bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Expression of ISYNA1 Preidicts Unfavourable Prognosis in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaopeng , Ye Zaisheng , Zeng Yi , Wang Yi , Wei Shenghong , Lin Zhitao , Chen Shu , Chen Hang , Wang Zhiwei , Lin Ruirong , Chen Luchuan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Mining the prognostic biomarkers of colorectal cancer (CRC) has important clinical and scientific significance. Inositol-3-phosphate synthase 1 (ISYNA1) has been reported in very few previous literature and its role in cancer remains controversial. However, the prognostic role of ISYNA1 in CRC still remains to be characterized. Methods: The potential prognostic factor ISYNA1 was screened out through TCGA database analysis. Then its expression and associations between clinicopathological variables were assessed in TCGA CRC cohort. The prognostic value of ISYNA1 was assessed by multiple methods, such as ROC curve, Kaplan-Meier method and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis. Then, functional enrichment and annotation among the high and low ISYNA1 groups were achieved by GO and KEGG analysis and GSEA. CRC tissue microarray and fresh CRC tissue samples obtained clinically were used for further validation.Results: ISYNA1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Meantime, overexpression of ISYNA1 correlated with higher N stage, M stage, AJCC stage, more lymphatic invasion and more R2 resection. Besides, high expression of ISYNA1 was closely correlated to less favorable OS, DSS and PFI. Moreover, ISYNA1 was identified an independent prognostic factor of CRC by performing univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis. The analysis of CRC tissues microarray further confirmed the conclusion drawn from TCGA data analysis.Conclusion: ISYNA1 is notably upregulated in CRC tissues and may serves as a potential biomarker of CRC.
The Swing Angle of the Intramedullary Rod in the Canal During Medial Mobile-bearing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: a Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Nan Shaokui , Xu Cheng , Zhang Dong , Zhang Zhuo , Song Yue , Li Yong , Li Haifeng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: To determine the swing angle of the intramedullary rod in the canal during medial mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), we simulated the intramedullary localization process of mobile-bearing UKA via digital technology and analyzed the swing angle of the intramedullary rod swing in the canal through finite element analysis. Methods: Patients requiring mobile-bearing UKA in our department were prospectively selected. A three-dimensional femur model was established, and intramedullary rods of different lengths were inserted. The swing of the intramedullary rod in the canal was simulated, the angle of the moving rod was obtained, and the anatomic parameters of the femur were measured. Parson's correlation between the swing angle of the intramedullary rod and anatomical parameters of the femur were analyzed. Results: The longer the intramedullary rod, the smaller the swing range; this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The maximum swing range of the same intramedullary rod was significantly larger in the sagittal than in the coronal plane (P<0.05). Parson’s correlation analysis indicated that the isthmic diameter and femur length significantly correlated with the 20-cm and 25-cm and 30-cm rod swing ranges, respectively.Conclusion: We proved that the longer the intramedullary rod, the smaller the swing angle in the femoral medullary canal. The femoral medullary canal diameter and femur length affect the swing angle; thus, in patients with a shorter femur length, we recommend 25-cm intramedullary rods.
Facilitators and Barriers to Social Distancing for Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Berry Emma , Jenkins Chris , Allen Sarah 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

Social (or physical) distancing is an important transmission-prevention behaviour that has been endorsed to minimize COVID-19 transmission. This qualitative study explores the facilitators of and barriers to social distancing for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, with recognition that young people represent a unique demographic group, with differing psychosocial needs and experiences to other age cohorts.
Methods

Qualitative data was collected as part of a larger Qualtrics survey between July 28th 2020 and August 24th 2020. Eligible participants were young people living on the Island of Ireland, aged 16-25 years. The survey design was underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of behaviour change (COM-B). Semi-inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse comments collected via three free-text survey items. The COM-B model provided a thematic framework to organize subthemes extracted.
Results

A total of N=477 young people completed the survey, of which N=347 provided comments for at least one of three free-text survey items. The majority of respondents lived in Northern Ireland (96%), the average age was 21 years, and most respondents were female (73%) and were students (81%). Key barriers identified included Social Opportunity (other people not social distancing), Physical Opportunity (lack of environmental support for social distancing), and Automatic motivation (missing physical interaction from others). Key facilitators included Physical Opportunity (environmental cues and space to support social distancing), Reflective Motivation (awareness and understanding of risk of transmission), and Social Opportunity (observing others’ adhering to guidelines).
Conclusions

These findings suggest that the actions of others, environmental supports, and perception of risk have an important role in influencing social distancing behaviour among young people. The COM-B factors identified in this study can inform the development of tailored interventions using models such as the Behaviour Change Wheel.
Study on Support-free Printing of Large-flow Material Extrusion Process
Authors: Wu Huaying , Wang Xiao , Li Yuqiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Support-free printing is one of the research hotspots of material extrusion process. During the large extrusion flow printing, if there is no support, when printing bridge or suspended structure, the sagging of material probably cause printing failure due to the large weight of extrusion part and its fusion state. If the support is added, it will be very difficult to remove due to its large adhesion with the matrix. Therefore, large extrusion flow printing process is more willing to print structures without support, the large and complex structures are often difficult to print. In order to realize support-free printing of bridge structure, this paper defines a concept of quantitative fusing segment and analyzes its dynamic balance characteristics during the pellet extrusion printing process. Then the printing speed reduction and air cooling scheme according to the analysis conclusion is put forward, and the experimental verification is carried out. The results show that the sag deformation of bridge structure can be reduced effectively. This will provide some theoretical and experimental support for large-flow support-free printing.
Design and Analysis of Clover Leaf Shaped Fractal Antenna Integrated With Stepped Impedance Resonator for Wireless Applications
Authors: PALANISAMY SATHEESHKUMAR , T Balakumaran 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A novel multi-band clover leaf shaped fractal antenna with integrated filtering to reduce higher order harmonics has been proposed. Existing microstrip filtering antennas endure limited gain, narrow impedance bandwidth, and undesired frequency radiations. The proposed antenna is designated to operate simultaneously in following operating bands: 3.35–3.6 GHz for WiMAX, 5.156–5.825 GHz for WLAN, 5.7–6.4 GHz for Intelligent Transport Systems-ITS, and 7.7–8.5 GHz for ITU-R applications. The proposed patch is realized by combining two semi fractal ring microstrip patches like the geometry of a three-leaf clover with dual layered Stepped Impedance Resonator(SIR) integrated at bottom layer of the second substrate. The SIR band pass filter exhibits odd and even modes suppresses higher order harmonics and undesired radiations. An aperture coupled feeding in the proposed patch offers better bandwidth and impedance matching. The number of iterations is increased to get the desired multiband characteristics. The proposed microstrip fractal antenna has the geometrical dimensions of 50 × 50 × 2 mm3. It is observed that, both the simulated and measured results offers peak gain of > 5dBi and better return loss (S11) i.e., 3.3–3.6 GHz band offers S11 of -33.73dB, (5.15-5.825) GHz band offers S11 of -36.69dB, (5.795-6.4) GHz band shows the S11 of -36.25 dB and for (7.725-8.5) GHz, the return loss is -33.209 dB. Harmonics at 6.42GHz (1.8f0), 7.37GHz (1.5f0) and 9.04GHz(1.73f0) has been suppressed and shows linear polarization in the WLAN band and circular polarization in the ITU-R and WiMAX bands.
The One Who Doesn’t Take ART Medication Has no Wealth at All and No Purpose on Earth – a Qualitative Assessment of How HIV-Positive Adults in Uganda Understand the Health and Wealth-Related Benefits of ART
Authors: Saya Uzaib , MacCarthy Sarah , Mukasa Barbara , Wabukala Peter , Lunkuse Lillian , Wagner Zachary , Linnemayr Sebastian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

Increases in life expectancy from antiretroviral therapy (ART) may influence future health and wealth among people living with HIV (PLWH). What remains unknown is how ART clients perceive the benefits of ART adherence, particularly in terms of improving health and wealth in the short and long-term at the individual, household, and structural levels. Understanding these future-oriented attitudes towards ART can help to promote ART expansion among donors and other policymakers while also providing insights into the broader benefits of ART for PLWH.
Methods

In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews among a subsample of 40 clinic-enrolled ART clients participating in a randomized clinical trial for treatment adherence in Uganda (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03494777). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated from Luganda into English. Two co-authors independently reviewed all transcripts, developed a detailed codebook, achieved 93% agreement on double-coded interviews, and analyzed data using inductive and deductive content analysis. Applying the social-ecological framework at the individual, household, and structural levels, we examined how PLWH perceived benefits of ART as they relate to health and wealth.
Results

Our findings revealed several benefits of ART expressed by PLWH, going beyond the short-term health benefits to also include long-term economic benefits related to taking their medication. Such benefits largely focused on the ability of PLWH to live longer and be physically and mentally healthy, while also fulfilling responsibilities pertaining to themselves (especially in terms of positive long-term habits and motivation to work harder), others (such as improved relations with family and friends), and society (in terms of reduced stigma, increased comfort in disclosure, and higher levels of civic responsibility).
Conclusions

Interventions and programming designed to shape ART uptake should explore emphasizing the broader benefits of ART at the individual, household, and structural levels. Having such benefits directly integrated into the design of clinic-based HIV interventions through targeted messaging towards certain groups of people (e.g., women seeking to start a family) can be useful especially for PLWH who face competing interests to increase medication adherence. These benefits can ultimately help providers and policymakers better understand PLWH’s decision-making as it relates to improving ART-related outcomes.
A New Concept for the Production of 11C-labelled Radiotracers
Authors: Wenz Jan , Arndt Felix , Samnick Samuel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: GMP-compliant production of radiopharmaceuticals has been performed using disposable units (cassettes) with a dedicated synthesis module. To expand this "plug 'n' synthesize" principle also to a broader scope of modules we developed a pressure controlled setup that offers an alternative to the usual rotary valves, which are controlled by stepper motors. The new concept was successfully applied to the synthesis of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[11C]methionine and [11C]acetate.Results: The target gas purification cyclotron produced [11C]CO2 and conversion to [11C]MeI were carried out on a Tracerlab FxCPro module. The labelling reactions were controlled with a Tracerlab FxFE module. With the presented modular principle we were able to produce N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline and L-S-methyl-[11C]methionine by loading a reaction loop with neat N,N' dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) or an ethanol/water mixture of NaOH and L-homocysteine (L-HC) and subsequent reaction with [11C]MeI. After 18 minutes N-methyl-[11C]choline could be isolated in 52 % decay corrected yield and a radiochemical purity of >99 %. For L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine the total reaction time was 19 min reaction yielding 25 % of pure product (>97%, n = 1). The reactor design was used as an exemplary model for technically demanding [¹¹C]acetate synthesis. The disposable unit was filled with 1 ml 0.75 M MeMgCl in tetrahydrofurane (THF). After complete release of [11C]CO2 the reaction mixture was quenched with water and guided through a series of ion exchangers (H+, Ag+ and OH-). The product was retained on a strong anion exchanger, washed with water and finally extracted with saline. The product mixture was acidified and degassed to separate [11C]CO2 before dispensing. Under these conditions the total reaction time was 17 ± 2 minutes and decay corrected 51 ± 5% pure [¹¹C]acetate (n = 10) could be isolated.Conclusion: Herein, we described a novel single use unit for an synthesis of carbon-11 labelled tracers for preclinical and clinical applications of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine and [¹¹C]acetate.
Age as a Potential Predictor of Side Effects During Chemoradiotherapy in Primary Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Holmqvist Annica , Lindahl Gabriel , Mikivier Rasmus , Uppungunduri Srinivas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

Toxicity during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cervical cancer patients might limit the chances of receiving an optimal treatment and to be cured. Few studies have shown relationships between side effects and patient’s age. Here, the association between age and side effects such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss during CRT was analysed in cervical cancer patients.
Methods

This study included 93 patients with primary cervical cancer stage IBI to IVA who received CRT from 2013 to 2019. The frequency of symptoms/toxicity grade was analysed by using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.
Results

Patients ≥52 years had a significantly higher frequency of nausea/vomiting and increased grade ≥3 toxicity during CRT compared to younger patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). Toxicity grade ≥3 of nausea/vomiting was associated with increased frequency of weight loss (p = 0.001), reduced ADL (p = 0.001) and dose modifications of both radiotherapy (RT) (p = 0.020) and chemotherapy (CT) (p = 0.030) compared to toxicity grade 2. The frequency of diarrhea (p = 0.015) and weight loss (p = 0.020) was higher in older patients compared to younger.
Conclusions

Older patients have an increased risk of side effects as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Age could be useful in predicting side effects in primary cervical cancer patients with CRT.
Repetitive Trans-Spinal Magnetic Stimulation Improves the Function of the Injured Spinal Cord in Rats
Authors: Xiang Wu , Xiang Han , Huang Jiao-juan , Wang Jun-yu , Tang Rui-ling , Li Min , Ji Bing-jin , Wang Wen-chun , Zhang An-ren 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Studies have found that magnetic stimulation (MS) can induce the plasticity of the spinal cord and promote axon regeneration, resulting in improving motor dysfunction after SCI. However, In the clinical application of repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS), there is no uniform standard for the formulation of treatment parameters, the most important of which is the treatment frequency. This progress has been compared in six groups of animals. After rTSMS, the BBB score and the inclined plate test score of SCI rats increased significantly. Besides, the frequency of 1 Hz significantly increased spinal cord function in the acute and subacute phases after SCI, and the frequency of 15 Hz increased spinal function in the intermediate and chronic phases after SCI. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of GAP-43 in the 15 Hz magnetic stimulation (MS) group increased significantly. Also, rTSMS induced the expression of GAP-43 which may promote axon growth and guided the formation of new nerve connections.This study showed that rTSMS improves spinal cord function in SCI rats. Furthermore, 1 Hz stimulus is more conducive to the recovery of motor function in the acute and subacute phases after SCI, and the frequency of 15 Hz is more conducive to the recovery of motor function in the intermediate and chronic phases after SCI. Besides, rTSMS increases the expression of GAP-43 in the injured spinal cord.
Splitting tensile strength and microstructure of xanthan gum-treated loess
Authors: Zhang Junran , Jiang Tong , Zhao Jindi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The tensile strength of loess is closely related to geological disasters. As an eco-friendly material, biopolymers have an excellent strengthening effect on the mechanical properties of soil. The effect of different initial dry densities and Xanthan gum (XG) contents on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of XG-treated loess was studied through a series of microscopic tests and splitting tensile tests based on the PIV technique. The results show that during the dehydration process, the XG became concentrated and agglomerated, forming bridge links between soil particles and covering the surface of soil particles. The XG-treated loess had a major concentration of micropores and mesopores, with greater peak intensities of pore size distribution curve than untreated loess. The load-displacement relation curves of specimens with different XG contents and initial dry densities showed strain-softening. The displacement vector field indicated that the primary cracks of specimens were radial vertical, the secondary cracks were well developed. With the increase of the XG content and initial dry density, the strain-softening phenomenon was more significant, the splitting tensile strength and brittleness of specimens were greater. XG treatment made the soils obtain stronger cementation and denser structure, which helped to increase strength and brittleness.
Selection and validation of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in Callerya speciosa (Champ. ex Benth.) Schot under different experimental conditions
Authors: Yu Linchan , Ming Ruhong , Huang Ding , Qin Chunmei , Li Liangbo , Tan Yong , Huang Rongshao , Yao Shaochang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The accuracy of reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is strongly depended on the stability of reference gene. Callerya speciosa, as a traditionally Chinese medicine, has a long cultivation history in south China. It is essential to select the suitable reference gene to obtain reliable RT-qPCR results when gene expression changes were evaluated. However, suitable reference genes in C. speciosa have not yet been investigated for accurate gene expression quantification under different experimental conditions. In this study, eight candidate reference genes (GAPDH, 60S, ACTIN, TUA2, TUB1, TIF5, UBQ, EF2) were selected from the transcriptome databases, and their expression stability under six experimental conditions (developmental stages, tissues, MeJA treatment, GA3 treatment, CPPU and PP333 treatment) was evaluated using ΔCT, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder programs. The results showed that GAPDH was the optimal reference gene for all different experimental conditions, whereas ACTIN showed the most stability under the hormone treatments in C. speciosa. GAPDH and EF2 were proved to be the most stable genes for developmental stages, while different genes (GAPDH and TUB1) were stable reference genes for tissues. For treatments, ACTIN was identified as the most stable gene under most of hormone treatments. TUBI and ACTIN were at the beginning of the ranking order in PP333 treatment, while GAPDH and ACTIN were adequate for normalization in MeJA and GA3 treatments. TUBI and GAPDH were the most stable genes for CPPU treatment, while ACTIN was proved to be the most stable gene for three different treatments (MeJA, GA3 and PP333). Validation of reference genes was carried out by the target gene CsMYB36, which further confirmed their reliability. These results provided a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the regulation of functional gene expression in C. speciosa.
Are There Differences Between Online and In-Person Team-Based Learning Classes? Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory and Learners’ Characteristics
Authors: Lee Irene Cheng Jie , Wong Peiyan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The rapid transition to online delivery of medical curriculum has facilitated the continuation of medical education during COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst active learning approaches, including Team-Based Learning (TBL), are generally more supportive of the learner’s needs during such transition, it remains elusive how the different learning environments can affect a learner’s motivation, engagement and perceived learning over a prolonged period. We leveraged on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and key learners’ characteristics to explore student’s engagement and perceived learning in two TBL learning environments, online and in-person, over an extended period.Methods: This is a mixed method study with 53 preclinical medical students completed the same questionnaire twice for each learning environment, online TBL and in-person TBL, over an eight-month period. Quantitative data were collected on learners’ characteristics (such as resilience, curiosity, growth mindset, use of cognitive strategies and self-regulation), basic psychological needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence and relatedness), motivation (intrinsic, identified, external and amotivation), student’s engagement and perceived learning. The final questionnaire also explored participants’ perception on which learning environment better supported their learning. Results: We found that autonomy support, perceived competence and needs satisfaction, and perceived learning were higher in-person than online. We also showed that increases in autonomy support and intrinsic motivation positively predicted engagement, which in turn predicted enhanced perceived learning. Additionally, a majority of learners felt that in-person TBL was better for learning, as the concepts of learning space and the community of practice were mediated by being in-person. Conclusions: TBL, being an active instructional method, can maintain students’ engagement because it supports many aspects of SDT constructs perceived learning. However, online TBL is unable to fully support the students’ needs and perceived learning. Hence, we strongly advocate for any in-person opportunities to be included in a course and for instructors to adopt strategies that support learners’ ability to stay regulated and intrinsically motivated, as they are crucial predictors of engagement in any learning environment.