bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance and Genotypic Variation of Acinetobacter Baumannii in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Correlation Analysis of the Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use and the Risk of Developing Carbapenem-Resistant Strains
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Xiao , Xu Cai-Fang , Bilya Salisu Rabiu , Xu Wei
Published: May 2022

Objective
The study investigated the changes in drug resistance profile and genotypes of Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), northeast China.
Methods
Data on all Ab strains cultured from clinical isolates between 2012 and 2018 and the usage patterns of broad-spectrum antibiotics during this period were collected retrospectively. These Ab strains were revived and cultured for antimicrobial resistance testing, and the CRAB-related IPM, VIM, OXA-58, OXA-51, OXA-23, and OXA-24 genes were detected by RT–PCR. The test results were analyzed in conjunction with annual antibiotic usage for intergroup comparison.
Results
541 Ab-positive specimens were collected, of which 370 strains were finally included in the study. 184 strains were subjected to genetic analysis. The CRAB strains identified were only sensitive to amikacin, cotrimoxazole, tigecycline, and cephazolin, whereas their resistance rates to the remaining nine antibiotics were higher than 50%. The use of cefepime was gradually reduced from 2014 to 2018, whereas cefotaxime sulbactam and ceftriaxone tazobactam was substitutionally increased. In contrast, the use of carbapenems antibiotics has been maintained at a minimal level. The expression levels of OXA-51 and OXA-23 were significantly higher, and OXA24 gene expression was significantly lower in the CRAB group than the CSAB group.
Conclusion
The detection rate of CRAB in northeastern China from 2012 to 2018 showed an increasing trend each year. The extensive use of the broad-spectrum antibiotic cefepime may be one of the risk factors leading to this high detection rate CRAB. The abnormal expression levels of OXA-51, OXA-23, and OXA24 are all closely related to the development of CRAB, which should be monitored dynamically to detect CRAB strains as early as possible.
Heterogeneous graph neural network for lncRNA-disease association prediction
Authors: Shi Hong , Zhang Xiaomeng , Liu Lin , Tang Lin
Published: May 2022

The computational methods of lncRNA-disease association prediction are effective ways to solve the problem of expensive and time-consuming traditional biological experiments. However, existing methods still have challenges to make full use of network topology information to identify potential associations between lncRNA and disease in multi-source data. In this study, we propose a novel method called HGNNLDA for lncRNA-disease association prediction. First, HGNNLDA constructs a heterogeneous network composed of lncRNA similarity network, lncRNA-disease association network and lncRNA-miRNA association network; Then, on this heterogeneous network, various types of strong correlation neighbors with fixed size are sampled for each node by restart random walk; Next, the embedding information of lncRNA and disease in each lncRNA-disease association pair is obtained by the method of type-based neighbor aggregation and all types combination though heterogeneous graph neural network, in which attention mechanism is introduced considering that different types of neighbors will make different contributions to the prediction of lncRNA-disease association. As a result, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) and the area under the precision-recall curve(AUPR) under 5-fold cross-validation (5FCV) are 0.9786 and 0.8891, respectively. Compared with five state-of-art prediction models, HGNNLDA has better prediction performance. In addition, in two types of case studies, it is further verified that our method can effectively to predict the potential lncRNA-disease associations, and have ability to predict new diseases without any known lncRNAs.
High efficient graphene terahertz modulator with tuning electromagnetically induced transparency like transmission
Authors: Kim Myunghwan , Lee Sun-Goo , Kim Seong-Han , Kang Chul , Kee Chul-Sik , Kim Soeun
Published: May 2022

Graphene-based optical modulators have been widely investigated owing to the high mobility and tunable permittivity of graphene. However, achieving a high modulation depth with low energy consumption is challenging owing to the weak graphene-light interaction. Here, we propose a high-performance graphene-based optical modulator consisting of a photonic crystal structure and a waveguide with graphene that exhibits an electromagnetically-induced-transparency-like (EIT-like) transmission spectrum at terahertz frequency. The high quality-factor (Q-factor) of guiding mode to cause the EIT-like transmission enhances light-graphene interaction, and the designed modulator achieves a high modulation depth of 98% with a very small Fermi level shift of 0.05 eV. The proposed scheme can be utilized in active optical devices that require low power consumption.
Intelligent Hyperspectral Target Detection For Reliable IoV Applications
Authors: Wang Zi-xu , Jin Lizuo
Published: May 2022

In recent years, hyperspectral imagery has played a significant role in IoV (Internet of Vehicles) vision areas such as target acquisition. Researchers are focusing on integrating detection sensors, detection computing units, and communication units into vehicles to expand the scope of target detection technology with hyperspectral imagery. As imaging spectroscopy technology gradually matures, the spectral resolution of captured hyperspectral images is increasing. At the same time, the volume of data is also increasing. As a result, the reliability of IoV applications is challenged. In this paper, an intelligent hyperspectral target detection method based on deep learning network is proposed. The trained network model requires few computational resources and can provide results in a short time. The effectiveness of our method is validated using several public datasets.
Development of a Risk Classifier to Predict Tumor Recurrence and Lenvatinib Benefits in HCC after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Deng Yinan , Yang Jianming , Chen Yewu , Wang Jianfeng , Fu Binsheng , Zhang Tong , Yi Shuhong , Yang Yang
Published: May 2022

Background and AimsCurrent selection tools were not precise enough to predict recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and benefit of adjuvant Lenvatinib for patients who received liver transplantation (LT) for HCC. Thus,we aim at developing a risk classifer to predict recurrence of HCC and benefit of adjuvant Lenvatinib for those who underwent LT for HCC.MethodsCox proportional hazards regression model was applied to seleted predictors and create the final model in training cohort of 287 patients who have had LT for HCC,which was tested in a internal validation cohort of 72 patients by using C-statistic and net classification index(NRI) compared with the following HCC selection criteria:the Milan criteria(MC),the Up-to-seven criteria and the University of California San Francisco(UCSF) criteria. ResultsWe built a Risk Classifier of South China Cohort (RCOSC) based on the four variables:the maximum diameter plus number of viable tumors,α-fetoprotein(AFP),microvascular invasion(MIV), highest alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in 7 days after LT.In validation analyses,our RCOSC showed good predictive performance (C-statistic, 0.866; 95%CI, 0.833-0.899), and had better prognostic value than MC(NRI, 0.406; P<0.001),UCSF(NRI,0.497; P<0.001), and Up-to-seven (NRI, 0.527;P<0.001).By applying the RCOSC, we were able to accurately categorize patients into high-risk and low-risk group.Further survival analysis revealed that the patients defined as high-risk group might have a better theraputic response to preventive regimen of Lenvatinib after LT for HCC (HR,0.38; 95%CI,0.161-0.871, P=0.018).ConclusionOur RCOSC presented favourable predictive performance for HCC recurrence.It might be capable to sift out patients benefit from adjuvant therapy after LT for HCC,which provide a reliable tool for precise clinical decision-making of HCC patients with LT.
Effect of candesartan treatment on echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling in post myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Tezcan Hüseyin , Tunçez Abdullah , Demir Kenan , Altunkeser Bülent Behlül , Aygül Nazif , Yalçın Muhammed Ulvi , Ateş Muhammed Salih , Aydoğan Canan , Polat Onur Can , Toprak Aslıhan Merve
Published: May 2022

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) has unfavourable effect on structural and functional properties of the myocardium, referred to as cardiac remodeling. Left ventricular (LV) mass, LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) are important predictors of cardiac remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effect of candesartan treatment in comparison with zofenopril treatment on echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling in post MI patients. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, patients who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned to a candesartan or zofenopril treatment. After randomization, echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling including LV mass, LVMI and RWT were evaluated before the start of treatment along with one month and six month follow ups. Results: According to our study, candesartan group showed significant reduction of estimated LV mass and LVMI at six month follow up visit compared to baseline values (199.53∓38.51 g vs 212.69∓40.82 g ; 99.05 g/m2 (90.00~116.5) vs 106.0 g/m2 (96.0~123.00), p<0.05 respectively). This trend was also observed in zofenopril group during the six month period (201.22∓40.07 g vs 207.52∓41.61 g ; 101.0 g/m2 (92.25~111.75.0) vs 104.50 g/m2 (95.0~116.75), p<0.05 respectively). Although both classes of drugs had favourable effects on post-MI cardiac remodeling, the absolute benefit was more prominent in candesartan group as compared to zofenopril group (p<0.05).Conclusion: Our results suggest that candesartan treatment following MI may potentially be useful in terms of improving post-MI cardiac remodeling.
Preferences Elicited and Respected for Seriously Ill Veterans through Enhanced Decision-Making (PERSIVED): A protocol for an implementation study in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Ersek Mary , Sales Anne , Keddem Shimrit , Ayele Roman , Haverhals Leah M , Magid Kate H , Kononowech Jennifer , Murray Andrew , Carpenter Joan G , Foglia Mary Beth , Potter Lucinda , McKenzie Jennifer , Davis Darlene , Levy Cari
Published: May 2022

Background: Empirical evidence supports the use of structured goals of care conversations and documentation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) preferences in durable, accessible and actionable orders to improve the care for people living with serious illness. As the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides an excellent environment to test implementation strategies that promote this evidence-based practice. The Preferences Elicited and Respected for Seriously Ill Veterans through Enhanced Decision-Making (PERSIVED) program seeks to improve care outcomes for seriously ill Veterans by supporting efforts to conduct goals of care conversations, systematically document LST preferences, and ensure timely and accurate communication about preferences across VA and non-VA settings. Methods: PERSIVED encompasses two separate but related implementation projects that support the same evidence-based practice. Project 1 will enroll 12 VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs and Project 2 will enroll six VA Community Nursing Home (CNH) programs. Both projects begin with a pre-implementation phase during which data from diverse stakeholders are gathered to identify barriers and facilitators to adoption of the LST evidence-based practice. This baseline assessment is used to tailor quality improvement activities using audit with feedback and implementation facilitation during the implementation phase. Site champions serve as the lynchpin between the PERSIVED project team and site personnel. PERSIVED teams support site champions through monthly coaching sessions. At the end of implementation, baseline site process maps are updated to reflect new steps and procedures to ensure timely conversations and documentation of treatment preferences. During the sustainability phase, intense engagement with champions ends, at which point champions work independently to maintain and improve processes and outcomes. Ongoing process evaluation, guided by the RE-AIM framework, is used to monitor Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance outcomes. Effectiveness will be assessed using several endorsed clinical metrics for seriously-ill populations.Discussion: The PERSIVED program aims to prevent potentially burdensome LSTs by consistently eliciting and documenting values, goals, and treatment preferences of seriously ill Veterans. Working with clinical operational partners, we will apply our findings to HBPC and CNH programs throughout the national VA healthcare system during a future scale-out period.
A novel homozygous Tub mutation associated with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa in a consanguineous Chinese family
Authors: Xu Wei , Xu Ming , Yin Qinqin , Liu Chuanyi , Deng Yun , Liu Sulai , He Guiyun
Published: May 2022

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common type of inherited retinopathy with at least 69 genes identified thus far. A significant proportion of RP, However, remains genetically unsolved. In this study, the the genetic basis of a Chinese consanguineous family with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) was investigated. Methods : Overall ophthalmic examinations, including funduscopy, decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length and electroretinography (ERG) were performed to confirm the diagnosis of the patients. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood of the proband was subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). In silico predictions, structural modelling and minigene assays were conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the mutant. Results : Four candidate variants, including heterozygous variant in RAX2, RP1 and PITPNM3 and a homozygous variant in Tub , were detected as suspected pathegenic variants. The novel c.1379A > G mutation in Tub , based on sanger sequencing, was remained to be the only candidate variant that co-segregated with RP phenotype in this pedigree. More importantly, the Asn residue at codon 460 of TUB is highly conserved across diverse species from tropicalis to humans. And the homozygous c.1379A > G mutation in Tub was excluded from 118 ethnically matched normal controls. Although minigen assay revealed that this variant of c.1379A>G in Tub did not affect normal splicing in vitro, multiple bioinformatic algorithm predicted that this variant was deleterious. Conclusions : For the first time we reported the identification of a rare homozygous mutant ( c.1379A>G: p.N460S) in Tub in a consanguineous family with arRP, which was probably the pathogenic basis of arRP in this consanguineous family.
Evaluating cardiovascular involvement by echocardiography in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Wei Zhao-Nan , An Xiao Ning , Xu Jing , Ni Li-Yan , Shi Hao , Shen Ping-Yan , Zhang Wen , Chen Xiao-Nong , Chen Yong-Xi
Published: May 2022

Objective Cardiovascular involvement in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis (AGN) could be asymptomatic but is closely associated with patients’ prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiovascular involvement ﻿using standard echocardiographic measurements and determine echocardiographic predictors for cardiovascular mortality in those patients. MethodsPatients with newly diagnosed AGN from Department of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital undergoing ﻿transthoracic echocardiography were retrospectively studied. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate baseline variables associated with cardiovascular mortalities. Results Of 319 patients enrolled in our study, 221 patients had echocardiographic abnormalities. Valvular abnormalities were the most common presentation of cardiovascular involvement and valvular regurgitation was the most commonly presentation of echocardiographic abnormality. ﻿Patients with echocardiographic abnormalities had more severe renal involvement. And patients with more advanced age and more severe renal involvement had worse cardiovascular outcome. Kaplan-Meier estimator showed a 3.4-time higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with echocardiographic abnormalities than those without (p<0.01). Left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV, HR=1.63, p<0.001), left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV, HR=1.47, p<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, HR=0.72, p<0.05), are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions Cardiac involvement was prevalent in patients with AGN. LVEDV, LVESV and LVEF assessed by echocardiography at disease onset are independent prognostic factors for cardiovascular mortality in AGN patients. Our results suggest that echocardiography is a sensitive and non-invasive tool to evaluate cardiovascular abnormalities in AGN patients which could be applied to detect those abnormalities in early stages.
Risk factors of in-hospital death in pediatric patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case-control study
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Dai Lei , Li Deyuan
Published: May 2022

Background
Early mortality in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) remains largely high. The aim of our study was to comprehensively analyze the risk factors for in-hospital death in HLH patients.
Methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to December 2020. All pediatric patients diagnosed with HLH who were hospitalized for more than 24 hours were considered for inclusion. Collect demographic, laboratory, clinical, genetic profile, treatment information, and outcome data from records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors of in-hospital death.
Results
150 pediatric patients with HLH were enrolled in the study. The median age of patients was 54 months (IQR 25–107) and 94 (62.7%) were men. The median length of hospital stay was 17 days (IQR 8-27.5). The overall in-hospital mortality rate for the cohort was 8%. Multivariable regression analysis showed that hyperlactatemia (OR = 8.018, 95%CI 1.202–53.471, p = 0.032) and CRRT (OR = 7.746, 95%CI 1.258–47.680, p = 0.027) were associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions
These data suggest that hyperlactatemia and CRRT use in pediatric patients with HLH were associated with increased in-hospital mortality.
COVID-19-induced headache in Boston and the vicinity
Authors: Chwalisz Bart K. , Westover M. Brandon , Cheng Hsinlin T. , Le Vi K. , Jain Aayushee , Cheng Jennifer R.
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes mild symptoms to severe illness in the nervous system. Among the wide-ranged symptomology, headache is a common neurological symptom reported by COVID-19 patients. However, the prevalence, comorbidities, and ethnic susceptibilities of COVID-19-induced headaches are not well-defined. MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 by reverse transcriptase -polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in March and April 2020 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. An electronic medical record review was performed to collect demographic data, major COVID-19 symptomology, and results of radiologic and laboratory tests. Data were recorded starting on the disease onset, as identified by the patient’s clinical notes. The demographical trends and prevalence of headache and comorbid symptoms were statistically analyzed. Results We identified 450 patients, 202 (44.9%) male and 248 (55.1%) female, who tested positive for COVID-19 in the study. Common symptoms included cough (66.4%), fever,(58.9%), fatigue (30.9%), and sore throat (29.6%). Forty-six percent of patients had shortness of breath, 32% had evidence of pneumonia, and 26% needed hospitalization. Gender predominance is significant in developing a sore throat, nasal congestion, hypogeusia, headache, ear pain in females, and pneumonia and inpatient hospitalization in males. Younger patients (< 50) were more likely to develop sore throat, fatigue, anosmia, hypogeusia, ear pain, myalgia /arthralgia, and headache. In contrast, older (> 50) patients were prone to develop pneumonia and required hospitalization. Compared to non-Hispanic ethnic populations, a significantly higher number of Hispanic patients reported headaches, nausea/vomiting, nasal congestion, fever, fatigue, anosmia, and myalgia/arthralgia compared to non-Hispanics, suggesting an ethnic susceptibility in COVID-19 symptomatology. Overall, patients who developed headaches were younger and more likely to have mild viral symptoms, pain, and neurological symptoms but not severe respiratory symptoms (shortness of breath and pneumonia) and hospitalization. ConclusionsOur results demonstrated gender, age, and ethnic factors in COVID symptomatology and identified that mild viral, painful, and neurological symptoms are positive predictors for headache development in COVID-19.
Establishment and Validation of Prognostic Scoring Model Based on Cuproptosis-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs in Stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fan Chuanlei , He Yang , Yang Jian , Lu Taofeng , Da Mingxu
Published: May 2022

Background: Long non-coding RNAs ( lncRNAs) are pivotal regulatory factors in gastric cancer advance and affect patients' prognosis. Cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) have been implicated in the advancement of lung and liver cancers, but not gastric cancer. Therefore, identifying CRLs with predictive relevance in gastric cancer is critical.Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provided RNA sequencing and clinical data, whereas genes were collected from other published publications. We assigned TCGA data to two groups: training and testing. For training cohort, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to create a prognostic CRLs model, while testing cohort and entire cohort were administered to authenticate prognostic signature. Likewise, nomogram was utilized to forecast the outcome of various clinical pathologic phases and risk scores. Finally, a Co-expression network was used to find lncRNAs linked to cuproptosis.Results: On the basis of univariate Cox regression analysis, the prognostic value of 48 lncRNAs was screened and these lincRNAs were also evaluated using LASSO, as well as multivariate Cox regression analysis. LINC00968 and LINC01579, two lncRNA prognostic risk models, were created. The survival time of STAD patients in high-risk groups,according to the results, had a patently worse outcome than low-risk ones in training cohort, which was consistent with the results of test cohort and entire cohort. Combined with clinicopathological characteristics, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested this risk model represented a novel independent predictive factor for gastric cancer. Furthermore, Normogram confirmed that the prediction results of this model are accurate and reliable. Conclusion: LINC00968 and LINC01579 have a substantial predictive value in gastric cancer and could be a latent therapeutic target in the clinic.
Assessment of Selected heavy Metals in Honey Samples Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Ethiopia
Authors: Tibebe Dessie , Hussen Mohammed , Mulugeta Marye , yenealem Dereje , Moges Zerubabile , Gedefaw Mohammed , Kassa Yezbie
Published: May 2022

Honey is a natural, sugary and sticky liquid that is produced from the nectars of flowers. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of some selected heavy Metals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr) in honey samples. 1g of honey sample was digested by a hot plate using 9ml of HNO3 and 3ml of H2O2. The concentrations of the heavy metals in the digested were detected using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results of this study found that the concentrations of the heavy metals in the honey samples were ranged from 1.97 to 2.04 µg/g for Zn, 1.93µg/g to 2µg/g for Cu, 0.83 to 1.01 µg/g for Mn, 0.25 to 0.45 µg/g for Cr, (0.025–0.031 µg/g for Cd. However, Pb was not detected in all honey samples. Hence, the levels of heavy metals found were below the permitted levels set by the World Health Organization.The contamination levels of the heavy metals are also found to be below the detection levels. The results of this study helped us to know that the acceptable amounts of heavy metals present in the honey samples. From the results, the levels of heavy metals found were below the permitted levels set by the World Health Organization. Thus, the heavy metals in the sampled honey are safe for human consumption in these selected areas.
Experimental considerations of acute heat stress assays to quantify coral thermal tolerance
Authors: Nielsen JJV , Matthews G , Frith KR , Harrison HB , Marzonie  , Slaughter KL , Suggett DJ , Bay LK
Published: May 2022

Thermal tolerance is variable in corals, yet intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of tolerance are not well understood. Understanding the distribution and abundance of heat tolerant corals across seascapes is imperative for predicting responses to climate change and to support novel management actions. Rapid and high-throughput methods to measure heat-induced coral bleaching sensitivity are increasingly required to understand current and predict future responses to climate change. Experimental evaluations of coral heat and bleaching tolerance typically involve ramp-and-hold experiments run across days to weeks within aquarium facilities with limits to colony replication. Field-based acute heat stress assays have emerged as an alternative experimental approach to rapidly quantify heat tolerance in a large number of samples yet the role of key methodological considerations on the stress response measured remains unresolved. Here, we quantify the effects of coral fragment size, sampling time point, and physiological measures on the acute heat stress response in adult corals. The effect of fragment size differed between species (Acropora tenuis and Pocillopora damicornis). Most physiological parameters measured here declined over time (tissue colour, chlorophyll-a and protein content) from the onset of heating, with the exception of maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), which was stable up to 24h post heating. Based on our experiments, we identified photosynthetic efficiency, tissue colour change, and host-specific assays such as catalase activity as key physiological measures for rapid quantification of thermal tolerance. We recommend that future applications of acute heat stress assays include larger fragments (>9cm2) where possible and sample between 10 - 14h after the end of heat stress. A validated high-throughput experimental approach combined with cost-effective genomic and physiological measurements underpins the development of markers and maps of heat tolerance across seascapes and ocean warming scenarios.
Live Attenuated Measles, Mumps and Rubella Booster Vaccine in Children Diagnosed with Rheumatic Disease: A single-center study
Authors: Çakmak Figen , Akgün Özlem , Demirkan Fatma Gül , Tanatar Ayşe , Kayaalp Gülşah Kavrul , Keskindemirci Gonca , Guliyeva Vafa , Ömeroğlu Rukiye Eker , Gökçay Emine Gülbin , Ayaz Nuray Aktay
Published: May 2022

PurposeTo evaluate the safety profile of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) booster in children diagnosed with rheumatic diseases receiving biological agents.MethodsThe study included retrospective safety data of children administered MMR booster dose receiving biologics or biologics with methotrexate. The files of 182 patients were accessed from the pediatric rheumatology biological therapy archive and the vaccination status of these children was obtained by accessing electronic records.ResultsOf 182 patients 14 patients were vaccinated with MMR booster dose. Thirteen of the patients were followed up with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and one with colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever. None of the patients had disease exacerbation after vaccination and three patients had mild side effects consisting of rash, angioedema, joint pain, and fatigue.ConclusionThis study supports the data regarding evidence of the safety of MMR booster dose administration in children with rheumatic diseases receiving bDMARDs.
Short-term morpho-functional changes in previously treated neovascular AMD eyes switched to brolucizumab
Authors: Viggiano Pasquale , Grassi Maria Oliva , Boscia Giacomo , Pignataro Mariagrazia , Petruzzella Giovanni , Borrelli Enrico , Molfetta Teresa , Alessio Giovanni , Boscia Francesco
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To explore the morpho-functional fluctuations in eyes treated for nAMD when switched from aflibercept or ranibizumab to brolucizumab.Methods: 31 eyes of 31 patients with nAMD with type 1 MNV were included. All patients were imaged using the SD-OCT. The OCT acquisition was performed at the following visits:(I)1 month before the intravitreal injection of aflibercept or ranibizumab (T1),(I) 1 month after T1 and at the time of switch to brolucizumab injection (T2), and 1 month after the latter procedure (T3). The main outcome measures were:(1) Central macular thickness (CMT),(2) choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and,(3) subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT). Results: CMT analysis showed fluctuations at 3 times. In detail,T2 displayed a thicker CMT in comparison to T1, although not statistically significant (p= 0.12). Contrariwise,T3 showed a thinner CMT in comparison to T2 (p= 0.002). Analyzing CVI among the three different times, the LCA and TCA showed significantly different values before and after switching to brolucizumab. T2 showed a significant reduction in both vessel lumen and total area compared to T1 (p= 0.032 and p = 0.046, respectively).Moreover, T3 showed a greater value of both LCA and TCA in comparison to T2 (p= 0.008 and p = 0.01, respectively).CT did not show significant differences at each time (P>0.05)Conclusions: Our results reported early experiences on morpho-functional fluctuations in patients with nAMD switched to brolucizumab. The anatomical impact of brolucizumab administration appears to result in more effective resolution of SRF and IRF, in association with choroidal vascular swelling.
Design of Implant Prosthesis for Bone Injury Repair Considering Stress Shielding Effect
Authors: Shao Yixin , Zhu Ye , Guan Tianmin , Hu Qi , Wei Baozhong , Lin Bing , Liyan Zhang
Published: May 2022

The failure of bone injury repair surgery is mostly due to the stress shielding effect caused by the difference of elastic modulus between the implant prosthesis and human bone, resulting in a great damage to patients. To solve this problem, in this study, the influencing factors of the elastic modulus of implant prosthesis were investigated, the relationship between the elastic modulus of the implanted prosthesis and the influencing factors was analyzed, and then a design method of the implant prosthesis to reduce the stress shielding effect by adjusting the unit module to control the elastic modulus was established. This method was used for the biomechanical simulation to simulate the displacement and stress distribution between the implant prosthesis and the surrounding bone tissue, and then the reliability of the method was verified. The implant prosthesis with an elastic modulus consistent with that of the experimental dog bone was made by this method, and used for the animal experiments. The effects of implant prosthesis with different modulus on the growth of surrounding bone tissue were observed, and at the same time, the reliability of the implant design method and the results of biomechanical simulation were verified. It is confirmed that this method can effectively reduce the stress concentration of implant prosthesis by more than 15.4% and increase the growth of bone tissue by more than 21%.
Fast imaging of 15 intracellular compartments and interactions by deep learning segmentation of super-resolution data
Authors: Zhanghao Karl , Li Meiqi , Chen Xingye , Liu Wenhui , Li Tianling , Wang Yiming , Su Fei , Wu Zihan , Shan Chunyan , Wu Jiamin , Zhang Yan , Fu Jingyan , Xi Peng , Jin Dayong
Published: May 2022

The number of colors in fluorescence microscopy is far less than the types of intracellular compartments, bringing gaps in studying live-cell anatomy and multiple organelles’ interactions. Here, we report that super-resolution imaging in association with deep convolutional neuronal networks can predict 15 subcellular structures at > 91.7% pixel accuracy using one laser excitation and two detection channels. It not only bypasses the limitations of multi-color imaging with single dye labeling but also accelerates the imaging speed by more than one order of magnitude. We find that the super-resolution ratiometric images well reflect the heterogeneity of organelles as the intrinsic “optical fingerprint” and the neuronal networks can be generalized with transfer learning to predict both 3D and 2D datasets from different microscopes, different cell types, and even complexed system of living tissues. It enables us to resolve the 3D anatomic structure of live cells at different mitotic phases and to track down the fast dynamic interactions among 9 intracellular compartments.
CENPF Knockdown Inhibits Adriamycin Chemoresistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer mediated by Rb-E2F1-Chk1 Axis
Authors: Mu Kun , Wang Depeng , Xu Wei , Huang Minghua , Ma Wei , Liu Yulu , Zhou Xingchen , Yang Qingrui
Published: May 2022

Frequent developed resistance leads to early relapse and short survival in Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Targeting DNA damage response (DDR) has become an effective strategy for overcoming TNBC chemoresistance. CENPF (centromere protein) is a key regulator of cell cycle progression, but its role in TNBC chemotherapy resistance remains unclear. Here we found CENPF, highly expressed in TNBC, is associated with poor prognosis in patients receiving chemotherapy. And in vitro CENPF knockdown significantly increased adriamycin (ADR)-induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 and its ADR-resistant strains (MDA-MB-231/ADR). Then we demonstrated that Rb-E2F1 axis mediates regulation of CENPF on Chk1 (Check Point kinase1) expression and CENPF promotes adriamycin chemoresistance by inducing Chk1-mediated G2/M phase arrest in TNBC. Collectively, our results indicated a novel mechanism of CENPF to regulate TNBC chemoresistance through Rb-E2F1-Chk1 axis and also suggested CENPF as a potential target for intervention to overcome chemotherapy resistance in TNBC.
Study on anti-inflammatory and healing mechanism of Jiawei Shengji Yuhong ointment on wound based on NF-κBp65 / IL-1β / VEGF pathway
Authors: Mei Pingping , Feng Wenzhe
Published: May 2022

Objective: To observe the effect of Jiawei Shengjiyuhong Ointment on wound repair of rat model after anal fistula surgery by regulating NF-κBp65 / IL-1β / VEGF signaling pathway. Methods : Sixty rats were divided into vaseline model group (n = 10), + Kangfuxin fluid control group (n = 10), modified Shengji Yuhong Ointment group (n = 10), and PDTC intervention model group (n = 30) (PDTC ++ Kangfuxinfluid group, PDTC + vaseline group, PDTC + modified Shengji Yuhong Ointment group, Ten rats in each group). The wound model of rats after anal fistula operation was established and intervened in different ways. The general situation and wound healing of rats in each group were recorded, and the wound healing rate of rats in each group was calculated. On the 3 th, 7 th and 14 th day, two rats in each group were randomly selected and sacrificed. The wound tissues of the same site were taken for Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to detect the protein and expression of NF-κBp65 in the wound tissues. The expression of IL-1β / VEGF was detected by elisa method. At the same time, HE staining was used to observe the histomorphology.Results : Compared with the model control group, the wound healing rate of the modified Shengji Yuhong ointment group and PDTC + modified Shengji Yuhong ointment group was the highest. HE staining results also confirmed that the wound healing degree of the modified Shengji Yuhong Ointment group and PDTC + modified Shengji Yuhong Ointment group was the best. The results of Western blotting and immunohistochemistry showed that the protein expression of NF-κBp65 in the wound tissue of rats was significantly inhibited in the Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment group, PDTC + Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment group and PDTC++ Kangfuxin fluid group and PDTC + Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment had the best effect, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the control group and the model group (P < 0.05). The elisa method showed that the content of IL-1β in Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment was lower than that in the control group and the model group (P < 0.05) at 3 day and 7 day after administration, and it showed a gradually decreasing trend. The content of IL-1β in PDTC + Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment was the lowest. The content of VEGF in Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment was higher than that in the control group and the model group (P < 0.05), and it showed a gradually increasing trend. The content of VEGF in PDTC + Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment was the highest.Conclusion : Jiawei Shengji Yuhong Ointment can inhibit the expression of NF-κB p65 and IL-1β protein in NF-κB signaling pathway, up-regulate the expression of VEGF protein, promote epithelial cell proliferation, reduce inflammatory response, restore normal dermal fiber tissue, accelerate the recovery of wound tissue, and shorten the healing time.
Coreless optical fiber for hemoglobin (HB) sensing with bi-layer based on surface Plasmon resonance
Authors: Hamid Mustafa
Published: May 2022

In this work, an optical fiber biomedical sensor for detecting the ratio of the hemoglobin in the Blood is presented. A surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based optical fiber was not developed and implemented using single and multi-mode optical fibers. The sensor is also utilized to evaluate refractive indices and concentrations of blood samples, with 40 nm thickness of (20 nm Au and 20 nm Ag) metal film of the exposed sensing region.
Assessment of Cormic Index and other Anthropometric Parameters of young adults with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Asafa Muritala Abiola , Bolarinwa Rahman A. , Oyewade Samson Adeoye , Ogunlade Oluwadare
Published: May 2022

Background: This study assessed the effect of Haemoglobin SS (Hb SS) on cormic index and some other body anthropometric indices among students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 100 young adults (18 – 40 years) participated in the study. They were classified into two groups; 50 cases (participants with Hb SS) and 50 control (participants with Hb AA) which were purposively selected after heamglobin typing using electrophoresis method. The cases and controls were age-and sex-matched. The weight, sitting and standing height were measured by using Seca stadiometer-model 216 following standard protocol. Cormic index (CI%) was calculated using sitting height x 100/ standing height while the body mass index (BMI) and body surface area were calculated using Keys and Monsteller formulae respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and alpha value was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean values of weight in kg [54.39 ± 5.54 vs 60.48 ± 8.65 (t=- 4.195, p < 0.001], body mass index in kg/m2 [19.58 ± 2.08 vs 21.48 ± 2.91 (t = 6.068; p < 0.001)], cormic index in % [44.71 ± 6.05 vs 50.03 ± 1.33 (t = -3.760; p < 0.001)], subischial leg length in cm [92.22 ± 10.76 vs 83.84 ± 4.41 (p < 0.001; t = 5.092)] and body surface area in m2 [1.59 ± 0.09 vs 1.68 ± 0.14 (p < 0.001, t = -3.798)] of cases were significantly different from those of controls respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that Hb SS is associated with lower weight, sitting height, BMI, BSA and cormic index but higher subischial leg length when compared with Hb AA.
Prolactin Receptor signaling induces acquisition of chemoresistance and reduces clonogenicity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Cuesta-Casanovas Laia , Delgado-Martínez Jennifer , Cornet-Masana Josep M. , Carbó José M. , Banús-Mulet Antònia , Guijarro Francesca , Esteve Jordi , Risueño Ruth M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Development of precision medicine requires the identification of easily detectable and druggable biomarkers. Despite recent targeted drug approvals, prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients needs to be greatly improved, as relapse and refractory disease are still difficult to manage. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed. Based on in silico-generated preliminary data and the literature, the role of the prolactin (PRL)-mediated signaling was interrogated in AML. Methods: Protein expression and cell viability were determined by flow cytometry. Repopulation capacity was studied in murine xenotrasplantation assays. Gene expression was measured by qPCR and luciferase-reporters. SA-b-Gal staining was used as a senescence marker.Results: The prolactin receptor (PRLR) was upregulated in AML cells, as compared to their healthy counterpart. The genetic and molecular inhibition of this receptor reduced the colony-forming potential. Disruption of the PRLR signaling, either using a mutant PRL or a dominant-negative isoform of PRLR, reduced the leukemia burden in vivo, in xenotransplantation assays. The expression levels of PRLR directly correlated with resistance to cytarabine. Indeed, acquired cytarabine resistance was accompanied with the induction of PRLR surface expression. The signaling associated to PRLR in AML was mainly mediated by Stat5, in contrast to the residual function of Stat3. In concordance, Stat5 mRNA was significantly overexpressed at mRNA levels in relapse AML samples. A senescence-like phenotype, measured by SA-b-gal staining, was induced upon enforced expression of PRLR in AML cells, partially dependent on ATR. Similar to the previously described chemoresistance-induced senescence in AML, no cell cycle arrest was observed. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of PRLR in AML was genetically validated. Conclusions: These results support the role of PRLR as a therapeutic target for AML and the further development of drug discovery programs searching for specific PRLR inhibitors.
Perceptions of gender equity and markers of achievement in a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): A qualitative study.
Authors: Henderson Lorna R , Dam Rinita , Shah Syed Ghulam Sarwar , Ovseiko Pavel V , Kiparoglou Vasiliki
Published: May 2022

Background The need to improve gender equity (GE) in academic medicine is well documented. Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), partnerships between leading National Health Service (NHS) organisations and universities in England, conduct world-class translational research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). In 2011, eligibility for BRC funding was restricted to universities demonstrating sustained GEsuccess recognised by the Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science Silver awards. Despite this structural change, GE research in BRC settings is underdeveloped, yet critical to the acceleration of women’s advancement and leadership.Objectives To explore both women’s and men’s perceptions of GE and current markers of achievement in a BRC setting.Methods Thematic analysis of data from two discrete research projects: 53 GE survey respondents’ free text comments (34 women, 16 men), and 16 semi structured interviews with women affiliated to the NIHR Oxford BRC.Results: Four major themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of the Athena Swan Charter for Women in Science (GE policy); views on monitoring GE in BRCs; views on current markers of achievement in academia and GE; and recommendations for actions to improve GE in BRC settings. Monitoring of GE in BRCs was deemed to be important, but complex. Participants felt current markers of achievement were not equitable to women as theydid not take contextual factors into account such as maternity leave and caring responsibilities. BRC specific organisational policies and metrics are required to monitor and catalyseGE.Conclusions Markers of achievement for monitoring GE in BRCs should take intoaccount contextual factors specific to BRCs and women’s career progression and professional advancement. GE markers of achievement should be complimented with broader aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Examination of the Psychometric Properties of Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score in Turkish Children with Cancer
Authors: Özdemir Bilge , Gerçeker Gülçin Özalp , Özdemir Emine Zahide , Yıldırım Büşra Güliz , Ören Hale , Yiş Uluç , Günay Çağatay , Thomas Gülten Öztürk
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims: Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has gained importance in symptom management of pediatric patients with cancer. The aim of this study is to perform the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Pediatric-Modified Total Neuropathy Score (Ped-mTNS).Methods: A methodological, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used in the study. Forty children who were aged between 5 and 18 and were treated for cancer and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy children (control group) were included in the study. The mean scores of the items on the Ped-mTNS were compared, and item-total score correlations were evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the Ped-mTNS was calculated for internal consistency.Results: Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was found as .709 in the study. The item-total correlations of the scale items ranged from 0.260 to 0.658. The mean score of cancer patients on the Ped-mTNS was found as 4.4±3.8. The Ped-mTNS scores of children with cancer indicated more deficits than those of the control group. In the evaluation of children in the patient and control groups, a difference was found in terms of light touch sensation, which is one of the sensory symptoms in the items of the Ped-mTNS, and pin sensibility and strength, which are among clinical symptoms. The Ped-mTNS was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for children with cancer who are aged between 5 and 18 in the Turkish population.
High Percentage of Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Locations: Upregulation of circBIRC6 in Highly Metastatic Breast Cancer Subline
Authors: Kamalabadi-Farahani Mohammad , Karimi Roqaye , Atashi Amir
Published: May 2022

Metastasis is a devastating complication in breast cancer. Cancer relapse and metastasis are associated with cancer stem cells. CircBIRC6 is a circular RNA that proposed to be involved in stemness of stem cells. In breast cancer, metastatic tumor cells have higher stem cell properties. In the present study we evaluate the expression of circBIRC6 in these cells. After development of syngenic animal model of TNBC, primary breast cancer cells named 4T1T were isolated from tumor mass. Highly metastatic tumor cells named 4T1B and 4T1L were isolated and expanded from brain metastasis lesions and lung of cancerous mice respectively. Sphere formation ability in metastatic and primary tumor cells was evaluated separately. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of circBIRC6 in primary and metastatic tumor cells. Our data revealed that, sphere formation ability among metastatic tumor cells was significantly higher. Surprisingly expression of circBIRC6 was significantly upregulated in these metastatic tumor cells. In comparison with 4T1T, circBIRC6 was upregulated 5.7 and 3.5 time in 4T1B and 4T1L respectively. These findings provided important insights regarding the molecular properties of metastatic tumor cells and can be used to design targeted therapeutic strategies to combat these cells.