable safety for the regeneration of TM. In addition, EGF was better for the regeneration of acute perforations, while FGF2 combined with biological scaffolds was superior to EGF for chronic perforations, but was associated with high rates of reperforation over time. Further studies are required to determine whether EGF or FGF2 is better for TM regeneration.
A Rare T2-T3 Synovial Facet Cyst Causing Progressive Myelopathy
Authors: Albana Mohamed F. , Griffiths Sean Z. , Radcliff Kris E.
Published: June 2021

Intraspinal extradural synovial cysts are a rare occurrence at the spinal cord level and thus a rare cause of myelopathy. Synovial cysts usually present in the more mobile lumbar and cervical parts of the spine; however, they may also arise in the thoracic spine. We present a case of a 59-year-old male with a left upper thoracic synovial cyst at T2-3 causing disabling, progressive myelopathy, and an incomplete spinal cord injury syndrome with inability to ambulate. An urgent decompressive laminectomy with bilateral facetectomies, cyst excision, and posterior fusion was performed. Subsequently, the patient recovered full function. Synovial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive thoracic myelopathy. This is only the sixth reported case of a synovial cyst of this kind occurring between the levels of T1 and T7. Urgent surgical decompression is the recommended treatment.
Self-Healing Group Key Distribution Facilitating Source Authentication Using Block Codes
Authors: Chien Hung-Yu
Published: June 2021

Secure group key distribution is essential for many group-oriented applications such as sensor networks, multimedia broadcast services, and Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios. There are several challenges and requirements in designing secure group key distribution. Among them, computational efficiency, communication efficiency, adaptability to dynamic group membership change, robustness to various security threats, self-healing capacities, and source authentication are desirable. It is very challenging to design an efficient group distribution that satisfies all the requirements and challenges. Based on block codes, we propose an efficient self-healing group key distribution that facilitates both message source authentication and secure group key distribution, where the source identification and authentication can facilitate intrusion detection and identification. Both the privacy of the group key and the authentication of message sources are computationally secure. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first codes-based scheme that satisfies all the above requirements and facilitates message source authentication. The merits of the proposed scheme include the following: (1) it is highly efficient in terms of computation and communication, (2) it provides self-healing capacities for unstable environments, (3) it is very robust to various security threats and attacks, (4) it facilitates both message source authentication and secure group key distribution, and (5) it greatly improves the communication performance, compared to the state-of-the-art schemes. The security properties are analyzed, and the performance evaluations confirm its efficiency and practicality.
The Mechanism of Xiaoyao San in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer by Network Pharmacology and the Effect of Stigmasterol on the PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Wenqi , Yang Linqi , Wang Huibing , Wang Yihan , Huang Kai , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2021

Purpose. This study was aimed at exploring the regulatory mechanism of Xiaoyao San (XYS) and its main compound, Stigmasterol, in the biological network and signaling pathway of ovarian cancer (OC) through network pharmacology-based analyses and experimental validation. Methods. The active compounds and targets of XYS were studied by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to screen common targets of XYS in the treatment of OC. Combined with the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.6.0, the core compounds and targets of XYS were obtained. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of core target genes were carried out by using the Metascape and DAVID databases. Molecular docking has been achieved by using the AutoDock Vina program to discuss the interaction of the core targets and compounds of XYS in the treatment of OC. The effect of Stigmasterol on proliferation and migration were assessed by CCK8 and wound healing assay. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt, and PTEN after treatment of Stigmasterol. Results. A total of 113 common targets of XYS for the treatment of OC were obtained from 975 targets related to OC and 239 targets of XYS’s effect. The main compounds of XYS include Quercetin, Naringenin, Isorhamnetin, and Stigmasterol, which mainly regulate the targets such as TP53, Akt1, and MYC and PI3K/Akt, p53, and cell cycle signal pathways. At the same time, molecular docking showed that Stigmasterol and Akt1 had good docking conformation. Stigmasterol inhibited OC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and reduced the protein and mRNA expressions of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion. Stigmasterol as the one of the main compounds of XYS suppresses OC cell activities through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Shape Memory Corrosion-Resistant Polymeric Materials
Authors: Jacobson Nathan D. , Iroh Jude
Published: June 2021

Shape memory alloys, materials capable of being deformed and maintaining the deformation and additionally capable of returning to the initial position, are valued for a range of applications from actuators to flexible microdevices. Maintaining the properties that make them useful, their ability to deform and reform, requires that shape memory alloys must be protected against corrosion, in which the integration of shape memory polymers can act as a means of protection. Thus, this review is to highlight the utility of self-healing shape memory polymers as a means of corrosion inhibition. Therefore, this review discusses the benefits of utilizing self-healing shape memory polymers for the protection of shape memory, several types of self-healing polymers that could be used, means of improving or tailoring the polymers towards specific usages, and future prospects in designing a shape memory polymer for use in corrosion inhibition.
Alterations in the Plasma and Red Blood Cell Properties in Patients with Varicose Vein: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gwozdzinski Lukasz , Pieniazek Anna , Bernasinska-Slomczewska Joanna , Hikisz Pawel , Gwozdzinski Krzysztof
Published: June 2021

The varicose vein results from the inefficient functioning of the valves in the lower limb veins, making the blood flow slow down and leading to blood stasis and hypoxia. This type of vein dysfunction might be a result of the development of oxidative stress. We compared oxidative stress markers in the plasma and erythrocytes obtained from peripheral veins and varicose veins in the same patients (glutathione, nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, thiols, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), and protein carbonyls). We found a decrease in NEAC in the plasma obtained from the varicose veins compared to the peripheral veins. We detected a decrease in thiols in the plasma, hemolysate, and plasma membranes and increase in protein carbonyl compounds and TBARS levels in the varicose veins. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in CAT and AChE activity. For the first time, our results show changes in the plasma, erythrocyte membrane, and hemolysate protein properties in varicose vein blood in contrast to the plasma and erythrocytes in peripheral vein blood from the same patients. The increased oxidative stress accompanying varicose vein disease might result from the local inefficiency of the antioxidant defense system.
Deviation of Pedestrian Path due to the Presence of Building Entrances
Authors: Sun Shi , Sun Cheng , Duives Dorine C. , Hoogendoorn Serge P.
Published: June 2021

Commercial areas, especially urban ones with numerous buildings, are becoming increasingly prone to congestion because of their popularity. Visual inspections show that interactions between pedestrians and building entrances affect the distribution of pedestrian trajectories, which influences the utility of pedestrian spaces and the design of urban shopping areas. Herein, we analyse the dynamics of pedestrian deviations around building entrances. We used a video recorded using an unmanned aerial vehicle to determine pedestrian trajectories in a Chinese commercial walking space. First, the candidate variables affecting deviation behaviours were determined via correlation testing. Second, two regression models were developed by considering the deviation behaviours of pedestrians walking past a building entrance. The models suggest that the starting position of a pedestrian’s deviation, the total pedestrian flow at the building entrance, the density in an area in the vicinity of the entrance, and the number of interacting pedestrians impact the total distance traversed during path deviation.
Quality and Shelf Life of White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Processed with High-Pressure Carbon Dioxide (HPCD) at Subcritical and Supercritical States
Authors: Kustyawati Maria Erna , Pratama Filli , Rizal Samsul , Fadhallah Esa Ghanim , Damai Abdullah Aman
Published: June 2021

Phase changes of carbon dioxide (supercritical or subcritical) depend on its proximity to a pressure of 7.35 MPa and temperature of 31.1°C. Carbon dioxide becomes supercritical and subcritical when it is above and slightly below its critical point, respectively. This study aims to determine the effect of high-pressure CO2 treatments at a pressure of 900 psi, 950 psi (subcritical), and 1100 psi (supercritical) and at holding times of 5, 10, and 15 min on the quality parameters of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and to determine the shelf life of white shrimp processed with the best treatment. The results showed that the interaction between pressure and holding time had a significantp<0.05effect on cholesterol, protein, moisture content, andb∗value, but pressure had a significant effect on carotene content. The best treatment was a supercritical CO2 treatment at 1100 psi for 10 min, which was determined based on a significant reduction in the number of microorganisms and no significant changes in color, texture, and fat content were observed compared with control. The best treatment was applied to process shrimps, which were then stored at 4°C to evaluate the effectiveness of scCO2 treatment on the shelf life. No significant changes were found in PV and lipid in treated and scCO2-treated shrimps during storage, but the treatment significantly affected pH, TVBN, and microbial counts. Among the samples, there was no hedonic difference in all sensory attributes. Supercritical CO2 treatment at 1100 psi for 10 min can be an alternative method for preservation of shrimps.
Heart Dissemination: A Clinical Case of Melanoma
Authors: André Diogo , André Teresa , Gouveia Fabiana , Nascimento Rafael , Chaves António , Brazão Maria
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Primitive malignant heart tumours are rare, specific cases. The presence of cardiac metastases, often in the pericardium, besides indicating disseminated oncological disease, represents a diagnostic challenge since they tend to be asymptomatic. Malignant cutaneous melanoma (MCM) is the neoplasm that most often affects the heart. Patients and Methods. The authors describe a case report of a 59-year-old female patient with a history of non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and remitting cutaneous malignant melanoma who underwent skin excision, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy in 1996. In April 2014, she resorted to emergency service due to epigastric pain and progressive tiredness. Due to the persistence of the complaints, abdominal ultrasound was performed, which showed a large pericardial effusion, corroborated later by teleradiography and echocardiography. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis, which isolated neoplastic cells. A computed tomography study of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed bilateral and pericardial pleural effusion, as well as alterations suggestive of pericardial and pulmonary metastasis. Later, fine-needle aspiration puncture of the left posterior cervical nodule confirmed histologically malignant melanoma metastasis. Discussion. Given the natural history of melanoma that when metastasized has an overall survival of 15–20% for 5 years, its metastatic spread may occur several years after its surgical excision. Thus, patients with a history of melanoma and heart failure who develop new cardiac symptoms of unknown aetiology should undergo imaging studies such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Dynamics of HSV-2 in the Presence of Optimal Counseling and Education among Prisoners
Authors: Mhlanga A.
Published: June 2021

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is one of the major sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan prisons and the major driver of HIV. In this paper, we propose and analyze a basic mathematical model for the spread of HSV-2 in prisons. We compute the basic reproduction number and demonstrate that it is a sharp threshold for disease dynamics. The impacts of counseling and education of HSV-2-infected individuals are examined. Equilibrium states of the model are determined and their stability is investigated. The basic model is then extended to incorporate a time-dependent intervention strategy. The aim of the control is tied to reducing the number of infectious individuals through early detection, education, and counseling of the infected. The Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle is used to characterize the optimal level of the control, and the resulting optimality system is solved numerically.
Acacetin Protects Myocardial Cells against Hypoxia-Reoxygenation Injury through Activation of Autophagy
Authors: Liu Chong , Zhang Minmin , Ye Shenyi , Hong Chenliang , Chen Jiaxi , Lu Ruyue , Hu Bingjie , Yang Weijun , Shen Bo , Gu Zhengyi
Published: June 2021

Ischemic heart disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. We previously demonstrated that acacetin protects against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury in rats, although the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acacetin on autophagy during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury by exposing H9c2 myocardial cells to H/R with or without acacetin pretreatment during hypoxia. Our results show that acacetin significantly increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and suppressed protein apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 cells following H/R injury. In addition, lentiviral infection of H9c2 cardiomyocytes revealed that acacetin pretreatment significantly enhanced the fluorescence intensity of autophagy proteins Beclin 1, LC3-II, and p62. These results indicate that acacetin protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes from H/R damage by enhancing autophagy. Moreover, we found that application of acacetin increased activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, whereas cotreatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed the inhibition of apoptosis and autophagy induced by acacetin. In conclusion, acacetin mitigated H/R injury by promoting autophagy through activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Inhibiting miR‐205 Alleviates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function, and Apoptosis
Authors: Xu Yuerong , Guo Wangang , Zeng Di , Fang Yexian , Wang Runze , Guo Dong , Qi Bingchao , Xue Yugang , Xue Feng , Jin Zuolin , Li Yan , Zhang Mingming
Published: June 2021

Background. miR‐205 is important for oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. The roles of miR‐205 in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unknown. The aim of this research is to reveal whether miR‐205 could regulate cardiac I/R injury by focusing upon the oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis. Methods. Levels of miR‐205 and Rnd3 were examined in the hearts with I/R injury. Myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, oxidative stress, mitochondria function, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were detected in mice with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. The primary neonatal cardiomyocytes underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) to simulate MI/R injury. Results. miR‐205 levels were significantly elevated in cardiac tissues from I/R in comparison with those from Sham. In comparison with controls, levels of Rnd3 were significantly decreased in the hearts from mice with MI/R injury. Furthermore, inhibiting miR‐205 alleviated MI/R‐induced apoptosis, reduced infarct size, prevented oxidative stress increase and mitochondrial fragmentation, and improved mitochondrial functional capacity and cardiac function. Consistently, overexpression of miR‐205 increased infarct size and promoted apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in mice with MI/R injury. In cultured mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes, downregulation of miR‐205 reduced oxidative stress in H/R‐treated cardiomyocytes. Finally, inhibiting Rnd3 ablated the cardioprotective effects of miR‐205 inhibitor in MI/R injury. Conclusions. We conclude that inhibiting miR‐205 reduces infarct size, improves cardiac function, and suppresses oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis by promoting Rnd3 in MI/R injury. miR‐205 inhibitor‐induced Rnd3 activation is a valid target to treat MI/R injury.
Gastric Cancer Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit NK Cell Function through mTOR Signalling to Promote Tumour Growth
Authors: Guo Shuwei , Huang Chao , Han Fengfeng , Chen Bin , Ding Ying , Zhao Yuanyuan , Chen Zhihong , Wen Shaodi , Wang Mei , Shen Bo , Zhu Wei
Published: June 2021

The dysfunction of natural killer (NK) cells has been increasingly reported in malignancies, especially in solid tumours. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit pleiotropic functions that include mediating immune cell exhaustion which is implicated in cancer progression. However, the association of MSCs derived from gastric cancer (gastric cancer mesenchymal stem cells: GCMSCs) with the dysfunction of NK cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that GCMSCs effectively contributed to the exhaustion of NK cells through the release of soluble factors. Furthermore, passivation of the antitumour effect in NK cells was closely associated with their dysfunctional state. The GCMSC-conditioned medium prevented the frequency and effector function of infiltrating NK cells in tumour-bearing mouse models, thus promoting tumour growth. Mechanistically, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling, a critical regulator of cellular metabolism that mediates the function of immune cells, was inhibited in NK cells treated with GCMSCs. However, the checkpoint receptor PD-1 was still present at minimal levels with or without GCMSCs. The study results revealed that GCMSCs contributed to dysfunctional NK cells involved at least partially in the inhibition of mTOR signalling, suggesting potential directions for NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Metastatic Seminoma with Positive Staining of Cytokeratin and MOC31: A Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Fan Jiaming , Yuan Ren , Stefanelli David , Wang Gang
Published: June 2021

Retroperitoneal metastasis of seminoma often occurs in the higher stage through lymph nodes. Generally, seminoma expresses specific germ cell markers while being negative for carcinoma markers. We present a unique case of cytokeratin positive seminoma initially presented as retroperitoneal metastasis. The diagnosis was made based on the histological features and immunohistochemical stains. Testicular ultrasound confirmed the primary tumor in the patient’s left testicle. Pathologists should always be aware of germ cell tumors when encountering a metastasis of an unknown primary.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC00707 Accelerates Tumorigenesis and Progression of Bladder Cancer via Targeting miR-145/CDCA3 Regulatory Loop
Authors: Gao Tongbin , Ji Yongjian
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Growing studies reveal that long noncoding RNA is involved in oncogenesis and progression. Previous studies have demonstrated that long intergenic noncoding RNA 00707 (LINC00707) stimulated tumor progress in numerous neoplasm types; however, the function of LINC00707 in bladder cancer (BC) was not yet clear. Our researches aimed to determine whether LINC00707 was dysregulated in BC and further study its biological functions. Methods: LINC00707 levels in BC tissues and cells were measured using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and the associations between the levels of LINC00707 and clinicopathological features and the months of survival were also examined. Then, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, flow cytometry, colony formation assays, and Transwell assays were applied for the assessment of the impact of LINC00707 on the abilities of BC cells. The interaction between LINC00707 and miR-145 or cell division cycle associated 3 was determined by luciferase reporter system and RT-PCR. Protein expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined using RT-PCR and Western blot. Results: We found that LINC00707 expressions were notably upregulated in BC samples and cells. Higher expressions of LINC00707 were associated with T stage, grade, and shorter overall survival in BC patients. LINC00707 was also an independent prognostic factor for BC. In vitro assays confirmed that silencing LINC00707 expressions suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, and metastasis. Mechanistic studies elucidated that LINC00707 was directly targeted to miR-145/CDCA3. Western blot assays revealed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inactivated by LINC00707 knockdown. Conclusion: Our work offers new insight into the function of LINC00707 in the tumorigenesis of BC.
miR-155-5p Promotes Cell Proliferation and Migration of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Targeting PEG3
Authors: Wu Han , Wu Haixiao , Sun Peng , Zhu Desheng , Ma Min , Fan Wentao
Published: June 2021

Objective: miR-155-5p as an important microRNA has been extensively studied for its biological functions and mechanisms in various cancers. However, the role and underlying mechanisms in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain to be further elucidated. Methods: Bioinformatics methods were implemented to analyze differentially expressed genes in the cancer genome atlas database. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of miR-155-5p and paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) mRNA as well as protein expression. Cell lines with miR-155-5p knockdown or miR-155-5p/PEG3 co-overexpression were constructed. A series of experiments including the MTT method, wound healing assay, and transwell assay were carried out to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells in different treatment groups. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to confirm the targeting relationship between PEG3 and miR-155-5p in ccRCC. Results: miR-155-5p was found to be significantly upregulated in ccRCC cells, while PEG3 exhibited significantly low expression. The downregulation of miR-155-5p could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC. miR-155-5p could inhibit the expression of PEG3. The overexpression of miR-155-5p could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of PEG3 could significantly attenuate such effect. Therefore, miR-155-5p may promote cell growth of ccRCC via inhibiting PEG3 expression. Conclusion: These findings validated the effect of miR-155-5p/PEG3 on ccRCC cells and provided novel potential targets for the prognosis and treatment of patients with ccRCC.
Biliary Schwannoma That Required Differentiation from Bile Duct Cancer
Authors: Takami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kuniharu , Sakurai Hiroto , Kondo Noriko , Shibata Chikashi , Katayose Yu
Published: June 2021

Schwannomas are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells, which are the main component of the neural sheath. Biliary schwannomas are extremely rare. We report the case of a 78-year-old man who presented with no abdominal symptoms or jaundice. CT imaging showed a hyperdense mass extending along the extrahepatic bile duct, and the upstream bile ducts were dilated. We performed extrahepatic bile duct resection under a preoperative diagnosis of the extrahepatic bile duct cancer. A histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the tumor consisted of spindle cells which exhibited a palisading arrangement. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for protein S-100 and vimentin. Based on these pathological findings, we diagnosed the patient with schwannoma of the extrahepatic bile duct. Our search of the relevant literature revealed 19 case studies of biliary schwannomas. In our case, the surgical findings showed that the tumor was noninvasive and mobile. During surgery, a fast frozen section analysis was performed, and no malignant findings were observed. These results enabled us to avoid extrahepatic bile duct resection with major hepatectomy. We experienced a case of biliary schwannoma that was difficult to distinguish from bile duct cancer.
CRISPR-Cas System: The Powerful Modulator of Accessory Genomes in Prokaryotes
Authors: Butiuc-Keul Anca , Farkas Anca , Carpa Rahela , Iordache Dumitrana
Published: June 2021

Being frequently exposed to foreign nucleic acids, bacteria and archaea have developed an ingenious adaptive defense system, called CRISPR-Cas. The system is composed of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) array, together with CRISPR (cas)-associated genes. This system consists of a complex machinery that integrates fragments of foreign nucleic acids from viruses and mobile genetic elements (MGEs), into CRISPR arrays. The inserted segments (spacers) are transcribed and then used by cas proteins as guide RNAs for recognition and inactivation of the targets. Different types and families of CRISPR-Cas systems consist of distinct adaptation and effector modules with evolutionary trajectories, partially independent. The origin of the effector modules and the mechanism of spacer integration/deletion is far less clear. A review of the most recent data regarding the structure, ecology, and evolution of CRISPR-Cas systems and their role in the modulation of accessory genomes in prokaryotes is proposed in this article. The CRISPR-Cas system's impact on the physiology and ecology of prokaryotes, modulation of horizontal gene transfer events, is also discussed here. This system gained popularity after it was proposed as a tool for plant and animal embryo editing, in cancer therapy, as antimicrobial against pathogenic bacteria, and even for combating the novel coronavirus – SARS-CoV-2; thus, the newest and promising applications are reviewed as well.
Dressing or Not after Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty
Authors: Karakaya Ali Erdal , Güler Ahmet Gökhan , Doğan Ahmet Burak
Published: June 2021

Background: Many surgical techniques, as well as dressing models, were identified in the treatment of hypospadias. There are many publications in the literature that are the result of the effort to find the ideal dressing after hypospadias surgery. The dressing has some benefits; however, it has some adverse effects. The present study aimed to discuss outcomes of the patients who have been operated through the tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIPU) method and followed with and without dressing postoperatively. Methods: Patients operated on through the TIPU method between March 2015 and August 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, dressing and undressing. Preoperative hypospadias severity was evaluated according to the Glans-Urethral Meatus-Shaft (GMS) scoring method. The care results of the patients were recorded. Postoperative outcomes were compared according to the Hypospadias Objective Scoring Evaluation (HOSE) scale, and statistical analyses were conducted. The results of both groups were compared statistically. Results: One hundred and nineteen patients were divided into two groups: dressing (n = 56) and nondressing (n = 63). The patients’ average age was 3.54 ± 2.97 years in group 1 and 3.50 ± 3.01 years in group 2 (p = 0.940). There was not any statistically significant difference between the two groups for demographic data. Minimal bleeding had stopped in three patients in the nondressing group spontaneously before discharging. No severe edema or hematoma, which might have concerned the parents, appeared. Two (3.5%) and 3 (4.7%) patients underwent a maximum of three urethral dilation sessions in dressing and nondressing groups, respectively (p = 0.556). We found no significant difference between groups in the comparison of preoperative GMS and postoperative HOSE scoring. Discussion: The most important limitation of the study is that it is retrospective. Pre- and postoperative scoring systems are objective. The data obtained in the literature show that surgeons prefer to apply dressings commonly after the TIPU technique. Advantages and disadvantages of dressing are mentioned in the literature. Even if the paradigm is dressing in hypospadias surgery, according to the results of our study, dressing may not affect the functional and cosmetic results of TIPU repair. Conclusion: Postoperative functional and cosmetic results of TIPU in hypospadias appear to be independent of dressing. However, the results must be supported by further research.
Barriers and Facilitators to Seek Help for Substance Use Disorder among Dutch Physicians: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Geuijen Pauline M. , Pars Esther , Kuppens Joanneke M. , Schene Aart H. , de Haan Hein A. , de Jong Cornelis A.J. , Atsma Femke , Schellekens Arnt F.A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) among physicians affect their health, quality of life, but potentially also their quality of care. Despite the availability of effective specific Physician Health Programs (PHPs), physicians with SUD often experience barriers when seeking professional help. Therefore, we studied barriers and facilitators when seeking help for SUD among physicians from a multiple perspective approach. Methods: A qualitative design was adopted for 2 sub-studies. First, answers of 2 open-ended questions (about anticipated barriers and facilitators) of an existing questionnaire were analyzed. This questionnaire was filled out by 1,685 general physicians (response rate = 47%). The answers of these open-ended questions were coded inductively. Second, 21 semi-structured interviews (about experienced barriers and facilitators) were performed with physician SUD-patients, significant others, and PHP employees. Themes identified in the first sub-study were used to deductively code the interview transcripts. Results were reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Results: Barriers were found at the level of the individual physician (negative feelings and lack of disease awareness), whereas facilitators were found at the level of social relationships (confrontation with SUD and social support) and health services (supportive approach, good accessibility, and positive image of services). The interviews emphasized the importance of nonjudgmental confrontation by social relationships in the process of seeking help for SUD. Conclusion: Physicians with SUD face barriers when seeking help for SUD mostly at the level of the individual physician. Health services and people around physicians with SUD could facilitate the help-seeking process by offering confidential and nonpunitive support. Future studies should explore whether the barriers and facilitators identified in this study also hold for other mental health issues.
Targeted Axillary Dissection after Chemotherapy: Feasibility Study with Clip and Carbon Dye Tattoo – Neotarget Trial
Authors: Pinto David , Batista Eva , Gouveia Pedro , Mavioso Carlos , Anacleto João , Ribeiro Joana , Sousa Berta , Gouveia Helena , Ferreira Arlindo , Chumbo Maurício , Vasconcelos Maria Antónia , Correia Mariana , Canas Marques Rita , Galzerano António , Brito Maria José , Alves Celeste , Cardoso Fátima , Cardoso Maria João
Published: June 2021

Background: Axillary staging in patients with complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still controversial. Our objective was to test tattoo alone and subsequentially tattoo plus clip as markers in the targeted axillary dissection of ycN0 patients. Methods: Prospective cohort of cT1-T3, cN1 (proven histologically), M0 patients scheduled to receive NAC. Exclusion criteria were lobular histology, prior axillary surgery, and clinical N2/3. In cohort 1 this positive node (Neotarget node) was tattooed at diagnosis. If ycN0, a targeted axillary dissection was performed. After an interim analysis with negative results we changed the protocol in order to do a double marking procedure (Cohort 2): the positive node was clipped at diagnosis and after NAC a tattoo was done before surgery. Results: Thirteen patients in Cohort 1 and 18 patients in Cohort 2. Failure to identify the Neotarget node with multiple nodes retrieved in 9/13 (69%) of Cohort 1 patients. Also in 5/13 (38%) of Cohort 1 patients and 3/18 (17%) of Cohort 2 there was a failure to clearly identify tattooed nodes. In Cohort 2, clip identification by surgical specimen radiography allowed the identification of the tagged node in 17/18 (94,4%) of cases. The concordance between the clipped node and sentinel nodes was 16/18 (89%). Conclusions: The introduction of double marking by clipping the metastatic node and verifying their removal by surgical specimen radiography, using carbon ink as a tracer, allowed the identification of the metastatic node in 94% of cases, with a simple, reproducible, and easy-to-implement targeted axillary dissection procedure.