bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress responses in high-fidelity simulation versus standard simulation training among medical students
Authors: Barbadoro Pamela , Brunzini Agnese , Dolcini Jacopo , Formenti Luca , Luciani Aurora , Messi Daniele , Papetti Alessandra , Ponzio Elisa , Germani Michele , Group Starlab Working Collaborative , Adrario Erica
Published: September 2022

Background
Simulation has been recognized as a shift in health care education that can improve skills and patient safety and outcomes. High-fidelity simulation of critical medical situations can be a source of stress among participants that can interferes with students' abilities leading to unexpected emotional response. In the current study, we sought to evaluate stress responses during a session including a high-fidelity simulation dedicated to the management of an emergency and one performing a complex technique such as spinal tap, in a population of medical students during a session including high-fidelity simulation (HF) dedicated to the management of an emergency and one performing a complex technique such as spinal tap (ST).
Methods
A quasi-experimental before-after study was used including the administration of questionnaires before and after simulation, and biomarkers evaluation by salivary cortisol samples. A total of 148 students 148 were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. We used paired T-test for mean comparison regarding State-trait anxiety for both HF and ST simulations. For NASA-TLX we performed a T-test mean comparison between groups. We used paired T-test mean comparison for cortisol analysis in the HF simulation. Multivariable linear regression has been used to assess variables associated with AUCg
Results
values of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores were relatively higher at the end of the HF and ST simulation sessions. NASA task load index (NASA-TLX) was significantly higher at baseline for the high fidelity simulations, with respect to the ST simulation. Regarding HF simulation, a T-test for paired samples showed a statically significant difference between cortisol levels at 10 minutes after the start of the training and after 30 minutes from the simulation in both groups. Fold increase was similar in the two groups. Linear regression showed that cortisol AUCg was related to the STAI-Y score in both groups.
Conclusions
This work highlights how our students developed a stress response, testified by psychological and biological outputs more related to their personal attitude rather than complexity of simulated scenario. More studies are needed to confirm this trend and to clarify the role of simulated stress response in a long-term learning scenario.
Lotus tenuis biological nitrogen fixation and performance contribute to defining its strategic role in the Salado River Basin lowlands (Argentina)
Authors: Campestre María P , Antonelli Cristian J , Bailleres Matías A , Gortari Maximiliano , Maguire Vanina E. , Taboada Miguel A , RUIZ OSCAR ADOLFO
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims
: Forage production is a major challenge in the Salado River Basin, Argentina’s largest livestock raising area. The successful naturalization of the European legume Lotus tenuis has been of productive and environmental relevance to the region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strategic contribution of L. tenuis, reporting for the first time the B value for this species in these marginal environments for agriculture.
Methods
The 15N natural abundance method was used to evaluate the BNF of L. tenuis in soil plots. Non-leguminous weed species in the same plots were utilized as reference plants. Simultaneously, evaluations were carried out in the greenhouse to determine the B value of L. tenuis and the relative reproducibility of the field experiments.
Results
The results showed that L. tenuis promotion was accompanied by an increase in forage quality, due to the predominance of this C3 legume species over C4 species. Moreover, its contribution to N inputs to the system through BNF with native rhizobia was about 80%, a highly relevant percentage for these constrained agroecosystems where the presence of legumes is very scarce.
Conclusions
This study supports the hypothesis that L. tenuis promotion plays a strategic role in ecosystem sustainability, especially in soil constrained areas. Together with previously published data, including information on ruminant management, the results contribute to supporting the idea that the naturalized legume plays a strategic role in the sustainability of marginal agricultural soils.
Aldosterone (dietary Na+ depletion) up-regulates NKCC1 expression and enhances electrogenic Cl- secretion in rat proximal colon
Authors: Nickerson Andrew J , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M
Published: September 2022

Aldosterone markedly enhances K+ secretion throughout the colon, a mechanism critical to its role in maintaining overall K+ balance. Previous studies demonstrated that basolateral NKCC1 was up-regulated by aldosterone in the distal colon specifically to support K+ secretion – distinct from the more well-established role of NKCC1 in supporting luminal Cl− secretion. However, considerable segmental variability exists between proximal and distal ion transport processes, especially concerning their regulation by aldosterone. Furthermore, delineating such region-specific effects has important implications for the management of various gastrointestinal pathologies. Experiments were therefore designed to determine whether aldosterone similarly up-regulates NKCC1 in the proximal colon to support K+ secretion. Using dietary Na+ depletion as a model of secondary hyperaldosteronism in rats, we found that proximal colon NKCC1 expression was indeed enhanced by aldosterone (i.e., Na+ depletion). Surprisingly, electrogenic K+ secretion was not detectable by short-circuit current (ISC) measurements, in response to either basolateral bumetanide (NKCC1 inhibitor) or luminal Ba2+ (non-selective K+ channel blocker), despite enhanced K+ secretion in Na+-depleted rats, as measured by 86Rb+ fluxes. Expression of BK and IK channels was also found to be unaltered by dietary Na+ depletion. However, bumetanide-sensitive basal and agonist-stimulated Cl− secretion (ISC) were significantly enhanced by Na+ depletion, as was CFTR Cl− channel expression. These data suggest that NKCC1-dependent secretory pathways are differentially regulated by aldosterone in proximal and distal colon. Development of therapeutic strategies in treating pathologies related to aberrant colonic K+/Cl− transport – such as pseudo-obstruction or ulcerative colitis – may benefit from these findings.
Validation of the Italian version of Wisconsin Stone Quality Of Life (WISQOL). A prospective Italian Multicentric Study
Authors: Mazzon Giorgio , Serafin Emanuele , Ferretti Stefania , Claps Francesco , Zhong Wen , Fiori Cristian , Celentano Giuseppe , Guarino Giulio Gaetano , Zamengo Davide , Piasentin Andrea , Creta Massimiliano , Longo Nicola , Dordoni Roberta , Pavan Nicola , Brancelli Claudio , Cerruto Maria Angela , Antonelli Alessandro , Celia Antonio
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE
Urolithiasis is a worldwide spread condition that affect patients’ Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), which measurement is an important tool for routinary clinical and research practice. Disease-specific HRQOL measures demonstrated to perform better in assessing effects of specific conditions. A disease-specific questionnaire for kidney stones, the WISQOL, has been validated in different language, but an Italian version is still missing. Our aim is to produce and validate the Italian version of WISQOL (IT-WISQOL).
METHODS
Patients undergoing any elective treatment for upper urinary tract stones were enrolled. A multi-step process with forward- and back-translation was used to translate WISQOL to Italian. Patients were evaluated within 15 days pre-operatively and then at 1-,3-months post-operatively and administered both IT-WISQOL and SF-36v2. Post-operative data such as 30 days post-operative complications, late stone-related events, stone free status, stone complexity were collected. Cronbach’s αwas used to evaluate internal consistency of IT-WISQOL, while Spearman’s rho was used for item and inter-domain correlations and IT-WISQOL with SF-36v2 correlation.
RESULTS
We found excellent internal consistency across all domains (α ≥ 0.88), particularly when the total score is considered (α = 0.960). Test–retest reliability showed excellent results for the total questionnaire (Pearson correlation value: 0.85). the Inter-domain association ranged from 0.497 to 0.786. Convergent validity was con­firmed by a good correlation with subdomains of the SF-36v2 measures.
CONCLUSION
IT-WISQOL is a reliable tool to measure HRQOL in stone patients. It shows analogue characteristics if compared to English WISQOL.
Relationships between processing speed and math fluency in children with ADHD: The mediating role of working memory
Authors: Lee Clara Shuk-ching
Published: September 2022

ADHD is associated with processing speed (PS) deficits and mathematic difficulties. However, the relationships between PS and mathematics in children with ADHD were understudied. The current study investigated the contributions of PS to math fluency (MF) and tested the mediating role of working memory (WM) in the relationships between PS and MF in children with ADHD. Seventy-eight third to fifth graders (ADHD children, n = 52; Typically developing children, n = 26) were tested on their PS (perceptual, graphomotor-cognitive, and phonological), MF, and WM using standardized measures. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that only graphomotor-cognitive PS significantly predicted MF in children with ADHD. Besides, mediation analyses revealed that graphomotor-cognitive PS had both direct and indirect effects via WM on MF. Although such results suggested that slow PS contributed to impaired WM, the current study is unable to determine the directionality of effects due to the nature of research design.
Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Uganda: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Vahwere Bienfait Mumbere , Ssebuufu Robinson , Namatovu Alice , Kyamanywa Patrick , Ntulume Ibrahim , Mugwano Isaac , Theophilus Pius , Sikakulya Franck Katembo , Okedi Francis Xaviour , Mulumba Yusuf , Jorge Soria , Agaba Gidio , Nasinyama George William
Published: September 2022

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) associated with high mortality and morbidity including amputations of lower extremities; and a high economic burden especially in low-income countries like Uganda. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with severity of DFU and assess the anatomical distribution of DFU among patients in Uganda.
Methodology: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 7 selected referral hospitals in Uganda. 117 patients with DM type 1 and 2 and foot ulcers were enrolled for this study from January to March 2021. Using the Wagner classification, patients were categorized as less severe DFU (grade 1 and grade 2) and severe DFU for grade 3 and above. A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14 with significance at 95% and p-value of <0.05.
Results: Out of 117 patients with DFU, 70 (59.8%) had severe DFU and 47 (40.2%) had less severe DFU. Mean age in years was 57.5 (SD15.2) among all study participants in general. The right foot was affected in (47.9%) of cases and the most frequent ulcer was found on the plantar of the foot (44.4%). Majority of the patients had one ulcer (50.4%) and the most frequent ulcer size was >5 cm (47.9%). Majority (61.5%) of the participants were female. Majority of participants, 90 (76.9%) also had uncontrolled blood sugars and 27(29.1%) had normal glycemia
Severity of DFU was 3.4 more prevalent among patients with mild neuropathies (p=0.003), and 2.7 more prevalent for those with moderate neuropathies (p=0.005). Also, severity of DFU was 1.5 more prevalent in patients with an ulcer 5-10 cm of diameter (p=0.047) and 2.5 more prevalent in those with foot ulcer of more than 10 cm of diameter (p=.000).
Conclusion:The study showed that most of the DFU patients have severe diabetic foot ulcer and uncontrolled glycemia. Neuropathies and ulcers more than 5cm wide are precipitating factors to severity of DFU and, therefore, early management is important to reduce the burden of the disease.
Optimisation of osteosynthesis positioning in mandibular body fracture management using finite element analysis
Authors: Daqiq Omid , Roossien Charlotte Christina , Wubs Friederik Wilhelm , Bos Rudolf Robert Maria , Minnen Baucke van
Published: September 2022

Purpose To investigate the applicability of finite element analysis (FEA) in Oral and Maxillofacial (OMF) surgery, by studying the effect of mandibular body height and osteosynthesis positioning on unilateral mandibular body fractures based on Champy’s technique. This proof of principle is a step towards developing a validated FEA simulation method that may be useful in the clinical setting for optimising mandibular fracture management. Methods Mandibles made of polyurethane foam (Synbone®), with heights of 18, 14, and 10 mm were used to create a FEA model with a unilateral straight-line fracture, fixated with a standard commercially available 6-hole 2 mm titanium miniplate (KLS Martin Group). Two different FEA programs were used for the comparison, namely: Solidworks and Comsol Multiphysics. The FEA outcomes were compared with a series of mechanical tests with polymeric models fixed in a customised device and loaded onto a mechanical test bench. Results First, the study illustrated that the optimal plate position appeared to be the upper border. Second, lower mandibular height increases instability and requires a stronger osteosynthesis system. Conclusion The FEA’s and polymeric model testing outcomes of unilateral non-comminuted fractures were highly comparable with current opinions of mandibular fracture management. FEA is an applicable tool in OMF surgery, as it can be used to predict the treatment outcome of mandibular fractures. The promising outcome of this study makes it worthwhile to do more extensive analysis in order to determine whether FEA alone is sufficient for optimisation of fracture management.
Trogocytosis of neurons and glial cells by microglia in healthy adult macaque retina
Authors: Goyal Megan , Bordt Andrea , Neitz Jay , Marshak David W.
Published: September 2022

Microglial cells are the primary resident immune cells in the retina. In healthy adults, they are ramified; that is, they have extensive processes that move continually. In adult retinas, microglia maintain the normal structure and function of neurons and other glial cells, but the mechanism underlying this process is not well-understood. In the mouse hippocampus, microglia engulf small pieces of axons and presynaptic terminals via a process called trogocytosis. Here we report that microglia in the adult macaque retina also engulf pieces of neurons and glial cells, but not at sites of synapses. We analyzed microglia in a volume of serial, ultrathin sections of central macaque retina in which many neurons that ramify in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) had been reconstructed previously. We surveyed the IPL and identified the somas of microglia by their small size and scant cytoplasm. We then reconstructed the microglia and studied their interactions with other cells. We found that ramified microglia frequently ingested small pieces of each major type of inner retinal neuron and Müller glial cells via trogocytosis. There were a few instances where the interactions took place near synapses, but the synapses, themselves, were never engulfed. If trogocytosis by retinal microglia plays a role in synaptic remodeling, it was not apparent from the ultrastructure. Instead, we propose that trogocytosis enables these microglia to present antigens derived from normal inner retinal cells and, when activated, they would promote antigen-specific tolerance.
High Divergence of Cuticular Hydrocarbons and Hybridization Success in Two Allopatric Seven-spot Ladybug
Authors: REDJDAL Ahcene , SAHNOUNE Mohamed , MOALI Aïssa , BISEAU Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2022

The seven-spotted ladybug is a widespread species in the Palearctic, and also acclimated in the Nearctic. It has been classified into different species on the basis of certain morphological characteristics, the geographical origin, and the genitalia structure of both sexes. The morphotypes of North Africa and the Canary Islands are separated, under the name of Coccinella algerica Kovář, 1977, from the rest of the Palearctic and Nearctic populations of Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, 1758. In this study, we investigated, on one hand, whether potential reproductive barriers have been established during evolution between the geographically isolated North African and the European seven-spotted ladybugs by performing reciprocal crosses. On the other hand, we assessed their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) divergence by GC-MS. The 33 CHCs indentified are with a skeleton of 23 to 32 carbon atoms. These CHCs are linear alkanes (24.88 ± 3.60%) and methyl-branched alkanes (75.12 ± 3.59%) including monomethyl (48.84 ± 2.42), dimethyl (24.25 ± 4.01%) and trimethyl (2.03 ± 1.01%). Although all the CHC compounds identified are present in the two seven-spotted ladybugs and their F1 and F2 hybrids, their profiles diverged significantly. However, these chemical divergences have not altered the sexual communication to cause reproductive isolation. The two ladybugs interbreed and leave viable and fertile offspring, with even a heterosis effect on reproductive performances, without phenotypic degradation after the F1 generation. So, these chemical differences are just an intraspecific variability in response to heterogeneous environments. The two types of ladybugs can be considered as two different races of the same species with reduced genetic divergence.
GIS-Remote Sensing Based Approach in Assessing and Modeling Landslide Vulnerability Areas in Southeast Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ayadiuno Romanus Udegbunam , Ndulue Dominic Chukwua , Mozie Arinze Tagbo
Published: September 2022

The study of landslides is essential in order to avoid hazards occurrence, or at least minimize the adverse effects it has on the environment, properties and human populations whenever it occurs. Identifying vulnerable areas, help in putting up measures to protect or avoid such areas which in a long way reduces the risk associated with the adverse effects of landslide. The study used primary and secondary data that consist of field observation, photographs and other literature from which the likely triggering factors of slope, land use land cover change (LULCC), aspect, soil texture and type, curvature, drainage density, elevation, lineament density, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), geology, topographic wetness index (TWI), geomorphology, rainfall, temperature, wind speed, wind pressure, population, river channels and road network construction were extracted. The satellite imageries (SRTM and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS) data were obtained from USGS Earth Explorer, processed and modeled based on the triggering factors using ArcGIS v10.4, while visits were made to the various parts of the study area for validation and confirmation of results. Microsoft Excel 2007 was used to compute and assign weights to the triggering factors; experts’ knowledge was sought in regrouping the factors, while weighted overlay methods in the spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS v10.4 were applied to generate the model of landslide vulnerable areas in the study area. The study recommended among other things creating a regional body vested with powers and resources to effectively monitor the environment, providing alternative means of livelihood that will discourage mining, deforestation, forest fire, and overgrazing, and encourage sustainable resource use and management that will not expose the areas to the triggering factors of landslide.
Simulation and modelling of heavy metals and water quality parameters in the river
Authors: Poshtegal maryam khalilzadeh , Mirbagheri Seyed Ahmad
Published: September 2022

A one-dimensional qualitative model was created for this study's modelling and phase transfer of the heavy metal dissolved in the river. The advection-diffusion equation considers the environmental variables temperature (T), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) as influencing parameters on the change in the concentration of the dissolved phase of heavy metals lead, cadmium, and zinc in springtime and winter. Hec-Ras hydrodynamic model and Qual2kw qualitative model have been used to determine the hydrodynamic and environmental parameters in the created model. The approach of minimizing simulation errors and Vba coding was employed to identify the constant coefficients for these relations, and the linear relation incorporating all of the parameters is thought to be the final connection. In order to simulate and calculate the concentration of the heavy metals in the dissolved phase at each site, the kinetic coefficient of the reaction corresponding to that point should be employed because the kinetic coefficient of the reaction varies in different portions of the river. Additionally, if the above mentioned environmental parameters are used in the spring and winter term of advection-diffusion equations, the accuracy of the developed model significantly improves, and the effect of other qualitative parameters is negligible, indicating that the model is effective at simulating the dissolved phase of heavy metals in the river.
Identification and verification of feature biomarkers associated with immune cells in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Liao Weiqiang , Xiao Huimin , He Jinning , Huang Lili , Liao Yanxia , Qin Jiaohong , Yang Qiuping , Qu Liuhong , Ma Fei , Li Sitao
Published: September 2022

Background: Neonatal sepsis (NS), a life-threatening condition, is characterized by organ dysfunction and is the most common cause of neonatal death. However, the pathogenesis of NS is unclear and the clinical inflammatory markers currently used are not ideal for diagnosis of NS. Thus, exploring the link between immune responses in NS pathogenesis, elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved, and identifying potential therapeutic targets is of great significance in clinical practice. Herein, we study aimed to explore immune-related genes in NS and identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Datasets for patients with NS and healthy controls were downloaded from the GEO database; GSE69686 and GSE25504 were used as the analysis and validation datasets, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to determine their biological functions. Composition of immune cells was determined and immune-related genes (IRGs) between the two clusters were identified and their metabolic pathways were determined. Key genes with correlation coefficient > 0.5 and p < 0.05 were selected as screening biomarkers. Logistic regression models were constructed based on the selected biomarkers, and the diagnostic models were validated.
Results: Fifty-two DEGs were identified, and GSEA indicated involvement in acute inflammatory response, bacterial detection, and regulation of macrophage activation. Most infiltrating immune cells, including activated CD8+ T cells, were significantly different in patients with NS compared to the healthy controls. Fifty-four IRGs were identified, and GSEA indicated involvement in immune response and macrophage activation and regulation of T cell activation. Diagnostic models of DEGs containing five genes (PROS1, TDRD9, RETN, LOC728401, and METTL7B) and IRG with one gene (NSUN7) constructed using LASSO algorithm were validated using the GPL6947 and GPL13667 subset datasets, respectively. The IRG model outperformed the DEG model. Additionally, statistical analysis suggested that risk scores may be related to gestational age and birth weight, regardless of sex.
Conclusions: We identified six IRGs as potential diagnostic biomarkers for NS and developed diagnostic models for NS. Our findings provide a new perspective for future research on NS pathogenesis.
Comparison of Serum Levels of Cell Adhesion Molecules (E-selectin, P-selectin, Icam-1, Vcam-1, Lrg-1) in Placental İnvasi̇on and Adhesion Anomalies With Patients With Vaginal Delivery and Former Cesarerean
Authors: Ersuz Rutkay , Karapınar Oya Soylu , Doğan Serdar
Published: September 2022

Objective: The effect of cell adhesion molecules on placental location and adhesion anomalies was investigated.
Materials and Methods: Patients between March 2020 and September 2021 were included in the study. While 56 patients aged 18-50 years, out of 153 cases formed the placental adhesion and/or localization anomaly group, 55 cases without placental adhesion anomaly (placental invasion anomaly and/or previa pathology) constituted the cesarean section group and 42 cases constituted the vaginal birth control group. Demographic characteristics and histories of 153 patients were questioned. I-CAM-1, V-CAM-1, E-Selectin, P-Selectin, LRG-1 levels were studied.
Results: There were significant differences in E-Selectin, P-Selectin, ICAM-1 and LRG-1 values between the groups (p<0.05).
There was a significant difference between the NVD and PP groups in terms of E-Selectin (p=0.038). In terms of P-Selectin, there was a significant difference between the C/S and PP groups (p=001). P-Selectin was higher in the PP group. There was a significant difference between the NVD, C/S group (p=0.041) and the NVD, PP group (p=0.013) in terms of ICAM-1, but there was no significant difference between the C/S and PP groups. In terms of LRG-1, there was a significant difference between all 3 groups (p<0.05).
Conclusions: In our study, all adhesion molecules except V-CAM-1 were found to be significantly higher in the PP group. E-Selectin and LRG-1 adhesion molecules were found to be significantly higher even in C/S patients compared to normal delivery. As a result; these adhesion molecules can be studied as a marker in PP patients.
Volumetric evaluation of orbital fractures treated by titanium mesh
Authors: MOURA Lucas Borin , JÜRGENS Philipp Christian , MARQUES Nathalia Caetano , CARVALHO Pedro Henrique de Azambuja , GABRIELLI Marisa Aparecida Cabrini , SPIN-NETO Rubens , PEREIRA-FILHO Valfrido Antonio
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Orbital fractures are high prevalent and result in volumetric changes which may result in clinical impairment as enophthalmos and diplopia. This study aims to evaluate orbital volume and anteroposterior eyeball position in orbital fractures treated by titanium mesh.
Methods: This multicenter study evaluated 60 postoperative CT scans of unilateral orbital fractures treated using titanium mesh. Orbital defects were classified according to the extension and involved regions, and the orbital volumes were analyzed by two methods, image sectioning (IS) and computerized segmentation (CS). The eyeball position was obtained from the axial slice in the mid orbit region. Differences up to 8.0% (volume) and 2.0 mm (eyeball position) were considered normal.
Results: Most of defects were class II (n=25) and class III (n=26). Volumetric differences between unaffected and reconstructed orbit ranged from -7.15% to 10.46% (mean: -0.15%), and from -6.32% to 9.69% (mean: -0.01%) in IS and CS method, respectively. In both methods, two reconstructions were greater than anatomical differences, however there was no statistical differences between the orbits in both methods, IS (p=0.852) and CS (p=0.987). Anteroposterior eyeball position ranged from -0.9 mm to 1.8 mm. The correlation between defect classification, eyeball position and IS or CS, were not positive.
Conclusion: In conclusion, regardless of the extent of the orbital defect or evaluation method, fractures treated by titanium mesh reestablished adequately the orbital volume.
Development and assessment of a novel core biopsy-based prediction model for pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Lan Ailin , Chen Junru , Li Chao , Jin Yudi , Wu Yinan , Dai Yuran , Jiang Linshan , Li Han , Peng Yang , Liu Shengchun
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Pathological complete response (pCR), the goal of NAC, is considered a surrogate for favorable outcomes in breast cancer (BC) patients administrated neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This study aimed to develop and assess a novel nomogram model for predicting the probability of pCR based on the core biopsy.
Methods
It was a retrospective study involving 769 BC patients administrated NAC between January 2012 and December 2017. After converting continuous variables to categorical variables, variables entering the model were sequentially identified by univariate analysis, multicollinearity test, and binary logistic regression analysis, and then a nomogram model was developed. The performance of the model was assessed concerning its discrimination, accuracy, and clinical utility. Internal validation was performed by the Bootstrap method.
Results
The optimal predictive threshold for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki67, and p53 were 22.5% (95%CI: 0.603-0.718), 6.5% (95%CI: 0.578-0.693), 32.5% (95%CI: 0.610-0.731), and 37.5% (95%CI: 0.586-0.716), respectively (all P <0.001). Five variables were selected to develop the model, clinical T staging (cT), clinical nodal status (cN), ER status, Ki67 status, and p53 status (all P ≤0.001). The nomogram showed good discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.804 (95% CI: 0.756-0.853; P <0.001) and good calibration. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the model had practical clinical value.
Conclusion
This study constructed a novel nomogram model based on cT, cN, ER status, Ki67 status, and p53 status, which could be applied to personalize the prediction of pCR in BC patients treated with NAC.
Common and uncommon CT findings in CVID related GL-ILD: correlations with clinical parameters, therapeutic decisions and potential implications in the differential diagnosis
Authors: Scarpa Riccardo , Landini Nicholas , Cinetto Francesco , Milito Cinzia , Gianese Sabrina , Soccodato Valentina , Buso Helena , Garzi Giulia , Carrabba Maria , Messina Emanuele , Panebianco Valeria , Morana Giovanni , Lougaris Vassilios , Catalano Carlo , Bondioni Maria Pia
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To investigate common and uncommon CT findings in GL-ILD that may be also helpful in differential diagnosis, i.e. with sarcoidosis. To compare CT features with functional and immunological parameters. To look for radiological and non-radiological elements that may be predictive of GL-ILD therapy.
Methods
We retrospectively described CT features of 38 GL-ILD patients before any specific therapy. Correlations with functional and immunological features were computed. A logistic regression was performed to find a model associated with subsequent GL-ILD therapeutic decisions.
Results
Most common CT alterations were: bronchiectasis, non-perilymphatic nodules, consolidations, GGO, bands and enlarged mediastinal lymphnodes without calcification. GL-ILD was usually predominant in lower fields.
Fibrotic ILD, GGO, reticulations and bronchiectasis were associated with decreased lung performance (p<0.05). Fibrosis, GGO and bronchiectasis were associated with low IgA levels at diagnosis, whereas high CD4+ T cells percentage was related to GGO (p<0.05).
20/38 patients underwent GL-ILD therapy after CT. A multivariate model combining MZ B cells percentage, IgA at diagnosis, CT evidence of lower field consolidations and mediastinal lymphnodes enlargement showed a good discriminatory capacity with regards to GL-ILD treatment (AUC=0.91).
Conclusions
Most common CT findings in GL-ILD before treatment were small nodules with a non-perilymphatic distribution, consolidations, GGO, bands and bronchiectasis. GL-ILD was usually prevalent in lower fields. A lower fields involvement with non-perylimphatic nodules and a non-traction bronchiectasis pattern could suggest GL-ILD instead of sarcoidosis. MZ B cells percentage, IgA at diagnosis, lower field consolidations and mediastinal lymphnodes enlargement were predictive of a specific GL-ILD therapy.
Analysis of telomere length and the relationship with neurocognitive functions in euthymic bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Zeng Ziwen , Cai Luyao , Wan Chao , Yang Haichen , Yang Xi
Published: September 2022

Background: Telomere shortening has been considered a potential biological marker related to disease susceptibility and aging in psychiatric disorders. However, the relationship between telomere length and bipolar disorder (BD-I and BD-II) is uncertain. Moreover, whether telomere shortening is an independent factor of cognitive impairment in BD patients is still inconclusive.
Methods: We explore telomere length and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder and the relationship between them. We enrolled three groups (35 patients with euthymic BD-I, 18 with euthymic BD-II, and 37 healthy controls). Telomere length was measured by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and cognitive function was evaluated by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The telomere length of euthymic patients with BD-I and BD-II was shorter than that of healthy controls. Telomere length was not significantly different between BD-I and BD-II. Patients with BD-I and BD-II showed poor cognitive function compared to healthy controls. In the three groups, no correlation was detected with telomere length orcognitive function. The duration of illness (DI) was negatively correlated with reasoning and problem solving in BD-I. Nevertheless, the duration of untreated illness (DUI) showed a negative correlation with visual learning performance.
Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that shortenedtelomere length is a potential biomarker for BD-I and BD-II. However, the cognitive deficit in BD has no correlation with shortened telomere length.
Global extreme wave estimates and their sensitivity to the analysed data period and data sources
Authors: AMAROUCHE Khalid , AKPINAR Adem , KAMRANZAD Bahareh , KHAMES Ghollame-Ellah-Yacine
Published: September 2022

In the lack of wave measuring buoys operating over extended periods, the use of wave hindcast data or satellite observations is indispensable for estimating global extreme wave heights. However, the results may depend on the analysed wind wave sources and the length of the analysed period. The sensitivity of the estimated extreme significant wave heights (SWH) to the analysed data sources and periods is investigated in this study. Global extreme wave heights are estimated using ECMWF Reanalysis v5 data (ERA5), global wave hindcast developed based on Simulating WAves Nearshore forced by the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (SWAN-JRA55), satellite altimeter observations, and long-term wave buoy measurements. Both Annual Maximum fitting to the Generalized Extreme Value Distribution (AM-GEV) and Peaks Over Threshold fitted to the Generalized Pareto Distribution (POT-GPD) models are used. The results show that the global extreme SWH estimates considerably depend on the analysed data sources. The relative differences observed between the analysed data sources are > 20% in large part of the world. Thus, by increasing the analysed data periods, the relative differences in extreme SWH are mainly lower, but they can reach 30% and are more important using AM-GEV. Besides, by comparing the extreme values from reanalysis and hindcast wave data to those from long-term wave measurements, underestimations of up to 2 m are observed for a return period of 100 years in the North-West Atlantic and North-East Pacific.
Classes of Mormordicoside with potent and selective tumor cell growth inhibitory activity: prediction of Pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2 (PKM 2) and Anti-apoptotic Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL1) inhibitor through machine learning.
Authors: Ibisanmi Tope Abraham , Aribisala Jamiu O , Odjegba Peace Ifeoma , Ademuyiwa Damilola , Akinmusere Ayomide Gbenga , Ajayi Faith Ibukunoluwa
Published: September 2022

Background
The difficulty in treating cancer resides in the ability to target abnormal proliferation while protecting normal proliferation, a feat that necessitates a thorough comprehension of both the normal and malignant mechanisms that promote cell growth and proliferation. Targeting cell death signaling pathways such as glycolytic and mitochondrial apoptosis is hallmark of many cancers the aim in which this research is ready to evaluate.
Methods
Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation of top hits after molecular docking and ADMET profiling of the ligands were performed for main protease-hit complexes.
Results
Docking scores of ligands used against PKM2 ranges from – 9.36 to – 12.1 kcal/mol, wherein, Mormordicoside-F2 had the highest score (-12.1kcal/mol) performing better than the FDA approved drug Benserazide(-7kcal/mol). Likewise, the scores ranged between – 8.51 and – 12.05kcal/mol for Anti-apoptotic Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1), with Mormordicoside-F1 being the highest ranked compound performing better than the FDA approved drug Venetoclax(-8.6 kcal/mol). The RMSD plots obtained depicted stable trajectories with consistent and minor fluctuations implying that the protein (PKM2 and MCL1) backbone underwent minor structural perturbations. In addition, several significant peaks of increased fluctuations (RMSF) were also observed, indicating their increased interaction potential implying that the ligands could adapt effectively in the binding pocket of the protein. SASA analysis results shows that ligands used retained inside their shallow binding pocket. The phylogenetic tree obtained implies likelihood of reoccurring result of the Insilco profiling.
Conclusion
This research unveils that Mormordicoside F1 shows acceptable stability with Anti-apoptotic Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1), likewise Mormordicoside F2 against PKM2. These hits may offer a more advantageous repurposing alternative.
CT-based machine learning radiomics predict CCR5 expression level and survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wan Sheng , Zhou Tianfan , Che Ronghua , Li Ying , Peng Jing , Wu Yuelin , Gu Shengyi , Cheng Jiejun , Hua Xiaolin
Published: September 2022

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of C-C motif chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) expression level for patients with ovarian cancer and to establish a radiomic model that can predict CCR5 expression level using The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.
Methods
A total of 343 cases of ovarian cancer from the TCGA were used for the gene-based prognostic analysis. 57 cases had preoperative computed tomography (CT) images stored in TCIA with genomic data in TCGA were used for radiomic feature extraction and model construction. 89 cases with both TCGA and TCIA clinical data were used for radiomic model evaluation.
Results
CCR5 was identified as a differentially expressed prognosis-related gene in tumor and normal sample, which were involved in the regulation of immune response and tumor invasion and metastasis. Four optimal radiomic features were selected to predict overall survival. The performance of the radiomic model for predicting the CCR5 expression level with 10-fold cross- validation achieved Area Under Curve (AUCs) of 0.770 and of 0.726, respectively, in the training and validation sets. A predictive nomogram was generated based on the total risk score of each patient, the AUCs of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model was 0.8, 0.673 and 0.792 for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year, respectively. Along with clinical features, important imaging biomarkers could improve the overall survival accuracy of the prediction model.
Conclusion
The expression levels of CCR5 can affect the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer. CT-based radiomics could serve as a new tool for prognosis prediction.
A Comparison between the da Vinci Xi Endowrist Stapler and a conventional Laparoscopic Stapler in Rectal Transection: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Teo Nan Zun , Ngu James Chi-Yong
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE
Distal rectal transection following robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer can be challenging especially in the deep and narrow pelvis. This can be performed transabdominally using either a robotic stapler (RS) or laparoscopic stapler (LS). We compared the operative outcomes and ergonomic differences between RS and LS after robotic TME.
METHODS
We performed a single center randomized controlled trial. 40 patients with rectal or rectosigmoid cancer who were planned for elective robotic rectal surgery were randomized to either RS (N = 20) or LS (n = 20). Primary outcome was the number of stapler cartridges required to completely transect the rectum. Secondary end points included technical ease and efficacy of stapler use, completeness of the staple line, staple line bleeds, and clinically significant anastomotic leaks.
RESULTS
The mean number of stapler cartridges expended was similar between RS and LS (1.75 versus 2.05, p=0.082). While significantly less stapler adjustments were required in the RS group (1.55 versus 2.75, p = 0.014), complete rectal transection took a comparable amount of time (p=0.149). There were no differences in integrity of staple line, staple line bleeding and anastomotic leaks. Results from the user experience survey showed that RS scored better for control, engagement, visualization and overall experience. Experience with firing and disengagement was similar between both groups.
CONCLUSION
The RS was more ergonomic than the LS. While this complemented the use of robotics in rectal surgery, it did not result in a significant reduction in the number of stapler cartridges required for rectal transection.
KIAA1429 regulates the expression of RAB27B in a m6A YTHDF1 axis-dependent manner and promotes the progression of chronic myeloid leukemia, serving as a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Yao Fangyi , Zhong Fangmin , Jiang Junyao , Cheng Ying , Xu Shuai , Liu Jing , Lin Jin , Zhang Jing , Li Shuqi , Li Meiyong , Xu Yanmei , Huang Bo , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: September 2022

Background:Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most common adult leukemias. The considerable negative changes in its acute phase and the adverse drug effects could lead to poor prognosis. N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification plays an important regulatory role in physiological and pathological processes. KIAA1429 is an important m6A regulator, but the biological role of KIAA1429 in CML is still unclear.Methods:RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to analyze the differential expression of KIAA1429 in CML clinical samples and cell lines. CCK-8, EdU staining, flow cytometry, Transwellassay, cellular morphology evaluation, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were further implemented to assess the changes in the biological functions of CML cell lines with KIAA1429 knockdown or overexpression. In addition, subcutaneous tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice was performed forin vivofunction assessment. The combination of MeRIP-seq and mRNA-seq predicted that RAB27B is a downstream target gene of KIAA1429. RIP-qPCR, RNA stability analysis, SELECT, and “rescue” experiments were then conducted to explore the mechanisms underlying the regulation of KIAA1429/m6A/YTHDF1 axis on RAB27B. Finally, the inhibitory effects of rucaparib on KIAA1429 and CML were exploredin vitroandin vivo.Results:The m6A and KIAA1429 expression was significantly upregulated in patients with blast phase CML. KIAA1429 was found to regulate the total level of RNA m6A modification in the CML cells and to promote the malignant biological behaviors of CML cells, including proliferation, migration, and imatinib resistance. Inhibiting KIAA1429 in CML cells regulated the stability of RAB27B mRNA through the m6A/YTHDF1 axis, consequently inhibiting CML proliferation and drug efflux, and ultimately increasing cell sensitivity to imatinib. Rucaparib suppressed the expression of KIAA1429 and CML cell proliferation, and promoted cell apoptosis. The combined use of rucaparib and imatinib enhanced the sensitivity of CML cells to imatinib. Rucaparib inhibited the tumorigenesis capability of CML cellsin vivo.Conclusions:Elevated KIAA1429 expression in the blast phase of CML enhanced the stability of RAB27B mRNA through the m6A/YTHDF1 axis to upregulate RAB27B expression, and thus promoting CML progression. Therefore, rucaparib exerts inhibitory effects on KIAA1429 expression and CML progression.
Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose-Based Composite Aerogels with Excellent Flame Retardant and Heat Insulation
Authors: Wang Zhixin , E YuYu , Li Jie , Du Tingting , Wang Kun , Yao Xi , Jiang Jianxin , Wang Meng
Published: September 2022

Bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels with ultralight, low density, and low thermal conductivity are hopeful candidates for environmentally friendly heat insulating materials. However, the application of BC in packaging and building as a heat nonconductor is seriously limited by its flammable characteristics. Hence, we report a moderate approach to fabricating a flame retardant and heat-insulating composite aerogel by introducing zinc borate (ZB) particles into BC via an ultrasound-assistant deposition process. The in situ synthesis of ZB particles resulted in the separation of single fibers from fiber bundles in BC instead of damaging its homogeneous porous structure, improving its thermal stability by weakening the convective intensity of heat rays. The heat release capacity of the prepared composite aerogel was only 8 J·g− 1 k− 1, exhibiting excellent flame retardancy. The probable mechanism proposed to be that the dehydration of ZB particles lowered the surface temperature by releasing the bound water, and simultaneously produced metallic oxides (ZnO and B2O3) for retarding the spread of heat and isolating the flammable fibrils within the combustion area. Because of the natural substrate and simple process, the present approach has potential applications for industrial-scale production of green and flame retardant material.