bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Importance of Benchmarking the Gas‐Phase Pyrolysis Reaction in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
Authors: Nadjafi Manouchehr , Cui Yifan , Bachl Marlon , Oing Alexander , Donat Felix , Luongo Giancarlo , Abdala Paula M. , Fedorov Alexey , Müller Christoph R.
Published: March 2023

The oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODP) proceeds catalytically on a gas‐solid interface (heterogeneous reaction) and/or in the gas phase (homogeneous reaction) via a radical chain process. ODP may therefore combine interrelated contributions from the heterogeneous dehydrogenation and gas‐phase reactions, which can be initiated by a catalyst. This study demonstrates that relatively high propene and ethene selectivities (ca. 80 % and 10 %) and propane conversions (viz., 10 % at 500 °C) can be achieved with an empty quartz reactor, which is comparable to the performances of state‐of‐the‐art ODP catalysts (boron‐based or supported VOx). Optimization of the post‐catalytic volume of a h‐BN catalyst bed tested at 490 °C allows to increase the conversion of propane from 9 % to 15 % at a propene selectivity of 77 %, highlighting this parameter as an important variable for improving catalytic ODP performances.
Asymmetric catalysis by flavin‐dependent halogenases
Authors: Jiang Yuhua , Lewis Jared C.
Published: March 2023

In nature, flavin‐dependent halogenases (FDHs) catalyze site‐selective chlorination and bromination of aromatic natural products. This ability has led to extensive efforts to engineer FDHs for selective chlorination, bromination, and iodination of electron rich aromatic compounds. On the other hand, FDHs are unique among halogenases and haloperoxidases that exhibit catalyst‐controlled site selectivity in that no examples of enantioselective FDH catalysis in natural product biosynthesis have been characterized. Over the past several years, our group has established that FDHs can catalyze enantioselective reactions involving desymmetrization, atroposelective halogenation, and halocyclization. Achieving high activity and selectivity for these reactions has required extensive mutagenesis and mitigation of problems resulting from hypohalous acid generated during FDH catalysis. The single‐component flavin reductase/FDH AetF is unique among the wild type enzyme we have studied in that it provides high activity and selectivity toward several asymmetric transformations. These results highlight the ability of FDH active sites to tolerate different substrate topologies and suggest that they could be useful for a broad range of oxidative halogenations.
A Novel Class of Greenish‐Yellow Emitting Carbon Dots Stimulate Collective Cell Migration and 3D Uptake In Vivo**
Authors: Singh Udisha , Shah Krupa , Kansara Krupa , Kumar Ashutosh , Bhatia Dhiraj
Published: March 2023

We present a new class of nitrogen‐doped greenish‐yellow fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) synthesized using a one‐step hydrothermal method. These bright fluorescent nanoparticles have excitation and emission spectra near the red region of the visible light spectrum which is quite useful for bioimaging applications. Using organic molecules like ortho‐phenylenediamine (OPDA), L‐ascorbic acid and urea, yellow fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized. We obtained a scalable number of greenish‐yellow CDs having an average size of 3 nm. The CDs show significant emission spectra in the yellow fluorescence region (λem=557 nm). The CDs show remarkable stability in their fluorescence in different pH conditions, ionic stability, photostability as well as thermal stability. These CDs are efficiently uptaken by mammalian cells through the clathrin‐mediated pathway. Apart from in vitro studies, we have also used zebrafish larvae as a 3D in vivo model and showed that CDs were uptaken efficiently by larvae showing maximum accumulation and fluorescence in the yolk sac region and the notochord region. The CDs also offer enhancement in cell proliferation, hence showing the application in wound healing. The fluorescence of CDs is quite robust and is not affected by most external stimuli; therefore can be explored as a promising bioimaging tool for targeted bioimaging and biomedical applications.
High expression of centromere protein N as novel biomarkers for gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Zhang Keyuan , Fu Cun , Wu Fei , Zhang Junjie , Han Bin , Pan Hai , Luan Lan
Published: March 2023

Background

The role and mechanism of centromeric protein N (CENP‐N), which has been associated with the development of various cancer types, are yet unclear in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD).

Methods

Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype‐Tissue Expression were used to determine whether CENP‐N expression was altered in STAD tumors compared to normal tissues. Xiantao was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis on CENP‐N. The relationship between CENP‐N expression and immune cell infiltration was assessed using TCGA database. The expression of CENP‐N in STAD and surrounding tissues was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining and the correlation between CENP‐N expression and clinicopathological characteristics was examined. The effects of CENP‐N knockdown by siRNA on proliferation were measured by CCK‐8 and EdU assays in AGS cells. Following siRNA transfection, flow cytometry was performed to evaluate cell cycle and apoptotic alterations in AGS cells. The effect of CENP‐N knockdown on the expression level of related proteins was detected by Westren blot.

Results

CENP‐N was highly expressed in STAD tissues, which was confirmed by our immunohistochemistry results. The degree of invasion, TNM stage, and lymph node metastases were all strongly associated with CENP‐N expression. CENP‐N was essential for the cell cycle, DNA replication, chromosomal segregation, and nuclear division; there was a positive correlation between CENP‐N expression and infiltrating Th2 and NK CD56dim cells and a negative correlation between CENP‐N expression and mast, pDC, NK, and B cell infiltration. When CENP‐N expression in AGS cells was knocked down, cell proliferation dramatically reduced (p < .05) and the percentage of cells in the S and G2‐M phases decreased significantly (p < .05). Silencing CENP‐N significantly promoted the apoptosis of AGS cells (p < .05). Mechanistic investigations showed that silencing CENP‐N expression may inhibit STAD proliferation through the Cyclin E1 and promote STAD apoptosis through the Bcl‐2/Bax.

Conclusion

According to our data, CENP‐N acts as an oncogene in STAD and may be a viable therapeutic target.
Toward a Hydrogen‐Free Reductive Catalytic Fractionation of Wheat Straw Biomass**
Authors: Brienza Filippo , Van Aelst Korneel , Devred François , Magnin Delphine , Sels Bert F. , Gerin Patrick , Cybulska Iwona , Debecker Damien P.
Published: March 2023

The reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of lignocellulosic biomass is an attractive method for the conversion of lignin toward valuable low‐molecular weight aromatics. A limitation to the upscaling of such technology is represented by the use ofpressurized hydrogen gas. Here, the role of hydrogen gas within the RCF of wheat straw biomass is investigated. The use of H2 is shown to enhance lignin depolymerization, by virtue of an improved hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation of lignin fragments, with a yield of phenolic monomers that increased from ca. 12 wt % of acid‐insoluble lignin in the initial biomass under inert atmosphere to up to ca. 25 wt % under H2 (in methanol, at 250 °C, with Ru/C). The adoption of methanol, ethanol or isopropanol as hydrogen‐donor solvents was also investigated in the absence of H2. Ethanol was found to give the highest yield of monophenolic compounds (up to ≈20 wt %) owing to a better balance between solvolysis, hydrogenolysis, and hydrogenation of lignin. Nevertheless, a substantial loss of the carbohydrate fraction was observed. The use of a lower temperature (200 °C) in combination with H3PO4 resulted in an improved recovery of cellulose in the pulp and in the solubilization of hemicellulose and lignin, with the formation of monosaccharides (≈14 wt % of polysaccharides in the initial biomass) and phenolic monomers (up to 18 wt %, in the absence of H2). Overall, a tradeoff exists between the removal of H2 from the process and the production of low‐molecular weight phenolics during RCF.
Diagnostic utility of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in syphilitic lymphadenitis: A case report
Authors: Yorita Kenji , Ohara Masahiko , Tahara Kazuhiko , Fujioka Ai , Miyazaki Katsushi , Takeda Takashi , Mizuno Keiko , Yasuoka Kaori , Wada Yukari , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that causes serious health problems without treatment. Detection of syphilis is necessary to stop the spread of the infection. Cytological screeners and pathologists may experience fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for syphilitic lymphadenitis; however, its characteristic cytological features are rarely reported. We present FNAC cytological features of syphilitic lymphadenitis in a case of a 21‐year‐old man. He presented with a sore throat and painful neck lymphadenopathy. His swollen and painful neck persisted even with antibiotic treatment. Necrotizing lymphadenitis and lymphoma were clinically suspected. FNAC was taken from the swollen lymph node. Cytologic findings of the specimen showed various inflammatory cells with small‐sized vessels arranged in a branching/arborizing fashion. The vessels were surrounded by inflammatory cells, including plasma cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Perivascular plasma cell cuffing was focally seen along with inconspicuous granulomas. Neutrophils appeared to involve the vascular wall. The cytological findings suggested syphilitic lymphadenitis, and clinical findings and serological tests confirmed primary syphilis with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus infection. Branching/arborizing vessels associated with many plasma cells, vascular involvement of neutrophils, and granulomas may suggest syphilitic infection if the specimen is obtained via FNAC. (189 words).
Experimental study on the irreversible displacement evolution and energy dissipation characteristics of disturbance instability of regular joints
Authors: Yang Jianan , Fan Pengxian , Wang Mingyang , Li Jie , Dong Lu
Published: March 2023

To investigate the disturbance‐induced shear instability mechanism of structural catastrophe in the deep rock mass, MTS 815 material testing machine was used to carry out quasi‐static loading tests and disturbance shear tests on symmetrical regular dentate joints of two materials at three undulation angles under specific initial static stress, disturbance frequency, and peak value. The test results indicate that: (i) the total ultimate instability displacement is only related to the intrinsic properties of the joints but not to the initial static stress and disturbance parameters; (ii) the cumulative irreversible displacement required for the disturbance instability conforms to the logistic inverse function relationship with the number of disturbances, displaying the variation trend of “rapid increase in the front, stable in the middle, and sudden increase in the rear”; (iii) the accumulation of plastic deformation energy is consistent with the evolution law of irreversible displacement of joints and the overall proportion of hysteretic energy is not large; (iv) the dissipated energy required for the instability of each group of joints is basically the same under various disturbance conditions, and this energy is mainly controlled by the initial shear stress and has no connection with the disturbance parameters. The stability of the total disturbance deformation and the disturbance energy law of the joints revealed in the tests provide data support for reasonably determining the disturbance instability criterion of joints.
Effect of Tocopherol/Sesamol on the Physical Stability and Bioactivity of Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions of Different Oil Types
Authors: Guo Xin , Shi Longkai , Heng Joseph , Sun Xiaotian , Liang Li , Liu Ruijie , Chang Ming , Wang Xingguo
Published: March 2023

Lipid‐based delivery systems are widely used to incorporate chemicals with poor solubility. The influence of tocopherol and sesamol on emulsion delivery systems, including their bioactivity, is not well‐known. Herein, the overall aim of this study is to understand the effect of tocopherol and sesamol on the physical stability and bioactivity of various emulsions comprised of oil (medium chain triglyceride, coconut oil, palm oil) with different carbon chain lengths using theC. elegansmodel. All emulsions show good physical stability; droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and microstructure are relatively constant over the incubation time. Tocopherol and sesamol show the greatest bioactivity (greater lipid‐lowering effect and in vivo antioxidant activity) in emulsions fabricated with palm oil. Knowledge on emulsion stability and bioactivity is important for delivery systems in the food industry involving tocopherol, sesamol, and other related bioactive compounds.
Microdroplet anodic stripping voltammetry at the in situ preparing antimony‐modified rotating disk electrode for determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II)
Authors: Huo Ranran , Liu Lin , Chanthasa Chanika , Okazaki Takuya , Sazawa Kazuto , Sugawara Kazuharu , Kuramitz Hideki
Published: March 2023

A simple electroanalytical method for Cd(II) and Pb(II) detection based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPSV) with in situ prepared antimony‐modified glassy carbon rotating disk electrode (in situ Sb‐GC‐RDE) was developed. The electrochemical detection was performed in a microdroplet (50 μL) of 0.01 M hydrochloric acid that is placed between the electrode surface (top) and a Parafilm®‐covered glass slide to maintain a hydrophobic surface (bottom). This method includes a preconcentration process using a membrane filter (MF). The target metal ions were complexed with 1‐(2‐pyridylazo)‐2‐naphthol (PAN) as a chelating agent, which was accumulated on the MF via filtration. The RDE microdroplet anodic stripping voltammetry was suitable for the elution and determination of metal ions accumulated on the MF. The in situ preparation of antimony‐modified electrode allows the use of common GC electrode with high performance. The detection limits for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 1.4 and 1.1 μg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully used in natural water samples for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II).
Advances of sulfide‐type solid‐state batteries with negative electrodes: Progress and perspectives
Authors: Jeong Seonghun , Li Yuankai , Sim Woo Hyeong , Mun Junyoung , Kim Jung Kyu , Jeong Hyung Mo
Published: March 2023

All‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) technology is the focus of considerable interest owing to their safety and the fact that their high energy density meets the requirements of emerging battery applications, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESSs). In light of this, current research on high‐energy ASSBs harnesses the benefits of solid‐state battery systems by employing anode materials with high energy densities. Owing to the excellent physical safety of solid electrolytes, it is possible to build a battery with high energy density by using high‐energy negative electrode materials and decreasing the amount of electrolyte in the battery system. Sulfide‐based ASSBs with high ionic conductivity and low physical contact resistance is recently receiving considerable attention. This review provides a summary on various anode materials for ASSBs operating under electrochemically reducing conditions from the perspective of electrochemical and physical safety. The electrochemical and physical properties of sulfide electrolytes used for lithium (Li) metal and particle‐type anode materials are presented, as well as strategies for mitigating interfacial failures in solid‐state cells through interlayer and electrode design.

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Ictal blinking triggered by isolated spikes as the only manifestation of seizures
Authors: Katyal Roohi , Jamal‐Omidi Shirin , Kubota Takafumi , Garcia‐Losarcos Naiara , Luders Hans
Published: March 2023

Objective

To describe blinking as the only manifestation of seizures from isolated focal and generalized cortical spikes and investigate the relationship between blinks and epileptic discharges.

Methods

We measured the latency from the onset of spikes to the onset of blinks in two patients using electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrooculogram (EOG), and calculated the median latency in both cases. We analyzed the latency from spike onset to the onset of additional specific eye movements, seen only in the second case. To determine the frequency of spontaneous blinks (not triggered by spikes), we defined a “control point” at 45 s following a random spike for the first case. We tested for statistically significant associations between latencies of blinks (Case 1) as well as between latencies of blinks and specific eye movements (Case 2).

Results

A total of 174 generalized spike‐waves followed by a blink were analyzed in the first patient. Approximately 61% of the blinks occurred within 150–450 ms after the onset of the spike. Median latency for blinks following a spike was 294 ms compared to 541 ms for control blinks (p = .02). For the second patient, a total of 160 eye movements following a right occipito‐parietal spike were analyzed. The median spike‐blink latency in the second case was 497 milliseconds. Median latencies of spike onset to contralateral oblique eye movements with blink and left lateral eye movements were 648 and 655 milliseconds, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study shows that isolated cortical spikes can induce epileptic seizures consisting exclusively of blinks. These findings emphasize the importance of careful EEG and EOG analysis to determine blinking as the only ictal phenomenon. We additionally describe a new technique to prove the temporal relationship between cortical discharges and a specific movement when, in addition to the movements triggered by a spike, the same movement is also spontaneously performed by the patient (in this case, blinking).
Annual and decadal net morphological displacement of a small gravel‐bed channel
Authors: Wlodarczyk Kyle , Hassan Marwan A. , Church Michael
Published: March 2023

The sediment supplied to a stream channel impacts the morphological trends experienced by that channel, and the long‐term trends are important to understand for many riverine applications. We introduce the term ‘net morphological displacement’ (NMD) to denote the net channel change revealed by the morphological method over multiple sediment transport events to make the concept more explicit for river management and use it to determine equilibrium or disequilibrium states. This study explores the morphological response of East Creek, a small threshold gravel‐bed channel in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, to variations in flow and sediment supply at multiple spatial and temporal scales over 15 years. High‐resolution topographic data (HRTD) of the bed were combined with cross‐sectional surveys of the banks to determine the sediment supply that the channel responded to annually. The level of detection used to remove noise associated with HRTD was calibrated using an independent tracer stone dataset. The net effects from multiple floods caused distributions of bed elevation change to generally follow the log‐normal distribution, and mean depths of erosion and deposition were predominantly similar between morphological units. At the reach scale, the various reaches of East Creek responded differently to the same hydrological events due to the impacts from the varying supply conditions on the NMD. Shorter measurement periods would have resulted in inconclusive information that does not show the long‐term morphological trends of the channel. Determination of these trends can take years or decades, depending on the time and space scales of change, but there is generally a lack of long‐term channel monitoring programmes, notably after river restoration. More long‐term channel monitoring programmes are required to assess restoration projects and ensure their long‐term sustainability.
A privacy‐preserving model for blockchain‐based data sharing in the industrial internet
Authors: Xue Yudai , Wang Jinsong , Shi Kai , Zhang Hongwei
Published: March 2023

Information technology is an important direction for the development of traditional industries. With the in‐depth study of the industrial internet and blockchain technology in recent years, data‐sharing based on blockchain has become an important means to achieve industrial internet interconnection and has played an important role in achieving production efficiency and product quality. However, the transparency of blockchain can raise privacy issues, and competitors may engage in malicious competition due to the exposure of blockchain transactions. Therefore, based on the general blockchain system, this article unifies the scale of value of data sharing by introducing a token exchange mechanism as a basis for privacy‐preserving mechanisms. Based on smart contracts, a token mixer anonymizes shared participants. By introducing a ring signature scheme with smart contracts, we provide group‐oriented authentication for anonymous identities participating in data sharing and ensure data flow within a controlled range. The abovementioned mechanism provides a feasible solution for the privacy‐preserving requirement of data sharing among industrial entities and could encourage industrial entities to participate in data sharing, supporting the goals of interconnection in the industrial internet.
Optimization of soaking conditions (temperature and time) on physicochemical properties of selected parboiled rice varieties grown in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Ziad , Forsido Sirawdink Fikreyesus , Kuyu Chala G. , Keyata Ebisa Olika
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to optimize soaking temperature and time for better physicochemical properties of parboiled rice varieties grown in Eastern Ethiopia. Two brown rice varieties (NERICA‐4 and NERICA‐6) were collected from the Somali Regional Agricultural and Pastoral Research Center in Gode. The experiment was designed to aid the design expert software using box–behnken experimental design of response surface methodology to optimize the effects of soaking temperature (60–70°C) and soaking time (4–6 h). Relevant physical and chemical composition properties of the parboiled rice varieties were investigated using standard methods. Numerical optimization of the responses was performed using design expert software. The results showed that soaking time and temperature significantly (p < .05) influenced the physicochemical quality of studied brown rice varieties. The optimal soaking temperature and time were 65°C and 6 h, respectively, for NERICA‐4. Under these conditions, the optimum response variables obtained were 375.37 N, 52 min, 12.3%, 1.24%, 13.86%, 2.17%, 3.2942%, 67.1171%, 343.5 kcal/100 g, 274.72 mg/100 g, 318.35 mg/100 g, and 268.31 mg/100 g for hardness, cooking time, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, energy, magnesium, and potassium and phosphorous content, respectively. However, 65°C and 5 h were optimum soaking temperatures and time for NERICA‐6, giving hardness, cooking time, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, energy content, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous of 375.18 N, 52 min, 12.2%, 1.4%, 11.54%, 2.29%, 2.89%, 69.6%, 345.42 kcal/100 g, 156 mg/100 g, 105.9 mg/100 g and 136.9 mg/100 g, respectively. The findings showed that rice varieties, in particular NARICA 4, were processed under optimal parboiling conditions in the study setting for better physical properties, proximate composition, and mineral content.
Modeling skewness in portfolio choice
Authors: Le Trung H. , Kourtis Apostolos , Markellos Raphael
Published: March 2023

We seek the best skewness models for portfolio choice decisions. To this end, we compare the predictive ability and portfolio performance of several prominent skewness models in a sample of 10 international equity market indices. Overall, models that employ information from the option markets outperform models that only rely on stock returns. We propose an option‐based skewness estimator that accounts for the skewness risk premium. This estimator offers the most informative forecasts of future skewness, the lowest prediction errors, and the best portfolio performance in most of our tests.
Between purgatory and paradise: Exploring the role of social media in the lives of public intellectuals
Authors: Ream Todd C.
Published: March 2023

In this transitory age for public intellectuals, faculty must wisely negotiate the differences between public and private communication. The work of public intellectuals in colleges and universities raises questions about the methods used to assess the impact this work and the modes of communication with the lay public. This chapter discusses the pervasive nature of social media in the lives of public intellectuals and to what end the platforms they utilize can be leveraged in positive ways.
Inhibition of ox‐LDL‐induced endothelial cell injury by LINC02381 knockdown through the microRNA‐491‐5p/transcription factor 7 axis
Authors: Zhu Xizheng , Xu Hui , Chen Beijia
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex multifactorial and chronic inflammatory vascular disease that contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Abnormal cellular proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is a crucial element in AS development. In this study, we investigated the potential role of the long noncoding RNA LINC02381/microRNA (miR)‐491‐5p/transcription factor 7 (TCF7) axis in regulating HUVEC injury in 30 participants suffering from AS and 30 healthy control participants. We established an in vitro model of AS in HUVECs using oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), and measured cellular mRNA and protein levels of LINC02381, miR‐491‐5p, and TCF7 in serum samples using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays. We evaluated cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation using Cell Counting Kit‐8, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Moreover, we analyzed apoptosis‐related protein expression using western blotting analysis and determined the association between miR‐491‐5p and LINC02381 or TCF7 using dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down, and rescue experiments. We observed that LINC02381 was elevated, while miR‐491‐5p was downregulated in serum samples from participants with AS and in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs. LINC02381 knockdown was protective against HUVEC injury via miR‐491‐5p inhibition, which is its downstream target. Rescue experiments further demonstrated that miR‐491‐5p alleviated HUVEC injury by modulating TCF7. Thus, LINC02381 knockdown ameliorated HUVEC injury by regulating the miR‐491‐5p/TCF7 axis, which provides new insights into AS treatment strategies.
The potential value of cuprotosis in myocardial immune infiltration that occurs in pediatric congenital heart disease in response to surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Puwei Song , Siyu Ma , ZhuoGa DeQin , Kede Wu , Zhaocong Yang , Patel Nishant , Xiaoxu Liu , Xuming Mo
Published: March 2023

Background

Cardiopulmonary bypass may cause malfunction in the myocardium. Cuproptosis is a novel cell death aggregating mitochondrial proteins. However, the research on cardiopulmonary bypass‐caused heart tissue injury in immune infiltration and cuproptosis is limited.

Method

Immune infiltration, enrichment analysis, protein−protein interaction network, and medication prediction are applied to reanalysis differentially expressed genes and cuproptosis‐related genes in gene expression omnibus data set GSE132176.

Results

Seven cuproptosis related genes (PDHA1, LIPT1, LIAS, DLST, DLD, DLAT, and DBT) and dendritic cells and Th1 cells are involved in heart tissue injury in response to surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions

Immune infiltration and cuproptosis are potential mechanisms by which cardiopulmonary bypass surgery may cause damage to heart tissue, which may be a new therapeutic target.
TBK1 promotes thyroid cancer progress by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Qiuli , Guan Yingying , Zheng Jingmei , Lu Huadong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Thyroid cancer has received increasing attention; however, its detailed pathogenesis and pathological processes remain unclear. We investigated the role of TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in the progression of thyroid cancer.

Methods

The expression of TBK1 in thyroid cancer and normal control tissues was analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The function of TBK1 on thyroid cancer cells was detected using MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The xenograft assay was carried out to check on the role of TBK1 in thyroid cancer.

Results

TBK1 was highly expressed in thyroid tumors. High expression of TBK1 raised viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of thyroid cancer cells. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that TBK1 activated the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. In addition, Myc‐associated zinc finger protein (MAZ) was overexpressed in thyroid cancer and transcriptionally activated BK1. MAZ silence reversed the effects of TBK1 overexpression on thyroid cancer progression. Cotransfection with MAZ small‐interfering RNA(siRNA) and TBK1 siRNA did not strengthen the inhibitory effect of TBK1 silencing on the thyroid cancer cells. The xenograft tumor assay showed that TBK1 short hairpinRNA inhibited tumor growth.

Conclusion

MAZ silencing inhibited tumor progress of thyroid cancer cells, whereas this inhibitory effect was reversed by TBK1 overexpression.
Association of ITM2A rs1751094 polymorphism on X chromosome in Korean pediatric patients with autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Cho Won K. , Baek In‐Cheol , Kim Sung E. , Kim Mirae , Kim Tai‐Gyu , Suh Byung‐Kyu
Published: March 2023

Background

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) manifests with a female predominance, and much attention has been directed towards the integral membrane protein 2 A (ITM2A) gene located on the X chromosome.

Methods

In a study of 166 pediatric patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), the ITM2A rs1751094 single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped. The sample comprised 143 females and 23 males, with 67 patients diagnosed with Hashimoto chronic thyroiditis (HD) and 99 with Graves' disease (GD). In the 99 GD patients, 49 (49.5%) exhibited thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Among the 85 GD patients, 70.6% (60/85) were considered intractable GD. The results were compared to those from 198 healthy Korean individuals, including 97 females and 101 males.

Results

The frequency of the rs1751094 C allele and CC/AC genotype were higher in AITD, GD and HD patients compared to controls, while the frequency of the A allele and AA genotype were lower. The results were more pronounced in female AITD and GD patients compared to male patients. The association was also found in intractable GD and TAO patients. Target SNP fits Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the ITM2A gene polymorphism on the X chromosome may contribute to the immunological basis of female‐predominant AITD in Korean children.
Female reproductive and hormonal factors and lung cancer mortality among never‐smokers: A prospective cohort study of 287 408 Chinese women
Authors: Cheng Elvin S. , Velentzis Louiza S. , Weber Marianne , Steinberg Julia , Canfell Karen , Yu Xue Qin
Published: March 2023

There is growing, but inconsistent evidence suggesting oestrogen may play a key role in lung cancer development, especially among never‐smoking women for whom lung cancer risk factors remain largely elusive. Using the China Kadoorie Biobank, a large‐scale prospective cohort with 302 510 women aged 30 to 79 years recruited from 10 regions in China during 2004 to 2008, we assessed the risk of lung cancer death among self‐reported never‐smoking women who were cancer‐free at baseline, in relation to age at menarche, age at menopause, time since menopause, prior use of oral contraceptives (OCP), number of livebirths, breastfeeding and age at first livebirth. Women were followed up to December 31, 2016 with linkage to mortality data. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression, adjusting for key confounders including several socio‐demographic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Among 287 408 never‐smoking women, 814 died from lung cancer with a median follow‐up of 10.3 years. Women who had used OCP within 15 years prior to baseline had a significantly higher hazard of lung cancer death compared with never‐users: HR = 1.85 (95% CI: 1.14‐3.00) and risk increased by 6% with each additional year of use: HR = 1.06 (1.01‐1.10). Among parous women, the hazard of lung cancer death increased by 13% with each single livebirth: HR = 1.13 (1.05‐1.23); and among post‐menopausal women, the risk increased by 2% with each year since menopause: HR = 1.02 (1.01‐1.04). These results suggest that reproductive factors which were proxies for lower endogenous oestrogen level, for example, longer duration of OCP use, could play a role in lung cancer development.
Long‐term outcomes of sirolimus treatment for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: Continuing successes and ongoing challenges
Authors: Zhou Jiangyuan , Li Yanan , Qiu Tong , Gong Xue , Yang Kaiying , Zhang Xuepeng , Zhang Zixin , Lan Yuru , Hu Fan , Peng Qiang , Zhang Yongbo , Kong Feiteng , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi
Published: March 2023

Treatment with sirolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, has improved the prognosis of patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). However, the efficacy, durability and tolerability of long‐term sirolimus treatment in patients with KHE have not been well elucidated. We performed efficacy and safety assessments based on more than 4.5 years of follow‐up in patients receiving sirolimus therapy for KHE. One hundred sixty‐seven patients were analyzed, including 102 (61.1%) patients with the Kasabach‐Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Follow‐up was conducted after a median of 56.0 months. A total of 154 (92.2%) patients had a durable response to sirolimus treatment. No difference in durable response was found between patients without KMP and patients with KMP (95.4% vs 90.2%; difference, 5.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.0% to 13.1%). Rebound growth occurred in 17.3% of patients upon sirolimus discontinuation. Early treatment discontinuation (odds ratio [OR]: 3.103; 95% CI: 1.529‐6.299; P = .002) and mixed lesion type (OR: 2.271; 95% CI: 0.901‐5.727; P = .047) were associated with tumor rebound growth. No KHE‐related deaths occurred in this cohort. At the last follow‐up, approximately 17.4% of patients had active disease and/or changes in body structures to a variable extent. Serious adverse events occurred most commonly during the first year of sirolimus therapy. Follow‐up of almost 4.5 years demonstrated that the efficacy of sirolimus persisted over time and that long‐term treatment with sirolimus was not associated with unacceptable cumulative toxicities. However, nonresponse, tumor relapse and long‐term sequelae remained challenges despite intensified and prolonged sirolimus therapy.
Obesity increases the odds of multiple pregnancies: A nationwide register‐based cohort study in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Liukkonen Rasmus , Kuitunen Ilari , Ponkilainen Ville , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the effects of increased pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) on the risk of having spontaneous multiple pregnancies using a nationwide register‐based study sample.

Methods

Data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) (2004–2018) were used to evaluate the effects of a higher pre‐pregnancy BMI on the risk of multiple pregnancies. Lower and higher pre‐pregnancy BMI classes, using the WHO classification, were compared with a normal weight class. A logistic regression model was used to assess the primary outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the groups were compared. The model was adjusted by maternal age, maternal height, and maternal smoking status.

Results

The odds of multiple pregnancies were higher among women in the overweight group (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12), obesity class I group (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.18), and obesity class II group (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.28) compared with women in the non‐overweight BMI class. Women in the underweight group had lower odds for multiple pregnancies (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73–0.93).

Conclusion

The odds of multiple pregnancies slightly increase with pre‐pregnancy obesity, and this should be acknowledged as a minor risk factor for multiple pregnancies.
Real‐time coloring method of laser surgery video based on generative adversarial network
Authors: Pan Xiaoying , Lian Jia , He Qiqi , Xue Yufeng , Wang Hao , He Dalin
Published: March 2023

Lasers have become an important technology for the medical treatment of cancer. However, the high power of visible laser knives makes conventional endoscopic imaging light pollution severe. This phenomenon can cause the physician to be unable to determine the condition of the lesion site. In this article, a colorization method for laser surgery videos is proposed. The method performs real‐time colorization of the laser surgery video under black‐and‐white imaging. The main contribution of this work is to propose a new idea for solving laser contamination in medical surgery videos, along with real‐time generative adversarial networks (RTGANs). The network takes advantage of generative adversarial networks and residual networks for fast colorization of black and white images. To evaluate the method, we conducted experiments using three datasets. The experimental results show that the RTGAN network takes only 0.026 s to colorize a single frame image. Coloring speed up to 67 times faster than advanced methods, and the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio reached a maximum of 35.736.
BUS‐CAD: A computer‐aided diagnosis system for breast tumor classification in ultrasound images using grid‐search‐optimized machine learning algorithms with extended and Boruta‐selected features
Authors: Özcan Hakan
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer has become the most prominent type of cancer in the world. Early detection of breast cancer plays an important role in optimal treatment planning to decrease mortality. Breast ultrasound is widely used in diagnosing breast masses. Applications of machine learning in ultrasound imaging‐based classification have shown promising potential for early and accurate detection of breast cancer. In this study, a new computer‐aided diagnosis system based on machine learning techniques for breast cancer classification is proposed. Feature space is extended by using hybrid feature representations that combine both global and local texture statistics. A two‐step feature selection process is implemented using Boruta all‐relevant feature selection algorithm and iterative correlation analysis. A grid‐search strategy is followed along with 20 times repeated 10‐fold randomly stratified cross‐validation to optimize machine learning algorithms. Fourteen classification models based on random forest (RF) and support vector machine trained using all combinations of global features and the features driven from gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix and local binary patterns are tested. The experiments showed that the RF classifier on the hybrid feature vector that combines all global and local features achieved the best classification performance with average accuracy and area under the curve of 97.81% and 99.80%, respectively. The results suggest that the proposed system efficiently improves the classification performance of breast lesions on ultrasound images and can assist clinical decision‐making.
Societal costs of personality disorders: A cross‐sectional multicenter study of treatment‐seeking patients in mental health services in Norway
Authors: Sveen C. A. , Pedersen G. , Ulvestad D. A. , Zahl K. E. , Wilberg T. , Kvarstein E. H.
Published: March 2023

Objective

There is a relatively small body of research on the cost‐of‐illness of personality disorders (PDs). Most studies only include borderline PD. The aim of this study was to investigate mean societal costs, including its components, (direct) health service costs and (indirect) productivity loss, among treatment‐seeking patients with the broad range of all PDs according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5).

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from 911 patients diagnosed with at least 1 PD were retrieved from the quality register of the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders—a collaboration of PD treatment units within specialist mental health services. The patients were referred in the time period 2017–2020. Estimation of costs was based on a bottom‐up approach, using information from a structured interview covering the 6‐month period before assessment, whereas unit costs were retrieved from public reports, public records, or public agencies. The human capital approach was used to calculate productivity loss. Diagnoses were determined by semi‐structured diagnostic interviews (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5‐PD [SCID‐5‐PD]).

Results

The mean societal costs were €20.260 during the 6‐month period before specialized treatment. The largest cost component was productivity loss (65%), whereas health service costs constituted 35%. The main contributors to societal costs from the underlying health service cost components were inpatient treatment (20.5%) and individual outpatient treatment (10.5%).

Conclusion

Societal costs were substantial among treatment‐seeking patients with the broad range of DSM‐5 PDs, comparable to the societal costs of schizophrenia, and significantly higher than the societal costs of both depression and anxiety disorders. The cost estimates converged with recent, register‐based cost‐of‐illness studies of different PDs but exceeded previous findings from other bottom‐up studies. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of implementing effective and specialized treatment for patients with a broad range of PDs, not only to alleviate individual suffering but also to reduce the level of societal costs. The emphasis on productivity loss as a main contributor to the overall societal costs is substantiated, hence underlining the relevance of interventions focusing on improving occupational functioning.
Managers’ and providers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators for the implementation of differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment in Mozambique: a qualitative study
Authors: Moiana Uetela Dorlim , Gimbel Sarah , Inguane Celso , Uetela Onei , Dinis Aneth , Couto Aleny , Gaspar Irénio , Gudo Eduardo S. , Chicumbe Sérgio , Gaveta Sandra , Augusto Orvalho , Sherr Kenneth
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In 2018, Mozambique's Ministry of Health launched a guideline for a nationwide implementation of eight differentiated service delivery models to optimize HIV service delivery and achieve universal coverage of HIV care and treatment. The models were (1) Fast‐track, (2) Three‐month Antiretrovirals Dispensing, (3) Community Antiretroviral Therapy Groups, (4) Adherence Clubs, (5) Family‐approach, and three one‐stop shop models for (6) Tuberculosis, (7) Maternal and Child Health, and (8) Adolescent‐friendly Health Services. This study identified drivers of implementation success and failure across these differentiated service delivery models.

Methods

Twenty in‐depth individual interviews were conducted with managers and providers from the Ministry of Health and implementing partners from all levels of the health system between July and September 2021. National‐level participants were based in the capital city of Maputo, and participants at provincial, district and health facility levels were from Sofala province, a purposively selected setting. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided data collection and thematic analysis. Deductively selected constructs were assessed while allowing for additional themes to emerge inductively.

Results

The CFIR constructs of Relative Advantage, Complexity, Patient Needs and Resources, and Reflecting and Evaluating were identified as drivers of implementation, whereas Available Resources and Access to Knowledge and Information were identified as barriers. Fast‐track and Three‐month Antiretrovirals Dispensing models were deemed easier to implement and more effective in reducing workload. Adherence Clubs and Community Antiretroviral Therapy Groups were believed to be less preferred by clients in urban settings. COVID‐19 (an inductive theme) improved acceptance and uptake of individual differentiated service delivery models that reduced client visits, but it temporarily interrupted the implementation of group models.

Conclusions

This study described important determinants to be addressed or leveraged for the successful implementation of differentiated service delivery models in Mozambique. The models were considered advantageous overall for the health system and clients when compared with the standard of care. However, successful implementation requires resources and ongoing training for frontline providers. COVID‐19 expedited individual models by loosening the inclusion criteria; this experience can be leveraged to optimize the design and implementation of differentiated service delivery models in Mozambique and other countries.
Cyber racism in counseling cyberspaces
Authors: Green Darius A. , Dockery Gene N. , Williams Brittany A.
Published: March 2023

Attention toward how technology may be used to perpetuate racism is warranted given the global impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We examined cyberspaces associated with the counseling profession to estimate the prevalence and impact of cyber racism using a cross‐sectional design. Results indicated that exposure to cyber racism may impact emotions and perceived inclusion in groups.
A decolonial perspective of collective coping in the adult attachment and life satisfaction link
Authors: Jin Ling , Wang Chiachih DC , Bismar Danna , Carbajal Ivan , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: March 2023

This study examined the role of cognitive flexibility and collective coping in the relationship between adult attachment and life satisfaction while comparing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC; n = 187) and White (n = 135) groups. Result showed that the relationship between attachment anxiety and life satisfaction was mediated via cognitive flexibility and collective coping only in the BIPOC group. This study informs culturally responsive attachment‐based counseling and advances literature from a decolonial perspective.