bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbolic Representations as Teachers Reflect on Inclusive Education in South Africa
Authors: Hooijer Elizabeth Lynne , Van der Merwe Dr. Martyn , Fourie Dr. Jean
Published: May 2021

The inclusive education movement generated many changes in the education system worldwide, resulting in teachers needing to change their practice and beliefs and implement inclusive teaching strategies to accommodate a more diverse learner population. Numerous professional development courses were conducted in South Africa, however the expected change in attitude and practice proved difficult to achieve for many. Even after attending such courses, teachers found it challenging to establish inclusive learning environments, believing they did not have the necessary skills and resources to teach learners with divergent learning needs. This study explored the pivotal role of teachers and their personal perspectives of themselves as inclusive practitioners in South Africa after attending a professional development course on inclusive education strategies. A qualitative, interpretative research design was utilised whereby visual symbols alongside written reflections were analysed to identify changes in teachers’ knowledge, beliefs and practice. Findings revealed that teachers’ knowledge had increased, their attitudes towards learners with diverse needs was more positive, they felt more confident in their own abilities and more equipped for the task. Critical reflection emerged as an essential skill for teachers to be able to question their beliefs and rethink their practice but that this skill needed to be actively taught and encouraged in order to change prevailing perceptions of diversity and improve teaching practice.
Some Results on Normalized Duality Mappings and Approximating Fixed Points in Convex Real Modular Spaces
Authors: Salman Abed Salwa , Abduljabbar Meena Fouad
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the concept of normalized duality mapping has introduced in real convex modular spaces. Then, some of its properties have shown which allow dealing with results related to the concept of uniformly smooth convex real modular spaces. For multivalued mappings defined on these spaces, the convergence of a two-step type iterative sequence to a fixed point is proved
Pressure Decline Analysis in Fractured Horizontal Wells: Comparison between Diagnostic Fracture Injection Test, Flowback, and Main Stage Falloff
Authors: Wang HanYi , Elliott Brendan , Sharma Mukul
Published: May 2021

The pressure decline data after the end of a hydraulic fracture stage are sometimes monitored for an extended period of time. However, to the best of our knowledge, these data are not analyzed and are often ignored or underappreciated because of a lack of suitable models for the closure of propped fractures. In this study, we present a new approach to model and analyze pressure decline data that are available in unconventional horizontal wells with multistage, transverse hydraulic fracturing. The methods presented in this study allow us to quantify closure stress and average pore pressure inside the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and to infer the uniformity of proppant distribution without additional data acquisition costs. For the first time, field data of diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT), flowback, and pressure decline of main fracturing stages from the same well are compared and analyzed. We found that the early-time main fracturing stage pressure decline trend is controlled by fracture tip extension, followed by progressive hydraulic fracture closure on the proppant pack, whereas late-time pressure decline reflects linear flow. When DFIT data are not available, pressure decline analysis of a main hydraulic fracturing stage can be a substitution if it can be monitored for an extended period to allow fracture closure on proppants and asperities.
Involuntary Markers of Saliency and Surprise Revealed by Oculomotor Inhibition in Response to Auditory Sequences
Authors: Kadosh Oren , Bonneh Yoram
Published: May 2021

Our eyes move constantly but are often inhibited momentarily in response to external stimuli. The properties of this Oculomotor-Inhibition (OMI) depend on stimulus saliency, anticipation, and attention. Previous studies have shown prolonged saccadic inhibition for auditory oddballs; however, they required active counting of the oddballs. Here we investigated whether the OMI response to auditory deviants can provide a quantitative measure of deviance strength (auditory pitch difference) and studied its dependence on the Inter-Trial Interval (ITI). Participants fixated on a central fixation stimulus and passively listened to repeated short sequences of pure tones that contained a deviant tone either regularly or with 20% probability (the Oddball paradigm). They did not perform any task or requested to attend to a specific stimulus. As in previous studies, the results showed prolonged microsaccade inhibition and increased pupil dilation following the rare deviant tone. Moreover, the inhibition onset latency was shorter in proportion to the pitch deviance (the saliency effect), and the release was significantly longer for rare deviants (the surprise effect) as long as the ITI was short (<2.5s). Longer ITIs induced higher microsaccade and blink rates together with smaller pupil dilation, indicating a reduction of alertness. Taken together, these results suggest that OMI provides involuntary markers of saliency and surprise, which can be obtained without the participant’s response.
Antimicrobial activity of volatile constituents extracted by hydrodistillation and headspace solid-phase microextraction methods from different parts of Saudi Anethum graveolens L.
Authors: Aati Hanan , Perveen Shagufta , Orfali Raha , Wanner Juergen , Aati Sultan , Al-Taweel Areej , Kayser Oliver
Published: May 2021

Anethum graveolens L. (AG) is one of the most important aromatic herb, used in folk medicine to cure many illinesses. The current work was carried to compare the chemical composition and the antimicrobial potency of Saudi AG essential oils obtained from different parts. The oils constituents were extracted by two techniques; the Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and traditional hydrodistillation (HD), then the constituents of each extracted oil were quantitavly and qualitatively identified. The essential oil isolated from AG seeds exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity comparing to other essential oils isolated from other parts of the same plant followed by flowers, leaves and stems, respectively. Interestingly, all tested AG essential oil samples showed stronger antifungal activity against Aspergillus parasiticus than the control antifungal itraconzole used in the study. Our finding suggest that AG seed essential oil may be considered as an alternative safe remedy derived from a natural source used to cure many uncomplicated infections. Up to our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical compostion of the Saudi AG oils isolated by different methods with a comparable testing against different pathogenic microorganisms.
Physical activity level and associated factors among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Tegene Yadessa , Mengesha Selamawit , Starre Caroline , Lako Stephanie , Toma Alemayehu , Spigt Mark
Published: May 2021

Background: People living with HIV, who take Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), often enjoy long and healthy lives, but this therapy has well known metabolic adverse effects. Physical activity is found to be an important factor in improving these physiological parameters. This study aimed to determine physical activity level and associated factors among HIV patients in Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from May to June 2019. We selected a total of 422 adult HIV patients, attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in three selected hospitals in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected at routine care consultations by nine trained nurses using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The level of physical activity was measured by the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Result: The mean age of participants was 38.7±9.13 years. Of the participants, 68% were physically inactive, with a higher proportion of inactive women (74%) than men (61%) [(AOR=1.64, 95% CI: (1.07, 2.53)]. In addition, urban vs. rural residents [(AOR=2.57, 95% CI: (1.16, 5.72)] and patients who were on ART for ≥24 months [(AOR=1.1.88, 95% CI: (1.15, 3.08)] had higher odds of having a low physical activity level. Conclusion: Most people living with HIV and receiving ART have low physical activity levels. Especially female and urban living patients and those with longer treatment duration have low levels of physical activity. More insight is needed on the reasons for physical inactivity among HIV patients and physical activity programs for HIV patients in low-income countries need to be developed.
Network complexity of rubber plantations is lower than tropical forests for soil bacteria but not fungi
Authors: Lan Guoyu , Wu Zhixiang , Yang Chuan , Sun Rui , Chen Bangqian , Zhang Xicai
Published: May 2021

Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning. Past research has examined the effects of forest conversion on soil microbial composition and diversity, but it remains unknown how networks within these communities respond to forest conversion such as when tropical rainforest are replaced with rubber plantations. In this study, we used Illumina sequencing and metagenome shotgun sequencing to analyze bacterial and fungal community network structure in a large number of soil samples from tropical rainforest and rubber plantation sites in Hainan Island, China. Our results showed only a few shared network edges were observed in both bacterial and fungal communities, which indicates that forest conversion altered soil microbial network structure. We found a greater degree of network structure and a larger number of network edges among bacterial networks in samples from tropical rainforest compared to samples from rubber plantations. The difference was especially pronounced during the rainy season and indicates that rainforest bacterial networks were more complex than rubber plantation bacterial networks. However, rubber plantations soil fungal networks showed more higher links and higher network degree, suggesting that forest conversion does not reduce fungal network complexity. We found that some groups of Acidobacteria were keystone taxa in our tropical rainforest soils, while Actinobacteria were keystone taxa in rubber plantation soils. In addition, seasonal change had a strong effect on network degree, the complexity of soil bacterial and fungal network structure. In conclusion, forest conversion changed soil pH and other soil properties, such as available potassium (AK) and total nitrogen (TN), which resulted in changes in bacterial and fungal composition and network structure.
Retrospective Assessment of Antimicrobial Stewardship Initiative in Outpatient Use of Ertapenem for Uncomplicated Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Enterobacteriaceae Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Wong Carrie , Delate Thomas , Hudson Elizabeth , Nguyen Julia , Yang Su-Jau
Published: May 2021

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are often over-diagnosed and over-treated, which can induce and select for resistant pathogens. After observing wide-spread outpatient use of ertapenem, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, a structured antimicrobial stewardship initiative (ASI) to improve appropriate antimicrobial prescribing was undertaken. ASI objectives were to achieve a goal of reducing ertapenem utilization for extended spectrum beta lactamase Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-EB) UTI by 10% and evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with the ASI.Methods: A pre-to-post cohort study was conducted at a single-center integrated healthcare system between November 1, 2014 and February 26, 2017. An intensive, 90-day, pharmacist-driven, structured ASI was implemented between November 1, 2015 and January 29, 2016. Female patients aged ≥18 years who were treated for an uncomplicated, ESBL-EB urinary tract infection (UTI) were included. Primary outcome was monthly ertapenem use expressed as number of days of therapy (DOT)/1,000 adjusted patient days (APD). Segmented regression analysis for interrupted time series was performed to estimate ASI intervention effect. Results: A total of 184 patients were included in the study. Ertapenem utilization decreased from 0.0145 DOT/1,000 APD in Nov. 2014 to 0.0078 Dot/1,000 APD Feb. 2017(p<0.01). The mean ertapenem DOT declined 19% overall from the pre vs. post intervention periods (32 vs 26, p<0.01). Frequency of recurrent UTIs was reduced and no adverse effects were reported in patients treated with aminoglycosides.Conclusions: A structured ASI for uncomplicated ESBL-EB UTI was associated with a clinically meaningful decrease in ertapenem utilization and once-daily, 5-day aminoglycoside treatment was well-tolerated.
Ethnobotanical Study on Traditional Use of Local Fruit Varieties in Gargano National Park (Apulia, Italy).
Authors: Biscotti Nello , Bonsanto Daniele , Laghetti Gaetano
Published: May 2021

This study is a first attempt at documenting the ethnobotanical value of local fruit trees, the quantity of which has been decreasing along the past fifty years, while the cultivation has gradually been abandoned. The current study focuses on Gargano Promontory area, where some traditional agriculture practices are still in use. Many species and ethnobotanical categories are involved in a range of uses, such as domestic and craft products (22 species), agroforestry (16 species), and economic (13 species), not to say for food. In these cases, either fruits (62%), and other parts (leaves, flowers seeds, remnants of pruning, lumber) of a plant are important (38%). 217 fruit trees are involved (local varieties, ancient cultivars, accessions) and they belong to 33 species, mainly Rosaceae’s (53%). Chestnut, pear, almond and walnut trees are most widely exploited, proving that an ethnobotanical heritage of great importance has developed thanks to the diversity of traditional fruit trees, whose relevance is far from being completely studied. In Gargano area case, the variety of traditional fruit trees has become a strong distinctive feature of the Mediterranean diet. This is in turn still the base of the nutritional regime of a community that developed a sound gastronomic knowledge based on fruits (salads, first courses, etc.). The socio-economic changes of the past fifty years have obviously led to abandoning most of said uses. The interest in foodstuff remains, but it is limited to few species, or to an even lower number of their morphotypes. In intercultural comparisons with other Italian regions (Campania, Basilicata) and other countries (Serbia), we have found common uses, but above all a great uniqueness. At the same time, there is evidence showing the close bound between the diversity of fruit trees in use, and the resulting biocultural abundance. The abandonment of traditional agricultural practices has also led to the loss of ethnobotanical values linked to local fruits. Hence, preserving the ethnobotanical knowledge is the only way of recovering and enhancing this precious heritage made of biological and cultural biodiversity.
The Implementation of Mutually using Lewis and Brønsted Acidic Functionalized Carbon supported Solid Acid Catalysts derived from Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch for 5-Hydroxy Methylfurfural (5-HMF) Production
Authors: Kuntinuguntanon Amporn , Roddecha Supacharee , Pumrod Supakrit , Jaree Attasak , Kaewchada Amaraporn
Published: May 2021

This work presents the utilization of dual Lewis and BrØnsted solid acid catalysts synthesized from the acidic functionalized abundant wasted palm oil fruit bunch (POFB) derived porous carbon for a one-pot conversion of glucose to 5-HMF under a bi-phasic NMP-H2O/MIBK system. The multiscale-porous POFB based carbon with an enhanced surface area ~ 1,600 m2.g− 1 was obtained at the optimized preparing condition (1:2 biochar to KOH mass ratio and carbonization at 850 ºC). The impregnated Al2O3 and the sulfonated POFB derived carbon provided the Lewis (PC-Im1AlLA and PC-Im4AlLA) and BrØnsted (PC-Im50BA) acid catalysts possessing total acidity up to 2.4, and 13.0 mmol.g− 1, respectively. The optimized reaction condition parameters and the synergistic effect of mutually using both acidic catalysts were extensively investigated to achieve the most efficient 5-HMF production performance. The highest 5-HMF yield, glucose conversion, and 5-HMF selectivity of 63.9%, 100%, and 63.9%, respectively, was attained at 120 oC, for 6 hr by employing 0.005:0.04 catalyst mass ratio of PC-Im4AlLA to PC-Im50BA with addition of some NaCl, 1:3 and 3:1 aqueous to organic phase and NMP to H2O volume ratios, respectively. Besides, the proposed catalytic system could be recycled for 3 times with less than 20% reduction of 5-HMF production yield.
The Effects of Quercetin on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Gelen Volkan , Şengül Emin , Gedikli Semin , Özkanlar Seçkin , Gur Cihan , Kara Adem , Çelebi Fikret , Çınar Ali
Published: May 2021

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), an anticarcinogenic agent, is widely used in the chemotherapy. At high doses of the CYP causes fatal cardiomyopathy with acute cardiotoxicity. Our aim in this study investigations effects of quercetin (Q) on CYP-induced cardiotoxicity. In the present study used fifty piece Sprague Dawley male (250 ± 50 gr) rats. Rats were divided randomly to five group (n = 10). The control group was given intragastric (ig) corn oil (1 ml) for seven days. The CYP group rats were applicate ig corn oil for seven days and injected intraperitoneal (ip) a single dose of CYP 200 mg/kg on the seventh day. The groups Q50 + CYP and Q100 + CYP, respectively, were given Q in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg dissolved in corn oil and administered ig for seven days. In addition, these groups were given single dose of CYP (200 mg/kg, ip) on the seventh days of application Q. The Q100 group was given Q (100 mg/kg-i.g) for seven days. In the end experimental applications, the blood was collected from anesthetized rats and rats were sacrificed. Serum was separated by centrifugation and utilized for the evaluation of various cardiac enzymes (CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT). The cardiac tissues used for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The data were analyzed by Tukey test in the one-way ANOVA. When data are showed compared among groups from the point of view aortic and vascular tissues, MDA level was significantly higher in the CYP group compared with control group, and determined to be decreased in CYP + Q100 group. SOD and GSH levels were significantly decreased in the CYP group compared to the control and CYP + Q100 groups. AST, CK, CK-MB, ALT and LDH levels in the serum were significantly increased in the CYP group compared with the other groups. The histopathological examination of cardiac tissue determined in the CYP group had significantly degenerated cells and cardiac myofibril. Intensity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) and beta-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) positivity was higher in the CYP group sections compared to the control and CYP + Q100 groups sections. Both biochemical results and immunohistochemical evidence showed that Q has protective effects on CYP-induced cardiotoxicity.
Higher weekly white rice consumption is associated with an increased risk of incident MCI : a two-year follow-up study of elderly people in Shanghai Community
Authors: Li Wei , Yue Ling , Li Guanjun , Xiao Shifu
Published: May 2021

Background: There have been no longitudinal studies of white rice consumption and cognitive impairmentMethods: This was a 2-year longitudinal follow-up study. Data were obtained from the cohort study on the brain health of the elderly in Shanghai. There were 620 (224 men and 396 women) subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Weekly white rice consumption was assessed using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was based on the revised Petersen’s diagnostic algorithm. The association between weekly white rice consumption and cognitive function was investigated by Cox regression analysis and the ROC curve. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 2 years, 471 individuals without baseline cognitive impairment developed incident mild cognitive impairment. In the overall cohort, higher weekly white rice consumption was associated with an increased risk of MCI (p=0.019, HR=1.051, 95%CI:1.008~1.096) and was independent of age, education and drinking. The ROC curve indicated that weekly white rice consumption had a mild-to-moderate effect in predicting MCI (below the curve was 0.591, p=0.07, 95%CI:0.527~0.655). Conclusions: higher weekly white rice consumption is associated with an increased risk of incident MCI
Elaiophylin Targets EIF4B to Regulate the Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Esophageal Squamous Cancer Cells via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lijuan Gao , Yongshun Chen , Bin Li
Published: May 2021

Background

Esophageal cancer remains a dominating cause of cancer-associated death and has shown a sharp increase of more than 6-fold increase rates all over the world. It is divided into two main pathological types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Most of the patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Thus, it is urgent for us to identify new more effective drugs to improve the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Elaiophylin is a novel autophagy inhibitor at the late stage, which is a C2 symmetric macrolides separated from Streptomyces Niger. It was proved to have anti-tumor ability of various of cancers, yet little is known whether it could inhibit the progression of esophageal squamous cancer.
Methods

The protein expression level was detected by western blot assay. The viability of ESCC cells was detected by CCK8 assay. The proliferation rate was measured by ki67 immunofluorescent staining. The migratory ability of ESCC cells was identified by transwell assay. The apoptosis rate of ESCC cells was explored by Annexin V/PI analysis. And the genes might be regulated by Elaiophylin was analyzed by RNA-seq assay and verified by RT-qPCR assay.
Results

In the study, we firstly found that the Elaiophylin was a novel autophagy inhibitor in ESCC cells which is consistent with the previous studies. In addition, Elaiophylin can inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCCs, and accelerate its apoptosis. And the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited by Elaiophylin, the mRNA and protein expression level of EIF4B was both downregulated by Elaiophylin. Mechanistically, silencing of EIF4B could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and promoted apoptosis, which could be rescued by EIF4B-OE. Moreover, EIF4B overexpression suppressed the apoptosis, while increased the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells which resulted from Elaiophylin.
Conclusions

Together, our results indicated that Elaiophylin is a novel autophagy inhibitor governing growth and migratory ability of ESCC cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. simultaneously, and identified EIF4B as a target of Elaiophylin, which might provide a new therapeutic strategy for esophageal squamous carcinoma.
Mercury bioaccumulation in relation to dietary habits in fishing communities along river Swat, Pakistan
Authors: Munir Muhammad Aamir , Khan Bushra , Mian Ishaq Ahmed , Rafiq Muhammad , Shahzadi Samreen , Naeem Kashif , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: May 2021

Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in fish poses severe threats to the food safety and human health. This study was conducted to assess Hg bioaccumulation in fish (n = 24) and scalp hair (n = 77) of the fishing communities at up and downstream of the river Swat, Pakistan. The mean Hg concentration in upstream fish Salmo trutta fario (Brown trout) and Schizothorax plagiostomus (Swati fish) species were 34.7 ± 18 µgKg− 1 and 29.4 ± 15 µgKg− 1. The mean Hg concentration in downstream Swati fish, Crossocheilus diplochilus (Spena dega) and Garra gotyla gotyla (Tora dega) were 64.6 ± 21 µgKg− 1, 113.3 ± 33 µgKg− 1 and 326.3 ± 53 µgKg− 1 respectively. The mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up and downstream fishing communities were 658 ± 125 µgKg− 1 and 3969 ± 791 µgKg− 1. Independent T-test showed significant difference (t = -3.37) in the mean Hg concentration in scalp hair of the up and downstream communities. The most prevalent health problems found in the fishing community were muscle pain, headache, visual impairment, arterial blood pressure, anemia, and kidney dysfunction. Multilinear regression indicated that daily and weekly consumption of the fish significantly increase Hg accumulation in human scalp hair. Regular consumption of fruits, cruciferous and leafy vegetables were found to reduce Hg toxicity in the population. Further studies are recommended to identify the sources of Hg and welfare impact of fish contamination on the fishing community of river Swat.
Is it necessary to link the bilateral cement during the process of Percutaneous kyphoplasty？
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Dong , Liu Zhaoying , Zhang Xinyue , Shi Hu , Mei Xuesong , Shi Zhibin , Fan Li-Hong , Song Qi-Chun
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical and biomechanical results of different types of bone cement distribution post bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). METHODS: A retrospective study of 227 single-segment OVCF patients from May 2017 to November 2020 were operated with bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty and injected with the same material and the same volume of bone cement. According to the postoperative imaging data of the patients, the patients were allocated into two groups according to whether the bilateral bone cement in the vertebral body was connected. Further, establishment of a three-dimensional finite element model to evaluate the mechanical property of vertebral bodies after percutaneous kyphoplasty. Loading the model in five motion states (compression, forward bending, backward extension, rotation and lateral bending) for force analysis, and compare the stress difference between the fractured vertebrae and adjacent vertebrae under the two cement distributions. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients, 217 eventually received an average follow-up of 22 months. The restoration rate of vertebral body height, the improvement of kyphotic angle and the degree of postoperative improvement of the visual analog scale for pain (VAS) of the two groups of patients were similar, and there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of bone cement leakage between the two groups (P>0.05). But there was a significant difference in the incidence of recurrent vertebral fractures (new fractures of adjacent vertebral bodies and re-fractures of injured vertebrae) (P< 0.05). There was a significant difference in the von Mises stress between the fractured vertebral body and the cranial adjacent vertebra under the same conditions between the two groups of vertebral body models (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION：Administration of bone cement in the center of vertebrae without distribution to both edges may reduce the risk of re-collapse of the injured vertebrae and fracture of adjacent vertebral body on the cranial side.
Reduced Hepatic Steatosis Is Associated With Higher Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Mak Lung-Yi , Hui Rex Wan-Hin , Fung James , Liu Fen , Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Li Bofei , Cheung Ka-Shing , Yuen Man-Fung , Seto Wai-Kay
Published: May 2021

BackgroundConcomitant chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common, but the implications of NAFLD on clinical outcomes of CHB, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are not well-investigated. MethodsCHB patients were recruited for transient elastography assessment for liver stiffness (LS), and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), a non-invasive quantification of hepatic steatosis, and were prospectively followed up for development of HCC. Steatosis and severe steatosis were diagnosed by CAP ≥248 dB/m and ≥280 dB/m respectively, and advanced fibrosis/ cirrhosis was diagnosed by LS ≥9 kPa. The independent effect of hepatic steatosis on HCC was examined via propensity score matching (PSM) of LS and other significant clinical variables.ResultsForty-eight patients developed HCC among 2403 CHB patients (55.6% male, median age 55.6 years, 57.1% antiviral-treated, median ALT 26 U/L) during a median follow-up of 46.4 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed age (HR 1.063), male (HR 2.032), Albumin-Bilirubin score (HR 2.393) and CAP (HR 0.993) were associated with HCC development. The cumulative probability of HCC was 2.88%, 1.56% and 0.71%, respectively for patients with no steatosis, mild-to-moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis, respectively (p=0.01). The risk of HCC increased from 1.56% to 8.89% in patients without severe steatosis if advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis were present (p<0.001). PSM yielded 957 pairs of CHB patients and hepatic steatosis was independently associated with HCC (HR 0.41).ConclusionReduced hepatic steatosis was significantly associated with a higher risk of incident HCC in CHB infection. Routine CAP and LS measurements are important for risk stratification.
Contribution of Nuclear BCL10 Expression to Tumor Progression and Poor Prognosis of Advanced and/or Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Activating NF-κB-Related Signaling
Authors: Kuo Sung-Hsin , Yang Shih-Hung , Wei Ming-Feng , Lee Hsiao-Wei , Tien Yu-Wen , Cheng Ann-Lii , Yeh Kun-Huei
Published: May 2021

Background:
We previously demonstrated that nuclear BCL10 translocation participates in the instigation of NF-κB in breast cancer and lymphoma cell lines. In this study, we assessed whether nuclear BCL10 translocation is clinically significant in advanced and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Method and materials:
We analyzed the expression of BCL10-, cell cycle-, and NF-κB- related signaling molecules, and the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB in three PDAC cell lines (mutant K-RAS lines: PANC-1 and AsPC-1; wild-type K-RAS line: BxPC-3) using BCL10 short hairpin RNA (shBCL10). To assess the anti-tumor effect of BCL10 knockdown in PDAC xenograft model, PANC-1 cells treated with or without shBCL10 transfection were inoculated into the flanks of mice. We assessed the expression patterns of BCL10 and NF-κB in tumor cells in 136 patients with recurrent, advanced, and metastatic PDAC using immunohistochemical staining.
Results:
We revealed that shBCL10 transfection caused cytoplasmic translocation of BCL10 from the nuclei, inhibited cell viability, and enhanced the cytotoxicities of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in three PDAC cell lines. Inhibition of BCL10 differentially blocked cell cycle progression in PDAC cell lines. Arrest at G1 phase was noted in wild-type K-RAS cell lines; and arrest at G2/M phase was noted in mutant K-RAS cell lines. Furthermore, shBCL10 transfection downregulated the expression of Cdc2 (PANC-1), cyclin D1 (BxPC-3), p-IκBα, nuclear expression of BCL10, BCL3, and NF-κB (p65), and attenuated the NF-κB pathway activation and its downstream molecule, c-Myc. In a PANC-1-xenograft mouse model, inhibition of BCL10 expression also attenuated the tumor growth of PDAC. In clinical samples, nuclear BCL10 expression was closely associated with nuclear NF-κB expression (p < 0.001), and patients with nuclear BCL10 expression had the worse median overall survival than those without nuclear BCL10 expression (6.90 months versus 9.53 months, p = 0.019).
Conclusion:
Nuclear BCL10 translocation activates NF-κB signaling and contributes to tumor progression and poor prognosis of advanced/metastatic PDAC.
Psychometric Analysis of the Brazilian-Version Kidscreen-27 Questionnaire
Authors: Silveira Pablo Magno da , Bandeira Alexsandra da Silva , Lopes Marcus Vinicius Veber , Borgatto Adriano Ferreti , Silva Kelly Samara da
Published: May 2021

Background
The objective of this study was to verify the reliability, discriminatory power and construct validity of the Kidscreen-27 questionnaire in Brazilian adolescents.
Methods
Adolescents that participated of the pilot study (210 adolescents; 52.9% boys; 13.7 years old) and of the baseline (816 participants; 52.7% girls; 13.1 years old) of the Movimente Project in 2016/2017 composed the sample of the present study. This project was carried out in six public schools in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Test-retest reproducibility was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and Gwet coefficient; internal consistency through McDonald's Omega; Hankins' Delta G coefficient verified the scale's discriminatory power and; confirmatory factor analysis to assess construct validity.
Results
Reproducibility values ranged from 0.71 to 0.78 for the dimensions (ICC), and ranged from 0.60 to 0.83 for the items (Gwet). McDonald's Ômega (0.82–0.91) for internal consistency measures. Discriminatory power ranging from 0.94 for the dimension Social Support and Friends to 0.98 for Psychological Well-Being. The factorial loads were > 0.40, except for item 19 (0.36). The fit quality indicators of the model were adequate (X2[df] = 1,022.89 [311], p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.053 (0.049–0.087); CFI = 0.988; TLI = 0.987), confirming the five-factor structure originally proposed.
Conclusions
The Brazilian-version Kidscreen-27 achieved good levels of reproducibility, internal consistency, discriminatory power and construct validity. Its use is adequate to measure the health-related quality of life of adolescents in the Brazilian context.
Symptom cluster patterns based on text clustering method of COVID-19 and its population characteristics in Sichuan province, China
Authors: Cheng Xiuwei , Wan Hongli , Yuan Heng , Zhou Lijun , Xiao Chongkun , Mao Suling , Li Zhirui , Hu Fengmiao , Yang Chuan , Zhu Wenhui , Zhou Jiushun , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2021

Background: Evidence of the aggregation of COVID-19 symptoms was still limited. Exploration of likely cluster patterns of symptoms may be helpful.Methods: This study enrolled a total of 1067 COVID-19 cases. Symptom cluster patterns were explored by text clustering method. A multinomial logistic regression was applied to revealed its population characteristics. And time intervals between symptoms onset and the first visit was analyzed to take into account the symptoms progression over time. Results: Based on text clustering, the symptoms were summarized into 4 groups. Except for the group without obvious symptoms, the dominate individual symptoms under the other three groups were fever (68.7%), expectoration (59.4%) and fatigue (42.7%), respectively. And the most frequent symptom combinations were fever only (47.8%), expectoration only(19.8%) and fatigue accompanied with fever (4.2%), respectively. People aged 45-64 years were more likely to have symptom group 4 than those aged 65 years or older(OR = 2.66, P = 0.015) and had longer time intervals. Conclusions: The symptoms cluster patterns and common symptom combinations under each pattern may provide information for identification of the infected. Middle-aged population was a group expecting more attention, from the perspective of medical delays.
Determinants of institutional delivery in Kenya. Evidence from population and Demographic health survey,2014
Authors: Andegiorgish Amanuel Kidane , Zhu Zhonghai , Elhoumed Mohamed , Qi Qi , Zeng Lingxia
Published: May 2021

Background: Maternal mortality in Kenya remains high. Analysis of the factors associated with institutional delivery is crucial to inform reproductive health policies and programs in public health. Objective: To identify the factors associated with institutional delivery among women of reproductive age in Kenya.Methods: Data sets for this study were extracted from the 2014 Kenya Demographic health surveys (KDHS, 2014); participants were 20,661 women between the age of 15-49-year. Data sets were analyzed using Chi-square tests, univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression. Factor analysis was used to explore potential subpopulation profiles related to institutional delivery. Results: On national average 62.10% of participant women utilized institutional delivery. Although all sociodemographic variables in this analysis were associated with institutional delivery, multivariable analysis show that women from urban place were 1.37 time (95%CI:1.14-1.65) more likely to delivery in health facility compared to women from rural place. Women with higher education level tended to deliver in health facility compared with no education (Secondary and above: OR:4.03; 95%CI:2.91-5.59; primary level: OR:2.03;95%CI:1.53-2.68). Household wealth status was positively associated, richest 11.12 times (95%CI:7.18-17.22), richer 3.88 times (95% CI:2.96-5.07), middle 2.33 times (95%CI:1.87-2.90), and poorer1.82 times (95% CI:1.40-2.23) more to use institutional delivery than the poorest. The odds of having institutional delivery was 2.58 times (95%CI:2.07-3.23) and 1.44 times (95%CI:1.20-1.71) higher among the first and second to fourth birth orders than five or above respectively. Three common factors with high loading socioeconomic on (Wealth quintile, TV watching, Mother’s education, Radio listening, and Place of residence), family support on (Wanted last child, Mother’s occupation, and Husband education), and women status on (Mother age group, Birth order, and Marital status) were found significantly (p<0.001) associated with institutional delivery. Women with high scores of these factors were tended to received more institutional deliveriesConclusion: Institutional delivery is low in Kenya. Maternal health programs focused on subpopulation profiles should be designed to encourage institutional delivery. Further efforts are needed to improve the accessibility and optimal up-take of institutional delivery.
Overexpression and Prognostic Significance of PTPN2 Maybe A Novel Immunotherapy Target in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Pei-Pei
Published: May 2021

Immunotherapy has significantly advanced in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We aimed to find a new immune-related prognostic biomarker and immunotherapeutic target for ccRCC. We analyzed the expression, survival, and related immune gene marker sets data of PTPN2 in patients with ccRCC from TCGA. PTPN2 expression was increased in ccRCC compared to normal tissue. PTPN2 was closely related to T stage (P = 0.008 ), TNM stage (P = 0.017 ) and Grade (P = 0.002 ). Overexpression of PTPN2 predicted a poor survival in ccRCC (P < 0.001). PTPN2 was also related to six types of tumor immune-infiltrating cells, including B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, Macrophage, Neutrophils, Dendritic cells. PTPN2 was related CTLA-4 (P = 5.645404E-26, r = 0.4339333) and PDCD1 (P = 5.645404E-26, r = 0.4339333). Furthermore, the survival rate in patients with high PTPN2 and CTLA4 was significantly lower than that other three strata (P < 0.0001). GSEA and GO biological analysis was conducted, which was indicated PTPN2 was involved in many immune and inflammatory pathways, including IL-4, IL-12, CD3 T-cell, CD4 T-cell, intestinal inflammation, systemic inflammatory regulation related factors, and so on. Our results implied that PTPN2 was considered as the potential immune therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in ccRCC.
Bufalin Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction Promotes Apoptosis of Glioma Cells by Regulating Annexin A2 and DRP1 Proteins
Authors: Li Yao , Zhang Yan , Wang Xufang , Yang Qian , Zhou Xuanxuan , Wu Junsheng , Yang Xu , Zhao Yani , Lin Rui , Xie Yanhua , Yuan Jiani , Zheng Xiaohui , Wang siwang
Published: May 2021

Background: Glioma is a common primary central nervous system tumor, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic drugs that can effectively improve the survival rate of patients in clinical. Bufalin has a good effect in the treatment of various tumors, but the mechanism of how it promotes the apoptosis of glioma cells is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the drug target of bufalin acting on glioma cells, and to clarify the mechanism of apoptosis. Methods: Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by cck-8 and colony formation assay. Then, the cell cycle and apoptosis, intracellular ion homeostasis, oxidative stress levels and mitochondrial damage were detected after bufalin treatment. DARTS-PAGE technology combined with LC-MS/MS were employed to explore the drug targets of bufalin on U251 cells. Molecular docking and western blot were used to further identify the potential targets. siRNA of Annexin A2 and a DRP1 protein inhibitor Mdivi-1 were also used to verify the target of bufalin.Results: Bufalin upregulated the expression of cytochrome C, cleaved caspase 3, p-Chk1 and p-p53 proteins to cause U251 cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in S phase. Bufalin can also induce oxidative stress in U251 cells, destroy intracellular ion homeostasis, and cause mitochondrial damage. The expression of mitochondrial separation/fusion-related proteins in U251 cells was abnormal, Annexin A2 and DRP1 protein were translocated from cytoplasm to mitochondria, and MFN2 protein was released from mitochondria into cytoplasm after bufalin treatment, which disrupted the mitochondrial division/fusion balance of U251 cells. Conclusions: Our research indicated that bufalin can cause Annexin A2 and DRP1 oligomerization to be located on the surface of mitochondria, and disrupt the mitochondrial division/fusion balance to induce U251 cell apoptosis.
Research on Destroyed Floor Depth ---The Example of the 51302 Working Face in the Liangzhuang Coal
Authors: yu xiaoge , Liu Yifei , Fan Haibin
Published: May 2021

Based on the analysis on factors affecting floor depth, mining depth, dip angle of coal seam, mining thickness, dip length of working face, damage variable of floor strata and whether there are faults and crushed zones in the working face are defined as main influence factors. The classical Down Three Zone Theory, Down Four Zone Theory based on damage mechanics, formula written in the national standard, BP (Back Propagation) neural network algorithm considering various influencing factors and Numerical Simulation Method were applied for predicting floor depth of the 51302 working face. A double-side seal borehole water injection device was used to determine the actual floor depth of the 51302 working face. By comparing the prediction results with the actual measurement results, the prediction results obtained by considering rock damage are closer to reality.
Identifying Priorities, Directions and a Vision for Indigenous Mental Health Using a Collaborative and Consensus-Based Facilitation Approach
Authors: Montesanti Stephanie , Fitzpatrick Kayla , Fayant Bryan , Pritchard Caillie
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMental health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada are related to underlying economic, social and political inequities that are legacies of colonization and the oppression of Indigenous cultures. It also widely acknowledged that mental health services currently available may not be culturally appropriate in supporting the health needs of Indigenous Canadians. A two-day Indigenous mental health forum examined mental health needs and gaps among Indigenous communities across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) on Treaty 8 territory, in northern Alberta, Canada. Specifically, the forum’s aims were to: 1) discuss the challenges and opportunities in addressing mental health among Indigenous youth, adults, and families; 2) network key stakeholders from the RMWB to explore where sectors could overlap and collaborate on improving mental health services for Indigenous populations; and 3) create recommendations to support Indigenous peoples’ mental health and wellness across the life course.MethodsWe applied a modified nominal group consensus method embedded within Indigenous knowledge to determine key priorities and directions for Indigenous-focused mental health and synthesize information from discussions that occurred at the forum. The principles of two-eyed seeing were used with the goal of responding to and resolving conflicts between Indigenous ways of knowing and western scientific inquiry that informs mental health services. ResultsFour key themes for setting priorities and directions for Indigenous mental health emerged from roundtable group discussions. 1) understand the realities of mental health experiences for Indigenous peoples, 2) design a holistic and culturally-rooted mental health system, 3) foster cross-sectoral engagement and collaboration on mental health service delivery, and 4) focus on children and youth. On day two of the forum, a participatory community visioning exercise was facilitated during which participants collectively created a community vision for an Indigenous-led mental health response for the RMWB.ConclusionsForum participants described mental health and well-being around holistic concepts of social and emotional well-being. Addressing Indigenous mental health and wellness involves multi-sectoral action in various settings including community and school through programs, policies and other interventions that promote mental health for all Indigenous peoples, as well as for those at greater risk such as children and youth.
Diversity of Cancer-Related Identities in Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survivors after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Jahnen Matthias , Mynzak Eike , Meissner Valentin H. , Schiele Stefan , Schulwitz Helga , Ankerst Donna P. , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Herkommer Kathleen , Dinkel Andreas
Published: May 2021

Background

Individuals affected by cancer need to integrate this experience into their personal biography as their life progress after primary therapy, leading to substantial changes in self-perception. This study identified factors uniquely associated with 5 different cancer-related identities in order to improve the understanding of how self-perception in men affected by prostate cancer is associated with certain clinical and psychosocial characteristics.
Methods

In this cross-sectional study, long-term prostate cancer survivors after radical prostatectomy were asked to choose one of 5 cancer-related identities that described them best. Associations with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.
Results

3347 men (mean age 78.1 years) questioned on average 15.6 years after prostatectomy were included. Most men favored the terms “someone who has had cancer” (43.9%) which was associated with a mild disease course, and “patient” (26.3%) which was associated with ongoing therapy and biochemical disease recurrence. Self-descriptions, such as “cancer survivor” (16.8%), “cancer conqueror” (10.9%) and “victim” (2.1%) were less common. “Cancer survivor” was associated with high perceived disease severity (OR: 1.86 [1.44–2.40]). “Cancer survivor” and “cancer conqueror” were related to high benefit finding (OR: 1.89 [1.48–2.40], OR: 1.46 [1.12–1.89] respectively), and only “cancer conqueror” was associated with high well-being (OR: 1.84 [1.35–2.50]). Identification as “victim” was associated with psychological distress and low well-being (OR: 2.22 [1.15–4.31], OR: 0.38 [0.20–0.72] respectively). (all p < 0.05)
Conclusions

Although long-term survival is common among men affected by PCa, they display a large diversity in cancer-related identities, which are associated with unique clinical and psychological characteristics. These cancer-related identities and their distinctive properties are present and seem to interact with psychological well-being even after a long follow-up.