bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrahippocampal transplantation of dental pulp stem cells improved memory function and reduced neuroinflammation-induced cell death in the rat’s model of seizure
Authors: Shoja Aliakbar , Sani Mojtaba , Balaghirad Nika , Jafary Hossein , Sagharichi Mastoore , Alipour Mohammad-amin , yassaghi younes , Nazerian Yasaman , Moghaddam Meysam Hassani , Bayat Amir-Hossein , Ashraf Hengameh , Aliaghaei Abbas , Olyayi Paria Davoudi Bavil
Published: May 2023

Background
Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. The present study aims to evaluate whether dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) transplant effectively decreases inflammation and cell death in the brain cells to reduce seizure damage.
Methods
A seizure was induced in rats using intraperitoneal injections of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). In the PTZ + DPSC group, bilateral hippocampal transplantation of DPSCs in PTZ-lesioned rat models was conducted. After one-month, post-graft analysis was performed, and some behavioral factors, such as working memory and long-term memory, were measured using a T-maze test and passive avoidance test, respectively. We investigated the immunohistopathology and distribution of astrocyte cells through light microscopy and Sholl analysis, respectively. Also, the Voronoi tessellation method was employed to estimate the spatial distribution of the cells in the hippocampus.
Results
For improving the behavioral aspects of rats with induced seizures, a reduction in astrogliosis, astrocytes process length, the number of branches, and intersections distal to the soma was observed in their hippocampus compared to the control group. More analysis indicated that the grafted DPSCs decreased the caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus of rats with induced seizures. Moreover, the DPSCs transplant protected hippocampal pyramidal neurons against PTZ toxicity and improved the spatial distribution of the hippocampal neurons.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that DPSCs transplant can be a potent modifier of astrocytes' reactivation and inflammatory responses.
Awareness of rabies control and challenges to the intersectoral management of dog bites in Western Cameroon
Authors: Djuikoue Cecile Ingrid , Toutcho Cedric Ngalani , Savadogo Madi , Nana Cedric Seugnou , Kavulikirwa Olivier Kambere , Ndeffo Mireille Nokam , Ndjock Alex Ndjip , Feussom Jean Marc , Pokam Benjamin D. Thumamo , Tckokonte-Nana Venant , Antoine-Moussiaux Nicolas
Published: May 2023

Background: Rabies is a zoonotic and a typical One Health challenge. Intersectoral surveillance is a critical component of rabies control programmes. However, the under-reporting of animal bite cases and the lack of coordination between sectors involved in the surveillance may lead to failure in the control efforts of this public health concern.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the operational level. Two separate survey grids were used for simultaneous data collection in the study sites, including 385 dog bite victims within communities and 273 human health and animal health professionals responsible for rabies surveillance in health and veterinary facilities
Results: There was no association (OR: 0,76; CI: 0,452-1,39 and p=0.38) between data loss and professional profile of the surveillance focal points; however, there was a significant association between the under-reporting of physical aggression cases of dog bites by victims and the level of education (OR: 1.75; IC:1.02-2.99 and P=0.0413), and with individuals younger than 20 years and those over 50 years of age (OR:0.39; CI:0.16-0.96 and p=0.0415). Indeed, there was a positively and statistically significant association (OR: 3.11; CI: 1.94-5.00 and p<0.0001) between knowledge of rabies with under-reporting of dog bites by community members; while negatively associated CI: 0.52-1.82 and p=0.9226) with the level of education. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the under-performance in case reporting whether the surveillance focal points had received prior training on rabies surveillance (OR: 1.14; CI: 0.64-2.01 and p=0.66), had knowledge of operational case definition (OR: 0.93; CI: 0.54- 1.58 and p=0.7851) or /and knew the manifestation of rabies (OR: 0.88; CI: 0.51-1.51and p=0.6408).
Conclusion: The under-reporting of rabies bites in the West region of Cameroon is as a consequence of negligence and lack of application of the one health approach on rabies surveillance by the surveillance focal points in District health sectors, leading to the no-exhaustive collection and patchy dissemination of dog bite data.
MiR-1246b, a novel miRNA molecule of extracellular vesicles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid promotes the nodules growth through FGF14 in patients with lung cancers
Authors: Huang Jing , Ding Ming , Lu Yuan , Xu Lu , Zhang Yu , Han Shuhua , Zhu Xiaoli , Li Yiping , Chen Pingsheng
Published: May 2023

With the widespread development of chest computed tomography (CT), the detection rate of pulmonary nodules has been increasing, therefore, the judgment of benign and malignant nodules has become a common problem in clinic. MicroRNA, a potential tool, is expected to become a good choice for diagnosing and studying the occurrence and development of diseases through the vector of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid extracellular vesicles (BALF-EVs). In this study, radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) was used to locate pulmonary nodules in patients, BALF was obtained and EVs were isolated, and small RNA sequencing was performed to screen differential miRNAs between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules groups. The binding targets and underlying mechanisms of the differential miRNAs were verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. EVs were successfully isolated and identified after obtaining BALF by R-EBUS localization. Differential miRNAs in BALF-EVs of patients with benign or malignant pulmonary nodules were screened by high-throughput small RNA sequencing. A new sequence, miR-1246b, was noticed. We found that FGF14 was the binding target of miR-1246b by luciferase Assay. Subsequent mechanistic studies showed that miR-1246b inhibited the expression of FGF14 in lung cancer cells, further led to ERK phosphorylation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which ultimately contributed to lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In summary, our study demonstrates that the detection of miRNAs in BALF-EVs, a means of liquid biopsy, could assist to distinguish malignant nodules from benign nodules. miR-1246b, extracted from BALF-EVs, targets FGF14 to promote lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.
Metabolic and cell cycle shift induced by the deletion of Dnm1l attenuates the dissolution of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Seo Bong Jong , Na Seung Bin , Choi Joonhyuk , Ahn Byeongyong , Habib Omer , Park Chankyu , Hong Kwonho , Do Jeong Tae
Published: May 2023

Mitochondria are versatile organelles that continuously change their morphology via fission and fusion. However, the detailed functions of mitochondrial dynamics-related genes in pluripotent stem cells remain largely unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the effects on energy metabolism and differentiation ability of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) following deletion of the mitochondrial fission-related gene Dnml1. Resultant Dnm1l−/− ESCs maintained major pluripotency characteristics. However, Dnm1l−/− ESCs showed several phenotypic changes, including the inhibition of differentiation ability (dissolution of pluripotency). Notably, Dnm1l−/− ESCs maintained the expression of the pluripotency marker Oct4 and undifferentiated colony types upon differentiation induction. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the most frequently differentially expressed genes were enriched in the glutathione metabolic pathway. Our data suggested that differentiation inhibition of Dnm1l−/− ESCs was primarily due to metabolic shift from glycolysis to OXPHOS, G2/M phase retardation, and high level of Nanog and 2-cell-specific gene expression.
Assessment of Corneal Graft Rejection Rates Following Partial Endothelial Keratoplasty in COVID-19 Vaccinated Patients
Authors: Joshi Bhagyashree , Siddiqui Muhammad Farrukh , Anderson David , Konstantopoulos Aris , Hossain Parwez , Hamza Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the incidence of graft rejection following Covid-19 vaccination among patients who had undergone partial endothelial keratoplasty, a form of corneal transplantation. Methods: The study involved 208 patients who had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccine after undergoing partial endothelial keratoplasty. Patients were identified through electronic medical records and evaluated using a questionnaire designed to assess symptoms of graft rejection. Results: None of the 208 patients complained of symptoms of acute graft rejection, nor presented with symptoms or signs of graft rejection in the given time frame. None of the patients were diagnosed with graft rejection elsewhere. Conclusions: The study did not identify any cases of partial endothelial keratoplasty corneal graft rejection after the first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The absence of blood and lymphatic vessels in the central cornea gives it lymphangiogenic privilege and low rate of graft rejection. Any systemic immune dysregulation may compromise corneal ocular immune privilege and increase the patient’s susceptibility to rejection. Although all reported cases of corneal graft rejection following Covid-19 vaccination were associated with symptoms, the study has limitations as it relied solely on a telephonic survey.
Investigation of the effect of spirally stacked fiber reinforcement on the torsional behavior of a polymer composite rod by AE analysis
Authors: M Prakash , Lakshmankumar Abburi
Published: May 2023

The fiber orientation of composite materials has a major impact on the mechanical properties, especially the torsional ability of polymer composites. Automobile and aerospace industries are continually on the search for better polymer composite materials to replace rotating metal components. In this research work, spirally stacked basalt and glass fiber polymer composite solid rods are fabricated by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) method to study the torsional behavior under static torsional loading conditions. In order to predict the different failure initiation in the composite materials like matrix cracking, de-bonding and fiber fracture, the Acoustic emission sensor and its signal analysis are used. Time domain, Frequency domain (Fast Fourier Transformation) and Discrete Wavelet Pocket Transformation methods are used to identify the approximate signal levels for different material failure modes. ‘k’-means cluster analysis is also carried out to identify frequency spectrum related to the various failure mechanisms. The observed frequency ranges for different failures are 0 to 100 kHz for matrix failure, 100 to 240 kHz for debonding and 240 to 500 kHz for fiber fractures. The time domain and FFT analysis results are observed to agree with the k-means clustering results and with fractrography of the tested samples.
Implementation of the Dutch Solid Start program: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Molenaar Joyce M. , Boesveld Inge C. , Struijs Jeroen N. , Jong Jessica C. Kiefte-de
Published: May 2023

Background: In 2018, the Dutch government initiated the Solid Start program to invest in the first thousand days of life. A central element of the program is improving collaboration between the medical and social sector by creating Solid Start coalitions. This mixed-methods study aimed to describe the implementation of the Dutch Solid Start program, in order to learn for future practice and policy. Specifically, this paper describes to what extent Solid Start is implemented within municipalities and outlines stakeholders’ experiences with the implementation of Solid Start and the associated cross-sectoral collaboration.Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 2019 until 2021. Questionnaires were sent to all 352 Dutch municipalities. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions(n = 6) and semi-structured interviews(n = 19) with representatives of care and support organizations, knowledge institutes and professional associations, Solid Start project leaders, advisors, municipal officials, researchers, clients and experts-by-experience. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care.Results: Findings indicated progress in the development of Solid Start coalitions(n = 40 in 2019, n = 140 in 2021), and an increase in cross-sectoral collaboration. According to the stakeholders, initiating Solid Start increased the sense of urgency concerning the importance of the first thousand days and stimulated professionals from various backgrounds to get to know each other, resulting in more collaborative agreements on cross-sectoral care provision. Important elements mentioned for effective collaboration within coalitions were an active coordinator as driving force, and a shared societal goal. However, stakeholders experienced that Solid Start is not yet fully integrated into all professionals’ everyday practice. Most common barriers for collaboration related to systemic integration at macro-level, including limited resources and collaboration-inhibiting regulations. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of ensuring Solid Start and mentioned various needs, including sustainable funding, supportive regulations, responsiveness to stakeholders’ needs, ongoing knowledge development, and client involvement.Conclusion: Solid Start, as a national program with strong local focus, has led to various incremental changes that supported cross-sectoral collaboration to improve care during the first thousand days, without major transformations of systemic structures. However, to ensure the program’s sustainability, needs such as sustainable funding should be addressed.
Exploring the energy informatics and energy citizenship domains: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Ajesh , Naqvi Bilal , Wolff Annika
Published: May 2023

To effectively address the challenges posed by the increasing share of the energy sector in global greenhouse effects, the domains of energy informatics and energy citizenship are of prime importance. Energy informatics aims at using information systems and channels to reduce energy consumption. However, there is a realization that the challenges posed by global greenhouse effects cannot be catered to alone by the energy information systems. Therefore, there is a need for engaging human inhabitants to actively engage toward more sustainable means (i.e., energy citizenship) thus reducing the energy sector’s share in the global greenhouse effect. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) after analysis of (n = 115) articles on the topic to identify (i) the themes considered in energy informatics and energy citizenship domains, and (ii) the interconnection between energy informatics and energy citizenship domains. The paper summarizes the gaps in the state of the art by mentioning the open research questions.
Chemical Characterization and Health Risk Assessment of Particulate Matter near National Highway at Urban and Semi- Urban location of Northern India
Authors: . Shikha , Rajouriya Kalpana , Pipal Atar Singh , Taneja Ajay
Published: May 2023

The current study was an attempt to measure ambient air quality in term of PM2.5 and associated heavy metals at two different sites near very busy crossing on National Highway with the help of fine particulate dust sampler. The Average mass concentration for PM2.5 was 77.59μg/m3and 72.86μg/m3 at semi-urban and urban sites. From the outcomes it was determined that the influence of PM2.5 concentrations was greater at the Semi-urban than urban site. Concentrations of PM2.5 have been compared with WHO, NAAQS and USEPA standards and was found to be exceeded than prescribed limit. Among analyzed heavy metals, Ca (11.652 µg/m3), showed the highest concentration due to various construction materials, such as cement, brick lime and concrete as well as road dust, accompanied by Al (1.397µg/m3) and Fe (0.973µg/m3). The concentration of metals followed the trend Ca>Al >Fe > K >Pb>Mn> Co > Cr > Cu > Ni and Ca>Al >Fe > K >Mn>Pb> Cr > Ni > Cu > Co at both the sites. The Enrichment factor (EF) values concluded that Al, K, Fe, and Mn as less enriched (EF< 10) while Co and Pb had been classified as very highly enriched (EF>100). Hazard Quotient (HQ) for Al, Cr, Mn, and Ni is lower than the safe level (HQ= 1) whereas Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) of Cr (VI) and Ni exceeded the respective safer limit ELCR≥ 10-6 indicating long-term exposure to particulate-bound toxic metals via inhalation could lead to cancer in approximately one child and four adults per million.
Validity of fractional exhaled nitric oxide and small airway lung function measured by IOS in the diagnosis of cough variant asthma in preschool children with chronic cough
Authors: Hu Ying , Zheng Shouyan , Chen Zhiqiang , Yu Dan , Lai Tianxia , Chen Yao , Liao Wei
Published: May 2023

Background To investigate the role of combined impulse oscillometry (IOS) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis of cough variant asthma (CVA) in preschool children.Methods A total of 197 preschool-aged children with chronic cough were selected from the paediatric outpatient clinic. Allergy histories were collected for all children along with IOS and FeNO. Paediatric respiratory specialists divided the children into a CVA group (n = 90) and a noncough variant asthma (nCVA) group (n = 107) according to the diagnostic criteria for CVA After diagnostic treatment, the correlation between the FeNO and IOS values and the diagnosis in the two groups was analysed, and the area under the curve (AUC) of each index was calculated.Results (1) X5 was significantly different between the CVA group and the nCVA group (-4.22 vs -3.64, p < 0.001), as was the FeNO value (29.07 vs 16.64, p < 0.001). (2) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the AUCs of FeNO alone and X5 alone were 0.779 and 0.657, respectively, while the AUC of FeNO (cut-off value of 18 ppb) plus X5 (cut-off value of -4.15 cmH2O/(l/s)) reached 0.809.Conclusions Children with CVA may have small airway dysfunction at an early stage. For preschool children with chronic cough, the combination of FeNO and X5 can better identify those with CVA.Trial registration This trial was registered with and approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, with registration number ChiCTRcRRC-17011738, and was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Southwest Hospital.
Per se Performance, Heterosis and Heterotic Groupings of Maize Inbred Lines for Yield and Tolerance to Low Soil Nitrogen
Authors: Aboderin Olawale Serifdeen , Oyekunle Muhyideen , Bankole Folusho Anuoluwapo , Olaoye Gbadebo
Published: May 2023

Information onper seperformance, heterosis and heterotic grouping of newly developed maize lines is required for successful hybrids development. The study was conducted to assess theper seperformance of inbreds, examine the inbred-hybrid relationship and classify the lines into heterotic groups. Seventy-nine inbreds developed at Institute for Agricultural Research Zaria were crossed to three testers to generate 237 hybrids. The parental lines and hybrids were separately evaluated under low- and optimum-N conditions at Zaria in 2020 and 2021. The results revealed significant differences (ρ < 0.05) among the inbreds and hybrids for grain yield and most measured traits under low- and optimum-N conditions. Inbred parent SMLW-156 was the highest yielding under low-N and optimum-N condition with average yield advantage of more than 100% and 65% over the best check under low-N and optimum-N condition, respectively. Parental lines SMLW-146 and SMLW-155 were identified as testers. Hybrid SMLW-165 x IITA 1876 had better parent (253.1%) and standard heterosis (48%) for grain yield under optimum-N environment. Hybrid SMLW-105 x IITA 1876 out-yielded standard check by over 100% while SMLW-134 x IITA 1878 was the best for mid and better parent heterosis under low N. Inbreds were classified into four and three distinct groups under low- and optimum-N environments, respectively. Inbred lines within each heterotic group can be recombined to form heterotic populations which can be improved through recurrent selection.
Preparation, characterization and biodegradability of acrylate graft rice husk/ lignin reinforced PBAT
Authors: Choo Hong Han , Sreekan Srimala , Appaturi Jimmy Nelson Nelson
Published: May 2023

The increasing worldwide waste of polymers and agricultural products has prompted a pressing need for biodegradable plastic to help protect the environment. Hence, this research focuses on polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) biodegradable polymers containing between 30–50 percent of filler to achieve an optimal balance of mechanical properties and biodegradation. Given its high lignin content, rice husk has displayed comparable properties to those of commercial lignin, and thus, the lignin from the rice husk was modified with acrylic acid grafting to facilitate the composite fabrication process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was used to demonstrate the grafting synergy and verify that the lignin/rice husk had been successfully grafted with the acrylic acid grafting process. Subsequently, the acrylic acid grafted lignin/rice husk was incorporated into PBAT to create a PBAT composite containing 30–50% AA lignin. The results revealed that the lignin: PBAT ratio at 30:70 (P70L30) resulted in the most optimum mechanical properties and biodegradability. These included tensile strength of 19.48 MPa, elongation at break of 20.26 MPa, Young’s modulus of 1913.62%, and crystallinity of 31.45%. The biodegradation of P70L30 was 57.36% over the 6 months, which was faster than the 9.2% degradation of PBAT. Additionally, the water absorption of P70L30 was two times more compared to PBAT, indicating the change in hydrophobicity of PBAT to a hydrophilic composite. Agricultural waste-rice husk displayed identical properties to lignin when incorporated into PBAT and resulting in the mechanical properties of strength, elongation at yield, and Young’s modulus of 19.09 MPa, 21.87%, and 1936.98MPa. The mechanical properties and biodegradability of P70L30 on both lignin/rice husk in PBAT composite demonstrated the potential of affordable materials to create sustainable packaging solutions with good biodegradability and added features.
What the Blursday database reveals about longitudinal changes in temporal cognition: Effects of COVID-19 on Spontaneous and Paced Finger-Tapping task.
Authors: Hiroyasu Elisa M. Gallego , Laje Rodrigo , Nomura Keishi , Spiousas Ignacio , Hayashi Masamichi J. , Yotsumoto Yuko
Published: May 2023

The Blursday database is a collection of data obtained online from a longitudinal study where participants were asked to participate in several behavioral tasks and questionnaires during the COVID-19 pandemic from their homes. In this study, we analyzed the published data to explore (1) the longitudinal changes in temporal cognition observed from the data collected in the home-based setting (2), the effects of the voluntary quarantine measures implemented in Japan on temporal cognition, (3) whether the citizen’s temporal cognition is altered by the change in psychological state or the cognitive abilities, and (4) how the effects of the quarantine measures may or may not vary depending on the age of the individual. Results show that confinement measures were good predictors for the performance in both spontaneous finger-tapping task and paced finger-tapping task, though these were dependent on the age of the participant. In addition, cognitive scores were good predictors of the performance in the paced finger-tapping task but not the spontaneous finger-tapping task. Overall, this study provides evidence suggesting changes in both psychological, cognitive, and temporal cognition during the pandemic on the Japanese population despite its voluntary measures to deal with the new situation.
Detecting GNSS spoofing using deep learning
Authors: Darian Parisa Borhani , Li Haoqing , Wu Peng , Closas Pau
Published: May 2023

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is pervasively used in position, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications. As a consequence, important assets have become vulnerable to intentional attacks on GNSS, where of particular relevance is spoofing transmissions that aim at superseding legitimate signals with forged ones in order to control a receiver’s PNT computations. Detecting such attacks is therefore crucial, and this article proposes to employ an algorithm based on deep learning to achieve the task. A data-driven classifier is considered that has two components: a deep learning model that leverages parallelization to reduce its computational complexity, and a clustering algorithm that estimates the number and parameters of the spoofing signals. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that the proposed scheme exhibits superior performance compared to the existing solutions, especially under moderate-to-high signal-to-noise ratios.
Evaluation of foot self-care status and foot screening problems in patients with diabetes in Iran: A national multicenter study
Authors: Amini Mohammad Reza , Sanjari Mahnaz , Tehrani Mohamad Reza Mohajeri , Nasli Ensieh , Yazdanpanah Leila , Mousavi Zohreh , Forghan Farzad , Valizadeh Neda , Gozashti Mohammad Hossein , Afkhami-Ardekani Mohammad , Siavash Mansour , Vahdat Katayoun , Shamsi Abbas , Sadeghi Donya , Larijani Bagher , Mehrdad Neda , Aalaa Maryam
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose
Lack of timely foot care in diabetics result in ulceration followed by infection and amputation. This study aimed to evaluate the foot self-care status and foot screening of patients suffering from diabetes around the country of Iran.
Methods
The cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on patients with type 2 diabetes in 10 main cities of Iran. The information about demographic and lifestyle factors, diabetes history, diabetic foot self-care situation (DFSQ) was assessed. Additionally, the neurological and vascular condition of the foot were screened by Inlow’s 60-Second Screen.
Results
Participants were 1094 diabetic patients. Most of the participants were female (64.8%) and married (92.5%) with the average age of 57.6 ± 10.21 (mean ± SD). The mean duration of DM was 11.56 ± 7.41 years. According to the Inlow’s 60-Second Screen criteria, 58% of patients should have foot ulcer screened yearly and 47% of the patients had peripheral neuropathy, 37% of population had inappropriate foot wear.
Conclusion
Considering the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among about than half of participants in this study across Iran, it is essential to have continuous patients’ education about foot care and foot wear. Additionally, foot ulcer screening would be performed in recommended interval of Inlow screen.
Impact of low serum iron on treatment outcome of PD-1 inhibitors in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Yu , Li Ya , Chen Zhendong
Published: May 2023

Background: The aim of this study was toinvestigate the influence of serum iron levels in advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients treated with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 179 GC patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors at our center. Clinicopathological characteristics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.
Results：Multivariate analysis showed that Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS), histological subtype, baseline serum iron levels and surgery were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), while ECOG PS, metastatic sites, and treatment lines were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Patients with baseline low serum iron levels (LSI) had a significantly shorter median OS and PFS compared to patients with normal serum iron levels (NSI)(OS: 8 vs 15 months, p = 0.001; PFS: 4 vs 5 months, p = 0.009). Patients with baseline LSI had a disease control rate (DCR) of 61.2% at 2 months after PD-1inhibitor initiation (M2), compared to 77.8% in patients with NSI (p = 0.024). Patients with baseline LSI had a DCR of 43.2% at 4 months, compared to 60.7% in patients with NSI (p = 0.029).
Conclusions: LSI was associated with worse OS, PFS, and DCR in GC patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors and might be a quick and efficient biomarker to predict the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors.
Estimating Uninsured and Underinsured Women Eligible for Minnesota’s Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Haynes David , Hughes Kelly D. , Borerro Maria , Haas McKenna , Roach Lauren , Blaes Anne
Published: May 2023

The mission of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program's (NBCCEDP) mission is to improve access to mammography and other health services for underserved women. Since its inception in 1991, this national program has improved breast cancer screening rates for women who are uninsured and underinsured. However, the literature has shown that NBCCEDP screenings are decreasing, and only reach a portion of eligible women. Reliable estimates at the sub-county level are needed to identify and reach eligible women. Our work builds upon previous estimates by integrating uninsured and insurance status into spatially adaptive filters. We use spatially adaptive filters to create small area estimates of standardized incidence ratios describing the utilization rate of NBCCEDP services in Minnesota. We integrate the American Community Survey (2010–2014) insurance status data to account for the percentage that an individual is uninsured. We test five models that integrate insurance status by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Our composite model, which adjusts for age, sex, and race/ethnicity insurance statuses, reduces 95% of the estimation error. We estimate that there approximately 49,913.7 women eligible to receive services for Minnesota. We also create small geography (i.e., county and sub-county) estimates for Minnesota. The integration of the insurance data improved our utilization estimate. The development of these methods will allow state programs to more efficiently use their resources and understand their reach.
Preparation of amphoteric cellulose nanofibers via betaine-oxalic acid pretreatment and high-pressure homogenization
Authors: Xie Hongxiang , Fan Yutong , Yang Hongbin , Lu Dexiang , Zou Yang , Wang Xumei , Ji Xingxiang , Si Chuanling
Published: May 2023

In this study, the cellulose pulp was pretreated with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of betaine and anhydrous oxalic acid with a molar ratio of 1:2, and then homogenized to produce amphoteric cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The DES is gentle for the pretreatment of cellulose pulp, but still can effectively solve blockage problem in the homogenization process. Importantly, some carboxyl groups from oxalic acid and quaternary ammonium groups from betaine were introduced onto the surface of cellulose by esterification in this pretreatment process. The CNF shows uniform size distribution, good thixotropy, and high thermal stability. In addition, the crystal structure of CNF maintained cellulose Iβ unchanged and the crystallinity index of CNF is slightly higher than that of bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP). Steady rheological analysis and modulus analysis show that all amphoteric CNF suspensions are pseudoplastic fluid with shear-thinning behavior, and have weak fibril network structure but still exhibit solid like behavior under low shear conditions at a concentration of 1.2%. Therefore, an efficient green pretreatment method was developed for preparation of amphoteric CNF which shows a promising application in the field of various fluid materials.
Numerical modeling on wave-current flows and bed shear stresses over an algal reef
Authors: Lan Yi-Ru , Huang Zhi-Cheng
Published: May 2023

Numerical modeling on the depth-averaged currents and bed shear stresses over an algal reef was performed using a coupled wave-current model (Delft-3D). The modeled results were validated and compared to the field observed data, and two numerical cases with and without wind forcing were tested. Oceanographic and meteorological conditions on the shallow reef were wind speed of up to 12 m/s, significant wave height of up to 2 m, water depth of 3 m, and current speed within 0.4 m/s. The model considers hydrodynamic forcing in terms of tides, waves, wind stresses, and bed friction; the depth-averaged currents and bed shear stresses are generally well reproduced by the model. We found that tide is the primary factor driving the current in shallow waters; however, the currents are also significantly affected by wind speeds and the directions between the wind and currents during the high wind events. Two models were chosen to study the bed shear stress induced by wave-current nonlinear interaction and to test the nonlinear enhancement of bed shear stress by waves. Compared to the observed data, we found a significant difference between the two models in predicting bed shear stresses. The results highlight a critical role of the nonlinear interaction between waves and currents in predicting the bed shear stresses during conditions of high wave orbital motions; improvement of the present wave-current nonlinear interaction model for predicting the bed shear stresses may be needed.
The Impact of Cardiac Index on Mortality in Patients with Septic Shock: A retrospective study from the MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Ngan Chansokhon , Li Li , Wang Mingchun , Zeng Xueying , Yin Wanhong , Kang Yan
Published: May 2023

Background
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that can lead to organ dysfunction and death. In the ICU, monitoring of cardiac index (CI) is commonly used to guide management and predict outcomes in septic shock patients. However, there is a lack of research on the association between CI and the risk of mortality in this patient population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different levels of CI and mortality in septic shock patients.
Methods
Data analysis was obtained from the MIMIC-IV version 2.0 database. Sepsis and septic shock were primarily defined by sepsis-3, the third international consensus on sepsis and septic shock. CI was computed using cardiac output (CO) and body surface area (BSA). To evaluate the incidence of CI with respect to each endpoint (7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-day mortality), a restricted cubic spline curve function (RCS) was used. Analyses of KM curves, cox regression, and logistic regression were conducted separately to determine the relationship between various CI and 28-day mortality.
Results
This study included 1498 patients with septic shock. A U-shaped relationship between CI levels and risk of mortality in septic shock was found by RCS analysis (p < 0.001). CI levels in the range of 1.85–2.8 L/min/m2 were associated with a mortality hazard ratio (HR) < 1. In contrast, low CI and high CI levels had a significantly increased risk of mortality. According to the characteristics of CI, patients were divided into three groups low CI group (CI < 1.85 L/min/m2,n = 150), CI normal group (CI:1.85–2.80 L/min/m2, n = 904), and the high group(CI > 2.80 L/min/m2,n = 444). The KM curves, COX regression, and logistic regression analysis showed that the survival rate the of CI normal group was higher than the other groups. The risk factors of the low CI group, and high CI with ICU 28-day mortality were HR = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.01–3.49), and HR = 1.93 (95% CI: 1.26–2.97), respectively.
Conclusion
This study found that a cardiac index (CI) of 1.85–2.80 L/min/m2 was associated with the lowest risk of mortality in patients with septic shock. CIs that were lower or higher than this range were associated with an increased risk of mortality.
Development and validation of LncRNA prognostic index associated with immunogenic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Wen , Jia Weili , Nie Ye , Wang Yanfang , Mao Zhenzhen , Chen Chao , Zhao Zihao , Song Wenjie
Published: May 2023

This study aims to construct immunogenic cell death(ICD) related LncRNA signature to explore the prognosis and immune infiltration of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was randomly divided into training and test sets, while co-expression analysis was used to find relevant LncRNA. Next, the least absolute choice operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analysis were performed, and a total of 6 relevant LncRNAs (GAL, HOXD13, CTSV, SLC6A3, NR0B1, DCAF8L1) were found to establish the signature. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that expression of high-risk LncRNAs scores correlated with poor overall survival of HCCs. Then, a prognostic nomogram containing LncRNA features and clinicopathological features was constructed, which verified the good predictive performance of the model on the prognosis of HCC patients. Immune-related functions differed significantly between high-risk and low-risk groups. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) and immune checkpoint expression also differed significantly between the two groups. Finally, HCC patients with high-risk scores were more sensitive to several chemotherapy drugs. In conclusion, we have developed a new HCC classification system based on the characteristics of ICD, which has important clinical implications for assessing the prognosis and treatment of HCC patients.
A novel cancer-germline gene DAZL promotes progression and cisplatin resistance of non- small cell lung cancer by upregulating JAK2 and MCM8
Authors: Zhou Lin , Uyen Le Mai Nhu , Du Yan , Shen Xiandie , Li Jing , Xia Liang′e , Ning Yichong , Zhou Jianlin
Published: May 2023

BackgroundGermline-specific genes are usually activated in cancer cells and drive cancer progression; such genes are called cancer-germline or cancer-testis genes. Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is a germline-specific gene whose role in gametogenesis is well characterized, but whose expression and function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown.MethodsRNA-seq data from Genotype Tissue Expression and The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to analyze DAZL mRNA levels. An immunochemical assay was performed to detect DAZL protein levels in a lung tissue microarray. Cell viability, EdU staining, colony formation, wound healing, and invasion assays were performed for in vitro functional analysis. The in vivo effect of DAZL on tumor growth was investigated using a subcutaneous murine xenograft model. Quantitative proteomics was performed to explore the potential targets of DAZL.ResultsDAZL was exclusively expressed in testis among normal human tissues but ectopically expressed in NSCLC tissues. Testis and NSCLC cells expressed the shorter and longer transcript variants of the DAZL gene, respectively. Overexpression of the longer DAZL transcript promoted tumor growth in a murine xenograft model.Silencing DAZL suppressed viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, DAZL binds to the mRNAs of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and minichromosome maintenance 8 (MCM8) to upregulate their translation. The JAK2 inhibitor fedratinib attenuated the effects of DAZL overexpression on cell viability, colony formation, migration, and invasion, while silencing MCM8 counteracted the effects of DAZL overexpression on cisplatin-damaged DNA synthesis and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of cisplatin in NSCLC cells.ConclusionDAZL was identified as a novel cancer-germline gene that enhances translation of JAK2 and MCM8 to promote NSCLC progression and cisplatin resistance, respectively. These results suggest that DAZL is a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Ribosomal S6 kinase 4 (RSK4) tumor suppressor gene promoter methylation status in ovarian cancer
Authors: Arechavaleta-Velasco Fabian , Dominguez-Lopez Pablo , Acosta-Jimenez Ernesto , Diaz-Cueto Laura
Published: May 2023

Background
Previously, we reported lower RSK4 mRNA and protein levels in malignant ovarian tumors compared to normal and benign ovarian tissues. Also, we observed a significant inverse correlation between the advanced ovarian cancer stages and RSK4 mRNA levels. We did not investigate the mechanisms involved in RSK4-reduced expression in ovarian cancer. Thus, this study investigates whether RSK4 promoter methylation in ovarian cancer tissues is responsible for its low expression. Additionally, the reactivation of RSK4 expression and its effect was studied in ovarian cancer cell lines.
Methods and results
RSK4 promoter methylation percentage in malignant and benign ovarian tumors and normal ovary tissues was determined by combined bisulfite restriction analysis. The reactivation of RSK4 expression by decitabine treatment was studied in OVCAR3, SKOV3, TOV-112D, and TOV-21G cells by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was determined by XTT. A significantly high methylation percentage of the RSK4 promoter was observed among malignant and benign ovarian tumors but not in normal ovarian tissue. RSK4 promoter methylation was not associated with age, histological subtype, or stages of ovarian cancer. RSK4 promoter methylation correlates weakly but not significantly with RSK4 protein expression. No correlation was shown between RSK4 methylation and RSK4 mRNA expression. Decitabine induces RSK4 reactivation in all cell lines. However, cell proliferation was reduced only in TOV-112D cells.
Conclusion
These data indicate that although RSK4 promoter methylation is increased in malignant ovarian tumors, this mechanism is unlikely to regulate its expression in ovarian cancer. RSK4 reactivation reduced cell proliferation only in the endometroid histological subtype.
Clinical Application of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in High-Risk Pregnancies
Authors: Tao Hehua , Su Jingna , Zhao Li , Zhao Xin , Guo Caiqin , Xiao Jianpin , Liu Jun , Yang Lan
Published: May 2023

Objective To evaluate the value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in the prenatal diagnosis of high-risk pregnancies.Methods A total of 3459 pregnant women admitted to the Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital between June 2020 and August 2022 were selected for this study. Both G-banding karyotype analysis and CMA were offered to all patients who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis. Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis was performed to eliminate maternal contamination for interpretation.Results Chromosomal aberrations, including aneuploidies or triploid and mosaic aberrant karyotypes and copy number variants (CNVs) ≥ 5Mb, were detected by both G-banding karyotyping and CMA in 174 (5.0%) cases. A total of 326 (9.4%) cases with normal karyotypes were reported as CNVs in CMA, including 71 (2.1%) cases with pathogenic and likely pathogenic CNVs and 217(6.3%) cases with variants of uncertain significance (VOUS). On the other hand, 11 inversions, 23 balanced translocations, and 22 other chromosomal rearrangements were detected by karyotyping with normal CMA results.Conclusion The top 3 detection rates of different indications by CMA or karyotyping were 43.5% for NIPT high risk, 17.5% for abnormal ultrasound, and 17.7% for other indications. CMA is an effective diagnostic tool for high-risk pregnancies in perinatal medicine.
Convolutional neural network-based program to predict lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer using 18F-FDG PET
Authors: Kidera Eitaro , KOYASU SHO , Hirata Kenji , Hamaji Masatsugu , Nakamoto Ryusuke , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: May 2023

Purpose To develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based program to analyse maximum intensity projection (MIP) images of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scans, aimed at predicting lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to evaluate its effectiveness in providing diagnostic assistance to radiologists.Methods We obtained PET images of NSCLC from public datasets, including those of 435 patients with available N-stage information, which were divided into a training set (n = 304) and a test set (n = 131). We generated 36 maximum intensity projection (MIP) images for each patient. A residual network (ResNet-50)-based CNN was trained using the MIP images of the training set to predict lymph node metastasis. Lymph node metastasis in the test set was predicted by the trained CNN as well as by two radiologists (R1 and R2) twice: first without and second with CNN assistance. Diagnostic performance metrics, including accuracy, were calculated, and reading times were recorded.Results In the test set, 67 (51%) patients exhibited lymph node metastases and the CNN yielded 0.748 predictive accuracy. The accuracy of the radiologists increased from 0.718 to 0.740 for R1, and from 0.679 to 0.733 for R2 with CNN assistance. The mean prediction time was significantly reduced with CNN assistance, decreasing from 11.1 to 6.9 s (p < 0.001) for R1 and from 6.3 to 3.2 s (p < 0.001) for R2.Conclusion The CNN-based program could potentially assist radiologists in predicting lymph node metastasis, increase diagnostic performance, and reduce the time for diagnosis.
Analysis of the Effects of Temperature Variation on Fish Catch Along the Colombian Pacific Coast: A Stochastic Model
Authors: Martínez-Salinas Erika Johanna , Arunachalam Viswanathan , Ríos-Gutierrez Andrés , Selvaraj John Josephraj
Published: May 2023

Climatic factors affect biotic and abiotic elements that impact the abundance and distribution of fish species, particularly in the areas where they inhabit. In this article, we propose a stochastic model incorporating stochastic differential equations to analyze the behavior, over time, between the observed changes in sea surface temperature and its relationship with the abundance of one of the Mahi Mahi fish on a specific area of the Colombian Pacific coast. We estimate the proposed model parameters, sea surface temperature values, species stock, and species catch under study between the years 2000-2012 using the maximum likelihood and the Euler-Maruyama method. Using real data, we illustrate the proposed model’s numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis.
Tumor-Related Epilepsy and Post-Surgical Outcomes: Tertiary Hospital Experience in Vietnam
Authors: Le Viet-Thang , Nguyen Anh Minh , Pham Tuan Anh , Nguyen Phuc Long
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Seizures have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer. This study aimed to evaluate the variables that influence the incidence of seizures during the perioperative period and effective measures to enhance epilepsy outcomes among individuals undergoing surgical resection of brain tumors.
Methods: The authors carried out a prospective observational analysis of all patients who experienced seizures before their brain tumor surgery at UMC, HCMC between 2020 and 2022.
Results: 54 cases presented with seizures were enrolled for the study, generalized seizure was the most prevalent seizure type (61.1%), followed by focal seizure (29.6%). Low-grade gliomas and frontotemporal lobe tumors increase the postoperative risk of seizure. Other predictive factors are a prolonged history of seizure, especially resistant epilepsy and major peritumoral edema. In contrast, gross total resection reduces postoperative seizure incidence. There was correlation between Ki67 proliferation index and seizure incidence in both low-grade and high-grade gliomas. ECoG made insubstantial difference in enhancing the epilepsy surgery outcome. Overall, 88.9% of patients were seizure-free at 6 months of follow-up (Engel Class I), 7.4% were almost seizure-free (Class II), and 3.7% had significant improvement (Class III), figures for 12-month follow-up were 87.0%, 9.3%, and 3.7% respectively.
Conclusion: The majority of patients presented with seizures are those who were diagnosed with glioma. Postoperatively, most of the patients were seizure-free or had meaningful improvement. A shorter history of seizure and gross-total resection appear to be associated with a favorable prognosis for seizure control.