bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
L2 teachers' knowledge of L2 learners’ listening and oral interpretation problems: Any correspondence?
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Rahimi Mohammad Ali 
Published: February 2020

The study was aimed at comparing learners’ knowledge of their listening and oral interpretation problems with their teachers’ perception and knowledge of the same problems. Fifty two learners in company with their three instructors participated in the study. The study tapped the students’ reflections on cognitive, affective and linguistic factors impinging on listening and oral interpretation processes and teachers’ perception and knowledge of the same real time listening and interpretation tasks. Introspection techniques, observation and interviews were the main techniques of data collection. Data analysis revealed many congruencies between the learners and their instructors in terms of the listening experiences and perceptions. They included such themes as ‘ineffective strategy of focusing on words’, ‘speedy delivery’, ‘difficulty level of the material’, ‘accent effect’ and ‘parsing problem’. However, some discrepancies were also identified with regard to such core themes as ‘modality’ and affective issues such as ‘stress’, ‘sense of fatigue’ and ‘concentration loss’. The results suggest that instructors’ perception and awareness of their learners’ listening processing and oral translation skills coupled with those of learners can provide rich information in developing listening and oral interpretation programs for translation students and trainers.
Key words: oral interpretation, listening processing, knowledge, perception
Impactos na saúde dos operadores em turnos de revezamento em uma empresa estatal
Authors: Ferreira Borges Anna Flávia , Macêdo Kátia Barbosa , Mesquita Simone Maria Moura 
Published: February 2020

Este artigo apresenta parte dos resultados de um estudo empírico que teve por objetivo investigar os impactos do trabalho em regime de turnos de revezamento. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter descritivo exploratório, embasado teórica e metodologicamente na abordagem da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, realizado com um grupo de 12 trabalhadores de uma empresa estatal de energia elétrica ocupantes do cargo “operador de subestação e usinas hidrelétricas”, que desempenham atividades em turnos de revezamento. Para a coleta de dados da pesquisa, foram desenvolvidas três sessões de discussão coletiva e um encontro para validação da pesquisa. Os dados foram examinados por meio da análise Clínica do Trabalho. Com base nos resultados, foi possível constatar a respeito do trabalho em turnos, aliado à rotina rígida e burocrática dos trabalhadores estudados, a ocorrência de sofrimento por eles vivenciado, manifesto na dificuldade em conciliar trabalho e vida sociofamiliar; na sobrecarga doméstica; na dificuldade em se desligar do trabalho e nos riscos a que estão expostos pela profissão. Constatou-se, que o turno que mais impacta a saúde desses trabalhadores é o noturno, causando prejuízos evidenciados pelos sintomas de irritabilidade, desânimo, alterações de humor, dores de cabeça e cansaço, o que ocasiona em alguns estresse e depressão.
Investigating the biomechanical function of the plate-type external fixator in the treatment of tibial fractures : a biomechanical study
Authors: Shi Di , Liu Kaiyuan , Zhang Haomeng , Wang Xinli , Li Guochen , Zheng Lianhe 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

The design of an external fixator with the optimal biomechanical function and the lowest profile has been highly pursued, as fracture healing is dependent on the stability and durability of fixation, and a low profile is more desired by patients. The plate-type external fixator, a novel prototype of an external tibial fixation device, is a low profile construct. However, its biomechanical properties remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the stiffness and strength of the plate-type external fixator and the unilateral external fixator. We hypothesized that the plate-type external fixator could provide higher stiffness while retaining sufficient strength.

Methods

Fifty-four cadaver tibias underwent a standardized midshaft osteotomy to create a fracture gap model to simulate a comminuted diaphyseal fracture. All specimens were randomly divided into three groups of eighteen specimens each and stabilized with either a unilateral external fixator or two configurations of the plate-type external fixator. Six specimens of each configuration were tested to determine fixation stiffness in axial compression, four-point bending, and torsion, respectively. Afterwards, dynamic loading until failure was performed in each loading mode to determine the construct strength and failure mode.

Results

The plate-type external fixator provided higher stiffness and strength than the traditional unilateral external fixator. The highest biomechanics were observed for the classical plate-type external fixator, closely followed by the extended plate-type external fixator.

Conclusions

The plate-type external fixator is stiffer and stronger than the traditional unilateral external fixator under axial compression, four-point bending and torsion loading conditions.
Baicalein neutralizes hypercholesterolemia-induced aggravation of oxidative injury in rats
Authors: Alsaad Abdulaziz MS , Almalki Mohammed S , Almutham Ibrahim , Alahmari Abdulwahab A , Alsulaiman Mohammed , Al-Rejaie Salim Saleh 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as it triggers oxidative and pro-inflammatory cascades. Baicalein (BL) is a natural flavone with multiple therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of BL supplementation in hypercholesterolemic rats.
Methods: Rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for six weeks and then orally administered BL at two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day) for four weeks. Serum lipids, liver enzymes, cardiac enzymes, renal markers, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, interleukin-10, caspase-3, nitric oxide and prostaglandin-2 were measured. In renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.
Results: The altered levels of lipoproteins, aminotransferases, creatine kinases, and urea in hypercholesterolemic animals were significantly corrected by BL. Inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers were also markedly attenuated in the HCD group following BL treatment. Hypercholesterolemia considerably induced the lipid peroxidation product, TBARS, and oxidative radicals in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues, which were attenuated by BL treatment, particularly, at the 50 mg/kg/day dose. BL enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase that were suppressed by HCD. Histological alterations induced by cholesterol overload in cardiac, hepatic, and renal tissues were ameliorated by BL supplementation.
Conclusions: Our results show that the co-administration of BL (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) in HCD rats improved all the altered parameters. Activation of cellular antioxidant enzymes and/or suppression of inflammatory cytokines may be involved in these prominent effects.
Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 upregulation in plasma and kidney of patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Yang Yi , Luo Ran , Cheng Yichun , Liu Tingting , Dai Wei , Li Yueqiang , Ge Shuwang , Xu Gang 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Increased leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) has been observed in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to explore the expression and role of LRG1 in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Plasma LRG1 (pLRG1) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 101 patients with renal biopsy-proven LN and 21 healthy controls (HC). Relationships between pLRG1 and clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed. The expression of LRG1 in peripheral blood leukocytes and kidney was detected by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. Further cell experiments were focused on the role of LRG1. Results We found that LRG1 was expressed in plasma, some peripheral blood leukocytes, proximal tubule and several inflammatory cells. The levels of LRG1 in plasma, peripheral blood leukocytes and kidney were elevated in LN patients as compared to HC. Plasma expression levels of LRG1 correlated positively with renal function and renal disease activity, and reflect specific pathologic lesions in the kidneys of patients with LN. Interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, not tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon γ induced the LRG1 expression in human renal tubular epithelial cell line. Moreover, stimulation of recombinant human LRG1 could inhibit late apoptosis, promote proliferation and regulate expression of inflammatory factors and cytokines. Conclusions Plasma expression levels of LRG1 were associated with renal function, disease activity, and pathology in LN. It might also be involved in renal inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial cells. LRG1 might be a potential prognosis novel predictor in LN patients.
S100A4 promotes colorectal carcinoma growth by enhancing aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Wu Guiyang , Wu Chongshan , Ye Fubo , Zhu Xiongwen , Chen Zaiping 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Glucose metabolism transformation plays critical role in cancer cell malignancies maintenance. Aberrant cancer cell metabolism is considered to be the hallmark of cancer. S100A4 has been identified as an oncogene in a variety of cancers. However, its role in the cancer cell glucose reprogramming has been seldom reported. The aim of this study was to examine the role of S100A4 in aerobic glycolysis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We investigated S100A4 expression in 224 cases of primary CRC and matched normal colonic tissue specimens, and explored the underlying mechanisms of altered S100A4 expression as well as the impact of this altered expression on CRC growth and glycolysis using in vitro and animal models of CRC. Results S100A4 was more highly expressed in CRC tissues than in the adjacent normal tissues (59.4% vs 17.4%, P <0.05). Higher S100A4 expression was associated with advanced node stage ( P =0.018) and larger tumor size ( P =0.035). A Cox proportional hazards model suggested that S100A4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (HR: 3.967, 95%CI: 1.919-8.200, P <0.001) and DFS (HR: 4.350, 95%CI: 2.264-8.358, P <0.001) in CRC after surgery. Experimentally, silencing S100A4 expression significantly decreased the growth and glycolysis rate of CRC both in vitro and in vivo . Mechanically, S100A4 could affect the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α activity as demonstrated by the HIF-1α response element–luciferase activity in CRC cells. Conclusions These results disclose a novel role for S100A4 in reprogramming the metabolic process in CRC by affecting the HIF-1α activity and provide potential prognostic predictors for CRC.
Accuracy of rigid registration between amyloid / tau PET and MRI based on normalized mutual information
Authors: Iwao Yuma , Akamatsu Go , Wagatsuma Kei , Sakata Muneyuki , Ishii Kenji , Takahashi Miwako , Yamaya Taiga 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Purpose Fusion images of positron emission tomography ( PET and magnetic resonance image MRI are effective to evaluate pathological changes using anatomical information. Registration of PET and MRI based on normalized mutual information (NMI) is widely used , where PET images change a lot depending on not only the choice of tracers but also disease progress ion , but the co registration accuracy has not been confirmed well yet. The aim of this study is to clarify the accuracy of NMI based registration between MRI and PET (amyloid PET and tau PET). Methods We obtained PET and MRI data from 69 participants (ages from 47 to 87 ) who underwent PET using one of the following four tracers 11 C PiB, 18 F Florbetapir, 11 C PBB3 or 18 F THK5351. T he ground truth (i .e .., a set of registered MRI PET images) was manually made by two experts. For each data set, 40 set of perturbed parameters were given to MR image s . Then each perturbed MR I was registered to the PET image using the statistical parametric mapping (SPM) tool. The differences between the given and the estimated shifts and rotates were calculated as registration errors. Results We found the registration errors were around 2 mm in the shift and around 1 deg in the rotation. These registration errors were independent of the amount of the perturbation given. Conclusion Although negative subjects of tau tracers showed higher error than other tracers, the registration error was less than PET spatial resolution, which supported a proof of the stability of the SPM.
Using human pluripotent stem cell differentiated endothelial cells to study the differential regulation in PAH
Authors: Qin Kezhou , Yang Jun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Aims Endothelial cells (ECs) have been applied in clinic to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease characterized by disordered pulmonary vasculature. However, lack of enough transplantable cells before the deterioration of patient condition is current limitation to apply cell therapy in cardiovascular diseases. So, we thought it necessary to continue to differentiate embryo stem cells (ESCs)/induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into endothelial cells (ECs) and identify their characteristics. Methods and results Comparing previous reported methods of human pluripotent cell differentiation toward vascular cells/ Hemogenic Endothelial cells/ endothelial colony-forming cells, we established a highly efficient differentiation protocol to get cells that match phenotype of isolated ECs from health donors. This protocol, including two stages, early mesoderm endothelial progenitor stage and EC marker expression stage. In the first stage, Rock inhibitor Y27632 and DMSO plays an important role in inducing-APLNR + mesoderm and promotes EC differentiation potential; later on SB431542 and BMP4 drives cells toward EC lineage. Meanwhile, an improved protocol with chemically-defined medium (CDM) has similar differentiation efficiency,again demonstrating that a large number of clinically needed cells could be obtained with simple factors. ESC/iPSC-ECs, normal EPCs and IPAH-EPCs have the characteristics of early EPCs marked by CD133 and mesenchymal stem cells. Microarray analysis further revealed IPAH-derived EPCs features of rapid proliferation and weak immune regulation. At last, a model Zebrafish xenograft was utilized to assess the functionality of differentiated ESC/iPSC-ECs. ConclusionsWe established a highly efficient differentiation protocol to get ESC/iPSC-ECs with characteristics of phenotype and molecular matched with early-EPCs from health donors, and revealed the molecular pathogenesis in PAH.
Short-term observation of electric ablation with nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) on hepatic hilar area
Authors: Lu Jiahua , Qian Junjie , Zhang Shiyu , Chen Xinhua , Yin Shengyong , Zhou Lin , Zheng Shusen , Zhang Wu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Treatment of liver malignancies located at the hepatic hilar area has long been recognized as a challenge for both surgeons and interventional radiologists. Traditional locoregional thermal ablative therapies like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have natural deficiencies to achieve complete ablation. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has emerged as a novel electric power based locoregional therapy. It has been reported to eﬀectively ablate liver malignancies while its effect on tumors located in hepatic hilar areas still lacks well-controlled follow-up studies. Methods: This pre-clinical study was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of nsPEF ablation in the hepatic hilar area and to investigate its effect on liver vasculature systems. Two-needle electrodes of the nsPEF were placed around the hepatic hilar areas in the rabbit liver under ultrasonic guidance. During and after the procedure of nsPEF ablation, electrocardiographs (ECG) was used to monitor cardiovascular activities and ultrasonography was used to detect vascular changes. The blood samples and liver specimens were collected at pre-treatment and at 2 hours, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days post-treatment. Results: Histopathological studies showed the targeted portal area was ablated accurately without perivascular sparing. The major structures of the large hepatic veins and bile ducts near hilar areas were preserved well. Follow-up biochemical tests showed a transient and mild impairment of liver function. The results of myocardial enzymes and routine blood test proved nsPEF won’t cause collateral damage on cardiac systems or increase potential infection risk. Ultrasonography and electrocardiographs found no massive hemorrhea and abnormal cardiac activities. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that nsPEF is safe and feasible in the ablation of large animal models. During the treatment, nsPEF would not disturb vital organ functions or cause irreversible complications. Furthermore, it can ablate the hepatic hilar area without damaging large hepatic vasculatures, which could be a promising method for non-thermal tumor ablation.
Activation of the α2A adrenoceptor in microglia promotes LPS-induced TNF-α production and cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Fang Ming , Song Wen-Liang , Dai Xiao-Meng , Wang Rui-Jie , Xu Hui , Yang Duo-Meng , Tang Xiang-Xu , Xing Yun , Xu Ya-qian , Zhou Li-bing , Zeng Hong-Ke , Wang Huadong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: a2A adrenoceptor receptor (a2A-AR) plays an important role in inflammatory response in Kupffer cells in sepsis. Blockage of a2A-AR inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) production and protects the target organ functions in sepsis animal models; however, its expression and function in microglia have remained obscure. This study aimed to determine whether a2A-AR was expressed in microglia and whether its activation would exacerbate microglial inflammation and sepsis-related neurological dysfunction. Methods: Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect a2A-AR expression in BV-2 microglia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the TNF-a production in the supernatant after LPS induced BV-2 cells were pretreated with a2A-AR agonist BHT933, and/or a2A-AR antagonist BRL44408, and also in the supernatants derived from BV-2 cells treated with BHT933 and/or PKC inhibitor. Signaling pathways including JNK，P38，ERK，IκBa, CREB and PCK were detected by western blotting. a2A-AR gene knock-out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were prepared by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Lectin /TNF-a labeled microglia and synaptophysin/NeuN expression in the hippocampus were localized by immunofluorescence. Morris water maze test, Rotating-stick test, Elevated plus maze test and Open-field test were conducted over 4 weeks.Results: a2A-AR was constitutively expressed in BV-2 microglia, which was enhanced by LPS. Pretreatment with BHT933 promoted LPS-induced IκB and JNK phosphorylation, and TNF-a secretion in BV-2 microglia which were abrogated by BRL44408. Activation of a2A-AR by BHT933 also increased PKC phosphorylation in LPS-treated BV-2 microglia. PKC inhibitor significantly reversed the promoting effects of BHT933 on IκB and JNK phosphorylation as well as TNF-a secretion in LPS-treated BV-2 microglia. Furthermore, LPS treatment significantly increased hippocampal microglia activation and TNF-a expression, decreased hippocampal synaptophysin expression, and impaired cognitive and motor functions in WT mice, all of which were markedly reversed by a2A-AR gene knockout. Conclusion: a2A-AR activation promotes LPS-induced IκB and JNK phosphorylation as well as TNF-a production in microglia through the PKC signaling pathway. Knockout of a2A-AR gene significantly improves LPS-induced cognitive and motor impairments in mice, indicating that a2A-AR is a potential therapeutic target for sepsis-associated encephalopathy.
Activation of SIRT1 by Hyperbaric Oxygenation Promotes Recovery of Motor Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury Rats
Authors: Chen Huiqiang , Yao Mengyu , Li Zhibo , Xing Ranran , Zhang Cheng , Dai Yong , Yin Xinwei , Tang Jiewen , Huang Huai 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) therapy improved the locomotor dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI). Sirtuin1(SIRT1) has been characterized as neuroprotection in nerve system. However, whether SIRT1 is involved in alleviation of locomotor function by HBO therapy is unclear. Methods: The Basso, Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate the open-field locomotor function. Western blot, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, SIRT1 activity assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Results: We found that series HBO therapy significantly improved the locomotor dysfunction and ameliorated the decrease mRNA, protein and activity of spinal cord SIRT1 induced by traumatic SCI injury in rats. In addition, intraperitoneal injection SIRT1 antagonist EX-527 abolished the beneficial effects of series HBO treatment on locomotor deficits and SIRT1 activity loss caused by traumatic SCI injury. However, the rats undergone both series HBO therapy and SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 got the higher BBB score than that undergone series HBO treatment only. Importantly, series HBO treatment following the traumatic SCI injury inhibited the inflammatory cascade and apoptosis-related protein, which was retained by EX-527 and enhanced by SRT1720. Furthermore, EX-527 blocked the enhanced induction of autophagy series with HBO application. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated a new mechanism for series HBO therapy involving activation of SIRT1 and subsequent modulation of inflammatory cascade, apoptosis and autophagy, which contributed to the recovery of motor dysfunction. Key words: HBO, SIRT1, motor dysfunction, inflammation, autophagy, apoptosis