bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suboptimal diabetic control and psychological burden after the triple disaster in Japan: the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Hirai Hiroyuki , Okazaki Kanako , Ohira Tetsuya , Maeda Masaharu , Sakai Akira , Nakano Hironori , Hayashi Fumikazu , Nagao Masanori , Harigane Mayumi , Takahashi Atsushi , Ohira Hiromasa , Kazama Junichiro James , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yabe Hirooki , Suzuki Yuriko , Yasumura Seiji , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji , Shimabukuro Michio
Published: September 2021

Introduction

A triple disaster struck eastern Japan in March 2011. We investigated the psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms caused by the disaster in people without or with diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

This cross-sectional analysis examined the 16 097 evacuees (1820 (11.3%) with and 14 277 (88.7%) without diabetes mellitus) included in the Fukushima Health Management Survey. Non-specific mental health distress was assessed using the Kessler-6 Scale, and traumatic symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the OR and 95% CI associated with symptoms, adjusted for diabetes-related and disaster-related factors.

Results

In the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted logistic models, suboptimal diabetic control (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7%) was associated with both psychological distress and possible PTSD. In the same models, current smoking, evacuation, and sleep dissatisfaction were associated with psychological distress and possible PTSD. In the multivariate-adjusted logistic models, HbA1c ≥7% was associated with psychological distress, independent of job change, evacuation, or sleep dissatisfaction.

Conclusion

After the triple disaster, non-specific mental health distress was associated with suboptimal diabetic control. Thus, patients with diabetes, especially those with suboptimal diabetic control, may be vulnerable to postdisaster psychological burden.
Novel potent anti-STEAP1 bispecific antibody to redirect T cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Tsung-Yi , Park Jeong A , Long Alan , Guo Hong-Fen , Cheung Nai-Kong V
Published: September 2021

Background

The prognosis for metastatic Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EFT) is still poor despite high-dose chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Immunotherapies hold promise, but cancer antigen-targeting immunotherapies have largely failed to induce effective T cell receptor-mediated antitumor response. However, T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) have yet to be adequately explored.

Methods

Rehumanized STEAP1-IgG was used to build T-BsAb (named BC261) using the 2+2 IgG-[L]-scFv platform carrying the anti-CD3 huOKT3 scFv as the second specificity. Its binding epitope mapping, species cross-reactivity, tumor cell line staining, and in vitro cytotoxicity were investigated thoroughly. Its potency in driving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was quantified using bioluminescence, correlated with in vivo antitumor response against cell line-derived or patient-derived xenografts (CDXs or PDXs) and compared with anti-STEAP1 T-BsAbs built on representative antibody platforms.

Results

BC261 binding epitope was mapped to its second extracellular domain of STEAP1 shared among canine and primate orthologs. BC261 induced potent cytotoxicity against panels of EFT, prostate cancer, and canine osteosarcoma cell lines despite their low antigen density. BC261 drove significantly more TILs into tumors (30-fold) and exerted superior antitumor effects compared with the other standard BsAb platforms. The antitumor efficacy of BC261 was consistent against EFT and prostate cancer CDXs and PDXs.

Conclusions

BC261 was highly efficient in driving T cell infiltration and tumor ablation. Either as stand-alone therapeutics or for ex vivo armed T cells, this novel anti-STEAP1 T-BsAb BC261 has therapeutic potential.
Understanding the role of information in marine policy development: establishing a coastal marine protected area in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Moreland Hali R. , De Santo Elizabeth M. , MacDonald Bertrum H.
Published: September 2021

Canada has expanded its marine protected area (MPA) coverage in line with the Aichi Biodiversity Target of protecting 10% of its marine territory by 2020. In 2018, a consultation process was launched to designate an Area of Interest surrounding the Eastern Shore Islands area off the coast of Nova Scotia, as the potential 15th Oceans Act MPA in Canada ( DFO 2021a ). This region has a fraught history with external conservation interventions and, consequently, there was a significant level of local mistrust in the process. This study explored the role of information in the consultation process and how it interplayed with the historical context, political pressures, trust, and mistrust among stakeholders and rightsholders. Drawing on interviews, a detailed desktop analysis, and participant observation at consultation meetings, this paper describes what worked well and what could be improved with respect to the sources of information used and the channels through which stakeholders and rightsholders accessed it. This case study demonstrates that while preferences for information sources and channels are context specific and varied, they are inherently personal and influenced by shared histories, trust, and individual beliefs.
Anisotropic compact stars model with generalized Bardeen–Hayward mass function
Authors: Sarkar Nayan , Sarkar Susmita , Rahaman Farook , Singh Ksh. Newton
Published: September 2021

A new compact stars nonsingular model is presented with the generalized Bardeen–Hayward mass function. Generalized Bardeen–Hayward described the regular black hole, however, due to its regularity or nonsingular nature we were inspired to construct an anisotropic compact stars model. Along with the ansatz mass function, we coupled it with a linear equation of state (EoS) to find the solutions of field equations. Indeed, the new solutions are physically viable in all physical ground. The energy conditions and Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV)-equation are well satisfied signifying that the mass distribution is physically possible and at equilibrium. Also, the static stability criterion, the causality condition and Abreu’s stability condition hold good and therefore configurations are physically static stable. The same condition is further supported by the condition that the adiabatic index, which is greater than the Newtonian limit, i.e. [Formula: see text]. It is also noticed that the bag constant [Formula: see text] is proportional to the surface density in our model.
D’Alembert wave and soliton molecule of the generalized Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation
Authors: Ma Hongcai , Gao Yidan , Deng Aiping
Published: September 2021

Traveling wave solution is one of the effective methods for solving nonlinear partial differential equations. D’Alembert solution is a special kind of traveling wave solution. There have been many studies about D’Alembert solution. In this paper, we will solve D’Alembert-type wave solutions for (2+1)-dimensional generalized Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation. Based on the Hirota bilinear transformation and velocity resonance mechanism, the states of soliton molecules composed of two solitons, three solitons and four solitons are studied. It is concluded that D’Alembert-type wave is closely related to soliton molecules.
SOME HARDY-TYPE INEQUALITIES FOR CONVEX FUNCTIONS VIA DELTA FRACTIONAL INTEGRALS
Authors: WANG FUZHANG , HANIF USAMA , NOSHEEN AMMARA , KHAN KHURAM ALI , AHMAD HIJAZ , NONLAOPON KAMSING
Published: September 2021

In this paper, some Jensen- and Hardy-type inequalities for convex functions are extended by using Riemann–Liouville delta fractional integrals. Further, some Pólya–Knopp-type inequalities and Hardy–Hilbert-type inequality for convex functions are also proved. Moreover, some related inequalities are proved by using special kernels. Particular cases of resulting inequalities provide the results on fractional calculus, time scales calculus, quantum fractional calculus and discrete fractional calculus.
New insights into the geological evolution of palaeorivers and their relationship to the Indus Civilization and Early Historic settlements on the plains of Haryana, NW India
Authors: Alok Apurva , Pant N. C. , Das Kaushik , Tsutsumi Y. , Petrie C. A. , Kumar Pankaj , Chopra Sundeep , Saini H. S. , Khan Abul Amir
Published: September 2021

The Quaternary sediments and landscapes of the plains of northwestern Haryana and the ancient settlement mounds distributed across them have great potential to reveal the history of the evolution and disappearance of palaeorivers and their relationship to the Indus Civilization and Early Historic periods in NW India. There are numerous palaeochannels in Haryana, and their distribution and burial in the subsurface creates difficulties for accessing the archives and proxies necessary for developing insight into the timing of river flow and shift, and its relationship to settled populations. This paper investigates the deep and shallow subsurface sedimentary lithology of an area around Sirsa that is close to the course of the modern Ghagghar River. The paper presents additional age constraints provided by dates from the site at Rakhigarhi and examines a sedimentary substrate of a new archaeological mound situated on a palaeochannel identified at a mound near Dhir village. New AMS radiocarbon dates of drifted charcoal from natural and cultural strata suggest human activity and/or natural burning in this region as early as 10 405–10 190 cal years BP (8455–8240 cal years BC). The substrate sediments recorded at the Dhir mound indicate flooding events after the urban phase of the Indus Civilization.
The Iron Age of Automotive Batteries: Techno-economic assessment of batteries with lithium metal anodes paired with iron phosphate cathodes
Authors: Sripad Shashank , Bills Alexander , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian
Published: September 2021

There are two major recent trends in batteries, (i) the resurgence of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the cathode material of choice for EV applications and (ii) lithium metal anode batteries either with a Li-foil or in an anode-free configuration emerging as competitive options over the conventional Li-ion anodes. In this study, we perform a techno-economic assessment of pairing LFP with Li metal anode (LFP|Li). Based on this analysis, we find that the combination of Li|LFP provides a 20-25% increase in specific energy and over 35% increase in energy density with an anode-free configuration using an oxidic solid-state separator while a thin thin Li-foil provides a specific energy increase of about 30%. We find that Li|LFP in an anode-free configuration provides significant cost reductions over cells with a graphitic anode. The cost of Li|LFP is most sensitive to the cost of a solid separator in the anode-free configuration and the cost of lithium foil in the Li-foil configuration.
An evaluation of two small group learning strategies among third-year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Authors: Sutthiyuth Kunatip , Wongkrajang Preechaya , Chinswangwatanakul Wimol
Published: September 2021

Small group learning (SGL) is a discussion-based teaching strategy that can improve critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. This study aimed to evaluate student satisfaction in two SGL models among third-year medical students enrolled in a blood and lymphoid systems II course at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 318 students were divided into 12 groups, and each group had one facilitator. All included students and groups were exposed to both the central summary (CS) model and the individual facilitator summary (IFS) model (both SGLs). A questionnaire was developed to evaluate student rating of learning activities, perceived benefit, timing, workload, and satisfaction. Medical students rated the IFS model superior to the CS model for four of five parameters [confidence in performing and interpreting a laboratory test (83.6% vs. 78.8%), guidance for self-learning (52% vs. 39.5%), increased understanding of a disease (87.7% vs. 72.1%), and application of knowledge (77.4% vs. 70.2%), respectively]. Moreover, the IFS model was rated as having more suitable timing and workload and better satisfaction than the CS model. The results of this study suggest a strong preference for the IFS model over the CS model among medical students.
Aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction causes local and systemic hypoalgesia and increases circulating opioid and endocannabinoid levels
Authors: Hughes Luke , Grant Ian , Patterson Stephen David
Published: September 2021

We have shown that performing blood flow restriction (BFR) during low-intensity aerobic exercise can trigger local and systemic hypoalgesia, which is not typically observed with this intensity of exercise. High-pressure BFR triggers greater and comparable hypoalgesia than high-intensity aerobic exercise in the exercising limbs and remote areas of the body, respectively. Performing BFR during low-intensity aerobic exercise activates the opioid and endocannabinoid systems, providing novel insight into potential mechanisms of hypoalgesia with BFR exercise
Monitoring and Mathematical Model Analysis of Dynamic Changes in Land Resources Based on SAR Sensor Image
Authors: Li Ying
Published: September 2021

The monitoring and analysis of dynamic changes in land resources can detect the changes of land aimed at a single‐band or multiband remote sensing image of multiple phases in a given region or target with image processing methods and can also extract the change information and realize remote sensing monitoring through the comprehensive analysis of multiphase remote sensing images. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image change monitoring technology, with the advantages of high resolution, high precision, real‐time service, and rapid imaging, can achieve qualitative or quantitative analysis of targets and is gradually widely used in quarterly monitoring, emergency monitoring, postbatch verification, law‐enforcement inspection and land inspection, and other remote sensing data acquisitions and analyses. Therefore, on the basis of summarizing the research results of previous research works, this paper expounded the current situation and significance of the researches on the monitoring and analysis of dynamic changes in land resources; elaborated the development background, current situation, and future challenges of SAR sensor data; introduced the methods and principles of band setting, polarization mode, geometric correction, and image filtering; proposed the status target identification of land resources; explored the dynamic information discovery of land resources; conducted the dynamic change monitoring of land resources based on SAR sensor data; analyzed the basis and characteristics of SAR sensor data; performed the generalization and optimization of land resource information; demonstrated the dynamic change analysis of land resources based on SAR sensor data; compared the acceptance ability and accuracy of SAR sensor data; and discussed the discovery and extraction of dynamic information of land resources. The results show that the SAR sensor data can monitor the characteristics of scattering points in land resource observation scenes and can obtain the change information of ground object by distance component and band component, so that the SAR system can make two‐dimensional imaging of land resources directly in front of the receiving platform. Thus, the SAR data obtained by multisystem parameters shows great application potential in land resource monitoring, which provides the possibility of decoupling to remove land resources and surface roughness and thus provides possible solutions for land resource analysis in complex environment. The results of this paper provide a reference for the follow‐up studies on the monitoring and analysis of dynamic changes in land resources based on SAR sensor data.
Automated Grading of Diabetic Retinopathy with Ultra-Widefield Fluorescein Angiography and Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Ji Zexuan , Ma Xiao , Zhang Ziyue , Yi Zuohuizi , Zheng Hongmei , Fan Wen , Chen Changzheng
Published: September 2021

Purpose. The objective of this study was to establish diagnostic technology to automatically grade the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) according to the ischemic index and leakage index with ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA) and the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) 7-standard field (7-SF). Methods. This is a cross-sectional study. UWFA samples from 280 diabetic patients and 119 normal patients were used to train and test an artificial intelligence model to differentiate PDR and NPDR based on the ischemic index and leakage index with UWFA. A panel of retinal specialists determined the ground truth for our data set before experimentation. A confusion matrix as a metric was used to measure the precision of our algorithm, and a simple linear regression function was implemented to explore the discrimination of indexes on the DR grades. In addition, the model was tested with simulated 7-SF. Results. The model classification of DR in the original UWFA images achieved 88.50% accuracy and 73.68% accuracy in the simulated 7-SF images. A simple linear regression function demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between the ischemic index and leakage index and the severity of DR. These two thresholds were set to classify the grade of DR, which achieved 76.8% accuracy. Conclusions. The optimization of the cycle generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) and convolutional neural network (CNN) model classifier achieved DR grading based on the ischemic index and leakage index with UWFA and simulated 7-SF and provided accurate inference results. The classification accuracy with UWFA is slightly higher than that of simulated 7-SF.
On the Degree of the GCD of Random Polynomials over a Finite Field
Authors: Liu Kui , Lu Meijie
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we focus on the degree of the greatest common divisor (

gcd

) of random polynomials over

F

q

. Here,

F

q

is the finite field with

q

elements. Firstly, we compute the probability distribution of the degree of the

gcd

of random and monic polynomials with fixed degree over

F

q

. Then, we consider the waiting time of the sequence of the degree of

gcd

functions. We compute its probability distribution, expectation, and variance. Finally, by considering the degree of a certain type

gcd

, we investigate the probability distribution of the number of rational (i.e., in

F

q

) roots (counted with multiplicity) of random and monic polynomials with fixed degree over

F

q

.
EEG‐Based Emotion Classification for Verifying the Korean Emotional Movie Clips with Support Vector Machine (SVM)
Authors: Son Guiyoung , Kim Yaeri
Published: September 2021

Emotion plays a crucial role in understanding each other under natural communication in daily life. Electroencephalogram (EEG), based on emotion classification, has been widely utilized in the fields of interdisciplinary studies because of emotion representation’s objectiveness. In this paper, it aimed to introduce the Korean continuous emotional database and investigate brain activity during emotional processing. Moreover, we selected emotion‐related channels for verifying the generated database using the Support Vector Machine (SVM). First, we recorded EEG signals, collected from 28 subjects, to investigate the brain activity across brain areas while watching movie clips by five emotions (anger, excitement, fear, sadness, and happiness) and a neutral state. We analyzed EEG raw signals to investigate the emotion‐related brain area and select suitable emotion‐related channels using spectral power across frequency bands, i.e., alpha and beta bands. As a result, we select the eight‐channel set, namely, AF3‐AF4, F3‐F4, F7‐F8, and P7‐P8, from statistical and brain topography analysis. We perform the classification using SVM and achieve the best accuracy of 94.27% when utilizing the selected channels set with five emotions. In conclusion, we provide a fundamental emotional database reflecting Korean feelings and the evidence of different emotions for application to broaden area.
Analysis of Freeway Safety Influencing Factors on Driving Workload and Performance Based on the Gray Correlation Method
Authors: Xie Lian , Wu Chaozhong , Duan Min , Lyu Nengchao
Published: September 2021

Human-related factors are a crucial inducement of traffic accidents. Understanding the influence of freeway environments on the driving behavior and workload experienced by drivers has been demonstrated to be of primary importance for improving traffic safety. To study the effect of alignment, traffic flow, and sign information on drivers’ mental workload and behavior, 16 scenarios were constructed using the orthogonal design method, and simulated driving experiments were carried out with 45 participants. During driving, indicators such as the mean and standard deviation of vehicle speed and lane departure were collected, and the NASA-TLX questionnaire was adopted to measure workload. Analysis of variance results indicated that the radius of the horizontal curve, gradient, flow, and sign information level have a significant influence on drivers’ workload and speed keeping ability. In addition, the horizontal curve radius has a significant effect on lane keeping ability. The importance of safety influencing factors on driving workload and performance was quantitatively ranked by integrating the trend of Deng’s correlation degree, comprehensive correlation degree, and similar correlation degree, whose weight was calculated using the entropy method. Traffic sign information was found to have the greatest impact on workload. In terms of driving performance, traffic volume has the greatest influence on the mean and standard deviation of vehicle speed, followed by the amount of sign information. Lane departure is most affected by the radius of the horizontal curve. These findings provide guidance for freeway traffic safety regulation, including workload control and road facility optimization.
Probability Density Machine: A New Solution of Class Imbalance Learning
Authors: Cheng Ruihan , Zhang Longfei , Wu Shiqi , Xu Sen , Gao Shang , Yu Hualong
Published: September 2021

Class imbalance learning (CIL) is an important branch of machine learning as, in general, it is difficult for classification models to learn from imbalanced data; meanwhile, skewed data distribution frequently exists in various real-world applications. In this paper, we introduce a novel solution of CIL called Probability Density Machine (PDM). First, in the context of Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) predictive model, we analyze the reason why imbalanced data distribution makes the performance of predictive model decline in theory and draw a conclusion regarding the impact of class imbalance that is only associated with the prior probability, but does not relate to the conditional probability of training data. Then, in such context, we show the rationality of several traditional CIL techniques. Furthermore, we indicate the drawback of combining GNB with these traditional CIL techniques. Next, profiting from the idea of K-nearest neighbors probability density estimation (KNN-PDE), we propose the PDM which is an improved GNB-based CIL algorithm. Finally, we conduct experiments on lots of class imbalance data sets, and the proposed PDM algorithm shows the promising results.
Reversal of Radiotherapy Resistance of Ovarian Cancer Cell Strain CAOV3/R by Targeting lncRNA CRNDE
Authors: Yang Wencui , Li Xiaoning , Zhao Lin , Zhao Fengju
Published: September 2021

Radiotherapy resistance is one of the key factors of poor prognosis of ovarian cancer clinical treatment. The search for key targets of ovarian cancer radiotherapy resistance has become a high priority. Long noncoding RNA plays an important role in tumor development. However, the key lncRNA in ovarian cancer radiotherapy resistance is not identified. Our finding that lncRNA CRNDE is highly expressed in the radiotherapy resistance cell line CAOV3/R drew our attention. Therefore, in this study, we targeted lncRNA CRNDE to analyze whether it is a key factor of radiotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. Ultimately, we found that silencing lncRNA CRNDE could reverse CAOV3/R radiotherapy resistance, which would be a boon to clinical treatment.
Functional Application of G‐Functions of Lorenzo and Hartley on the Free Convection Flow of Oldroyd‐B Fluid with Ordinary and Fractional Techniques
Authors: Siddique Imran , Ayaz Sehrish , Alrowaili Dalal , Abdal Sohaib
Published: September 2021

In this article, free convection flow of an Oldroyd‐B fluid (OBF) through a vertical rectangular channel in the presence of heat generation or absorption subject to generalized boundary conditions is studied. The fractionalized mathematical model is established by Caputo time‐fractional derivative through mechanical laws (generalized shear stress constitutive equation and generalized Fourier’s law). Closed form solutions for the velocity and temperature profiles are obtained via Laplace coupled with sine‐Fourier transforms and have been embedded with regards to the special functions, namely, the generalized G‐functions of Lorenzo and Hartley. Solutions of the known results from recently published work (Nehad et al. Chin. J. Phy., 65, (2020) 367–376) are recovered as limiting cases. Finally, the effects of fractional and various physical parameters are graphically underlined. Furthermore, a comparison between Oldroyd‐B, Maxwell and viscous fluids (fractional and ordinary) is depicted. It is found that, for short time, ordinary fluids have greater velocity as compared to the fractional fluids.
Analgesic Efficacy of Etoricoxib following Third Molar Surgery: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Franco-de la Torre Lorenzo , Franco-González Diana Laura , Brennan-Bourdon Lorena Michele , Molina-Frechero Nelly , Alonso-Castro Ángel Josabad , Isiordia-Espinoza Mario Alberto
Published: September 2021

Background. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the clinical efficacy of etoricoxib in comparison with traditional NSAIDs for postoperative pain after third molar surgery. Methods. The quality of studies found in PubMed and Google Scholar was evaluated with Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Data on total consumption of rescue analgesics, number of patients using rescue analgesics, global assessment of study treatments, and adverse effects were extracted exclusively from high-quality clinical trials. Each meta-analysis was performed with the Review Manager Software 5.3 for Windows. Results. The qualitative analysis showed that etoricoxib has better analgesic activity when compared with ibuprofen (2 clinical trials) and diclofenac (1 clinical trial). A similar analgesic efficacy between etoricoxib and nonselective Cox-2 NSAIDs was informed in 3/8 studies (2 compared to ibuprofen and 1 to naproxen sodium). Moreover, the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics in the postoperative period showed a statistical difference in favor of etoricoxib when compared to NSAIDs. Conclusion. Etoricoxib significantly reduces the number of patients needing rescue analgesics compared to NSAIDs after third molar surgery.
RSV Promotes Epithelial Neuroendocrine Phenotype Differentiation through NODAL Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Dan , Tang Zhongxiang , Qiu Kezi , Bajinka Ousman , Wang Lili , Qin Ling , Tan Yurong
Published: September 2021

Background. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects infants and children, predisposing them to development of asthma during adulthood. Epithelial neuroendocrine phenotypes may be associated with development of asthma. This study hopes to ascertain if RSV infection promotes epithelial neuroendocrine phenotypes through the NODAL signaling pathway. Methods. The GSE6802 data set was obtained from the GEO database, and the differential genes were analyzed using the R language. An in vitro model was constructed with RSV infected human respiratory epithelial cells, and then real‐time qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of different epithelial biomarkers and airway neuropeptides. The acute and chronic infection model of RSV infection was established by intranasal injection of RSV into guinea pigs. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of pulmonary neuroendocrine cells markers ENO2 and neuropeptides. Results. The expression levels of ENO2, SP, CGRP, and NODAL/ACTRII were significantly higher in the RSV infection group than those of the control group, which were abrogated by siRNA‐NODAL. In vivo, we found that the expression levels of ENO2, SP, and CGRP were significantly higher than that of the control group. Conclusion. RSV promotes epithelial neuroendocrine phenotypes through the NODAL signaling pathway.
Perilipin 2 Impacts Acute Kidney Injury via Regulation of PPARα
Authors: Xu Sujuan , Lee Edward , Sun Zhaoxing , Wang Xiaoyan , Ren Ting , Zou Zhouping , Jin Jifu , Li Jie , Zhang Jian , Li Yingxiang , Yang Qiang , Zhang Yang , Guo Man , Fang Yi , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2021

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) can induce oxidative stress and injury via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Renal proximal tubular cells are susceptible to oxidative stress, and the dysregulation of renal proximal tubular cellular homeostasis can damage cells via apoptotic pathways. A recent study showed that the generation of ROS can increase perilipin 2 (Plin2) expression in HepG2 cells. Some evidence has also demonstrated the association between Plin2 expression and renal tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of Plin2 in I/R-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains elusive. Here, using a mouse model of I/R-induced AKI, we found that ROS generation was increased and the expression of Plin2 was significantly upregulated. An in vitro study further revealed that the expression of Plin2, and the generation of ROS were significantly upregulated in primary tubular cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. Accordingly, Plin2 knockdown decreased apoptosis in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, which depended on the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Overall, the present study demonstrated that Plin2 is involved in AKI; knockdown of this marker might limit apoptosis via the activation of PPARα. Consequently, the downregulation of Plin2 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for AKI.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 and Incidence of Liver Cancer in a Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Adachi Yasushi , Nojima Masanori , Mori Mitsuru , Himori Ryogo , Kubo Toshiyuki , Akutsu Noriyuki , Lin Yingsong , Kurozawa Youichi , Wakai Kenji , Tamakoshi Akiko
Published: September 2021

Background:

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)2 is a potent mitogen. To elucidate the relationship between IGF2 and risk of tumorigenesis, we analyzed associations between serum levels of IGF2 and incidence of liver cancer in a prospective case–control study nested in the Japan Collaborative Cohort study.

Methods:

A baseline survey was conducted from 1988 using blood samples from 39,242 subjects. Those who had been diagnosed with liver cancer by 1997 were regarded as cases. For each case, we randomly selected two or three controls matched for sex, age, and residential area. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate ORs for cancer incidence associated with IGF2.

Results:

This analysis included 86 cases and 294 controls. Low IGF2 was associated with risk of future liver cancer (Ptrend <0.001). After controlling for alcohol intake, body mass index, smoking, hepatitis viral infection, IGF1, and IGF-binding protein-3, participants with low IGF2 displayed a higher risk of liver cancer (Ptrend < 0.001). Individuals in quintiles 2 to 5 showed lower risk compared with quintile 1 (OR range, 0.05–0.16). In both sexes and in both nonelderly and elderly groups, subjects in the lowest quintiles showed higher risks of liver cancer. Limiting subjects to those followed for 3 years, low IGF2 was associated with cancer risk (Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that low serum IGF2 level, especially below 460 ng/mL, is related to future risk of liver cancer.

Impact:

Our findings highlight this important biomarker for further analysis in large prospective cohorts and pooled investigation with other cohorts.
Investigating the Association between Wake-Up Stroke and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Xin , Liu Wenhong , Wang Hui
Published: September 2021

Background: Management of wake-up stroke (WUS) is always a challenge as no clear time of onset could be ascertained, and how to choose an appropriate therapy remains unclear. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been regarded as a potential risk factor to WUS, yet no consensus was achieved. Motivated by the need for a deeper understanding of WUS and its association with sleep apnea, meta-analyses summarizing the available evidence of respiratory events and indices were conducted, and sensitivity analysis was also used for heterogeneity. Methods: Electronic databases were systematically searched, and cross-checking was done for relevant studies. Collected data included demographic characteristics, and sleep apnea parameters were extracted with stroke patients divided into WUS and NWUS groups. Clinical data of stroke patients accompanied with sleep apnea syndrome (OSA, SAS, and severe SAS) were also extracted for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 13 studies were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis results showed that OSA, SAS, and severe SAS were significantly higher in WUS patients. A significantly higher AHI (WMD 7.74, 95% CI: 1.38–14.11; p = 0.017) and ODI (WMD of 3.85, 95% CI: 0.261–7.438; p = 0.035) than NWUS patients was also observed in the analysis of respiratory indices. Conclusion: WUS patients have severer SDB problems compared to NWUS patients suggesting that respiratory events during sleep might be underlying the induction of WUS. Besides, the induction of WUS was significantly associated with men rather than women. Therefore, early diagnosis and management of potential WUS patients should benefit from the detection of SDB status and respiratory effects.
XCL1 Aggravates Diabetic Nephropathy-Mediated Renal Glomerular Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response via Regulating p53/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Chen Xiaolan , Fan Yaping , Liu Jing , Yuan Li
Published: September 2021

Background: Glomerular endothelial cell damage plays an important role in the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the role of XCL1 in DN-mediated glomerular endothelial cell apoptosis and whether the function was related to the activation of the p53/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Candidate biomarkers were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was calculated and used to evaluate the discriminating ability. Cell viability, apoptosis, and interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α expression at messenger RNA and protein levels were detected by using the Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting assays. In vivo studies were conducted in the DN mice. Results: The LASSO regression model displayed good discriminating performance, with a C-index of 0.803 and good calibration, and high XCL1 expression was identified as the predicting factor for DN in diabetes mellitus patients. XCL1 expression was upregulated in glomeruli of db/db mice, which was closely related to the expression of its receptor (XCR1). XCL1 overexpression played an important role in the apoptosis and inflammatory response of high glucose (HG)-treated human renal glomerular endothelial cells. Meanwhile, the expression of p53 and the levels of inflammatory cytokines were upregulated upon XCL1 overexpression. p53 silencing with its inhibitor blocked the apoptotic response and inflammatory response in XCL1-overexpressed cells exposed to HG. Besides, the XCL1 overexpression-induced downregulation of NF-κB was reversed by pifithrin-α pretreatment. Conclusions: Our findings in this work provided the mechanistic insights into the effects of XCL1 on the modulation of DN development, illustrating that XCL1 might serve as an essential prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for DN progression.
Improved Prognostic Prediction by Combination of Early Initiation of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion with Modified Gender-Age-Physiology Index in Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Oishi Keiji , Azuma Arata , Abe Shinji , Murata Yoriyuki , Sakamoto Kenji , Mimura Yusuke , Asami-Noyama Maki , Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Hirano Tsunahiko , Matsunaga Kazuto
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Respiratory failure from acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) is associated with high mortality. Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column (PMX-DHP) has been reported to have beneficial effects on patients with AE-IPF. Whether patient characteristics influence the extent of this benefit remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of 30 patients with AE-IPF who underwent PMX-DHP. The favorable factors of survival were determined using Cox proportional hazards analyses. Results: The 1- and 12-month survival rates after PMX-DHP were 70.0% and 50.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that low modified Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) index (≤8 points) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.317, p = 0.015) and PMX-DHP received within 48 h of steroid pulse (HR 0.289, p = 0.012) were favorable factors. Notably, even in the patients with high modified GAP index (>8 points), that is, more advanced IPF, those who received PMX-DHP within 48 h of steroid pulse had a better prognosis than those who did after 48 h of the steroid pulse (p = 0.032). Conclusions: Early PMX-DHP initiation in patients with AE-IPF, specifically within 48 h after the steroid pulse therapy, may improve prognosis regardless of the severity of chronic phase of IPF before AE-IPF.
Effects of Smoking on Short-Term and Long-Term Mortality after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Yu , Jia Lu , Li Tiangui , You Chao , Fang Fang
Published: September 2021

Objective: The relationship between smoking and clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is poorly clarified, and current pieces of evidence are inconsistent. The purpose of this multicenter cohort study is therefore to explore the relationship between smoking and mortality as well as several complications after aSAH. Methods: Databases of patient records were from 4 tertiary hospitals. We assessed the impact of tobacco use and tobacco dose (categorized based on smoking index [SI]) on several complication and overall outcome variables. The primary outcome was mortality within the longest follow-up. Logistic models were used to investigate univariate and multivariate relationships between predictors and outcomes. We also developed a propensity score matching for smoking status by using all known confounders. Results: A total of 6,578 patients with aSAH were analyzed. Current smoking and former smoking did not show association with mortality within the longest follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–1.30, p = 0.726; OR, 0.66, 95% CI: 0.38–1.15, p = 0.139, respectively). In addition, patients who were current smokers showed an independent association with the decreased occurrence of hydrocephalus (OR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.41–0.88; p = 0.009) after matching all known confounders. We also found moderate smoking (SI between 384 and 625) was associated with reduced mortality in hospital. Conclusions: Our results indicated that in patients with aSAH, current smoking or former smoking was not associated with all-cause mortality up to 7-year follow-up.
Inhaled Budesonide vis-à-vis Inhaled Mometasone in Chinese Children with Mild Persistent Asthma: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Gao Pei , Ding Ying , Yin Bingru , Gu Haoxiang
Published: September 2021

Introduction: A very limited option of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is approved for pediatric use in China because in children the use of ICSs for long periods is associated with dose-dependent growth reduction. Due to the lack of consensus on which is the best ICS-based treatment option to manage mild persistent asthma in children, the present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide (BUD)-based therapy vis-à-vis mometasone-based therapy in children with mild persistent asthma. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted in asthmatic children aged between 6 and 11 years. BUD and mometasone furoate (MF) were administered as per the approved dosing regimen using pressurized metered-dose inhalers via oral inhalation route for a period of 12 weeks. The study outcome was assessed in terms of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), symptom scores, and nonoccurrence of side effects. Results: Among the 77 asthmatic children, 71 completed the study treatment and were used in carrying out the analysis. The improvement of spirometric parameters like FEV1, Tiffeneau-Pinelli index (FEV1/forced vital capacity [FVC]), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values observed in the MF cohort was significantly greater than those of the BUD cohort (p < 0.05 for all). An increase of approximately 12%/child was observed for FEV1/FVC ratios for the BUD cohort and MF cohorts. After the 12-week study, the PEFm and PEFe values increased to about 50 L/min/child for the BUD cohort and about 98 L/min/child for the MF cohort. During the study, no asthma exacerbation event was observed in the MF cohort, whereas 1 child in the BUD cohort had asthma exacerbation in week 4. The use of rescue medication during the study was required for 16.2 and 6% of children, respectively, for BUD and MF cohorts. Owing to low dosing frequency, MF could provide a better treatment approach than BUD due to improved patient compliance. Conclusions: Although both drugs showed improvement in the quality of life of asthmatic children with manageable treatment-emergent adverse effects, the improvement was augmented in MF-treated children. Level of Evidence: The level of evidence was III. Technical Efficacy Stage: The technical efficacy stage was 4.
Recurrent Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Isolated Gastric Varices as Primary Symptom of Myelofibrosis: A Case Report on Combining Interventional and Pharmacologic Treatment Options
Authors: Giszas Benjamin , Weber Marko , Heidel Florian H. , Reuken Philipp A.
Published: September 2021

Portal hypertension leads to pronounced venous collateralization and development of varices. Besides manifest liver cirrhosis, primarily left-sided portal hypertension is causal for the development of gastric varices. We present a case of a 36-year-old female patient with splenomegaly, underlying primary myelofibrosis, and detection of somatic Janus-kinase-2 driver-mutation JAK2V617F. Following first upper gastrointestinal bleeding, isolated gastric varices could be detected as a result of underlying left-sided portal hypertension. Within a few months, repeated life-threatening bleedings with transfusion requirements and frequent hospitalizations occurred. Despite multiple injections of cyanoacrylates, the proven therapy of choice, varices could not be stabilized. Combination of targeted JAK-inhibitor therapy in conjunction with the use of EUS-guided application of coils with subsequent cyanoacrylate injection resulted in acute and long-term bleeding control.
ПРОБЛЕМИ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ТА НАДАННЯ ВИСОКОСПЕЦІАЛІЗОВАНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ ЗА УМОВ ПРОВЕДЕННЯ АНТИТЕРОРИСТИЧНОЇ ОПЕРАЦІЇ – ОПЕРАЦІЇ ОБʼЄДНАНИХ СИЛ НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ, ПІДКОНТРОЛЬНІЙ УРЯДУ УКРАЇНИ (ЛУГАНСЬКА ОБЛАСТЬ)
Authors: Стешенко Н. М. , Литвинова О. Н.
Published: September 2021

У статті висвітлено проблемні питання організації та надання високоспеціалізованої медичної до­помоги на території Луганської області, підконтрольній уряду України, за умов проведення анти­терористичної операції – Операції обʼєднаних сил. Акцентовано увагу на недостатності, а подекуди і відсутності забезпечення доступу населення до високоспеціалізованої медичної допомоги на даній території.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПІДГОТОВКИ МЕДИЧНИХ СЕСТЕР-БАКАЛАВРІВ З ЦИКЛУ «ХІРУРГІЯ»
Authors: Тимченко Т. М. , Самарець Е. Ф. , Сушко С. М. , Кікоть Ю. Г.
Published: September 2021

У статті описано особливості комплексного підходу в освітньому процесі підготовки медичних сестер-бакалаврів з циклу «Хірургія» із використанням традиційних методів навчання та впровадження новітніх технологій, що дає можливість кваліфіковано виконувати свої професійні обов’язки.
ВИВЧЕННЯ ДУМКИ ПАЦІЄНТІВ ПРО УПРОВАДЖЕННЯ НОВИХ СЕСТРИНСЬКИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ЦЕНТРАХ ПЕРВИННОЇ МЕДИКО-САНІТАРНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ
Authors: Коморна Я. В. , Криницька І. Я. , Гецько Н. В. , Дужич Н. В. , Марущак М. І.
Published: September 2021

Резюме. Розширення меж сестринської практики у центрах первинної медико-санітарної допомоги (ПМСД) може сприяти підвищенню доступності та поліпшенню якості медичної допомоги населенню, регулюванню навантаження лікаря, зростанню професійного статусу медичних сестер, підвищенню відповідальності за пацієнта.
Мета дослідження – проаналізувати думку пацієнтів про упровадження нових сестринських технологій у центрі первинної медико-санітарної допомоги (ПМСД).
Матеріали і методи. Проведено анкетування 100 пацієнтів, які отримували первинну медико-санітарну допомогу в Комунальному некомерційному підприємстві Броварської міської ради «Броварський міський центр ПМСД». Основними параметрами дослідження були задоволення респондентів роботою реєстратури, джерела отримання інформації про профілактичні огляди, перелік маніпуляцій, які проводять медичні сестри загальної практики, можливість довірити медичній сестрі свої проблеми, пов’язані зі здоров’ям, стосунками в сім’ї, з дітьми, близькими родичами, вплив особистих та професійних якостей медичної сестри на ефективність лікування та можливість упровадження самостійного прийому медичних сестер у центрах ПМСД.
Результати. Встановлено, що лише 30,0 % респондентів отримують інформацію про профілактичні огляди від медичної сестри. На питання: «Чи були у Вас випадки, коли медсестра могла вирішити Вашу проблему без жодних консультацій з лікарем?» позитивно відповіли 60,0 % респондентів. Щодо тих чи інших маніпуляцій, які проводять медичні сестри загальної практики, були отримані такі відповіді: вимірювання артеріального тиску, пульсу – 70,0 %, вимірювання зросту, маси тіла – 48,0 %, реєстрація електрокардіограми – 24,0 %, проведення щеплення – 25,0 %, виписка рецептів, направлень – 45,0 %, обслуговування вдома – 28,0 %, обслуговування по телефону – 26,0 %, ін’єкції – 50,0 %, вимірювання рівня цукру в крові – 14,0 %, допомога психологічного характеру – 25,0 %. Серед факторів, що впливають на ефективність лікування, рівень професійної підготовки медичної сестри обрали 45,0 % респондентів, людські якості медичної сестри – 36,0 %, практичний досвід медичної сестри – 35,0 %, партнерська взаємодія пацієнта та медичної сестри – 25,0 %, умови догляду – 25,0 %. Хоча на запитання: «Чи можете Ви довірити медсестрі свої проблеми, пов'язані зі здоров'ям, стосунками в сім'ї, з дітьми, близькими родичами і т. д.?» позитивно відповіли лише 45,0 % учасників дослідження, 58 % респондентів згідні на упровадження самостійного прийому медичних сестер у центрах ПМСД.
Висновки. На думку пацієнтів, медична сестра загальної практики — це рівноправний учасник поряд із сімейним лікарем усіх видів лікувально-профілактичної роботи в центрі первинної медико-санітарної допомоги.