bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Municipio inteligente por un desarrollo local sostenible desde la gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Rodríguez Alejandro Emilio Ramos , Pérez Elaine Artigas , Montero Aimara Brito
Published: November 2021

En una sociedad basada en el conocimiento, la universidad se convierte en un elemento clave del sistema de innovación, como proveedora de talento humano y promotora de nuevas tecnologías. La universidad, como actor clave de conocimiento, forma nuevos profesionales a través de la diseminación, producción, generación y utilización del conocimiento. El conocimiento universitario está comprometido con el desarrollo en todas sus dimensiones, y ello con el propósito de avanzar hacia un modelo de desarrollo basado en el conocimiento, lo que es imprescindible en la consecución de Municipios Inteligentes por un desarrollo local que requiere de la activa participación de todos los actores sociales implicados en dichos procesos para la generación de conocimientos, en cada uno de los contextos de actuación.
A trajetória de um grupo de trabalho interinstitucional para a promoção da equidade em saúde na gestão municipal
Authors: Buziquia Sabrina Pontes , Tertuliano Gisele Cristina , Fischer Loeck Jardel
Published: November 2021

O Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro tem como um dos princípios a equidade, sendo que, em 2013, a fim de promover ações em saúde para efetivá-lo, o Ministério da Saúde (MS) criou a Política de Promoção da Equidade em Saúde. Entretanto criar essa política pública não garante sua aplicabilidade no cotidiano da assistência à saúde, sendo necessário reorganizar os processos de trabalho por meio da educação permanente dos profissionais da saúde para o enfrentamento das discriminações em cada realidade e envolvendo os diversos atores sociais. O presente artigo busca retraçar a trajetória do Grupo de Trabalho Interinstitucional Municipal (GTI-M) para a promoção da equidade em saúde na gestão de Cachoeirinha, município localizado no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Para tanto, um relato de experiência foi feito por meio da análise documental dessa trajetória, no período de 2015 a 2019. Obteve-se que o GTI-M de Cachoerinha, RS, proporcionou iniciativas estratégicas no processo de trabalho nos serviços de saúde, visando à promoção da equidade para a população de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais (LGBT), negros e imigrantes, contribuindo para a aplicabilidade da política proposta pelo MS.
Lacunas de conhecimento e cooperação: análise de uma rede social em um instituto de tecnologia da região do ABC Paulista
Authors: Farina Milton Carlos , De Melo Rodrigo Santos , Dutra Flávio Gálio Ara´újo
Published: November 2021

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar as relações entre empresas em rede organizacional, a partir do modelo de lacuna de conhecimento e cooperação. A pesquisa foi realizada em um instituto de tecnologia na região metropolitana de São Paulo. Os métodos utilizados foram a análise de redes sociais e a análise univariada da variância. O presente estudo mostrou que, individualmente, estar como diretor do instituto se faz relevante, embora, coletivamente, entenda-se a redução da centralidade de poucos atores como de grande importância.
Validating the Effects of Disruptive Technologies using Operational Breakeven Theory, Relative Solvency Ratio and Altman’s Z-score on Selected Firms in Nigeria and India
Authors: Enyi Enyi Patrick , Ajibade Ayodeji Kofi
Published: November 2021

Disruptive technologies (DT) have featured prominently in almost every human activity since the advent of computerization. The likely effects of DT on economic processes and human professions have and continue to generate fears and debates which spurred this investigation. To break away from the traditional approach the operational breakeven theory and the discriminant analysis techniques of Altman’s Z-score, and Enyi’s Relative Solvency Ratio were used to examine the relationship between firms’ market-induced-survival-ratio (MISR) and the disruptive technology gains index (DTGI) of seventy-three firms drawn from Nigeria and India. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data generated. The results showed that a sizeable number of firms has profited from the introduction of disruptive technologies with MISR and DTGI returning a 10% significant relationship while others are still struggling to measure up to the requirements of disruptive technologies in their chosen economic fields. The implication of this is that businesses must brace up and embrace digital transformation if they must stay afloat in this era of disruptive technologies. This study recommends a revolutionary approach to digital transformation in view of the fast pace of global integration while managers and business owners should adopt more pragmatic approach in appraising the operations and finances of a firm for effective results and timely responses to potential business challenges.
Relatos urbanos y representaciones en la memoria cultural de la Plaza Mayor de Tunja, Colombia
Authors: Osorio Salazar Leonardo Enrique
Published: November 2021

Se cuestionan las relaciones entre historia y memoria en el espacio urbano heredado de la Plaza Mayor de Tunja, Colombia, durante el siglo xix y la primera mitad del siglo xx, y las representaciones monumentales, urbanas y arquitectónicas relacionadas con los procesos de independencia y revolución que repercutieron en la fundación del Estado colombiano. El modelo de indagación es inductivo y cualitativo e implicó la integración de fuentes históricas e historiográficas, que se sometieron a procesos de análisis, reflexión y síntesis explicativa. Como consecuencia de este trabajo, se presentan las narrativas de los cambios y prevalencias que caracterizan el sentido canónico del patrimonio urbano de este ambiente fundacional determinante para la comprensión de la historia urbana y cultural de Colombia.
Novel Hybrid SETMOS Logic for Ultra-low-power Applications
Authors: Shah Raj Sanjivkumar , Parekh Rutu , Dhavse Rasika
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the Single-GateSingle Electron Transistors (SG-SETs) based hybrid SETMOS logic circuits for ultra-low-power applications at room temperature. The methodological design of the proposed hybrid SETMOS logic circuits is compatible with 22- nm CMOS bias and process. The widely acclaimed Mahapatra-IonescuBannerjee (MIB) model is modified to implement the proposed SG-SET and hybrid SETMOS logic circuits using Verilog-A. Logic inverter, two-input NAND, NOR, AND, OR, EX-OR, and EX-NOR logic gates are simulated at room temperature using novel SETMOS hybridization. The proposed work is compared with the 22-nm CMOS counterpart (simulated with the same setup). We found that the reduction in total power dissipation by 98.04%, 96.45%, 94.65%, 93.7%, 92.63%, 93.52%, 95.57% using hybrid SETMOS NAND, NOR, AND, EX-OR and EXOR gates than 22 nm CMOS logic gates. The proposed work is compared with other works of literature. We also examined the robustness of the proposed logic circuits against temperature variations from 77 K to 500 K.
A Single-institution Study of So-called “non-secreting” Intracranial Germinomas: Neurological Characteristics, Treatment Procedures, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Zhou Jiajun , Lei Ting , Zuo Jinyi , Wu Chenxing , Liu Rui , Li Shouwei
Published: November 2021

Background and ObjectiveIntracranial germinomas are rare brain tumors. In the present study, we collected data of patients with histology-proven germinomas, and analyzed their neurological characteristics, treatment procedures, and clinical outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed the data of patients with “non-secreting” intracranial germinomas, and analyzed the neurological characteristics, treatment procedures, and clinical outcomes.ResultsThere were 162 (69.8%) male patients and 70 (30.2%) female patients. Pineal germinomas were mainly found in male patients (98.3%), and germinomas in sellar/suprasellar region were often observed in female patients (67.5%). The most common clinical presentations were polyuria/polydipsia (42.7%), headache (40.5%), visual disturbance (37.5%), and motor impairment (28.4%). Patients in the pure germinoma group had a higher serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) level than in the germinoma plus syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells (STGCs) group (P=0.001), and no significant difference was noted in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level between the two groups (P=0.540). Bifocal or multifocal tumors had a higher tendency to intracranial dissemination and spinal seeding (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The mean duration of open craniotomy was 268.8 min with an average volume of blood loss of 316.9 mL, compared with 27.0 min and 6.2 mL in cases who received stereotactic biopsy (P<0.001 and P<0.001). The most common complication in both groups was postoperative hemorrhage (7.0% and 8.5%). Patients who received biopsy had higher KPS scores after surgery and at hospital discharge than on admission in contrast to open craniotomy (P<0.001 and P=0.047, respectively). Deterioration of KPS at hospital discharge than on admission was observed in 4, 7, 18, and 1 cases who received partial resection, subtotal resection, gross total resection, and biopsy (P<0.001).ConclusionsBifocal and multifocal germinomas have a higher tendency of dissemination, and additional attention should be paid to the imaging findings. Patients may not necessarily benefit from the surgical resection because of the surgical trauma and the postoperative complications, and stereotactic biopsy is highly significant in clinical practice.
Certificateless Network Coding Scheme from Certificateless Public Auditing Protocol
Authors: Bian Genqing , Song Mingxuan , Shao Bilin
Published: November 2021

In recent years, network coding has received extensive attention and been applied to various computer network systems, since it has been mathematically proven to enhance the network robustness and maximize the network throughput. However, it is well-known that it is extremely vulnerable under pollution attacks. Certificatelss network coding scheme (CLNS) is a recently-proposed mechanism to defend against pollution attacks for network coding, which avoids the tedious management of certificates and the key-escrow attack. Until now, only a few constructions were presented and more ones should be given in order to enrich this field. In this paper, for the first time, we study the general construction of CLNS from certificateless public auditing protocol (CL-PAP), although the two areas seem to be quite different in their nature and are studied independently. Since there are many candidates of CL-PAPs, we naturally obtain abundant constructions of CLNSs according to our systematic way. In addition, in order to show the power of our general construction, we also present a concrete implementation given a specific CL-PAP. The performance analysis and experimental result show that the implemented CLNS is competitive in the existing network coding schemes.
Hunting the Hidden: Surgical Treatment of Chronic Silent Thrombus in the Left Ventricle. A Case Report.
Authors: He Fengpu , Jiao Yiping , Jiang Lijun
Published: November 2021

Background: Silent left ventricular thrombus is dangerous. The current standard anticoagulation therapy is not effective, and the outcomes are frustrated.Case presentation: A 33-year-old man with silent left ventricular thrombus, which was detected incidentally by transthoracic echocardiography. After admission, anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin therapy was carried out. Unfortunately, acute left temporal embolism emerged 5 days later, then the patient was transferred to the neurology department for further treatment. One month later, the patient received coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), ventricular aneurysm resection and left ventricular thrombectomy and was discharged uneventfully after surgery.Conclusions: For the patients with giant or hypermobile left ventricular thrombus or recurrent systemic emboli, surgical treatment should be a priority.
Schwannoma of Left Chest Wall: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Congcong , Tang Ze , Qin Da , Lu Tianyu , Yang Yue , Cui Youbin
Published: November 2021

Background: Schwannoma of chest wall is rare intercostal nerve tumor originated from Schwann cells. Here, we present a rare case about schwannoma was misdiagnosed as solitary fibroma by preoperative biopsy. We intend to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease by discussing the clinical manifestations, diagnostic points and differential diagnosis of patients with thoracic wall schwannoma.Case presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with "left chest pain for more than 1 month". Enhanced Computer Tomography(CT) can of the lung revealed space occupying lesions in the left lower posterior chest wall. Preoperative biopsy was solitary fibroma. After the improvement of preoperative preparation, the patients were given surgical treatment, postoperative pathology showed: schwannoma of chest wall. Chest pain improved after operation. The patients were followed up for 8 months.Discussion and Conclusions: Schwannoma, especially in the chest wall, is rare, with atypical clinical symptoms, single imaging manifestations, high variable rate of puncture pathology, and easy to be misdiagnosed. Complete surgical resection of tumor is the main treatment, and no new adjuvant / adjuvant therapy has been reported yet.
Risk Factor Analysis and Nomogram for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Sepsis and Lung Infection
Authors: Ren Yinlong , Zhang Luming , Xu Fengshuo , Han Didi , Zheng Shuai , Zhang Feng , Li Longzhu , Wang Zichen , Lyu Jun , Yin Haiyan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundLung infection is a common cause of sepsis, and patients with sepsis and lung infection are more ill and have a higher mortality rate than sepsis patients without lung infection. We constructed a nomogram prediction model to accurately evaluate the prognosis of and provide treatment advice for patients with sepsis and lung infection.MethodsData were retrospectively extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) open-source clinical database. The definition of Sepsis 3.0[10] was used, which includes patients with life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an uncontrolled host response to infection, and SOFA score ≥2.The nomogram prediction model was constructed from the training set using logistic regression analysis, and was then internally validated and underwent sensitivity analysis.ResultsThe risk factors of age, lactate, temperature, oxygenation index, BUN, lactate, Glasgow Coma Score(GCS), liver disease, cancer, organ transplantation, Troponin T(TnT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), and CRRT, MV, and vasopressor use were included in the nomogram. Compared with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPSII), the nomogram had better discrimination ability, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.743 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]=0.713–0.773, p < 0.001) and 0.746 (95% CI=0.699–0.790, p < 0.001) in the training and validation sets, respectively. The calibration plot indicated that the nomogram was adequate for predicting the in-hospital mortality risk in both sets. The decision-curve analysis(DCA) of the nomogram revealed that it provided net benefits for clinical use over using the SOFA score and SAPSII in both sets. ConclusionOur new nomogram is a convenient tool for accurate predictions of in-hospital mortality among patients with sepsis and lung infection. Treatment strategies that improve the factors considered relevant in the model could increase in-hospital survival for these ICU patients.
Convolutional Neural Networks For Apical Lesion Segmentation From Panoramic Radiographs
Authors: Song Il-Seok , Shin Hak-Kyun , Kang Ju-Hee , Kim Jo-Eun , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Yi Won-Jin , Lee Sam-Sun , Heo Min-Suk
Published: November 2021

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of medical and dental researches, which can further provide an effective diagnostic methodology allowing for detection of diseases at early age. This study was, thus, aimed to evaluate performances for apical lesion segmentation from panoramic radiographs using two CNN algorithms including U-Net and FPN. A total of 1000 panoramic radiographs showing apical lesions were separated into training (n = 800, 80%), validation (n = 100, 10%), and test (n = 100, 10%) dataset, respectively. These datasets were further incorporated to construct CNN models using two algorithms, respectively. The performances of identifying apical lesions were evaluated after calculating precision, recall, and F1-score from both CNN models. Both U-Net and FPN algorithms provided considerably good performances in identifying apical lesions in panoramic radiographs.
Inhibitory Effects of Doxycycline on Tumor Progression In vitro and on Metastases in Early-Stage Osteosarcoma Xenografts Mice.
Authors: Hadjimichael Argyris Costas , Foukas Athanasios F. , Papadimitriou Evangelia , Peristiani Chrysostomi , Chaniotakis Ioannis , Pergaris Alexandros , Theocharis Stamatios , Sarantis Panagiotis , Psyrri Amanda , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Savvidou Olga D , Kaspiris Angelos , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J. , Armakolas Athanasios
Published: November 2021

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is the commonest primary osseous malignant tumor with a high propensity to metastasize in lungs. Pulmonary widespread micrometastatic lesions are present in up to 80% of patients at initial diagnosis and they are associated with significantly worse prognosis. Doxycycline (Dox) is a synthetic tetracycline that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in vitro and in vivo, and inhibit angiogenesis, effects that may prove beneficial for several types of cancer. The aim of the present work was to study how Dox affects OS cells’ growth in vitro and in vivo and OS-driven pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Methods In vitro, the effect of Dox was measured in MG-63 and 143B human OS cells’ viability, apoptosis, and migration. In vivo, highly metastatic143B cells were orthotopically implanted into the tibia of SCID mice and tumor growth as well as pulmonary metastases between Dox treated and untreated, non-amputated and early amputated xenografts were examined. ResultsDox decreased the viability, inhibited the migration, and induced the apoptosis of OS cells in vitro. In vivo, Dox significantly enhanced tumor necrosis at primary OS sites, similarly to its in vitro effect. It also decreased the expression of Ki67, metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Ezrin in primary tumors. It also decreased the circulating VEGFA and MMP9 protein levels, in line with the decreased metastatic burden in Dox-treated mice in both non-amputated and early amputated xenografts.ConclusionsOur results suggest that adjuvant administration of Dox may decrease OS growth and development of pulmonary metastases. Administration of Dox in combination with surgical resection and standard chemotherapeutic protocols in the early-stages of OS treatment is also supported. Moreover, Dox administration prior to the development of clinically detectable pulmonary macrometastases, is associated with enhanced clinically benefits from its anti-metastatic effect.
Melanoma Stem Cell Vaccine Modified with IL-33 Induces Anti-Tumor Immunity by Activating CD8+T Cells
Authors: Yin Qiliang , Zhao Na , Chang Ying , Dong Mingxin , Xu Meng , Xu Wenyue , Jin Hao-fan , Liu Wensen , Xu Na
Published: November 2021

Background: Melanoma stem cells (MSCs)-based vaccine strategies have been a potent immunotherapeutic approach for melanoma treatment, which aimed at inducing specific anti-tumor immunity and targeting cancer stem-like cells. To boost anti-melanoma activity induced by B16F10 CD44+CD133+ MSCs (B16F10 MSCs) vaccine, we generated a novel vaccine expressing IL-33. Tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis were assessed to estimate the effectiveness of the vaccine. Methods: The antitumor effect of the vaccine was observed in this study. The mechanism of inducing anti-tumor immunity was detected by flow cytometric assays, cytotoxicity assays, and ELISA, including expression of CD8+T cells surface and intracellular molecules, the cytotoxic activity of splenocytes in the immunized mice and secretion of serum cytokines.Results: We found that MSCs vaccine expressing IL-33 significantly inhibited melanoma growth and reduced the lung melanoma nodules. Mechanistic investigations established that the vaccine-primed CD8+T cells could selectively target MSCs and confer anti-tumor immunity, which included promoting the proliferation of CD8+T cells, inhibiting the differentiated depletion of CD8+T cells in vivo, inducing the formation of memory CD8+T cells, and activating specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune response. Conclusions: MSCs vaccine expressing IL-33 is able to initiate anti-tumor specific immune response by activating CD8+T cells.
Composite Anti-Disturbance Control for Ship Dynamic Positioning Systems with Thruster Faults
Authors: Yu Ziwen , Wei Xinjiang , Zhang Huifeng , Hu Xin , Han Jian
Published: November 2021

Anti-disturbance control problem is studied for ship dynamic positioning systems with disturbances and thruster faults. The disturbances include slowly-varying environmental disturbances and norm bounded disturbances. For the slowly-varying environmental disturbance, a stochastic disturbance observer is established to give the online estimation. For thruster faults, a fault diagnosis observer is designed. Then, a composite anti-disturbance control (CADC) strategy is raised, which ensures asymptotic mean-square boundedness of the closed-loop system. Finally, the simulation example proves the validity of the controller.
Salvage Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy Following Focal Ablation With Irreversible Electroporation: Feasibility, Oncological and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Blazevski Alexandar , Gondoputro William , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Amin Amer , Geboers Bart , Barreto Daniela , Haynes Anne-Maree , Shnier Ron , Delprado Warwick , Agrawal Shikha , Thompson James Edward , Stricker Phillip
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTo report the feasibility, oncological and functional outcomes of salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP) for recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after irreversible electroporation (IRE).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent sRARP after IRE treatment in our institution. Surgical complications, oncological and functional outcomes were assessed.Results15 patients with at least 12 months follow up were identified out of the 234 men who underwent primary IRE between 2013 and 2019. The median [IQR] age was 68 (62 – 70) years. The median [IQR] time from focal IRE to sRARP was 42 (21 – 57) months. There were no rectal, bladder or ureteric injuries. The T-stage was pT2 in 9 (60%) patients and pT3a in 6 (40%) patients. Only one (7%) patient had a positive surgical margin. At a median [IQR] follow up of 22 (16 – 32) months no patient had a biochemical recurrence (PSA >0.2). All 15 patients were continent (pad-free) by 6 months and 9 (60%) patients had erections sufficient for intercourse with or without PDE5 inhibitors. No predisposing factors were identified for predicting erectile dysfunction after sRARP. ConclusionsIn patients with recurrent or residual significant PCa after focal IRE ablation it is feasible to obtain good functional and oncological outcomes with sRARP. Our results demonstrate that good outcomes can be achieved with sRARP, when respecting close monitoring post-IRE, good patient selection and surgical experience.
Interaction Between Diet and Dominant Fecal Microbiota Along the First Year of Life
Authors: Gómez-Martín María , Saturio Silvia , Arboleya Silvia , Herrero-Morín David , Calzón Margot , López Teresa , González Sonia , Gueimonde Miguel
Published: November 2021

Extensive work has established the importance of the gut microbiota during the first years of life. However, there are few longitudinal studies describing the role of infants´ diet on the evolution of the fecal microbiota and their metabolic activity during this stage. The aim of this work was to explore the impact of diet on the composition of the major intestinal microorganisms and their main microbial metabolites from birth to 12 months. This is a longitudinal prospective study analyzing fecal microbiota, bacterial groups levels were determined by qPCR and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels by gas chromatography, as well as information from self-administered questionnaires about general characteristics and food frequency from a cohort of 83, Spanish and full-term, infants at 15, 90, 180 and 365 days of age. Results revealed that Enterobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterium decrease in weaning period contrary to Bacteroides group and Clostridium cluster IV. Furthermore, a clustering based on fecal bacterial groups, SCFAs and type of delivery and feeding, gender and living area suggested that the excretion of SCFAs is strongly related to the type of lactation. Conclusion: our study supports weaning period as a key step for gut microbiota transition and suggests the importance of the consumption of dietary fiber with the increase of certain bacterial groups as Clostridium cluster IV, which could be beneficial for the host. Finally, studies specially designed to analyze the production and the excretion of SCFAs in children are needed to understand how diet could influence in this process.
LICAP Versus TDAP for Reconstruction of Partial Breast Defects
Authors: Hashem Tarek , Taha Sherif N , Oraby Ahmed
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPerforator flaps are the latest development in reconstructive surgery. Pedicled chest wall perforator flaps can be utilized in many cases of partial breast reconstruction. This research compares the outcome and technique of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap (TDAP) and the Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap (LICAP) in reconstruction of partial breast defects.MethodsPatient records were reviewed for the time period between 2011-2019 at the breast unit of the National Cancer Institute of Cairo University. Eighty three patients were accessible for the study. (46 cases of TDAP flap and 37 cases of LICAP flap). Relevant clinical data were extracted from patients’ records. A special visit was organized for all 83 patients ,where a digital photograph was taken in an antro-posterior view. The photographs were later processed via BCCT.core software to obtain an objective cosmetic outcome assessment.ResultsComplication rates and cosmetic outcome were comparable for both techniques. TDAP flap flap proved to require more tedious dissection and preoperative Doppler mapping to localize perforator vessels. On the other hand LICAP was technically easier with more consistent perforators.ConclusionPedicled chest wall perforator flaps constitute an excellent reconstructive option in partial breast defects. They have replaced musculocutaneous flaps to a large extent.
18F-APN-1607 Tau PET in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Like Symptoms Caused by TBK1 Mutations
Authors: Liu Feng-tao , Lu Jia-Ying , Sun Yi-Min , Yang Yu-Jie , Qiao Kai , Chen Qi-Si , Li Ling , Li Xin-Yi , Yen Tzu-Chen , Zuo Chuan-tao , Chen Yan , Wang Jian
Published: November 2021

Background

Pathogenic mutations in the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene have been associated with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)-like extrapyramidal symptoms, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as cognitive and behavioral alterations. However, the question as to whether TBK1 mutations may be associated with tau burden remains unanswered.
Methods

To investigate whether patients presenting with PSP-like extrapyramidal symptoms caused by TBK1 mutations have evidence of tau deposition as reflected by positive 18F-APN-1607 tau PET imaging findings. Four patients who showed PSP-like extrapyramidal symptoms, ALS, and cognitive/behavioral alterations were consecutively enrolled between August 2019 and August 2020. Patients underwent TBK1 gene sequencing and 18F-APN-1607 tau PET imaging. All PET images were interpreted in a blinded fashion with respect to genetic results. Brain structural changes were investigated with MRI, whereas 11C-CFT or 18F-DTBZ PET imaging was performed to identify dopaminergic degeneration.
Results

Pathogenic TBK1 mutations were identified in three of the four study patients. The three mutation carriers – but not the case without – showed positive 18F-APN-1607 binding in PSP-related regions, suggesting the presence of tau pathology. Mesencephalic atrophy (hummingbird sign) was observed in all TBK1 mutation carriers, and two of them also had evidence of frontotemporal atrophy. Dopaminergic degeneration was evident in all cases, regardless of TBK1 mutations.
Conclusions

Pathogenic TBK1 mutations in patients with PSP-like extrapyramidal symptoms are associated with positive 18F-APN-1607 tau PET imaging findings. Our data should prompt additional investigations on the potential role of tau accumulation in the pathogenesis of disease conditions associated with TBK1 mutations.
Increased Expression of PDGFA and RAF1 in Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Vafaei Somayeh , naseri marzieh , zoeller margot , zanjani leili saeednejad , karamnia razieh , gao yuzhen , amoli hadi ahmadi , ebrahimi marzieh , Madjd Zahra
Published: November 2021

Background: Overexpression of tumor markers in Extracellular vesicles (EV), especially in tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), is implicated in metastasis. However, identifying the specific content of Ev's roles in CRC diagnosis or prognosis requires further validation by bioinformatics and clinical investigations. Methods: In the current study, we explored molecular markers shared between TDEs and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients to identify candidate genes involved in CRC metastasis. Common markers were analyzed in gene expression profiles of two studies (GSE31023 and GSE72577). Results: In blood samples from 20 CRC patients, the expression of candidate genes was assessed by real-time PCR in CTC, TDEs, and microvesicles (MVs), and the expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological features. To further confirm, the expression of candidate genes was investigated in exosomes derived from the parental HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29-EXOs), and CSC-enriched spheroids (CSC-EXOs) derived thereof. Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA) and proto-oncogene, Serine/Threonine kinase Raf-1 (RAF1) as new CRC candidate markers in CTCs and TDEs. According to real-time PCR, expression of PDGFA (P=0.0086) and RAF1 (P=0.048) were upregulated in TDEs but significantly decreased (P=0.0001) in MVs. Furthermore, expression in CSC-EXOs (P=0.0004) was increased compared to HT-29-EXOs. Conclusion: PDGFA and RAF1 mRNA are higher in CSC-EXOs than in HT-29-EXOs, which correlates with higher expression in CSC than the primary tumor. Notably, as no increase was observed in MVs, PDGFA and RAF1 mRNA appear to be actively recruited into TDE.
The Relative Importance of Niche Process and Neutral Process in the Community Assembly of Subtropical Karst Forest: A Perspective on the Changes of Species Distribution Patterns at Different Scales
Authors: He Yan , Jiang Yong , Lin Hongling , Pan Yuanfang , Liang Shichu , Fang Yaocheng , Zhuo Wenhua , Xiao Yanmei
Published: November 2021

Background and aimsThe importance of niche processes and neutral processes to community assembly has been affirmed by most studies, although their relative importance needs to be determined in many systems. Moreover, as the spatial scale changes, the ecological processes that determine the community pattern may differ. We tested these ideas in subtropical karst forest in southwestern China in order to aid efforts of community reconstruction.MethodsTo test the importance of niche-based and neutral mechanisms we compared the fit six models to the observed SAD of the plot at three different sampling scales (10 m × 10 m, 20 m × 20 m, 50 m × 50 m). We also used spatial autocorrelation and distance-based Moran's eigenvector maps (dbMEM) combined with variation partitioning to further determine the relative contribution of the niche process and the neutral process under different sampling scales.ResultsThe neutral theoretical and statistical models fit the observed species abundance distribution curve best at each sampling scale. And variation partitioning showed that although the contribution of spatial structure was lower at larger sampling scales, it was still important, suggesting that neutral processes drive community structure at all sampling scales. In contrast, habitat filtering and interspecies competition may lead to a net weakening of the contribution of the niche process to the species abundance pattern of the community because they act in opposite directions. ConclusionsIn the restoration and reconstruction of local karst forest communities, environmental heterogeneity, inter-species relationships, and geographic spatial differences should all be considered.
Feasibility of dpFAMM flap in Tongue Reconstruction After Facial Vessels Ligation and Radiotherapy- Case Presentation
Authors: Michał Gontarz , Bargiel Jakub , Gąsiorowski Krzysztof , Marecik Tomasz , Szczurowski Paweł , Zapała Jan , Wyszyńska-Pawelec Grażyna
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSalvage surgery with reconstruction of the second and next primary tongue cancer remains difficult, especially after earlier neck dissection and radiotherapy. In the current report, we describe the feasibility of the extended, double-pedicled facial artery musculomucosal (dpFAMM) flap in the reconstruction of the patient with second primary tongue squamous cell carcinoma, after facial vessels ligation and radiotherapy. Case presentation81-year-old female patient was operated on due to tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the left side T3N1M0 in 2019. Bilateral selective neck dissection with tongue reconstruction was performed by island FAMM flap. The patient also suffered from synchronous mucinous breast carcinoma treated with tamoxifen. Second primary SCC of the tongue on the opposite (right) side was detected in 2020. The patient did not agree for surgical treatment therefore radiotherapy was performed. Local recurrence of the tongue cancer of the right side was treated surgically in 2021. Salvage surgery comprised hemiglossectomy and dpFAMM flap reconstruction with uneventful postoperative follow-up.ConclusionsThis case presentation proved that dpFAMM flap can be used in salvage surgery and reconstruction even in patients after ligation of facial vassels, irradiation and in the course of hormone therapy. The flap is easy to handle, has good vascularity and comprises predictable method of reconstruction, especially for patients with severe comorbidities.
Inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway suppressed the growth of infantile hemangioma
Authors: Li ShuiXue , Maimaiti Aziguli , Aierken Yeerfan , He Jun , Zhou Ling , Qin Shuangli
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the expression of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in IH patients and investigate the role of IL-6/signal transducers and activators of transduction-3 (STAT3)/hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway in the progression of infantile hemangioma (IH).
Methods

Serum samples obtained from IH patients and normal infants were measured for IL-6 expression. Hemangioma-derived stem cells (HemSCs) were transfected with siRNAs targeting IL-6, HIF-1α or STAT3. And then, cell-viability assay and wound healing assay were conducted. After that, the tumor mouse model of HemSCs was established. The in vivo anticancer effect of IL-6 inhibitor was investigated.
Results

IH patients had much higher IL-6 levels as comparing to the healthy controls (P=0.005). HemSCs transfected with IL-6 siRNA had significantly lower viability and migration rate than normal HemSCs. And HemSCs transfected with STAT3 siRNA or HIF-1α siRNA had the similar tendency. On tumor bearing mice, IL-6 inhibitor treatment significantly delayed the tumor growth. Compared with control group, Caspase 3 was significantly increased in IL-6 inhibitor group (P<0.05), whereas Ki67 was decreased in IL-6 inhibitor group (P<0.05). In TUNEL assay, IL-6 inhibitor group had much higher apoptosis rate than control (P<0.05).
Conclusion

Our findings indicated that inhibiting IL-6/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway could suppress IH growth.
Optimal Duration of the Apnea Test for Determining Brain Death: Benefit of the Short-Term Apnea Test
Authors: Baik Seung Min , Park Jin , Kim Tae Yoon , Lee Jung Hwa , Hong Kyung Sook
Published: November 2021

Background: The criteria for brain death determination have not been unified globally, and there is no global consensus on the apnea test, which is essential for determining brain death. Since the apnea test is associated with many complications, we aimed to determine an optimal duration of the apnea test.Methods: We analyzed the results of the apnea test performed for brain death determination between August 2013 and February 2021 at a single institution in South Korea. Elevations in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and mean arterial blood pressure fluctuations over time in the apnea test were recorded.Results: In the 1st and 2nd tests, the mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide increased by more than 20 mmHg at 3 min after the apnea test compared to before the test (P < 0.05). At 4 min in the 1st test and 5 min in the 2nd test, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide exceeded 60 mmHg (P < 0.05). The fluctuation in the mean arterial blood pressure observed for 5 min during the apnea test was not significant. There was no significant fluctuation in the mean arterial blood pressure over time in the apnea test between patients with normal chest radiography findings and those with abnormal chest radiography findings (P = 0.888).Conclusion: Our study proposes that a short-term apnea test protocol is valid for the preservation of organs for donation.
Exploring the temporal dynamics of the fungal microbiome in rootstocks, the lesser-known half of the grapevine crop
Authors: Gramaje David , Eichmeier Ales , Spetik Milan , Carbone María Julia , Bujanda Rebeca , Vallance Jessica , Rey Patrice
Published: November 2021

Background
Rootstocks are the link between soil and scion in grapevine, and they can either provide tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and regulate yield and grape quality. The vascular system of grapevine rootstocks is still an underexplored niche despite its potential for hosting beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the composition of fungal communities in 110 Richter and 41 Berlandieri rootstocks at different stages of the grapevine propagation process and to measure the absolute abundance and dynamic changes of Cadophora luteo-olivacea, a common pathogen associated with Petri disease of grapevine.
Results
Taxonomic analysis revealed that the fungal community predominantly consisted of phyla Ascomycota in all steps of the propagation process. The alpha-diversity of fungal communities differed among sampling moments for both rootstocks, with richness and fungal diversity in the vascular system decreasing throughout the propagation process. The core microbiome was composed by the genera Cadophora, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria in both rootstocks, while the pathogenic genus Neofusicoccum was identified as a persistent taxon throughout the propagation process. Fungal functionality analysis showed that the relative abundance of plant pathogens associated with trunk diseases increased towards the last stage in nurseries. Regarding C. luteo-olivacea, significant correlations between sequencing reads and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was observed.
Conclusions
Fungal communities in the vascular system of grapevine rootstocks differed among the different stages of the propagation process in nurseries. Numerous genera associated with potential biocontrol activity and grapevine trunk diseases have been identified. Understanding the large diversity of fungi in the rootstock vascular tissue and the interactions between fungal microbiota and grapevine will help developing sustainable strategies for grapevine protection.
Primary Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma of Liver: Case of Report
Authors: di qiuyi , Wen Qiongli , Cheng Zhihong , Mao Zhiqun , Zhong Gang , Long Xiangdang
Published: November 2021

BackgroundExtraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a highly malignant osteosarcoma that occurs in extraskeletal tissues. It often affects the soft tissues of the limbs. ESOS is classified as primary or secondary ESOS. Case presentationwe report a case of primary hepatic osteosarcoma in a 76-year-old male patient. The patient had a giant cystic-solid mass in the right liver that was evident on ultrasound and computed tomography. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry of the mass, which was surgically removed, suggested fibroblastic osteosarcoma. No other abnormal lesions were found. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with primary hepatic osteosarcoma. The hepatic osteosarcoma reoccurred 48 days after surgery, resulting in significant compression and narrowing of the hepatic segment of the inferior vena cava. Consequently, the patient underwent stent implantation in the inferior vena cava and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. Unfortunately, the patient died of postoperative multiple organ failure.ConclusionsHepatic osteosarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor with a short course and a high likelihood of metastasis and recurrence. If a biopsy were to return osteoid in a large liver tumor, ESOS would be suspected. However, there is no evidence-based treatment plan to date. Surgical resection combined with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy seems to be the best treatment option.
First Trimester Iron Status and Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Hansen Rebecka , Spangmose Anne Lærke , Sommer Veronika Markova , Holm Charlotte , Jørgensen Finn Stener , Krebs Lone , Pinborg Anja
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To assess the following in singleton pregnant women: 1) associations between first trimester iron deficiency and obstetric and perinatal outcomes, 2) overall first trimester iron status and 3) post-treatment iron status after intensified iron supplementation.Methods: Prospective cohort study with linkage of first trimester hemoglobin and plasma ferritin with obstetric and perinatal data from a hospital database. Blood sample data were obtained at a Danish University Hospital. The cohort was divided into groups according to ferritin and hemoglobin: (1) iron deficient anemic (ferritin <30 ng/mL and Hb <110 g/L), (2) iron deficient non-anemic (ferritin <30 ng/mL and Hb ≥110 g/L), and (3) iron replete non-anemic (ferritin 30–200 ng/mL and Hb ≥110 g/L). Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in each iron deficient group were compared to the iron replete non-anemic group using multivariable logistic regression. The effect of 2–8 weeks intensified iron supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin were assessed by pairwise comparisons.Results: The cohort comprised 5,763 singleton pregnant women, of which 14.2% had non-anemic iron deficiency, and 1.2% had iron deficiency anemia. Compared to iron replete non-anemic women, iron deficient anemic women had a higher risk of gestational diabetes (aOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.4–9.0), and iron deficient non-anemic women had a higher risk of stillbirth (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 1.0–14.3). In group 1 and 2, 78.7% and 67.8% remained iron deficient after intensified iron supplementation. Conclusion: First trimester iron deficiency may be associated with gestational diabetes and stillbirth. First trimester iron deficiency was present in 15.4% and often persisted despite 2–8 weeks intensified iron supplementation.
The Surgical Staging of Apparent Early-staged Ovarian Mucinous Carcinoma.
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Zhang Ying , Cao Dongyan , Shen Keng , Yang Jiaxin , Yu Mei , Zhou Huimei , Wang Tao
Published: November 2021

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the rate of upstaging after surgical staging in patients with apparent International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I ovarian mucinous carcinoma.Methods: Ovarian mucinous carcinoma patients with surgical treatment were, retrospectively, reviewed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between October 2020 and January 1994.Results: Totally, 163 patients were included in this study, Surgical re-staging was performed in 89 patients after incomplete surgical staging and one-step surgical staging was performed in 74 patients. For these incompletely staged patients, residual tumors were found in 16 patients (16/89, 17.9%), For 19 patients with apparent FIGO stage IA, no patient was found to have residual tumor after incomplete staging surgery confirmed by the final pathology result of re-staging surgery. Both multipara (hazard ration [HR]= 6.532, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.416-30.137, P=0.016) and ovarian cystectomy (HR=8.269, 95% CI= 1.772-38.595, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for residual tumor after incomplete staging surgery. For all 163 patients, up-staging was found in 15 patients (15/163, 9.2%). For 44 apparent FIGO stage IA patients, no patient was found to up-stage to FIGO II-IVB. Moreover, both the history of ovarian mucinous tumor (HR=4.745, 95% CI= 1.132-19.886, P=0.033) and bilateral ovaries involved (HR=9.739, 95% CI= 2.016-47.056, P=0.005) were independent risk factors for up-staging to FIGO stage II-IVB.Conclusions: We found that for apparent FIGO stage I ovarian mucinous carcinoma patients, residual tumors were found in 17.9 % after incomplete staging surgery and up-staging to FIGO II-IV in 9.2% after complete staging surgery. For patients of apparent FIGO stage IA, the possibility of residual tumors and up-staging is relatively low. While for patients of cystectomy, bilateral mucinous carcinomas, or history of ovarian mucinous tumors, complete staging surgery maintains greater significance.
The Determinants of Design Applications in Europe
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio , Leogrande Domenico
Published: November 2021

In this article we estimate the level of “Design Application” in 37 European Countries in the period 2010-2019. We use data from the European Innovation Scoreboard-EIS of the European Commission. We perform four econometric models i.e., Pooled OLS, Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Dynamic Panel. We found that the level of Design Applications is negatively associated to “Enterprise Births”, “Finance and Support”, “Firm Investments” and positively associated with “Venture Capital”, “Turnover share large enterprises”, “R&D expenditure public sector”, “Intellectual Assets”. In adjunct we perform a cluster analysis with the application of the k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient and we found three different clusters. Finally, we confront eight different machine learning algorithms to predict the level of “Design Application” and we found that the Tree Ensemble is the best predictor with a value for the 30% of the dataset analyzed that is expected to decrease in mean of -12,86%.