bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of MACC1-Induced Metastasis in Esophageal and Gastric Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Treese Christoph , Werchan Jessica , von Winterfeld Moritz , Berg Erika , Hummel Michael , Timm Lena , Rau Beate , Daberkow Ole , Walther Wolfgang , Daum Severin , Kobelt Dennis , Stein Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Esophageal and Gastric Adenocarcinomas (AGE/S) are characterized by early metastasis and poor survival. MACC1 (Metastasis Associated in Colon Cancer 1) acts in colon cancer as a metastasis inducer and is linked to reduced survival. This project illuminates the role and potential for the inhibition of MACC1 in AGE/S. Using 266 of 360 TMAs and survival data of AGE/S patients, we confirm the value of MACC1 as an independent negative prognostic marker in AGE/S patients. MACC1 gene expression is correlated with survival and morphological characteristics. In vitro analysis of lentivirally MACC1-manipulated subclones of FLO-1 and OE33 showed enhanced migration induced by MACC1 in both cell line models, which could be inhibited by the MEK1 inhibitor selumetinib. In vivo, the efficacy of selumetinib on tumor growths and metastases of MACC1-overexpressing FLO-1 cells xenografted intrasplenically in NOG mice was tested. Mice with high-MACC1-expressing cells developed faster and larger distant metastases. Treatment with selumetinib led to a significant reduction in metastasis exclusively in the MACC1-positive xenografts. MACC1 is an enhancer of tumor aggressiveness and a predictor of poor survival in AGE/S. This effect can be inhibited by selumetinib.
Radiomics-Based Method for Predicting the Glioma Subtype as Defined by Tumor Grade, IDH Mutation, and 1p/19q Codeletion
Authors: Li Yingping , Ammari Samy , Lawrance Littisha , Quillent Arnaud , Assi Tarek , Lassau Nathalie , Chouzenoux Emilie
Published: April 2022

Gliomas are among the most common types of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. A prompt diagnosis of the glioma subtype is crucial to estimate the prognosis and personalize the treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to develop a radiomics pipeline based on the clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to noninvasively predict the glioma subtype, as defined based on the tumor grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status, and 1p/19q codeletion status. A total of 212 patients from the public retrospective The Cancer Genome Atlas Low Grade Glioma (TCGA-LGG) and The Cancer Genome Atlas Glioblastoma Multiforme (TCGA-GBM) datasets were used for the experiments and analyses. Different settings in the radiomics pipeline were investigated to improve the classification, including the Z-score normalization, the feature extraction strategy, the image filter applied to the MRI images, the introduction of clinical information, ComBat harmonization, the classifier chain strategy, etc. Based on numerous experiments, we finally reached an optimal pipeline for classifying the glioma tumors. We then tested this final radiomics pipeline on the hold-out test data with 51 randomly sampled random seeds for reliable and robust conclusions. The results showed that, after tuning the radiomics pipeline, the mean AUC improved from 0.8935 (±0.0351) to 0.9319 (±0.0386), from 0.8676 (±0.0421) to 0.9283 (±0.0333), and from 0.6473 (±0.1074) to 0.8196 (±0.0702) in the test data for predicting the tumor grade, IDH mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion status, respectively. The mean accuracy for predicting the five glioma subtypes also improved from 0.5772 (±0.0816) to 0.6716 (±0.0655). Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of the radiomic features that best distinguished the glioma grade, the IDH mutation, and the 1p/19q codeletion status, respectively. Apart from the promising prediction of the glioma subtype, this study also provides a better understanding of the radiomics model development and interpretability. The results in this paper are replicable with our python codes publicly available in github.
Targeting GLI1 Transcription Factor for Restoring Iodine Avidity with Redifferentiation in Radioactive-Iodine Refractory Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Oh Ji Min , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Gangadaran Prakash , Hong Chae Moon , Jeong Ju Hye , Lee Jaetae , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: April 2022

Radioactive-iodine (RAI) therapy is the mainstay for patients with recurrent and metastatic thyroid cancer. However, many patients exhibit dedifferentiation characteristics along with lack of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) functionality, low expression of thyroid-specific proteins, and poor RAI uptake, leading to poor prognosis. Previous studies have demonstrated the effect of GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1) inhibition on tumor growth and apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the role of GLI1 in the context of redifferentiation and improvement in the efficacy of RAI therapy for thyroid cancer. We evaluated GLI1 expression in several thyroid cancer cell lines and selected TPC-1 and SW1736 cell lines showing the high expression of GLI. We performed GLI1 knockdown and evaluated the changes of thyroid-specific proteins expression, RAI uptake and I-131-mediated cytotoxicity. The effect of GANT61 (GLI1 inhibitor) on endogenous NIS expression was also assessed. Endogenous NIS expression upregulated by inhibiting GLI1, in addition, increased expression level in plasma membrane. Also, GLI1 knockdown increased expression of thyroid-specific proteins. Restoration of thyroid-specific proteins increased RAI uptake and I-131-mediated cytotoxic effect. Treatment with GANT61 also increased expression of endogenous NIS. Targeting GLI1 can be a potential strategy with redifferentiation for restoring RAI avidity in dedifferentiated thyroid cancers.
Uptake Rates of Risk-Reducing Surgeries for Women at Increased Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Applied to Cost-Effectiveness Analyses: A Scoping Systematic Review
Authors: Simões Corrêa Galendi Julia , Kautz-Freimuth Sibylle , Stock Stephanie , Müller Dirk
Published: April 2022

The cost-effectiveness of genetic screen-and-treat strategies for women at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer often depends on the women’s willingness to make use of risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) or salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). To explore the uptake rates of RRM and RRSO applied in health economic modeling studies and the impact of uptake rates on the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), we conducted a scoping literature review. In addition, using our own model, we conducted a value of information (VOI) analysis. Among the 19 models included in the review, the uptake rates of RRM ranged from 6% to 47% (RRSO: 10% to 88%). Fifty-seven percent of the models applied retrospective data obtained from registries, hospital records, or questionnaires. According to the models’ deterministic sensitivity analyses, there is a clear trend that a lower uptake rate increased the ICER and vice versa. Our VOI analysis showed high decision uncertainty associated with the uptake rates. In the future, uptake rates should be given more attention in the conceptualization of health economic modeling studies. Prospective studies are recommended to reflect regional and national variations in women’s preferences for preventive surgery.
Characterization of Aberrations in DNA Damage Repair Pathways in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: The Clinicopathologic Relevance of γH2AX and 53BP1 in Correlation with Heterozygous Deletions of CHEK2, BRCA2, and RB1
Authors: Liu Ting-Ting , Li Chien-Feng , Tan Kien-Thiam , Jan Yi-Hua , Lee Pei-Hang , Huang Chih-Hao , Yu Shih-Chen , Tsao Cheng-Feng , Wang Jui-Chu , Huang Hsuan-Ying
Published: April 2022

Genetic aberrations involving DNA damage repair (DDR) remain underexplored in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We characterized DDR abnormalities using targeted next-generation sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and performed immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses of γH2AX and 53BP1. Consistent with IF-validated nuclear co-localization, γH2AX and 53BP1 showed robust correlations in expression levels, as did both biomarkers between IF and IHC. Without recurrent pathogenic single-nucleotide variants, heterozygous deletions (HetDels) frequently targeted DNA damage-sensing genes, with CHEK2-HetDel being the most prevalent. Despite their chromosomal proximity, BRCA2 and RB1 were occasionally hit by HetDels and were seldom co-deleted. HetDels of CHEK2 and BRCA2 showed a preference for older age groups, while RB1-HetDel predominated in the non-gastric, high-risk, and 53BP1-overexpressing GISTs. Higher risk levels were consistently related to γ-H2AX or 53BP1 overexpression (all p < 0.01) in two validation cohorts, while only 53BP1 overexpression was associated with the deletion of KIT exon 11 (KITex11-del) among genotyped GISTs. Low expressers of dual biomarkers were shown by univariate analysis to have longer disease-free survival (p = 0.031). However, higher risk levels, epithelioid histology, and KITex11-del retained prognostic independence. Conclusively, IHC is a useful surrogate of laborious IF in the combined assessment of 53BP1 and γ-H2AX to identify potential DDR-defective GISTs, which were frequently aberrated by HetDels and a harbinger of progression.
ATRX-Deficient High-Grade Glioma Cells Exhibit Increased Sensitivity to RTK and PDGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Pladevall-Morera David , Castejón-Griñán María , Aguilera Paula , Gaardahl Karina , Ingham Andreas , Brosnan-Cashman Jacqueline A. , Meeker Alan K. , Lopez-Contreras Andres J.
Published: April 2022

High-grade glioma, including anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma (GBM) patients, have a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatments. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic strategies to treat these gliomas is urgently required. Given that high-grade gliomas frequently harbor mutations in the SNF2 family chromatin remodeler ATRX, we performed a screen to identify FDA-approved drugs that are toxic to ATRX-deficient cells. Our findings reveal that multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitors cause higher cellular toxicity in high-grade glioma ATRX-deficient cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a combinatorial treatment of RTKi with temozolomide (TMZ)–the current standard of care treatment for GBM patients–causes pronounced toxicity in ATRX-deficient high-grade glioma cells. Our findings suggest that combinatorial treatments with TMZ and RTKi may increase the therapeutic window of opportunity in patients who suffer high-grade gliomas with ATRX mutations. Thus, we recommend incorporating the ATRX status into the analyses of clinical trials with RTKi and PDGFRi.
Liquid-Phase Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Ferromagnetic Element (Fe, Co, Ni, Nd)-Promoted Pt Catalysts Supported on Activated Carbon
Authors: Saknaphawuth Sureeporn , Weerachawanasak Patcharaporn , Chuenchom Laemthong , Praserthdam Piyasan , Panpranot Joongjai
Published: April 2022

Ferromagnetic element (x = Fe, Co, Ni, and Nd)-promoted Pt/AC catalysts were prepared by co-impregnation method or physical mixing and tested in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol (FA) under mild conditions (50 °C and 20 bar H2) using water and methanol as the solvent. Among the various catalysts studied, the 0.15FePt/AC exhibited complete conversion of furfural with an FA selectivity of 74% after only 1 h of reaction time in water. The promotional effect of the bimetallic catalysts became less pronounced when methanol was used as the solvent and a 2-furaldehyde dimethyl acetal solvent product was formed. The superior catalyst performances were correlated with the higher Pt dispersion, the presence of low coordination Pt sites, and the strong Pt–Fe interaction as characterized by X-ray diffraction, H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), N2 physisorption, and infrared spectroscopy of the adsorbed CO (CO-IR). However, to simply use a magnet for catalyst separation, 0.5 wt% Fe was the minimum Fe loading on the Pt/AC. The 0.5FePt/AC still exhibited good magnetic properties after the third consecutive runs.
A Boronated Derivative of Temozolomide Showing Enhanced Efficacy in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Xiang Jing , Ma Lin , Gu Zheng , Jin Hongjun , Zhai Hongbin , Tong Jianfei , Liang Tianjiao , Li Juan , Ren Qiushi , Liu Qi
Published: April 2022

There is an incontestable need for improved treatment modality for glioblastoma due to its extraordinary resistance to traditional chemoradiation therapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) may play a role in the future. We designed and synthesized a 10B-boronated derivative of temozolomide, TMZB. BNCT was carried out with a total neutron radiation fluence of 2.4 ± 0.3 × 1011 n/cm2. The effects of TMZB in BNCT were measured with a clonogenic cell survival assay in vitro and PET/CT imaging in vivo. Then, 10B-boronated phenylalanine (BPA) was tested in parallel with TMZB for comparison. The IC50 of TMZB for the cytotoxicity of clonogenic cells in HS683 was 0.208 mM, which is comparable to the IC50 of temozolomide at 0.213 mM. In BNCT treatment, 0.243 mM TMZB caused 91.2% ± 6.4% of clonogenic cell death, while 0.239 mM BPA eliminated 63.7% ± 6.3% of clonogenic cells. TMZB had a tumor-to-normal brain ratio of 2.9 ± 1.1 and a tumor-to-blood ratio of 3.8 ± 0.2 in a mouse glioblastoma model. BNCT with TMZB in this model caused 58.2% tumor shrinkage at 31 days after neutron irradiation, while the number for BPA was 35.2%. Therefore, by combining the effects of chemotherapy from temozolomide and radiotherapy with heavy charged particles from BNCT, TMZB-based BNCT exhibited promising potential for therapeutic applications in glioblastoma treatment.
CARD19 Interacts with Mitochondrial Contact Site and Cristae Organizing System Constituent Proteins and Regulates Cristae Morphology
Authors: Rios Kariana E. , Zhou Ming , Lott Nathaniel M. , Beauregard Chelsi R. , McDaniel Dennis P. , Conrads Thomas P. , Schaefer Brian C.
Published: April 2022

CARD19 is a mitochondrial protein of unknown function. While CARD19 was originally reported to regulate TCR-dependent NF-κB activation via interaction with BCL10, this function is not recapitulated ex vivo in primary murine CD8+ T cells. Here, we employ a combination of SIM, TEM, and confocal microscopy, along with proteinase K protection assays and proteomics approaches, to identify interacting partners of CARD19 in macrophages. Our data show that CARD19 is specifically localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane. Through deletion of functional domains, we demonstrate that both the distal C-terminus and transmembrane domain are required for mitochondrial targeting, whereas the CARD is not. Importantly, mass spectrometry analysis of 3×Myc-CARD19 immunoprecipitates reveals that CARD19 interacts with the components of the mitochondrial intermembrane bridge (MIB), consisting of mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) components MIC19, MIC25, and MIC60, and MICOS-interacting proteins SAMM50 and MTX2. These CARD19 interactions are in part dependent on a properly folded CARD. Consistent with previously reported phenotypes upon siRNA silencing of MICOS subunits, absence of CARD19 correlates with irregular cristae morphology. Based on these data, we propose that CARD19 is a previously unknown interacting partner of the MIB and the MIC19–MIC25–MIC60 MICOS subcomplex that regulates cristae morphology.
Biotechnological Perspectives to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic: Precise Diagnostics and Inevitable Vaccine Paradigms
Authors: Aileni Mahender , Rohela Gulab Khan , Jogam Phanikanth , Soujanya Shakuntala , Zhang Baohong
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause for the ongoing global public health emergency. It is more commonly known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); the pandemic threat continues to spread aroundthe world with the fluctuating emergence of its new variants. The severity of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic to serious acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has led to a high human mortality rate and disruption of socioeconomic well-being. For the restoration of pre-pandemic normalcy, the international scientific community has been conducting research on a war footing to limit extremely pathogenic COVID-19 through diagnosis, treatment, and immunization. Since the first report of COVID-19 viral infection, an array of laboratory-based and point-of-care (POC) approaches have emerged for diagnosing and understanding its status of outbreak. The RT-PCR-based viral nucleic acid test (NAT) is one of the rapidly developed and most used COVID-19 detection approaches. Notably, the current forbidding status of COVID-19 requires the development of safe, targeted vaccines/vaccine injections (shots) that can reduce its associated morbidity and mortality. Massive and accelerated vaccination campaigns would be the most effective and ultimate hope to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak, emerging biotechnologies and their multidisciplinary approaches have accelerated the understanding of molecular details as well as the development of a wide range of diagnostics and potential vaccine candidates, which are indispensable to combating the highly contagious COVID-19. Several vaccine candidates have completed phase III clinical studies and are reported to be effective in immunizing against COVID-19 after their rollout via emergency use authorization (EUA). However, optimizing the type of vaccine candidates and its route of delivery that works best to control viral spread is crucial to face the threatening variants expected to emerge over time. In conclusion, the insights of this review would facilitate the development of more likely diagnostics and ideal vaccines for the global control of COVID-19.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Endothelial Cell Senescence
Authors: Nikolajevic Jovana , Ariaee Nazila , Liew Aaron , Abbasnia Shadi , Fazeli Bahare , Sabovic Miso
Published: April 2022

Cellular senescence is a complex, dynamic process consisting of the irreversible arrest of growth and gradual deterioration of cellular function. Endothelial senescence affects the cell’s ability to repair itself, which is essential for maintaining vascular integrity and leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction, which has an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Senescent endothelial cells develop a particular, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that detrimentally affects both surrounding and distant endothelial cells, thereby facilitating the ageing process and development of age-related disorders. Recent studies highlight the role of endothelial senescence and its dysfunction in the pathophysiology of several age-related diseases. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that have an important role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Recently, it has been discovered that miRNAs could importantly contribute to endothelial cell senescence. Overall, the research focus has been shifting to new potential mechanisms and targets to understand and prevent the structural and functional changes in ageing senescent endothelial cells in order to prevent the development and limit the progression of the wide spectrum of age-related diseases. The aim of this review is to provide some insight into the most important pathways involved in the modulation of endothelial senescence and to reveal the specific roles of several miRNAs involved in this complex process. Better understanding of miRNA’s role in endothelial senescence could lead to new approaches for prevention and possibly also for the treatment of endothelial cells ageing and associated age-related diseases.
The Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Services in a Tertiary Care Center Specialized in Pediatric Hemato-Oncology
Authors: Gradwohl Christina , Engstler Gernot , Anditsch Martina , Pichler Herbert , Stemer Gunar
Published: April 2022

Clinical pharmacy services (CPS) have shown beneficial effects on several outcome measures in hospital patients, including the reduction of drug-related problems (DRP) and of therapy costs. Less is known about the impact of CPS in pediatric haemato-oncology, even though this patient population is highly susceptible to DRP. CPS were implemented in a tertiary care children’s hospital specialized in hemato-oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The main outcome measures were type and number of DRP, type and number of pharmaceutical interventions (PI), their acceptance rate, and their clinical significance and economic benefit. During 6 months and 32 ward rounds, 275 DRP were identified and addressed by PI. The acceptance of PI was high (73.4%), and up to 80% of PI were rated as very significant or significant by independent external raters. The estimated therapy cost reductions were substantial, approaching at least EUR 54,600 for avoided follow-up costs. Conclusion: CPS improve medication safety in pediatric hemato-oncology and may reduce therapy costs.
Effectiveness of Mental Health Literacy Programs in Primary and Secondary Schools: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Amado-Rodríguez Isaac Daniel , Casañas Rocio , Mas-Expósito Laia , Castellví Pere , Roldan-Merino Juan Francisco , Casas Irma , Lalucat-Jo Lluís , Fernández-San Martín Mª Isabel
Published: April 2022

In recent years, there has been an increase in studies evaluating the effectiveness of mental health literacy programs within the context of education as a universal, preventive intervention. A systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of mental health literacy interventions in schools, from 2013 to the present, on mental health knowledge, stigma, and help-seeking is conducted. Of the 795 identified references, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Mental health knowledge increased after the interventions (standardized mean difference: SMD = 0.61; 95% CI (0.05, 0.74)), at two months (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI (0.4, 1.07)) and six months (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI (0.27, 0.51)). No significant differences were observed between stigma and improving help-seeking. Mental health literacy interventions are effective in augmenting mental health knowledge, but not in reducing stigma or improving help-seeking behavior.
Functional Coatings by Natural and Synthetic Agents for Insect Control and Their Applications
Authors: Coetzee Divan , Militky Jiri , Venkataraman Mohanapriya
Published: April 2022

Insect repellent textiles offer protection against disease-causing vectors such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks. Protection is based on the incorporation of insect repellent compounds present in plant oil derivatives or synthetic oils. The effectiveness and application of natural insect repellents such as citronella grass, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, holy basil, tea tree, neem, lavender, thyme, lemon eucalyptus, clove, and cinnamon oils, as well as synthetic compounds permethrin, allethrin, malathion, DEET, DETA, IR3535, and picaridin, are compared here. The insect repellent and insecticidal effectiveness of natural compounds in their pure form are very low due to their high volatility. The effectiveness has been greatly improved through slow-release systems such as encapsulation of the essential oils and is comparable to synthetic compounds used for insect control purposes. Due to the lasting toxicity of synthetic compounds to humans and the environment, the use of natural compounds should become a more preferred method of insect control.
Optimal Allocation and Sizing of PV Generation Units in Distribution Networks via the Generalized Normal Distribution Optimization Approach
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Ramos-Paja Carlos Andres
Published: April 2022

The problem of optimal siting and dimensioning of photovoltaic (PV) generators in medium-voltage distribution networks is addressed in this research from the perspective of combinatorial optimization. The exact mixed-integer programming (MINLP) model is solved using a master–slave (MS) optimization approach. In the master stage, the generalized normal distribution optimization (GNDO) with a discrete–continuous codification is used to represent the locations and sizes of the PV generators. In the slave stage, the generalization of the backward/forward power method, known as the successive approximation power flow method, is adopted. Numerical simulations in the IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus systems demonstrated that the GNDO approach is the most efficient method for solving the exact MINLP model, as it obtained better results than the genetic algorithm, vortex-search algorithm, Newton-metaheuristic optimizer, and exact solution using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) software with the BONMIN solver. Simulations showed that, on average, the proposed MS optimizer reduced the total annual operative costs by approximately 27% for both test feeders when compared with the reference case. In addition, variations in renewable generation availability showed that from 30% ahead, positive reductions with respect to the reference case were obtained.
Investigation of Magnetic Entropy Change in Intermetallic Compounds SmNi3−xFex Based on Maxwell Relation and Phenomenological Model
Authors: Jaballah Hamdi , Nouri Kamel , Mliki Najeh , Bessais Lotfi , Jemmali Mosbah
Published: April 2022

In this study, we investigate the crystal structure, magnetic, and magnetocaloric effect properties in the intermetallic compounds SmNi3−xFex using a phenomenological model based on Landau mean-field theory and Maxwell relation (conventional method). SmNi3−xFex compounds were prepared under high pure argon by arc melting. To minimize the amount of other possible impurity phases, the ingots were heat-treated at 1073 K for seven days. X-ray diffraction (XRD) under and without an applied magnetic field was used for the structural study. Rietveld analysis with FullProf computer code was used to analyze X-ray diffraction data. The magnetization against temperature was measured under several applied magnetic fields. After the partial substitutions of nickel atom with iron one, we notice an increase of cell parameters. In addition, Curie temperature value increases significantly with the increase of iron content. According to the Landau model, SmNi3−xFex compounds exhibit a second-order magnetic phase transition. The magnetic entropy change was determined with theoretical and experimental methods. Finally, a comparison between theoretical magnetic entropy change and the experimental show an agreement between the two methods.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of JingFenCui (Rhodonite Jade) Deposit from Beijing, China
Authors: Kang Zhi-Juan , Shi Guang-Hai , Lei Wei-Yan , An Cai-Xiu , Liu Lu , Liu Shu-Hong , Lu Feng , Xu Lin
Published: April 2022

JingFenCui is a type of rhodonite jade from the Changping district of Beijing, China, which is a manganese skarn deposit formed through the metasomatism of the granite aplite and Cambrian limestone. The pink color of JingFenCui is richer and brighter than that of rhodonite jade from other deposits. The surface of JingFenCui exhibits dendritic iron and manganese oxides, which is the outstanding advantage of rhodonite jade for carving works. The zoning pattern of mineralogy between the contact zone with the wallrock is obvious. The main skarn minerals consist mainly of spessartine, diopside, augite, manganotremolite, clino-suenoite, rhodonite, galena, etc. Compared with rhodonite jade from the Makeng in Fujian and the Luziyuan in western Yunnan, vittinkiite (MnSiO3) is more concentrated in the rhodonite of the JingFenCui Deposit as a Mn-Ag-Pb-Zn-Fe polymetallic deposit. There is a good agreement among the rhodonite, amphibole, and galena in the spider diagrams of the trace elements. The results of trace elements and REE analysis show that the metallogenic fluids of the JingFenCui deposit are mainly from magma related to the Heixiongshan granite. It is suggested that the JingFenCui deposit is a manganese skarn deposit formed through the metasomatism of the manganese-bearing limestone and fine-grained granite of the Heixiongshan.
First Record of Ophidonais serpentina (Müller, 1773) (Oligochaeta: Naididae) in China: The Occurrence or Absence of Needles Are Intraspecific Differences
Authors: Yu Jiefeng , Zhou Tingting , Wang Hongzhu , Cui Yongde
Published: April 2022

A naidid oligochaete, Ophidonais serpentina (Müller, 1773) is redescribed based on specimens from the Xinkai River in Zhejiang Province, China. O. serpentina is very common in Europe and America. This study is the first record of the species in China. By integrating the previously morphological descriptions related to O. serpentina in the world, it can be divided into three morphological groups: a group with dorsal chaetae starting from VI, a group without dorsal chaetae, and a group with an unstable starting position of the dorsal chaetae. By comparing the mitochondrial DNA (16S rDNA, COI), nuclear DNA (ITS2), and histones (H3) from the three groups, Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the combined data set. Different analyses gave almost consistent phylogenetic trees. All of the genetic distances between the three groups were 0.00%. No genetic variation can be detected between the specimens regardless of the presence and starting position of dorsal chaetae. This result suggests that a single lineage of O. serpentina is widespread worldwide.
Medical Radiation Exposure Reduction in PET via Super-Resolution Deep Learning Model
Authors: Yoshimura Takaaki , Hasegawa Atsushi , Kogame Shoki , Magota Keiichi , Kimura Rina , Watanabe Shiro , Hirata Kenji , Sugimori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

In positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, image quality correlates with the injected [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) dose and acquisition time. If image quality improves from short-acquisition PET images via the super-resolution (SR) deep learning technique, it is possible to reduce the injected FDG dose. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify whether the SR deep learning technique could improve the image quality of the 50%-acquisition-time image to the level of that of the 100%-acquisition-time image. One-hundred-and-eight adult patients were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. The supervised data were divided into nine subsets for nested cross-validation. The mean peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity in the SR-PET image were 31.3 dB and 0.931, respectively. The mean opinion scores of the 50% PET image, SR-PET image, and 100% PET image were 3.41, 3.96, and 4.23 for the lung level, 3.31, 3.80, and 4.27 for the liver level, and 3.08, 3.67, and 3.94 for the bowel level, respectively. Thus, the SR-PET image was more similar to the 100% PET image and subjectively improved the image quality, as compared to the 50% PET image. The use of the SR deep-learning technique can reduce the injected FDG dose and thus lower radiation exposure.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms—A Scoping Review
Authors: Pantelis Athanasios G. , Panagopoulou Panagiota A. , Lapatsanis Dimitris P.
Published: April 2022

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) and tumors (NETs) are rare neoplasms that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal system. In this scoping review, we attempt to map existing evidence on the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning in the diagnosis and management of NENs of the gastrointestinal system. After implementation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrieved 44 studies with 53 outcome analyses. We then classified the papers according to the type of studied NET (26 Pan-NETs, 59.1%; 3 metastatic liver NETs (6.8%), 2 small intestinal NETs, 4.5%; colorectal, rectal, non-specified gastroenteropancreatic and non-specified gastrointestinal NETs had from 1 study each, 2.3%). The most frequently used AI algorithms were Supporting Vector Classification/Machine (14 analyses, 29.8%), Convolutional Neural Network and Random Forest (10 analyses each, 21.3%), Random Forest (9 analyses, 19.1%), Logistic Regression (8 analyses, 17.0%), and Decision Tree (6 analyses, 12.8%). There was high heterogeneity on the description of the prediction model, structure of datasets, and performance metrics, whereas the majority of studies did not report any external validation set. Future studies should aim at incorporating a uniform structure in accordance with existing guidelines for purposes of reproducibility and research quality, which are prerequisites for integration into clinical practice.
The Patient Hides the Truth, but the Computer Tomography Examination Restores It!
Authors: Dragomir Liliana , Marina Virginia , Moscu Cosmina Alina , Anghele Mihaela
Published: April 2022

In this article, we present the case of a patient who hid the real reason for which he came to the emergency room. This patient in this case is a 61-year-old man, who presented to the emergency department for symptoms relevant to respiratory disease. However, the initial diagnosis turned out to be only the “tip of the iceberg” in the evolution and treatment of this patient. Fournier gangrene is a fulminant form of infectious necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal, genital, or perianal regions, which frequently affects men, but can also occur in women and children. It is a rare but life-threatening disease. Due to potential complications, it is important to diagnose Fournier gangrene as early as possible. Although antibiotics and aggressive debridement have been widely accepted as standard treatment, the mortality rate remains high. In many cases, the doctor’s mission is much more difficult than it first seems. The challenges to which the doctor is subjected, especially in the emergency room, are immense. In establishing a diagnosis and emergency treatment, all parties involved—medical staff, on the one hand, and patients and relatives, on the other hand—must collaborate so that the outcome is a positive one. The overall conclusion of the medical team was that Fournier gangrene in the patient was the consequence of both the presence of an intrarectal foreign body, as well as excessive alcohol consumption. The case of our patient with Fournier gangrene and an intrarectal foreign body had a positive outcome due to quick, aggressive, and adequate medical and surgical management, as well as the fact that the patient had no other associated pathologies beyond alcohol “passion.” Our patient’s case is an example of the exceptional situations we sometimes encounter in medical practice.
In Vivo Super-Resolution Cardiac Diffusion Tensor MRI: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Le Bars Anne-Lise , Moulin Kevin , Ennis Daniel B. , Felblinger Jacques , Chen Bailiang , Odille Freddy
Published: April 2022

A super-resolution (SR) technique is proposed for imaging myocardial fiber architecture with cardiac magnetic resonance. Images were acquired with a motion-compensated cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) sequence. The heart left ventricle was covered with three stacks of thick slices, in short axis, horizontal and vertical long axes orientations, respectively. The three low-resolution stacks (2 × 2 × 8 mm3) were combined into an isotropic volume (2 × 2 × 2 mm3) by a super-resolution reconstruction. For in vivo measurements, each slice was acquired during a breath-hold period. Bulk motion was corrected by optimizing a similarity metric between intensity profiles from all intersecting slices in the dataset. The benefit of the proposed approach was evaluated using a numerical heart phantom, a physical helicoidal phantom with artificial fibers, and six healthy subjects. The SR technique showed improved results compared to the native scans, in terms of image quality and cDTI metrics. In particular, the myocardial helix angle (HA) was more accurately estimated in the physical phantom (HA = 41.5° ± 1.1°, with the ground truth being 42.0°). In vivo, it resulted in a sharper rate of change of HA across the myocardial wall (−0.993°/% ± 0.007°/% against −0.873°/% ± 0.010°/%).
Early Preventive Dental Visits: Do They Reduce Future Operative Treatments?
Authors: Hung Man , Licari Frank W. , Lipsky Martin S. , Moffat Ryan , Cheever Val Joseph , Mohajeri Amir , Stewart Michael , Orton Dean , Stewart David
Published: April 2022

This study assessed the longitudinal impact of early preventive dental visits on the number of dental operative procedures in a prevention-oriented pediatric dental practice. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients zero to four years of age with at least two years of preventive services provided by the practice. Early preventive visits were the intervention and dental operative procedures were the assessed outcome. The goal was to determine if preventive visits at an early age decreased the number of operative procedures needed by the patient. The patients were divided into two groups: those with older siblings in the practice and those without older siblings in the practice. A secondary outcome was to compare these two patient groups to determine if a child who had older siblings previously treated in this preventive practice had better outcomes than those without siblings in the practice. ANCOVA tests were used to compare the average number of operative procedures in two age groups (<2 years and ≥2 years), and for those with and without dental insurance, in addition to children being younger sibling versus children without sibling, adjusting for the effect of covariates. The study sample consisted of 363 pediatric patients. Patients’ age at first visit ranged from 0 to 4 years old (mean = 2.13; SD = 1.15). The average number of operative procedures per year increased as the age at first visit increased (p < 0.05). The average number of operative procedures in two age groups (<2 years and ≥2 years) differed (p < 0.05) with those whose age at first visit ≥2 years experiencing more dental operative procedures than the younger group. The average number of operative procedures was similar between younger siblings (mean = 1.91; SD = 7.44) and children without siblings (mean = 1.54; SD = 2.1) (p > 0.05). The difference in the average number of operative procedures in children with insurance (mean = 1.59; SD = 5.25) and children without insurance (mean = 1.58; SD = 2.38) was non-significant (p > 0.05). More dental cleaning examinations were associated with fewer dental operative procedures (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that dental examinations before two years of age and more dental cleaning examinations lead to a decrease in the number of dental operative procedures needed by children.
Testbed Emulator of Satellite-to-Ground FSO Downlink Affected by Atmospheric Seeing Including Scintillations and Clouds
Authors: Ivanov Hristo , Marzano Frank , Leitgeb Erich , Bekhrad Pasha
Published: April 2022

Free Space Optics (FSO) technology enabling next-generation near-Earth communication is prone to severe propagation losses due to atmospheric-turbulence-induced fading and Mie scattering (clouds). As an alternative to the real-time evaluation of the weather effects over optical signal, a state-of-the-art laboratory testbed for verification of slant APD-based (Avalanche Photodiode) FSO links in laboratory conditions is proposed. In particular, a hardware channel emulator representing an FSO channel by means of fiber-coupled Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) controlled by driver board and software is utilized. While atmospheric scintillation data are generated based on Radiosonde Observation (RAOB) databases combined with a statistical design approach, cloud attenuation is introduced using Mie theory together with empirical Log-Normal modeling. The estimation of atmospheric-turbulence-induced losses within the emulated optical downlink is done with an FSO IM/DD prototype (Intensity Modulation/Direct Detection) relying on two different data throughputs using a transmitter with external and internal modulation. Moreover, the receiver under-test is a high-speed 10 Gbps APD photodetector with integrated Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) typically installed in OGSs (Optical Ground Stations) for LEO/GEO satellite communication. The overall testbed performance is addressed by a BER tester and a digital oscilloscope, providing BER graphs and eye diagrams that prove the applied approach for testing APD-TIA in the presence of weather-based disruptions. Furthermore, the testbed benefits from the used beam camera that measures the quality of the generated FSO beam.
Fully Implantable Neural Stimulator with Variable Parameters
Authors: Pan Tan , Zou Yuanwen
Published: April 2022

Neural implantable systems have promoted the development of neurosurgery research and clinical practice. However, traditional tethered neural implants use physical wires for power supply and signal transmission, which have many restrictions on implant targets. Therefore, untethered, wireless, and controllable neural stimulation has always been widely recognized as the engineering goal of neural implants. In this paper, magnetically coupled resonant wireless power transfer (MCR-WPT) technology is adopted to design and manufacture a wireless stimulator for the electrical stimulation experiment of nerve repair. In the process of device development, SCM technology, signal modulation, demodulation, wireless power supply, and integration/packaging are used. Through experimental tests, the stimulator can output single-phase pulse signals with a variable frequency of (1–20 Hz), a duty cycle of (1–50%), and voltage. The average power is approximately 25 mW. The minimum pulse width of the signal is 200 μs and the effective distance of transmission is 1–4 cm. The stimulator can perform low-frequency, safe and controllable wireless stimulation.
A Self-Powered UHF Passive Tag for Biomedical Temperature Monitoring
Authors: Zamora-Mejia Gregorio , Martinez-Castillo Jaime , Diaz-Sanchez Alejandro , Rocha-Perez Jose M. , Herrera-May Agustín L. , Zapata-Rodriguez Uriel G. , Carbajal-Gomez Victor H.
Published: April 2022

Self-powered RF passive sensors have potential application in temperature measurements of patients with health problems. Herein, this work presents the design and implementation of a self-powered UHF passive tag prototype for biomedical temperature monitoring. The proposed battery-free sensor is composed of three basic building blocks: a high-frequency section, a micro-power management stage, and a temperature sensor. This passive temperature sensor uses an 860 MHz to 960 MHz RF carrier and a 1 W Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) to harvest energy for its operation, showing a read range of 9.5 m with a 13.75 µW power consumption, and an overall power consumption efficiency of 10.92% was achieved. The proposed device can measure temperature variations between 0 °C and 60 °C with a sensitivity of 823.29 Hz/°C and a standard error of 13.67 Hz/°C over linear regression. Circuit functionality was validated by means of post-layout simulations, characterization, and measurements of the manufactured prototype. The chip prototype was fabricated using a 0.18 µm CMOS standard technology with a silicon area consumption of 1065 µm × 560 µm. The overall size of the self-powered passive tag is 8 cm × 2 cm, including both chip and antenna. The self-powered tag prototype could be employed for human body temperature monitoring.
Closed-Loop Residual Attention Network for Single Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Zhu Meng , Luo Wenjie
Published: April 2022

Recent research on single image super-resolution (SISR) using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with the utilization of residual structures and attention mechanisms to utilize image features has demonstrated excellent performance. However, previous SISR techniques mainly integrated extracted image features within a deep or wide network architecture, ignoring the interaction between multiscale features and the diversity of features. At the same time, SISR is also a typical ill-posed problem in that it allows for several predictions for a given LR image. These problems limit the great learning ability of CNNs. To solve these problems, we propose a closed-loop residual attention network (CLRAN) to extract and interact with all the available diversity of features features efficiently and limit the space of possible function solutions. Specifically, we design an enhanced residual attention block (ERA) to extract features, and it dynamically assigns weight to the internal attention branches. The ERA combines multi-scale block (MSB) and enhanced attention mechanism (EAM) base on the residual module. The MSB adaptively detects multiscale image features of different scales by using different 3 × 3 convolution kernels. The EAM combines multi-spectral channel attention (MSCA) and spatial attention (SA). Therefore, the EAM extracts different frequency component information and spatial information to utilize the diversity features. Furthermore, we apply the progressive network architecture and learn an additional map for model monitoring, which forms a closed-loop with the mapping already learned by the LR to HR function. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our CLRAN outperforms the state-of-the-art SISR methods on public datasets for both ×4 and ×8, proving its accuracy and visual perception.
Using Enhanced Test Systems Based on Digital IC Test Model for the Improvement of Test Yield
Authors: Yeh Chung-Huang , Chen Jwu-E , Chang Chia-Jui , Huang Tse-Chia
Published: April 2022

In this work, we use statistical concepts to evaluate the joint probability distribution of manufacturing and test parameters and estimate the future trend of wafer test yield. Owing to the difference between the development speeds of testing technology and manufacturing technology, the testing capability of wafers is far behind the manufacturing capability of the semiconductor. Therefore, with the advancement in technology, the test yield loss caused by the tester inaccuracy has become an important problem. In this article, we propose an enhanced integrated circuit (IC) test scheme (ITS) that uses multiplex testing to improve test quality and test pass rate by retesting, and we rely on the cost evaluation mechanism to obtain the best test and the best profit. Furthermore, the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) 2017 data are used to estimate future test yield trends, and the results prove that the enhanced test scheme (ETS) can effectively estimate the best retest time to obtain the best test yield and the best profit.
Simulating Biomass Production and Water Use of Poplars in a Plantation Using a STELLA-Based Model
Authors: Ouyang Ying , Dev Satyanarayan , Grace III Johnny M. , Amatya Devendra M. , Leininger Theodor D.
Published: April 2022

Poplar trees (Populus spp.) are some of the fastest growing hardwoods used for biomass production. There are, however, conflicting observations about water use of poplars associated with the impact on local water resources. A STELLA (Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation) model was modified to investigate the aboveground biomass production and water use in a mature (6 to 8 yrs. old) poplar plantation for a 3-year simulation period. The model predicted the typical annual pattern of soil evaporation, root water uptake, and leaf water transpiration in the poplar plantation increasing from winter to summer followed by respective decreases from summer to winter. Root water uptake and leaf water transpiration were proportional to the soil water content. More water was needed to produce the same amount of biomass during summer than during other seasons. Less water was consumed to produce the same amount of biomass as the age of the poplar trees increased. The net increase in biomass over the 3-year period was 0.69 × 104 kg/ha, which was equivalent to a 65% increase in biomass. The average rate of daily water use to daily biomass production was 1.05 × 109 cm3 water/kg biomass/ha. A good linear correlation between cumulative biomass production (CBP) and cumulative water use (CWU) was identified: YCBP = 0.001 ∗ XCWU, R2 = 0.99, p < 0.001. This simple correlation provides a very good reference to estimate poplar water use efficiency (i.e., ratio of water use to biomass production) in growing regions where water resources are a limiting factor.