bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of high school students' knowledge regarding testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination
Authors: Altunkurek Serife Zehra , Çil Merve 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDo male high school students know about testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination (TSE)? Testicular cancer (TC) is increasing among young men, who demonstrate a lack of knowledge about TC and TSE. The aim of this research was to state the knowledge and attitudes regarding TC and the practice of TSE among male high school students. The assessment of the literature addressing high school students' knowledge regarding TC and TSE has shown a common lack of awareness and knowledge about this disease. Moreover, very few males perform TSE. This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted in May and October 2019 with 1343 male students aged 14–21 years from six different high schools in Turkey. The survey consisted of knowledge, attitudes and awareness regarding TC and TSE. A survey was performed immediately before the end of student courses and again during courses after the start of the next school year. Data from all six schools were collected in a common database. The survey showed that 58.2% of the participants had never heard of TC and 85.8% had never heard of TSE. Additionally, 84.3% of the participants did not perform TSE, and 85% did not know how to perform TSE. The present study found that knowledge regarding TC and the performance of TSE was weak among high school students. Concerning students' attitudes, 85.6% of the students reported that testicular cancer is a severe disease, and 82.1% of the students reported that TSE is significant for the early detection of this disease. These findings indicate that students have very little information about TC and TSE. It would be useful to provide TC and TSE training for health professionals. Good knowledge and awareness regarding TC are associated with performing TSE.
RNA interference in Pardosa pseudoannulata, an important predatory enemy against several insect pests, through ingestion of dsRNA‐expressing Escherichia coli
Authors: Hou N. , Zhou Z. , Chen Y. , Tian J. , Zhang Y. , Liu Z. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRNA interference is an important technology for gene functional research in many organisms. The pond wolf spider (Pardosa pseudoannulata) is an important natural enemy of rice field pests. To facilitate large‐scale gene functional research in this spider species and others, we developed an RNA interference (RNAi) method via ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA. The dsRNA targeting a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cyp41g2) was expressed in Escherichia coli HT115 (DE3). And then the bacterial suspension was fed to 14–20 days old spiderlings. The mRNA abundance of the target gene was significantly reduced after 3‐day's ingestion of bacteria expressing dsRNA, and between day 5 and 7, RNAi efficiency remained stable. Thus, we selected 5 days as the optimum interference time. Furthermore, the bacteria resuspension containing 20 ng/μl dsRNA was selected as the optimum concentration. To evaluate the applicability of this method, three other genes with different tissue expression pattern were also selected as targets. And the mRNA abundance of all the four target genes was significantly reduced with RNAi efficiency between 66.0% and up to 86.9%. The results demonstrated that the oral delivery of bacteria expressing dsRNA would be an effective RNAi method for the gene functional study in P. pseudoannulata.
IL‐33 activates mTORC1 and modulates glycolytic metabolism in CD8+ T cells
Authors: Liang Yuejin , Wang Xiaofang , Wang Hui , Yang Wenjing , Yi Panpan , Soong Lynn , Cong Yingzi , Cai Jiyang , Fan Xuegong , Sun Jiaren 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInterleukin (IL)‐33, a member in the IL‐1 family, plays a central role in innate and adaptive immunity; however, how IL‐33 mediates cytotoxic T‐cell regulation and the downstream signals remain elusive. In this study, we found increased mouse IL‐33 expression in CD8+ T cells following cell activation via anti‐CD3/CD28 stimulation in vitro or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in vivo. Our cell adoptive transfer experiment demonstrated that extracellular, but not nuclear, IL‐33 contributed to the activation and proliferation of CD8+, but not CD4+ T effector cells in LCMV infection. Importantly, IL‐33 induced mTORC1 activation in CD8+ T cells as evidenced by increased phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein (p‐S6) levels both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, this IL‐33‐induced CD8+ T‐cell activation was suppressed by mTORC1 inhibitors. Furthermore, IL‐33 elevated glucose uptake and lactate production in CD8+ T cells in both dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. The results of glycolytic rate assay demonstrated the increased glycolytic capacity of IL‐33‐treated CD8+ T cells compared with that of control cells. Our mechanistic study further revealed the capacity of IL‐33 in promoting the expression of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) and glycolytic enzymes via mTORC1, leading to accelerated aerobic glucose metabolism Warburg effect and increased effector T‐cell activation. Together, our data provide new insights into IL‐33‐mediated regulation of CD8+ T cells, which might be beneficial for therapeutic strategies of inflammatory and infectious diseases in the future.
Effect of topographic complexity on species richness in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Roell Yannik E. , Phillips John G. , Parent Christine E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe accumulation of species through time has been proposed to have a hump‐shaped relationship on volcanic islands (highest species richness during intermediate stages of an island's lifespan). Change in topographic complexity (TC) of islands over time is assumed to follow the same relationship. However, TC can be measured in different ways and may not have the same impact across taxonomic groups. Here, we quantify TC across the Galápagos Islands and test the assumption that TC follows a predictable trajectory with island age. Subsequently, we ask whether including TC improves statistical models seeking to explain variation in species richness across islands.LocationGalápagos Archipelago, Ecuador.TaxonNative and endemic terrestrial animals and plants.MethodsFor each island, we generated eight TC indices from a 30‐m resolution digital elevation model. We tested for a relationship between each index and island age, and whether it significantly contributes to observed variation in species richness, using 11 different models for 12 taxonomic groups across the Galápagos Islands.ResultsFour TC indices were significantly negatively correlated with either island age or ontogenetic age and only one index followed the hump‐shaped relationship with age. No index consistently contributed to the variation in species richness for all taxonomic groups. However, for all 12 taxonomic groups, incorporating at least one TC index in modelling species richness improved one or more models. The most common TC index improving models was standard deviation of slope, although each index improved at least five models across all taxa. Different factors predicted taxon‐specific richness, and habitat diversity was significant for all taxa.Main conclusionsTopographic complexity is an important component influencing species richness, but its impact likely differs among taxonomic groups and different scales. Therefore, future studies should incorporate broad, multi‐dimensional measures of TC to understand the biological importance of TC.
Comparing technology acceptance of K‐12 teachers with and without prior experience of learning management systems: A Covid‐19 pandemic study
Authors: Dindar Muhterem , Suorsa Anna , Hermes Jan , Karppinen Pasi , Näykki Piia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCovid‐19 pandemic has caused a massive transformation in K‐12 settings towards online education. It is important to explore the factors that facilitate online teaching technology adoption of teachers during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to compare Learning Management System (LMS) acceptance of Finnish K‐12 teachers who have been using a specific LMS as part of their regular teaching before the Covid‐19 pandemic (experienced group) and teachers who started using it for emergency remote teaching during the pandemic (inexperienced group). Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology framework, a self‐report questionnaire was administered to 196 teachers (nexperienced = 127; ninexperienced = 69). Our findings showed no difference between the two groups of teachers in terms of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, LMS self‐efficacy and satisfaction. However, the experienced group had higher behavioural intention to use LMS in the future, reported receiving higher online teaching support and displayed higher online teaching self‐efficacy in terms of student engagement, classroom management, instructional strategies and ICT skills. For the experienced group, the most significant predictor of satisfaction with LMS was performance expectancy whereas for the inexperienced group, it was the effort expectancy. In terms of behavioural intention to use LMS in the future, the most significant predictor was the performance expectancy for both groups. Further, support was also a significant predictor of behavioural intention for the inexperienced group. Overall, our findings indicate that teachers should not be regarded as a unified profile when managing technology adoption in schools.
Brugada syndrome masked by complete left bundle branch block: A clinical and functional study of its association with the p.1449Y>H SCN5A variant
Authors: Arana‐Rueda Eduardo , Pezzotti María R. , Pedrote Alonso , Acosta Juan , Frutos‐López Manuel , Varela Lourdes‐María , García‐Fernández Noelia , Castellano Antonio 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSCN5A gene variants are associated with both Brugada syndrome and conduction disturbances, sometimes expressing an overlapping phenotype. Functional consequences of SCN5A variants assessed by patch‐clamp electrophysiology are particularly beneficial for correct pathogenic classification and are related to disease penetrance and severity. Here, we identify a novel SCN5A loss of function variant, p.1449Y>H, which presented with high penetrance and complete left bundle branch block, totally masking the typical findings on the electrocardiogram. We highlight the possibility of this overlap combination that makes impossible an electrocardiographic diagnosis and, through a functional analysis, associate the p.1449Y>H variant to SCN5A pathogenicity.
In vivo visualization and characterization of inflamed intestinal wall: the exploration of targeted microbubbles in assessing NF‐κB expression
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Ma Li , Luo Yanwen , Li Wenbo , Xiao Mengsu , Zhu Qingli , Jiang Yuxin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNF‐κB, a critical cytokine of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is a viable marker to reflect the inflammatory activity of the intestine. We aimed to develop NF‐κB‐targeted microbubbles (MBs) and perform molecular contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to quantify NF‐κB expressions on the intestinal wall in IBD mice in vivo. In this study, NF‐κB‐targeted MBs were fabricated by connecting biotin‐loaded NF‐κB antibodies and avidin‐loaded MBs. NF‐κB‐targeted MBs presented as transparent and round bubbles with an average diameter of 1.03/μm±0.01. The specific binding of targeted MBs and inflammatory cells was validated by in vitro experiments, including flow cytometry, Western blot and immunofluorescence, which revealed the specific binding of targeted MBs and inflammatory cells. Subsequently, NF‐κB‐targeted CEUS imaging was performed on mice with chemical‐induced colitis, and the peak intensity (PI) and time‐to‐peak (TTP) were quantified. Pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations were further implemented. For the target CEUS group, fast enhancement followed by slow subsiding was observed. The PI of target CEUS of the IBD mice was significantly higher than that of non‐target CEUS of the IBD mice, healthy controls and target CEUS of the treated IBD mice (34835%[13379–73492%] VS 437%[236–901%], 130%[79–231%], 528%[274–779%], p<0.0001), in accordance with the IHC results of NF‐κB expressions. The TTP of target CEUS of the treated mice was significantly higher than that of untreated mice (35.7s [18.1–49.5s] VS 8.3s [4.2–12.5s], p<0.0001). Therefore, we suggested that NF‐κB‐targeted CEUS could accurately detect and quantify NF‐κB expressions on the intestinal walls of IBD, enabling the evaluation of intestinal inflammation.
Predictors of mortality among long‐term care residents with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Lee Douglas S. , Ma Shihao , Chu Anna , Wang Chloe X. , Wang Xuesong , Austin Peter C. , McAlister Finlay A. , Kalmady Sunil V. , Kapral Moira K. , Kaul Padma , Ko Dennis T. , Rochon Paula A. , Schull Michael J. , Rubin Barry B. , Wang Bo ,   CORONA Collaboration
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile individuals living in long‐term care (LTC) homes have experienced adverse outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, few studies have examined a broad range of predictors of 30‐day mortality in this population.MethodsWe studied residents living in LTC homes in Ontario, Canada, who underwent PCR testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection from January 1 to August 31, 2020, and examined predictors of all‐cause death within 30 days after a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2. We examined a broad range of risk factor categories including demographics, comorbidities, functional status, laboratory tests, and characteristics of the LTC facility and surrounding community were examined. In total, 304 potential predictors were evaluated for their association with mortality using machine learning (Random Forest).ResultsA total of 64,733 residents of LTC, median age 86 (78, 91) years (31.8% men), underwent SARS‐CoV‐2 testing, of whom 5029 (7.8%) tested positive. Thirty‐day mortality rates were 28.7% (1442 deaths) after a positive test. Of 59,702 residents who tested negative, 2652 (4.4%) died within 30 days of testing. Predictors of mortality after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection included age, functional status (e.g., activity of daily living score and pressure ulcer risk), male sex, undernutrition, dehydration risk, prior hospital contacts for respiratory illness, and duration of comorbidities (e.g., heart failure, COPD). Lower GFR, hemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte count, and serum albumin were associated with higher mortality. After combining all covariates to generate a risk index, mortality rate in the highest risk quartile was 48.3% compared with 7% in the first quartile (odds ratio 12.42, 95%CI: 6.67, 22.80, p < 0.001). Deaths continued to increase rapidly for 15 days after the positive test.ConclusionsLTC residents, particularly those with reduced functional status, comorbidities, and abnormalities on routine laboratory tests, are at high risk for mortality after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Recognizing high‐risk residents in LTC may enhance institution of appropriate preventative measures.
Nasal asymmetry changes during growth and development in 6‐ to 12‐year‐old children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate: A 3D computed tomography analysis
Authors: Huang Le , Wang Ziling , Shan Zhiyi , Yeung Andy Wai Kan , Yang Yanqi , Liang Zhigang , Gu Min 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRepaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is often accompanied by the deformity and asymmetry of the nasal region. Three‐dimensional analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between nasal soft‐ and hard‐tissue asymmetries, as well as the changes in nasal asymmetry with age, among children with repaired UCLP (age: 6–12 years). Forty‐seven patients were included in this study. Their computed tomography records were retrieved for analysis of the 3D asymmetry of 10 landmarks of the nasal soft and hard tissues. We observed that asymmetry was more severe in nasal hard tissues than in soft tissues, particularly in the sagittal dimension. Compared with patients aged 6–9 years old, patients aged 10 to 12 years old had significantly increased vertical asymmetry at the base of the alar groove (Gbase, p = 0.027) and the lateral point of the piriform aperture (LPA), (p < 0.001). The correlation between the LPA and the alar region was weak to moderate (r = 0.290 to 0.488). In conclusion, we found no evidence of growth and development in nasal hard‐tissue asymmetry among 6‐ to 12‐year‐old children with repaired UCLP, except for the vertical dimension. Nasal soft tissue exhibited a more preferable symmetry than hard tissue, and this could be attributed to the compensatory growth of nasal soft tissue, particularly in the vertical and sagittal dimensions. The weak to moderate correlations between nasal soft‐tissue asymmetry and hard‐tissue asymmetry were observed in the three dimensions. Surgeons should consider these factors when repositioning the nasal alar and controlling the size of the nostrils.
Two cases of pregnancy after achieving complete remission of chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Sasagasako Nanayo , Kakigano Aiko , Kamiya Chizuko A. , Tsuji Akihiro , Sawada Akihisa , Yoshimatsu Jun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChronic active Epstein–Barr virus (CAEBV) infection characterized by persistent infectious mononucleosis‐like symptoms can lead to cardiovascular diseases. We encountered two pregnant women with CAEBV histories complicated with cardiovascular diseases. A 36‐year‐old woman with a history of myocardial infarction due to CAEBV and coronary artery bypass grafting became pregnant. Her left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased, and cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks of gestation. Her LVEF recovered after delivery. A 32‐year‐old woman with a history of CAEBV and chronic hypertension was diagnosed with mild pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) after conception. She strongly desired to continue the pregnancy. She became complicated with severe superimposed preeclampsia at 31 weeks of gestation, and cesarean section was performed. Her PAH did not deteriorate during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Women treated for CAEBV, even with complete remission, require a preconception evaluation focused on the cardiovascular system and careful management of their pregnancy.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal para‐aortic lymph node biopsy in advanced cervical cancer with pelvic lymph node metastases: A single‐center prospective study
Authors: Yoshida Kenta , Kondo Eiji , Matsumoto Tsuyoshi , Maki Shintaro , Kaneda Michiko , Nii Masafumi , Hirata Toru , Ikeda Tomoaki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimExtended‐field concurrent chemoradiation therapy (Ex‐CCRT) has been widely used for para‐aortic lymph node (PAN) metastases confirmed by radiographic assessment without surgical exploration. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical value of laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN biopsy in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) with pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastases.MethodsFrom May 2017 to March 2020, stage IIB–IIIB cervical cancer patients who were diagnosed with PLN metastasis using positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) ≥2.0 underwent laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN biopsy. The radiation fields were extended to PAN areas with pathological metastases.ResultsFourteen patients were diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB (n = 7) and IIIB (n = 7). The median operating time was 138 min (range, 104–184 min). The median number of harvested PANs was 19 (range, 6–36). Three patients were positive for PAN metastasis on histological analysis. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of PET‐CT were 66.7% and 90.9%, respectively.ConclusionOur study is characterized by the use of more appropriate eligibility criteria for LACC with PLN metastases. Our results revealed that laparoscopic retroperitoneal PAN biopsy may be a useful approach to determine the radiation field for PANs during standard radiotherapy planning.
Effects of PNPLA3 I148M on hepatic lipid and very‐low‐density lipoprotein metabolism in humans
Authors: Borén Jan , Adiels Martin , Björnson Elias , Matikainen Niina , Söderlund Sanni , Rämö Joel , Henricsson Marcus , Ripatti Pietari , Ripatti Samuli , Palotie Aarno , Mancina Rosellina M. , Ainola Mari , Hakkarainen Antti , Romeo Stefano , Packard Chris J. , Taskinen Marja‐Riitta 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe phospholipase domain‐containing 3 gene (PNPLA3)‐148M variant is associated with liver steatosis but its influence on the metabolism of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins remains unclear. Here, we investigated the kinetics of large, triglyceride‐rich very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), (VLDL1), and smaller VLDL2 in homozygotes for the PNPLA3‐148M variant.Methods and resultsThe kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) B100 (apoB100) and triglyceride in VLDL subfractions were analysed in nine subjects homozygous for PNPLA3‐148M and nine subjects homozygous for PNPLA3‐148I (controls). Liver fat was >3‐fold higher in the 148M subjects. Production rates for apoB100 and triglyceride in VLDL1 did not differ significantly between the two groups. Likewise, production rates for VLDL2‐apoB100 and ‐triglyceride, and fractional clearance rates for both apoB100 and triglyceride in VLDL1 and VLDL2, were not significantly different.ConclusionsDespite the higher liver fat content in PNPLA3 148M homozygotes, there was no increase in VLDL production. Equally, VLDL production was maintained at normal levels despite the putative impairment in cytosolic lipid hydrolysis in these subjects.
Sensorimotor tongue evaluation and rehabilitation in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing: a novel approach
Authors: Rodríguez‐Alcalá Laura , Martínez Juan Martín‐Lagos , Baptista Peter , Ríos Fernández Raquel , Javier Gómez Francisco , Parejo Santaella Jesús , Plaza Guillermo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractStudy objectivesTo evaluate tone, apraxia and stereognosis dysfunctions in patients with SDB compared with healthy controls, and to monitor the effectiveness of Airway Gym® as an easy‐to‐use myofunctional therapy (MT) modality in terms of the tongue's motor and sensory responses, comparing results before and after therapy.MethodsThis was a prospective, non‐randomised pilot study of 25 patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea‐hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), 25 patients with primary snoring (PS) and 20 healthy controls. Qualitative and quantitative instruments—Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI), lingual apraxia and stereognosis tests were used to assess tongue sensorimotor function.Results22 patients with PS, 21 with OSAHS and all 20 controls ended the therapy. In OSAHS, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased from 16 ± 7.3 to 12 ± 4.5 after therapy (p = 0.53). In PS and OSAHS groups, the IOPI scores increased significantly. These measures did not change significantly in the controls. Lingual apraxia testing showed that controls performed all the manoeuvres, whereas PS 5.6 ± 1.4 and OSAHS 4.5 ± 1.9 (p = 0.14). In the stereognosis test, the mean number of figures recognised was 2.6 ± 2.2 in OSAHS, 3.3±1.2 in PS and 5.7±0.9 in control group (p < 0.05). Patients with OSAHS recognised circles and ovals less often.ConclusionUsing the Airway Gym®app produced improvements in sensorimotor tongue function in patients with SDB, due to continuous stimulation of the brain based on proprioceptive training required to localise responses when doing the exercises.