bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A non-randomized controlled trial for the effectiveness of the ‘aibo’ intervention program for distraction in childhood vaccination
Authors: Tanaka Kyoko , Hayakawa Maoko , Noda Chihiro , Nakamura Moemi , Nakamura Akio , Akiyama Chieko
Published: February 2022

Background: Procedures and actions such as injections and immobilization cause pain and distress to children. In the pediatric field, there is a need for interventions and support to alleviate the pain and distress caused by such medical procedures. In recent years, the introduction of robots as a means of distraction has begun to be attempted. Methods: In this study, we conducted a non-randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of intervention using ‘aibo’, a dog-like robot which has artificial intelligence (AI), to promote distraction in children after vaccination. Children between the ages of 3 and 13 years old eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and their caregivers were assigned to intervention group or control group. Then, children evaluated their pain and children’s behavior were observed by observer. The mean values of Faces pain rating scale scores and observer pain scale scores were compared between groups using an unpaired t-test.Results: Fifty-seven children (32 in the intervention group) participated in the study. Results of a t-test with the control group showed that the intervention group using aibo had significantly less pain following the post-vaccination intervention than the control group using stuffed dog (Face Scale, t(55) = 2.582, p = .0125; Behavioral Observation Scale, t(55) = 2.772, p = .00759). The results support the hypothesis that the aibo intervention group will be less distressed and able to calm down more quickly after vaccination than the control group. Conclusion: AI-powered aibo interventions that allow for interactive interaction can be an effective distraction method during painful procedures such as vaccinations.
Exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 Derived from Mast Cell as a Potential Non-invasive Diagnostic Biomarker for Endometriosis
Authors: Li Yingxue , Cui Shuling , Xu Zemin , Zhang Yanping , Wu Tao , Zhang Jing , Chen Yichen
Published: February 2022

Background: The diagnosis of endometriosis (EMs) is still based on laparoscopic observation. This study tries to verify whether exosomal tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) in leucorrhea can be used as non-invasive diagnostic markers.Methods: Endometrial tissues and leucorrhea were sampled from women hospitalized in Ningbo University Affiliated Hospital from January 2021 to July 2021 with (n=26) and without endometriosis (n=25). Exosomes were isolated from samples by differential centrifugation. The small RNA sequencing was performed to detect the exosomal tRNA halves (tiRNAs)&tRFs. RNA probe and immunofluorescence antibody were used to localize the origin of tRFs. From mast cell lines infected with tRF-Leu-AAG-001 siRNA, we observed the change in vascular capacity and expression of inflammatory factors. The specificity and sensitivity tRF were determined by receiver operating characteristic analyses.Results: 63 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated tRFs&tiRNAs were identified in ectopic exosomes. We selected tRF-Leu-AAG-001 as a candidate marker through KEGG pathway enrichment and PCR verification. We found that mast cells highly expressed tRF-Leu-AAG-001 in ectopic foci by immunofluorescence staining. We used siRNA to silenced tRF-Leu-AAG-001 expression in luva, qPCR analysis showed IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, tRF-Leu-AAG-001 siRNA dramatically reduced the angiogenic ability of luva. Finally, we examined the expression of exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 in the leucorrhea. It was found exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 had high specificity and sensitivity for predicting the occurrence of ectopic disease. Conclusions: Exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 derived from mast cells in ectopic foci might promote inflammation and angiogenesis. Meanwhile，leucorrhea exosomal tRF-Leu-AAG-001 could be a potential diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis.
Opinions and experiences of physicians regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A research report from Poland.
Authors: Leśniewska Magdalena , Kozioł Ilona , Budzyńska Julia , Kopystecka Agnieszka , Patryn Rafał
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND The term CAM denotes alternative, unconventional, complementary medicine. In practice, however, CAM is practiced by individuals without academic medical education and formal eligibility for treating people. The extent of this phenomenon is considerable. The WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine has demonstrated that 87% of all WHO Member States legally recognize individual forms of CAM, and 100 Member States have national policies regarding such practices. In Poland, performing medical activities without appropriate qualifications is prohibited. METHODS The pilot study was conducted to assess the directions of possible research on alternative medicine. Diagnostic survey distributed as a Google Forms was used as the basic research method with the research technique of a questionnaire. The questionnaire starting with a metrics part consisted of several questions regarding popularity and tendency of CAM, causes of CAM popularity, approach to those types of practices and patients as well as role of CAM during the pandemic. 61 responses were obtained from physicians of different age, experience and speciality. RESULTS As many as 95% of doctors believe that alternative medicine can be dangerous; 67.2% think that the phenomenon of alternative medicine should be combated; almost half of the physicians surveyed believe that there is a fundamental contradiction between evidence-based medicine (EBM) and alternative medicine. Furthermore, according to 48% of respondents, physicians in Poland should be able to recommend and combine methods of traditional and alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS Doctors point to the increasing popularity of CAM among patients in Poland, the consequences of which cannot be determined because there is still a lack of research on the safety of alternative methods. The most frequently cited reasons for interest in CAM suggest that there is a need for a better tailored biomedical approach to individual patient needs.
Application of decision analytical models to diabetes in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Tagoe Eunice Twumwaa , Nonvignon Justice , Meer Robert Van Der , Megiddo Itamar
Published: February 2022

Background: Decision analytical models (DAMs) are used to develop an evidence base that is used in impact and health economic evaluations, including to evaluate interventions to improve diabetes care and health service—an increasingly important area in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the disease burden is high, health systems are weak, and resources are constrained. Compared with large-scale real-life randomised control trials and cohort studies, DAMs can produce evidence of the health and economic benefits of interventions in an affordable and timely manner, while overcoming ethical issues, by using mathematical and logical relationships to abstract vital aspects of reality/systems for analysis.This study examines how DAMs–in particular, Markov, system dynamic, agent-based, discrete event simulation and hybrid models–have been applied to investigate non-pharmaceutical (NP) policy interventions and how to advance their adoption to diabetes research in LMICs. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2020 in PubMed, Cochrane and the reference list of reviewed articles. Articles were summarised and appraised based on publication details, model design and processes, modelled interventions, and model limitations. Results: Thirteen studies were included (six Markov, six microsimulation and one agent-based model), most of which modelled interventions in Asian sub-population. Except for one study (which examined tax increment), all studies assessed interventions within the health sector. Seven studies reported health and economic outcomes and the rest reported health outcomes only. Twelve studies reported on uncertainty analysis. Almost half of the studies did not report on model validation, whereas two studies combined multiple validation techniques to increase confidence in models. Four studies modelled policy interventions among diabetes patients; the rest concentrated on at-risk populations. All studies reported limitations with obtaining sufficient data for modelling. Conclusions: This review summarises the application of DAMs to NP diabetes interventions in LMICs. Our purpose is to identify gaps in their adoption and advance their appropriate use for assessing NP policies intervention aimed at controlling diabetes. Our study recommends that LMICs should leverage the usefulness of DAMs to support economic evaluation of population-wide NP policy interventions, particularly fiscal policies, to control diabetes.
The Canadian STRIDER Randomised Controlled Trial of Sildenafil for Severe, Early-onset Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: von Dadelszen Peter , Audibert François , Bujold Emmanuel , Bone Jeffrey N , Sandhu Ash , Li Jing , Kariya Chirag , Chung Youkee , Lee Tang , Au Kelvin , Skoll M Amanda , Vidler Marianne , Magee Laura A , Piedboeuf Bruno , Baker Philip N , Lalji Sayrin , Lim Kenneth I
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesTo determine the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate to improve outcomes in pregnancies complicated by early-onset, dismal prognosis, fetal growth restriction (FGR). Eligibility: women ≥18 years, singleton, 18 +0–27 +6 weeks’ gestation, estimated fetal weight <700g, and ≥1 of (i) abdominal circumference <10 th percentile for gestational age (GA); or (ii) reduced growth velocity and either abnormal uterine artery Doppler or prior early-onset FGR with adverse outcome. Ineligibility criteria included: planned termination or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic flow. Eligibility confirmed by placental growth factor <5 th percentile for GA. Women randomly received (1:1) either sildenafil 25 mg three times daily or matched placebo until either delivery or 31 +6 weeks. Primary outcome: delivery GA. The trial stopped early when the Dutch STRIDER trial signalled potential harm. NCT02442492 [registered 13/05/2015].ResultsBetween May 2017 and June 2018, 21 (90 planned) women were randomised (10 sildenafil; 11 placebo [1 withdrawal]). Baseline characteristics, PlGF levels, maternal and perinatal outcomes, and adverse events did not differ. Delivery GA: 30 +1 weeks (sildenafil) vs 28 +6 weeks (placebo); p=0.555. Early trial termination precluded statistical power; however, there were signals of neither benefit nor harm. Data will contribute to an individual participant data meta-analysis.
Hepatitis B, C, and Delta in the General Population in Mayotte: Hepatitis B as a Major Public Health Concern
Authors: Brouard Cécile , Parenton Fanny , Youssouf Hassani , Chevaliez Stéphane , Gordien Emmanuel , Jean Maxime , Bruyand Mathias , Vaux Sophie , Lot Florence , Ruello Marc , group Unono Wa Maore
Published: February 2022

Background
In the 15-69-year-old general population living in Mayotte, we estimated the prevalence of infections by hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and delta (HDV) viruses and the distribution of HBV status: current infection with positive HBs antigen (Ag); resolved infection with positive HBc antibodies and negative HBsAg; immunisation by vaccination with only positive HBs antibodies; and no infection/no immunisation with negative markers. We described the characteristics of infected people. We also assessed the determinants of HBV infection.
Methods
The Unono Wa Maore survey, implemented in a random sample of the general population in 2018–2019, consisted of an at-home collection of epidemiological data and venous blood samples. Detection of hepatitis B, C, and delta serological and molecular markers was performed. Determinants of lifetime HBV infection were assessed using Poisson regression models.
Results
Among 5,207 eligible people, 4,643 responded to the questionnaire (89.2%), with 2,917 being tested for HBV and HCV (62.8%). Estimated HBV status was as follows: current infection 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–3.9%) (n = 76); resolved infection 27.8% (95%CI: 25.8–29.9); immunisation by vaccination 27.7% (95%CI: 25.9–29.7); and no infection/no immunisation 41.5% (95%CI: 39.3–43.7). One participant was positive for HDV antibodies (Ab) (0.65%) with a negative HDV-RNA viral load. The risk of lifetime HBV infection was higher in men (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.55, 95%CI: 1.29–1.89); in people aged 30–49 years (aPR: 3.83, 95%CI: 1.49–9.81) or 50–69 years (aPR: 4.52, 95%CI: 1.77–11.53) compared to those under 20; in individuals who reported no condom use during their first sexual intercourse (aPR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.01–2.14); and in those living in Dembeni-Mamoudzou (aPR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.09–1.80) compared to the West-Centre of Mayotte. Finally, six individuals were positive for HCV antibodies (0.21%), including three positive for HCV RNA.
Conclusions
Mayotte is an area of intermediate endemicity for HBV and low endemicity for HCV and HDV. With a prevalence of HBsAg 10 times higher than in mainland France, a high proportion of people susceptible to HBV infection, and a demographic, health, and social context that may favour its transmission, hepatitis B is a major public health concern in Mayotte.
Physiological and microbiological hormesis in sedge Eleocharis palustris induced by crude oil in phytoremediation of flooded clay soil
Authors: Chávez-Álvarez Karla , Rivera-Cruz María del Carmen , Aceves-Navarro Lorenzo A. , Trujillo-Narcía Antonio , Cruz Rubén García-de la , Vega-López Armando
Published: February 2022

Soil contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons affects plants and rhizospheric microorganisms. A nine-month experiment was set up to study the effect over time of oil on plant height, new plant production, plant matter production, and the population of rhizospheric microorganisms in the sedge Eleocharis palustris. The removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons from the soil was also evaluated. The results showed that plants responded differently depending on age and petroleum concentration. Concentration of 60 g of petroleum per kg of soil induced a significant increase in height (weeks 28 to 38) and new plant production (weeks 13 to 38). At the end of the evaluation period, a high petroleum concentration induced a significant increase in the number of primary roots, root and aerial dry matter, population of microalgae, total fungi, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas spp and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria. Physiological and microbiological hormetic index values ≥1 showed a linear response to petroleum concentration in plant height and new plant production from weeks 3 and 2 to 38, respectively. A similar response curve was found for the number of primary roots, root and aerial dry matter, microalgae, total fungi, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas, and hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (week 38). After 38 weeks of exposure to petroleum-contaminated soil, the rhizosphere of E. palustris showed petroleum removal percentages of 71, 72, 56, 42, 33 and 23% in soil that initially contained 3, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 g oil, respectively. The increase in petroleum removal was significantly and negatively correlated with the populations of microalgae, actinomycetes, Pseudomonas bacteria and hydrocarbonoclast bacteria.
International guidelines to inform policy development to address client violence in South Africa: An ATA-document analysis
Authors: Pretorius Luce , Herbst Alida G
Published: February 2022

Background: Research shows that the most typical response to client violence has been to implement policies that safeguard social workers at their workplaces. This article examined international norms for the protection of social workers through document analysis. The goal of the document analysis was to inform policy development in South Africa against client violence. Methods: The researchers found, selected, analysed, and synthesised 17 international policies, frameworks, protocols, guidelines, and legislative frameworks using the applied thematic analysis (ATA) approach. The data was analysed at three levels, and open coding yielded 18 codes. Results: The codes were refined into three main themes and subthemes related to protecting social workers from client violence: (1) employers inspired a culture of safety and security within the work-environment, (2) social workers prioritised their safety by using their clinical skills, and (3) actively implementing initiatives to ensure the safety of social workers. Conclusions: The research highlighted social work safety while providing services at an office, visiting sites, or traveling. Examining these practicalities provided valuable data that can inform policy development processes in different countries.
Remote Postconditioning Cardio-protection After Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion Injury by Eliminating 4-HNE and Regulating Autophagy Through ALDH2/SIRT3/HIF1α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Rifeng , Lv Chunyu , Qu Yanan , Yang Hen , Hao Chuangze , Sun Xiaolei , Hu Xiaosheng , Yang Yiqing , Tang Yanhua
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Remote postconditioning (Rpost) was proposed based on postconditioning studies. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a unique endogenous cardioprotective enzyme in the mitochondria, associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, whether Rpost exerts myocardial protection through ALDH2 has not been systematically reported.
Methods
C57BL/6 and ALDH2 knockout (ALDH2-KO) mice were subjected to left anterior descending ligation to construct ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) models. Before the start of reperfusion after myocardial ischemia in mice, the bilateral hindlimbs were used as target organs to undergo Rpost.
Results
Echocardiography and single-cell contraction experiments showed that Rpost significantly improved myocardial function and alleviated myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in C57BL/6 mice after I/R, but it was challenging to exert myocardial protection in ALDH2-KO mice. TUNEL, Evans blue/TTC, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay results showed that the effect of Rpost on reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, myocardial infarction area, and myocardial ROS levels was not significantly different in the MI/RI in ALDH2-KO mice. Electron microscopy and western blotting showed that Rpost could upregulate ALDH2 expression, activate sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), regulate autophagy, and exert myocardial protection. However, this protective effect may be blocked in the absence of ALDH2. Furthermore, we found that Rpost can upregulate the expression of ALDH2 and inhibit the production of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), playing a protective role in the myocardium.
Conclusion
This study revealed that Rpost could exert myocardial protection through the ALDH2/SIRT3/HIF1α signaling pathway by reducing 4-HNE secretion. The study explores the feasibility of Rpost in ALDH2-deficient populations, thereby providing a basis for the targeted clinical application of Rpost.
Comparative Performances Of Four Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays For The Diagnosis Of COVID-19 In Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemariam Belete Woldesemayat , Zealiyas Kidist , Gutema Gadissa , Gebremicael Gebremedihin , Adane Sisay , Tadele Sisay , Tayachew Adamu , Araya Shambel , Desta Kassu
Published: February 2022

Since coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported, many commercial Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) assays have been developed all over the world, and it has been the standard method. Though, a number of assays were rapidly developed and applied to clinical testing, performance of these assays were not evaluated in different contexts. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the performance of common assays (Abbott SARS-CoV-2, DaanGene, BGI and Sansure Biotech) available in Ethiopia by using combined reference results (CRR). The study was conducted at Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) from December 1 to 30/2020. A total of 164 nasopharyngeal samples were extracted by using QIAamp® RNA mini kit and Abbott DNA sample preparation system. Out of 164 samples, 59.1% was positive and 40.9% was negative by CRR. Sansure Biotech positivity was significantly low compared to CRR (p<0.05). The overall agreement of the four assays compared to CRR was 96.3% to 100%. The performance of four assays had almost comparable diagnostic performance, except a low positive rate of Sansure Biotech assay. Hence, Sansure Biotech assay (RUO) needs further verification on its use in Ethiopia. Finally, an additional study should be considered for the evaluation of assays with respective manufacturer claims.
Machine Learning for Optimal Individual Survival Prediction in Resectable Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Jung Jin-On , Crnovrsanin Nerma , Wirsik Naita Maren , Nienhüser Henrik , Peters Leila , Popp Felix , Schulze André , Wagner Martin , Müller-Stich Beat Peter , Büchler Markus Wolfgang , Schmidt Thomas
Published: February 2022

PurposeSurgical oncologists are frequently confronted with the question of expected long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to apply machine learning algorithms to optimize survival prediction after oncological resection of gastroesophageal cancers.MethodsEligible patients underwent oncological resection of gastric or distal esophageal cancer between 2001 and 2020 at Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of General Surgery. Machine learning methods such as multi-task logistic regression and survival forests were compared with usual algorithms to establish an individual estimation.ResultsThe study included 117 variables with a total of 1,360 patients. The overall missingness was 1.3%. Out of eight machine learning algorithms, the random survival forest (RSF) performed best with a concordance-index of 0.736 and an integrated Brier score of 0.166. The RSF demonstrated a mean area under the curve (AUC) of 0.814 over a time period of 10 years after diagnosis. The most important long-term outcome predictor was lymph node ratio with a mean AUC of 0.730. A numeric risk score was calculated by the RSF for each patient and three risk groups were defined accordingly. Median survival time was 18.8 months in the high-risk group, 44.6 months in the medium-risk group and above 10 years in the low-risk group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that RSF is most appropriate to accurately answer the question of long-term prognosis. Furthermore, we could establish a compact risk score model with 20 input parameters and thus provide a clinical tool to improve prediction of oncological outcome after upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Developing Deep Learning Models for the Triage of Pediatric Elbow Radiographs: Strategies for Model Optimization With Small Datasets
Authors: Tan Mark Bangwei , Chua Russ Yuezhi , Qiao Fan , Fortier Marielle Valerie , Chang Pearlly Peiqi
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective: To compare the performance of an AI model developed based on strategies designed to accommodate small sized development sets to pediatric ER physicians on a binomial classification task of pediatric elbow radiographs.Materials and Methods: 1,314 pediatric elbow lateral radiographs (mean age: 8.2 years) were retrospectively retrieved, binomially classified based on annotation as normal or abnormal (with pathology), and randomly partitioned into a development set (993 images), tuning set (109 images), second tuning set (100 images) and test set (112 images). An AI model was trained on the development set utilizing the EfficientNet B1 compound scaling network architecture and augmentations. Its performance on the test set was compared to a group of five physicians (inter-rater agreement: fair). Statistical analysis: AUC of AI model - DeLong method. Performance of AI model and physician groups - McNemar test.Results: Accuracy of the model on the test set - 0.804 (95% CI, 0.718 - 0.873), Area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) - 0.872 (95% CI, 0.831 - 0.947). AI model performance compared to the physician group on the test set - sensitivity 0.790 (95% CI 0.684 to 0.895) vs 0.649 (95% CI 0.525 to 0.773), p value 0.088; specificity 0.818 (95% CI 0.716 to 0.920) vs 0.873 (95% CI 0.785 to 0.961), p value 0.439.Conclusions: An AI model for elbow radiograph triage designed with strategies to optimize performance for a small sized development set performed comparably to physicians.
Menstrual Cycle Irregularity and Examination Stress Among Female Medical Students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhammadi Maisam , Albogmi Afaf , Alzahrani Manar , Shalabi Bashayer , Fatta Fatma , AlBasri Samera
Published: February 2022

Background: Menstrual irregularity is defined as any differences in the frequency, irregularity of onset, duration of flow, or volume of blood from the regular menstrual cycle. It is an important medical issue that many medical students suffer from. The goal of this study was to determine how examination stress affected the regular menstrual cycle and investigated the most common types of irregularities among female medical students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students between September and October 2021 at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 457 female students aged 18–30 years were selected through stratified random sampling. A validated online questionnaire collected data about demographics, menstrual irregularities during exams, type of irregularities, menstrual history, family history of menstrual irregularities, premenstrual symptoms, medication use, medical and family consultation, and absenteeism. The chi-squared test (χ2) was used to analyze the associations between variables.Results: A total of 48.2% of participants had menstrual irregularities during exams. The most common irregularity was dysmenorrhea (70.9%), followed by a lengthened cycle (45.6%), and heavy bleeding (41.9%). A total of 93% of medical students suffered from premenstrual symptoms and 60.4% used medication to relieve menstrual irregularities, with herbal medication and home remedies, and 44.4% of the students missed classes due to menstrual irregularities.Conclusion: A total of 48.2% of participants had menstrual irregularities during exams. The most common irregularity was dysmenorrhea (70.9%), followed by a lengthened cycle (45.6%), and heavy bleeding (41.9%). A total of 93% of medical students suffered from premenstrual symptoms and 60.4% used medication to relieve menstrual irregularities, with herbal medication and home remedies, and 44.4% of the students missed classes due to menstrual irregularities.
A novel TiO2-TiC-TiC0.3N0.7-C-SiCN multiphase ceramic nanocomposite from preceramic polymer pyrolysis
Authors: Anand Rahul , Nayak Bibhuti B , Behera Shantanu K
Published: February 2022

The current investigation describes the synthesis of SiTiCNO ceramics derived from a mixture of a preceramic polymer (polyvinylsilazane) and tetrabutyl orthotitanate precursors by crosslinking at 300 oC and pyrolysis in the temperature range of 900 oC - 1400 oC in flowing nitrogen atmosphere. Crosslinked precursor was studied through DSC-TG to estimate ceramization temperature as well as ceramic yield. Further, the evolution of phase and nanostructure with temperature in the composite SiTiCNO ceramics was analyzed by the help of different characterization techniques, such as XRD, Raman, and electron microscopy. Ti-doped SiCN ceramic systems appeared as single-phase SiTiCNO amorphous ceramics up to 1100 oC. The phase separation of SiTiCNO ceramics started at 1200 oC and exhibited TiO2 nanocrystals in the SiCN matrix. Ti-doping was found to accelerate the separation of the free carbon phase from the SICN matrix, and the said carbon had better graphitic order in the Ti-doped samples as compared to the undoped SiCN of equivalent thermal history. At 1400 oC, high temperature stable phases such as TiC and TiC0.3N0.7 were formed along with predominant rutile-TiO2 phase within the Si-Ti-O-C-N matrix. A uniform distribution of these nanocrystals in the SiCN matrix at 1400 oC were observed through TEM/HRTEM analysis. The current work exhibits the formation of a unique multiphase composite with the co-existence of nanocrystalline phases uniformly distributed within a polymer derived ceramic matrix.
Better efficacy of sequential combination with balloon pulmonary angioplasty after long-term riociguat for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Qiang , Yang Suqiao , Kuang Tuguang , Wang Jianfeng , Li Yidan , Gong Juanni , Yang Yuanhua
Published: February 2022

Background: There is little data showing further benefit for the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients who take long-term riociguat undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) procedures. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of long-term riociguat sequentially combined with BPA for patients with inoperable CTEPH. Methods: Eight inoperable CTEPH patients were enrolled in this study, who have been administrated riociguat 2.5mg three times daily for about eight years, then underwent several sessions of BPA procedures. Data are prospectively collected to evaluate clinical outcomes, hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and right heart size and function by echocardiography at baseline, eight years after riociguat, and three months after the final BPA. Results: Eight patients (mean age 54.9±11.4 years) had accepted riociguat 2.5mg three times daily for 95.0±10.7 months. Cardiac index (CI) (1.5±0.5 L/min/m2 to 2.4±0.6 L/min/m2, P=0.005), 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD) (329.6±87.5 m to 418.1±75.8 m, P=0.016), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (1336.9±320.2 dyn·s·cm-5 to 815.4±195.6 dyn·s·cm-5, P=0.008) were significant improvement after riociguat treatment. A total of 33 additional combinational BPA sessions (mean 4.1±1.6) and 150 balloon dilations (mean 18.8±8.1) were performed. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (54.1±11.1mmHg to 33.6±7.7 mmHg, P=0.002) and PVR (815.4±195.6 dyn·s·cm-5 to 428.3±151.2 dyn·s·cm-5,P＜0.001) were further decreased. CI (2.4±0.6 L/min/m2 to 2.7±0.7 L/min/m2) and 6MWD (418.1±75.8m to 455.7±100.0m) were increased significantly. Conclusions: After long-term riociguat treatment, sequential combination with BPA delivered considerably incremental benefits on exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics, as well as right heart size and function of technically inoperable CTEPH patients. Trial registration: The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in the 27 March 2020 (NCT04326777).
Silibinin, Synergistically Enhances Vinblastine-Mediated Apoptosis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line: Involvement of Bcl2/Bax and Caspase-3 Pathway
Authors: Dariushnejad Hassan , Roshanravan Neda , Wasman Hunar Mustafa , Pirzeh Lale , Ghorbanzadeh vajihe
Published: February 2022

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer with poor prognosis and survival is the most invasive breast cancer subtype. Usually, TNBC requires a chemotherapy regime at all stages, but chemotherapy drugs showed many side effects. We assumed that combination therapy of vinblastine and silibinin might reduce the vinblastine toxicity and dose.
Methods
The MDA-MB-231 cells subjected to MTT assay for IC50 determination and combination effects were measured based on Chou-Talalay's methods. The type of cell death determined by using Flow-cytometric assay. Cell death pathway markers as, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were analyzed by western blot and QPCR.
Results
The treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited IC50 and synergism at combination of 30µM of silibinin and 4µm of vinblastine in cell viability assay (CI = 0.69). YO-PRO-1/PI double staining results showed a significant induction of apoptosis when MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with silibinin and vinblastine combination (p < 0.01). Protein levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 upregulated and Bcl-2 downregulate significantly. Significant upregulation of Bax (2.96-fold) and caspase-3 (3.46-fold) while Bcl-2 2-fold downregulated.
Conclusion
Findings established a preclinical rationale for silibinin and vinblastine combination. This combination produces synergistic effects in MDA-MB-231 cells via the alteration of pro and anti-apoptotic genes and may decrease toxicity and side effects of vinblastine.
The effect of sharing experiences on compassion fatigue of family caregivers of the disabled elderly:A Clinical Randomized Trial
Authors: Shaker Abolfazl Akbari , Pourghaznein Tayebe , Jamali Jamshid , Soltani Mohsen , Esmaelzadeh Fatemeh
Published: February 2022

Background: Caring for the disabled elderly can cause compassion fatigue in family caregivers. Improving social interactions in online social networks can reduce compassion fatigue by increasing social support. The aim of the study was to explore the effect of sharing experiences in an online support group on compassion fatigue of family caregivers of the disabled elderly.Methods: The study conducted as a randomized clinical trial with intervention and control groups. A total of 58 family caregivers of the disabled elderly in Mashhad were selected via convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups using the permuted block technique. The intervention group, in addition to taking part in the first online session individually with the researcher, shared their experiences of the problems caused in their family life due to caring for the elderly in an online support group with other caregivers. The control group participated in the first online session only. Both groups completed a demographic information form, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-II), and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) questionnaire. Measurements were made before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 24).Results: Compassion fatigue reported by the participants in the intervention group did not change significantly after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p˃0.05). About half of the participants reported a moderate level of compassion fatigue before the intervention.Conclusion: In online support groups, peers can share their care experiences to reduce the negative effects of elderly care by perceiving more social support.Trial Registration number: IRCT20200118046173N1
Prognostic Value of Interferon-γ-Related Signature Involved in Tumor Immune Infiltration in Bladder Cancer
Authors: 刘永昌 yongchang , Zhang Wenhao , Xu Xiaocheng , Tai Jiabin , wang meiyun
Published: February 2022

Background
The molecular biological characteristics and unique anatomical structure of bladder cancer (BC), become cancer immune reaction mechanism and a predictor of good model and help to improve the level of cancer immunotherapy. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays a key role in activating cellular immunity and stimulating anti-tumor immune responses. However, the role of IFN-γ in BC is unclear. We aimed to clarify the biological occurrence and development of BC and identify reliable biomarkers.
Method
We downloaded data on patients with BC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and constructed a prognostic model. We analyzed the relationships between clinicopathological features and the IFN-γ signature by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and evaluated the prognostic and predictive values of the IFN-γ signature by survival analysis and nomogram construction. We also conducted Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of and Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to explore the potential biological pathways related to the IFN-γ signature in BC. Immune infiltration was evaluated using CIBERSORT algorithms and the correlation between the signature and antineoplastic drug sensitivity was analyzed using the CellMiner platform.
Results
Five genes (RIPK2, RBCK1, PTPN6, ITGB7, LATS2) were selected to construct IFN-γ-related signatures. The pathological features were identified as an independent risk factor. Patients with BC were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to their signatures. Patients with higher risk scores had shorter overall survival and a worse prognosis. GO and KEGG enrichment and CIBERSORT analysis showed significant relationships between the signature and survival, independent risk factors, immune infiltration, and antineoplastic drug sensitivity.
Conclusion
We obtained a risk profile for a regression model consisting of IFN-γ signature genes to predict the prognosis of patients with BC. This model may be used to improve the prognostic accuracy of the immune microenvironment in BC.
Hepatitis B Virus Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Activating GP73 to Repress the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Liu Long , Huang Yanping , Fu Yanan , Rao Jingjing , Zeng Feng , Ji Manshan , Cui Jingwen , Huang Hui , Jin Zhixiong , Xu Xiang , Li Bei , Chen Jun , Zhu Jianyong , Du Weixing , Liu Zhixin
Published: February 2022

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic infection in the clinic. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely linked to HBV infection. Serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) increases during HBV infection. However, the role of GP73 during HBV infection and the occurrence of HBV-related HCC is still poorly understood.
Methods
The underlying role of HBV-induced GP73 in regulating HCC development was investigated in this study. GP73 expression in HBV-related clinical HCC tissues and in HBV infected hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western Blotting and Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) analysis. GP73 mediated tumorigenesis were detected by flow cytometry, QRT-PCR, xenograft nude mice and sphere formation assay. The effects of GP73 and HBV infection on host's innate immune responses in hepatocytes were further investigated by Western Blotting and Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) analysis.
Results
Initially, we discovered that HBV-positive HCC tissues had significantly higher expression of GP73. Ectopic expression of the HBV gene could induce GP73 expression in primary human hepatocytes and hepatoma cells in vitro. In addition, we discovered that GP73 promotes HCC in both normal liver cells and hepatoma cells. We also found that ectopic expression of HBV genes increases GP73 expression, suppressing the host's innate immune responses in hepatocytes.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that HBV facilitates HCC development by activating GP73 to repress the host's innate immune response. This study adds to our understanding of the pathogenesis of HBV infection-induced HCC. The findings also provide preclinical support for GP73 as a potential HCC prevention or treatment target.
Pseudotime analysis reveals novel regulatory factors for multigenic onset and monogenic transition of odorant receptor expression
Authors: Tresch Achim , Hussainy Mohammad , Korsching Sigrun I.
Published: February 2022

During their maturation from horizontal basal stem cells, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are known to select exactly one out of hundreds of olfactory receptors (ORs) and express it on their surface, a process called monogenic selection. Monogenic expression is preceded by a multigenic phase during which several OR genes are expressed in a single OSN. Here, we perform pseudotime analysis of a single cell RNA-Seq dataset of murine olfactory epithelium to precisely align the multigenic and monogenic expression phases with the cell types occurring during OSN differentiation. In combination with motif analysis of OR gene cluster-associated enhancer regions, we identify known and novel transcription (co-)factors (Ebf1, Lhx2, Ldb1, Fos and Sspp2) and chromatin remodelers (Kdm1a, Eed and Zmynd8) associated with OR expression. The inferred temporal order of their activity suggests novel mechanisms contributing to multigenic OR expression and monogenic selection.
Effects of 3d transition metal impurities and vacancy defects on electronic and magnetic properties of pentagonal Pd2S4 : Competition between exchange splitting and crystal fields
Authors: gholami Mojtaba , Golsanamlou Zahra , soleimani Hamid Rahimpour
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we first investigate the electronic properties of the two-dimensional structure of dichalcogenide Pd 2 S 4. These properties strongly depend on the crystal field splitting which can change by atomic vacancies (S and Pd vacancies). The main purpose of the present paper is to create remarkable magnetic properties in the system by adding 3d transition metal atoms where the presence of Mn, Cr, and Fe creates the exchange interaction in the system as well as change in the crystal field. The created magnetic properties strongly depend on the competition between exchange interaction and crystal field to separate the levels of d orbitals. In addition, the presence of the transition metals in the structures with S and Pd vacancy has been investigated carefully. The calculations demonstrate that we can achieve an extensive range of magnetic moment up to 3.131μ_B. The maximum one is obtained in the presence of Mn and absence of sulfur while some of the doped structures does not have magnetic moment. Our results show that Pd vacancy in the presence of Cr, Mn and Fe metals increases the magnetic property of the Pd 2 S 4 structure. The extensiveness and variety of the obtained properties can be used for different magnetic and non-magnetic applications.
Acidic Exo-polysaccharide produced from marine Bacillus sp. NRC5 to treat and protect chemical-induced mammary carcinomas in rats
Authors: El-Newary Samah A. , Mahmoud Manal G. , Asker Mohsen , Youness Eman R , Ibrahim Abeer
Published: February 2022

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, causing approximately ten million deaths in 2020. This investigation motivated us to study the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of acidic exopolysaccharide obtained from marine Bacillus sp. NRC5 (BEPS) in breast cancer.
Methods: The anti-breast cancer efficacy of BEPS was proceeded in female Sprague-Dawley rats in the chemical-induction route. Mammary carcinoma was developed after five months using 7,12-Dimethylebenz-(a)-anthracene (DMBA in a single dose, 65 mg/ kg in an intragastric route).
Results: BEPS (200 mg/ kg orally) exhibited remarked protective and therapeutic effect, where it significantly reduced i) cancer growth rate-limiting enzymes; aromatase (51.14 and 77.31%) and Na+/K+ ATPase (78.25 and 73.51%) activities, ii) cyclooxygenase-2 (31.67 and 50.10%) activity, iii) oxidative stress biomarker; malondialdehyde (88.26 and 88.18%) level, iv) estrogen level (51.91 and 60.67%), and carcinoembryonic antigen, CEA (36.7 and 35.14%) compared to DMBA-group that elevated all determined parameters significantly (P≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: BEPS showed a promising anti-breast cancer impact with a reasonable safety margin. The result of BEPS may be related to its antioxidant & anti-inflammatory characters and its inhibitory effect on aromatase and Na+/ K+ATPase activities, which is attributed to its unique composition containing sulfated groups and uronic acids.
A Modified Primary Culture Method Of Rat Pulmonary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Huang Wenhui , Liu Hongjin , Pan Yichao , Yang Hongwei , Wang Danjie , Wang Xueying , Lin Jing , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2022

Background: Although the pressure of pulmonary vein increased before pulmonary artery in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), studies on pulmonary vein smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs) had not been widely reported because of the lack of a simple and feasible PVSMCs isolation method. Methods: In this study, we introduced a method to obtain PVSMCs. Primary pulmonary veins were isolated by puncture needle cannula guidance, and PVSMCs were cultured by the tissue explant method and purified by the differential adhesion method. PVSMCs were characterized by HE staining, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining to observe morphology and verify α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. Results: The HE staining results showed that the pulmonary vein media was thinner than the pulmonary artery, the intima and adventitia of pulmonary vein were almost completely isolated by this method, and the obtained cells with good activity had smooth muscle cell morphological characteristics. In addition, the obtained cells showed increased α-SMA expression, and α-SMA expression was higher by our isolation method than the traditional method. Conclusion: In conclusion, we established a simple and feasible method to isolate and culture PVSMCs that might establish the cytological experimental foundation for PH-LHD.
Burden of phenylketonuria in Latin American patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Pessoa André Luiz Santos , Martins Ana Maria , Ribeiro Erlane , Specola Norma , Chiesa Ana , Vilela Daniel , Jurecki Elaina , Mesojedovas Debora , Schwartz Ida
Published: February 2022

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. If untreated, the complications of PKU lead to significant neucognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments, placing a burden on both the individual’s quality of life and on the healthcare system. We conducted a systematic literature review to characterize the impact of PKU on affected individuals and on healthcare resources in Latin American (LATAM) countries.Methods: Searches of the global medical literature as well as regional and local medical literature up to September 2021. Observational studies on patients with PKU from any LATAM country. Pairs of reviewers independently screened eligible articles, extracted data from included studies, and assessed their risk of bias. Results: 79 unique studies (47 cross-sectional studies, 18 case series, 12 case reports, and two cohort studies) with a total of 4,090 patients were eligible. Of these studies, 20 had data available evaluating early-diagnosed PKU patients for meta-analysis of burden outcomes. Intellectual disability in the pooled studies was 18% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.38; I2 = 83.7%, p = 0.0133; two studies; n = 114]. Motor delay was 15% [95% CI 0.04 to 0.30; I2 = 74.5%, p = 0.0083; four studies; n = 132]. Speech deficit was 35% [95% CI 0.08 to 0.68; I2 = 93.9%, p < 0.0001; five studies; n = 162].Conclusions: There is currently evidence of high clinical burden in PKU patients in LATAM countries. Recognition that there are many unmet neuropsychological needs and socioeconomic challenges faced in the LATAM countries is the first step in planning cost-effective interventions.