bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Morphology Optimized Deep Hybrid Learning (NUMODRIL) For Accurate Diagnosis and Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sengupta Duhita , Ali Sk Nishan , Bhattacharya Aditya , Mustafi Joy , Mukhopadhyay Asima , SENGUPTA KAUSHIK
Published: January 2021

Nuclear morphological features are potent determining factors for clinical diagnostic approaches adopted by pathologists to analyse the malignant potential of cancer cells. Considering the structural alteration of nucleus in cancer cells, various groups have developed machine learning techniques based on variation in nuclear morphometric information like nuclear shape, size, nucleus-cytoplasm ratio and various non-parametric methods like deep learning have also been tested for analysing immunohistochemistry images of tissue samples for diagnosing various cancers. Our aim is to study the morphometric distribution of nuclear lamin proteins as a specific parameter in ovarian cancer tissues. Besides being the principal mechanical component of the nucleus, lamins also present a platform for binding of proteins and chromatin thereby serving a wide range of nuclear functions like maintenance of genome stability, chromatin regulation. Altered expression of lamins in different subtypes of cancer is now evident from data across the world. It has already been elucidated that in ovarian cancer, extent of alteration in nuclear shape and morphology can determine degree of genetic changes and thus can be utilized to predict the outcome of low to high form of serous carcinoma. In this work, we have performed exhaustive imaging of ovarian cancer versus normal tissue and introduced a novel Deep Hybrid Learning approach on the basis of the distribution of lamin proteins. Although developed with ovarian cancer datasets in view, this architecture would be of immense importance in accurate and fast diagnosis and prognosis of all types of cancer associated with lamin induced morphological changes and would perform across small/medium to large datasets with equal efficiency.
Association Between Sleep Habits/Disorders and Emotional/Behavioral Problems Among Japanese Children
Authors: Takeshima Masahiro , Ohta Hidenobu , Hosoya Tomoko , Okada Masakazu , Iida Yukako , Moriwaki Aiko , Takahashi Hidetoshi , Kamio Yoko , Mishima Kazuo
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesActual sleep status and the association between sleep habits/disorders and emotional/behavioral problems among children in the development stage have not been fully clarified. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on the sleep habits/disorders (Brief Child Sleep Questionnaire; BCSQ) and emotional/behavioral problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ) of 87,548 children enrolled in ordinary classes in nine grade levels from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school from December 2009 to April 2010. ResultsAs school grade increased, children’s bedtimes were delayed and sleep duration was reduced by 2.0 hours over the nine grade levels. Based on the BCSQ, 18.3% of children were judged to have some type of sleep disorder, and about 30% to 40% of children had sleep symptoms at bedtime, during sleep, and at wake time. Multiple regression analysis showed that emotional and behavioral problems were associated with presence of any sleep symptom, longer sleep latency, and longer awake time after sleep onset, whereas total sleep time was not. Sleep symptoms at wake time were most strongly associated with emotional and behavioral problems.ConclusionsStatus of sleep habits/disorders should be considered when interpreting emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children.
A Life Cycle Assessment of reprocessing face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Straten Bart van , Ligtelijn Sharina , Droog Lieke , Putman Esther , Dankelman Jenny , Weiland Niek Sperna , Horeman Tim
Published: January 2021

Introduction/background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to threatening shortages in the healthcare of medical products such as face masks. Due to this major impact on our healthcare society, an initiative was conducted between March and July 2020 for reprocessing face masks from 19 different hospitals. This exceptional opportunity was used to study the cost impact and the effects of the CO2 footprint of reprocessed face masks relative to new disposable face masks.Aim: The aim of this study is to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess and compare the environmental impact of disposed versus reprocessed face masks.Methods: In total, 18,166 high-quality medical FFP2 face masks were reprocessed through steam sterilization between March and July 2020. CO2 emissions equivalent (kg CO2 eq) and other impact categories, such as water consumption during production, transport, sterilisation and end-of-life processes, were assessed. A Monte Carlo model was used to predict the sensitivity of different factors in the whole process on the kg CO2 eq.Results: The average kg CO2 eq appears to be 42% lower for reprocessed face masks based on a rejection rate of 20% than new ones. The sensitivity analysis indicated that the loading capacity of the autoclave and rejection rate of face masks have a large influence on kg CO2 eq. The estimated cost price of a reprocessed mask was €1,40 against €1.55.Discussion: The life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrates that reprocessed FFP2 face masks from a circular economy perspective have a lower environmental impact on kg CO2 eq and water usage than new face masks. For policymakers, it is important to realize that the CO2 footprint of medical products such as face masks may be reduced by means of circular economy strategies.Conclusion: This study demonstrated a lower environmental impact and financial burden for reprocessed medical face masks than for new face masks without compromising qualifications. Therefore, this study may serve as an inspiration for investigating the reprocessing of other medical products that may become scarce. Finally, this study advocates that circular design engineering principles should be taken into account when designing medical devices. This may lead to more sustainable products that require less CO2, have less water consumption and lower costs.
SEC61G Overexpression and DNA Amplification Correlates With Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tianzhu , Chen Yiping , Gong Xiaochang , Guo Qiaojuan , Lin Canyang , Luo Qingfeng , Tu Ziwei , Li Jingao , Pan Jianji
Published: January 2021

Background: The SEC61 translocon gamma subunit (SEC61G) is a component of the SEC61 complex, which import protein into the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the correlation between SEC61G and disease prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. Methods: SEC61G expression was analyzed using publicly-available datasets. The association between SEC61G and disease prognosis was evaluated. SEC61G methylation and copy number variation were investigated and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene ontology (GO) analyses identified SEC61G-associated functions. We also investigated the correlation between SEC61G and immune cell infiltration. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect SEC61G expression in oropharyngeal carcinoma. Results: SEC61G was overexpressed in pan-cancers, including HNSCC, and negatively correlated with overall survival (p<0.001 for TCGA-HNSCC and p=0.019 for GSE65858). Moreover, SEC61G was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in TCGA and GSE65858 [hazard ratio (HR)=1.80, 95% CI: 1.35-2.39, p<0.001; HR＝1.87, 95% CI: 1.14-3.07, p=0.013, respectively). SEC61G DNA amplification (9.66% of patients) was significantly associated with poor OS (p=0.034). SEC61G overexpression and DNA amplification negatively correlated with B cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration (all p<0.05). Among patients with metastatic urothelial cancer received atezolizumab, patients with high SEC61G expression had an inferior OS (p=0.006). Furthermore, SEC61G protein expression was also an independent prognostic factor of OS (HR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.15-5.30, p=0.020) and progression-free survival (HR=2.82, 95% CI: 1.36-5.84, p=0.005) for oropharyngeal cancer. Conclusions: SEC61G is overexpressed in HNSCC and is an independent prognostic factor for OS. SEC61G DNA amplification contributes to overexpression and poor outcome. Interestingly, SEC61G correlates with immune cell infiltration in HNSCC. These findings suggest that SEC61G is a potential broad-spectrum biomarker for prognosis in HNSCC.
Development of a Model To Predict Pathologic Response to Chemotherapy in Patients With Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Xu Da , Wang Yan-Yan , Yan Xiao-Luan , Li Juan , Wang Kun , Xing Bao-Cai
Published: January 2021

Background. Preoperative chemotherapy has widely been used in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). Pathological response to chemotherapy is very important in evaluating tumor biology. However, there is still a lack of a non-invasive and accurate method to evaluate pathological response before surgery.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic data of patients with CRLM who underwent liver resection after preoperative chemotherapy between January 2006 and December 2018. Pathological responses were defined as minor when there are ≥50% remnant viable cells and as major when 0-49% remnant viable cells exist.Results: A total of 482 patients were included and randomly divided into training (n = 241) and validation (n = 241) cohorts. The proportion of major pathologic response was similar between the two groups (51.5% and 48.5%). Multivariate analysis determined the disease-free interval, tumor size, tumor number, and RAS status as independent predictors of major pathologic response to preoperative chemotherapy. The nomogram incorporating these variables showed good concordance statistics in the training cohort (0.746, 95% CI: 0.685-0.807) and validation cohort (0.764, 95% CI: 0.704-0.823). In addition, the nomogram showed good applicability in patients with different characteristics.Conclusions. The established nomogram model performed well in predicting pathological response in patients with CRLM.
An Evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s Advocacy and Policy Strengthening Strategy
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Moore Michael , Chislett Wai-Kwan , Jones Alexandra , Trieu Kathy , Webster Jacqui
Published: January 2021

Background: Public health advocacy strategies facilitate policy change by bringing key health issues to the forefront of public and political discourse, influencing decision-makers and public opinion, and increasing policy demand. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership (VSRP) was established in 2014 in response to inadequate government action to improve population diets in Australia. This study aimed to evaluate the success of the VSRP’s advocacy and policy strengthening strategy.Methods: Documentation of VSRP activities and outputs were collected, and semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a comprehensive process evaluation. For this study, the “Kotter Plus” 10-step public health advocacy evaluation framework was used to guide data extraction, analysis and synthesis.Results: A sense of urgency for salt reduction was generated by producing evidence and outlining the potential impact of a state-based salt reduction program. This enabled the creation of a coalition with diverse skills and expertise, which facilitated the development of an innovative and collaborative advocacy action plan. A clear change vision was established but communication of the vision to decision-makers was lacking, which reduced the impact of the program as decision-makers were not provided with a clear incentive for policy change. Program outputs were achieved; however, these did not translate to achieving broader strategic goals during a limited-term intervention in an unsympathetic political climate.Conclusions: The “Kotter Plus” 10-step framework was a useful tool for evaluating the success of the VSRP advocacy and policy strengthening strategy. The framework enabled the identification of key strengths, including the creation of the guiding coalition, and areas where efforts could be improved in future similar strategies, such as effective communication within the partnerships and to decision-makers, to better influence policy and improve public health impact.
Identification, Pyramid and Candidate Genes of QTLs for Associated Traits Based on a Dense Erect Panicle Rice CSSL-Z749 and Five SSSLs, Three DSSLs and One TSSL
Authors: Wang Dachuan , Zhou Kai , Xiang Siqian , Zhang Qiuli , Li Ruxiang , Li Miaomiao , Liang Peixuan , Farkhanda Naz , He Guanghua , Ling Yinghua , Zhao Fangming
Published: January 2021

Background

Seed-set density is an important agronomic trait in rice. However, its genetic mechanism is complex. Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for studying complex traits.
Results

A rice CSSL, Z749, with a dense and erect panicle phenotype, was identified among progeny of the recipient parent Nipponbare and the donor parent Xihui 18. Z749 carried seven substitution segments (average length 2.16 Mb). Compared with Nipponbare, Z749 showed significant increases in the numbers of primary (NPB) and secondary branches (NSB), number of spikelets (SPP) and grains per panicle (GPP), seed-set density (SSD), and decrease in panicle length (PL). A secondary F2 population derived from a cross between Nipponbare and Z749 was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for associated traits. Fifteen QTLs distributed on chromosomes 5, 7, 8, and 10 were detected. The QTL qPL7 might be an allele of OsFAD8 and the remaining 14 QTLs (e.g., qSSD5 and qSSD10 etc.) might be novel. Fourteen QTLs were verified using five single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). The seed-set density of Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). The QTLs qSSD10, qSSD5, and qSSD8 were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, and 8, respectively. Analysis of QTL additive effects indicated that qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 from Xihui18 increased seed-set density of Z749 by 14.1, 11.38, and 5.11 spikelets per 10 cm panicle, respectively. Analysis of QTL epistatic effects revealed that pyramiding of qSSD5 and qSSD8, qSSD5 and qSSD10, qSSD8 and qSSD10, and qSSD5, qSSD8 and qSSD10 produced novel genotypes with increased seed-set density.
Conclusions

Inheritance of seed-set density in Z749 was controlled predominantly by one major QTL (qSSD10) and two minor QTLs (qSSD5 and qSSD8). Then, they were fine-mapped to intervals of 1.05, 1.46, and 1.53 Mb on chromosomes 10, 5, 8, respectively. Two MAPK genes (OsMPK9 and OsMPK17) and one gene (candidate gene 6) involved in auxin metabolism might be candidate genes for qSSD5, and OsSAUR32 might be the candidate gene for qSSD8. Pyramiding of qSSD5, qSSD8, and qSSD10 enhanced seed-set density.
Stable and Novel Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Confer Narrow Root Cone Angle in An Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production System
Authors: Vinarao Ricky , Proud Christopher , Zhang Xiaolu , Snell Peter , Fukai Shu , Mitchell Jaquie
Published: January 2021

Background Aerobic rice production (AP) may be a solution to the looming water crisis by utilising less water compared to traditional flooded culture. As such, development of genotypes with narrow root cone angle (RCA) is considered a key AP adaptation trait as it could lead to deeper rooting and ensure water uptake at depth. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genes associated with rooting angle have been identified in rice, but usually in conventional transplanted systems or in upland and drought conditions. This study aimed to identify QTL associated with RCA in AP systems using a recombinant inbred line population derived from IRAT109. Results Four experiments conducted in glasshouse and aerobic field conditions revealed significant genotypic variation existed for RCA in the population. Single and multiple QTL models identified the presence of eight QTL distributed in chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 11. Combined, these QTL explained 36.7-51.2% of the genotypic variance in RCA present in the population. Two QTL, qRCA1.1 and qRCA1.3, were novel and may be new targets for improvement of RCA. Genotypes with higher number of favourable QTL alleles tended to have narrower RCA. qRCA4 was shown to be a major and stable QTL explaining up to 24.3% of the genotypic variation, and the presence of the target allele resulted in as much as 8.6° narrower RCA. Several genes related to abiotic stress stimulus response were found in the qRCA4 region. ConclusionStable and novel genomic regions associated with RCA have been identified. Genotypes which had combinations of these QTL, resulted in a narrower RCA phenotype. Allele mining, gene cloning, and physiological dissection should aid in understanding the molecular function and mechanisms underlying RCA and these QTL. Ultimately, our work provides an opportunity for breeding programs to develop genotypes with narrow RCA and deep roots for improved adaptation in an AP system for sustainable rice production.
Poor Physical Capacity in Bronchiectasis Patients Is Correlated with Poor Quality of Life
Authors: Mäntylä Jarkko , Törölä Tanja , Mazur Witold , Bergman Paula , Kauppi Paula
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTo study the risk factors associated with quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of Finnish non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (BE) patients. We aimed to evaluate which of the clinical characteristics were risk factors for poor quality of life, how patients with frequent exacerbations differed from those with only few exacerbations and if QoL symptom domains were correlated with dyspnoea or severity of BE.MethodsA cross-sectional study and part of the EMBARC study including questionnaire data and medical record data. Study participants were recruited between August 2016 and March 2018 from three different pulmonary clinics in Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUH) catchment area, Finland. The study included 95 adult patients with (mean age was 69 (SD± 13) years).A Finnish translation of the disease-specific quality of life-bronchiectasis (QoL-B) questionnaire was applied, and scores in the lowest quarter (25%) of the scale were considered to indicate poor QoL. The bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED (including FEV1, age, pulmonary bacterial colonization, affected lobes and dyspnoea) score were used. The severity of dyspnoea was examined using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale.ResultsAlmost all (82%) presented with chronic sputum production and exacerbations, with a median rate of 1.7 (SD ±1.6). Exacerbations (OR 1.7, p < 0.01), frequent exacerbations (OR 4.9, p < 0.01), high BSI score (OR 1.3, p < 0.01) and extensive disease (OR 3.7, p = 0.05) were predictive of poor QoL. Frequent exacerbations were associated with bronchial bacterial colonisation, low forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and radiological disease severity. Based on the BSI, 34.1% of our cohort had severe disease, whereas 11.6% were classified as severe according to the FACED score. The mMRC dyspnoea score (r = -0.57) and BSI (r = -0.60) were negatively correlated with physical domain in QoL-B questionnaire. ConclusionFrequent exacerbations, radiological disease severity and high BSI score were predictive of poor QoL. Reduced physical capacity was correlated with dyspnoea and severity of disease. Interventions to reduce bacterial colonisation and to maintain physical functioning should be used to minimize exacerbations and to improve quality of life in BE patients.Study registrationUniversity of Helsinki, faculty of medicine; 148/16.08.2017
Results From an Early Economic Evaluation of the Use of a Novel Point of Care Device for Diagnosis of Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Patient Within the Emergency Department in the National Health Service in England.
Authors: Bajre Mamta Kumari , Towse Adrian , Stainthorpe Andrew , Hart Julie
Published: January 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to undertake an early economic evaluation to analyse the potential costs and benefits associated with adopting a high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) at the Point of Care (POC) in the emergency department (ED) diagnostic pathway for suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Diagnostics Guidance (DG15) and NICE Clinical Guideline (CG95) as practised in the NHS in England. Methods: A decision tree analysis was undertaken to compare the current 60 to 90 minutes turnaround time for the standard laboratory hs-cTn test with an expected 20-minute turnaround time for a POC hs-cTn test. Three routes through the chest pain pathway were modelled based on the hs-cTn pathway used in Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust. Sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: The results indicate that if a hs-cTn POC test is used to diagnose patients in routes 1 to 3 of the diagnostic pathway for suspected ACS patients at ED, it potentially saves per patient costs of £53.36 in Route 1, £76.72 in Route 2 and £64.72 in Route 3. Moreover, it can also help in easing the pressure at ED as it enables diagnosis to be made between 55 to 70 minutes earlier across the 3 pathway routes. A hs-cTn POC test also has potential in achieving a ‘rule-in’ diagnosis for patients to speed up the treatment pathway for improved prognosis. The sensitivity analysis results indicate that savings per patient increase as the turnaround time of the lab result goes from 60 minutes to 90 minutes in the standard care pathway.Conclusions: Use of a hs-cTn test at POC can save between £53.36 and £76.72 per patient in ED when compared to the standard laboratory test. When such a POC test is developed, an evaluation validating the accuracy of the device will be needed together with a study of its clinical performance in a health care setting. The study should include a formal economic evaluation with real-world data alongside an efficacy/effectiveness study.
Function and Potential Molecular Mechanism of High STIL Expression in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ji Shu-fan , Wen Sheng-Lian , Sun Yu , Huang Pi-wei , Wu Hao , He Mao-lin
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSCL/TAL1 interrupting locus (STIL) is associated with the progression of several tumors; however, the biological role of STIL in osteosarcoma remains poorly understood.MethodsIn this study, the clinical significance of STIL in osteosarcoma was analyzed by gene chip data recorded in public databases. STIL expression was silenced in osteosarcoma cell lines to observe the effects on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the osteosarcoma chip were analyzed using The Limma package, and STIL co-expressed genes were obtained via the Pearson correlation coefficient. The potential molecular mechanism of STIL in osteosarcoma was further explored by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.ResultsMeta-analysis revealed that STIL was highly expressed in osteosarcoma, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.52. STIL also had a good ability to distinguish osteosarcoma from non-osteosarcoma samples (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.96). After silencing STIL, osteosarcoma cell proliferation decreased, apoptosis increased, and the migratory and invasion ability decreased. A total of 294 STIL differentially co-expressed genes were screened, and a bioinformatics analysis found that differentially co-expressed genes were primarily enriched in the cell signaling pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that the hub differentially co-expressed genes of STIL were CDK1, CCNB2, CDC20, CCNA2, BUB1, and AURKB.Conclusions﻿STIL is associated with osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion, and may represent a novel target for its diagnosis and treatment.
C1q/TNF-related Protein 4 Restores Leptin Sensitivity by Downregulating NF-κB Signaling and Microglial Activation
Authors: Ye Liu , Jia Gongwei , Li Yuejie , Wang Ying , Chen Hong , Yu Lehua , Wu Dandong
Published: January 2021

Objective
C1qTNF-related protein 4 (CTRP4) acts in the hypothalamus to modulate food intake in diet-induced obese mice and has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages. Since high-fat diet-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation impair leptin signaling and increase food intake, we aimed to explore the potential connection between the anorexigenic effect of CTRP4 and the suppression of hypothalamic inflammation in mice with DIO.
Methods
Using an adenovirus-mediated hypothalamic CTRP4 overexpression model, we investigated the impact of CTRP4 on food intake and the hypothalamic leptin signaling pathway in diet-induced obese mice. Furthermore, central and plasma proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, were measured by Western blotting and ELISA. Changes in the hypothalamic NF-κB signaling cascade and microglial activation were also examined in vivo. In addition, NF-κB signaling and proinflammatory factors were investigated in BV2 cells after CTRP4 intervention.
Results
We found that food intake was decreased, while leptin signaling was significantly improved in mice with DIO after CTRP4 overexpression. Central and peripheral TNF-α and IL-6 levels were reduced by central Ad-CTRP4 administration. Hypothalamic NF-κB signaling and microglial activation were also significantly suppressed in vivo. In addition, NF-κB signaling was inhibited in BV2 cells after CTRP4 intervention, which was consistent with the decreased production of TNF-α and IL-6.
Conclusions
Our data indicate that CTRP4 reverses leptin resistance by inhibiting NF-κB-dependent microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation.
Impact of Renewable Energy Utilization and Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hannan M , Al-Shetwi Ali , Begum R , Ker Pin , Mansor M , Rahman S , Dong Z , Tiong S , Mahlia T M , Muttaqi K
Published: January 2021

Many countries around the world are planning to reach 100% renewable energy (RE) use by 2050. In this context and due to the recent sharp increase in RE utilization in the global energy mix along with its progressive impact on the world energy sector, the evaluation and investigation of its effect on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) are not covered sufficiently. Here, we present an assessment of the emerging role of RE utilization and artificial intelligence (AI) toward achieving SDGs. A total of 17 SDGs were divided into three groups, namely, environment, society, and economy, as per the three key pillars of sustainable development. The RE has a positive impact toward achieving 75 targets across all SDGs by using an expert elicitation method-based consensus. However, it may negatively affect the accomplishment of the 27 targets. In addition, the AI can help the RE to enable the attainment of 42 out of 169 targets. With the current exponential growth of RE share and AI development together with addressing certain present limitations, this impact may cover additional targets in the future. Nevertheless, the present research foci neglect significant facets. The exponential growth of RE share and rapid evolution of AI need to be accompanied through the requisite regulatory insight and technology regulation to cover additional targets in the future.
Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Vasectomy Among Vasectomized Men at Larterbiokorshie.
Authors: Menlah Awube , Osei Evans Appiah Appiah , Garti Isabella , Appiah Stella , Awuah Dorothy Baffour , Menyah Sharon Baaba
Published: January 2021

BackgroundVasectomy is an effective contraceptive method that has been approved worldwide and proven to be an effective method of contraception among males in the perspective of controlling a population. Although safer, simpler, less expensive and equally as effective as female sterilization, throughout the world, it is one of the least used and least known methods of contraception. It is perceived to be a form of castration, which can make men weak and incapable, thereby unable to satisfy their wives sexually, leading to marital conflicts. The study aimed at determining perceptions and experiences regarding vasectomy among vasectomized men at Larterbiokorshie. MethodsThis study adopted a qualitative method utilizing Phenomenological research design. The sample consisted of 18 vasectomized men selected through purposive sampling method. Face-face interviews were conducted with participants using a semi-structured interview guide. ResultsThe study discovered that the vasectomized men have a positive perception about vasectomy in terms of promoting couples sexual Health. Nevertheless, public perception regarding vasectomy was found to be poor. Socio-cultural and religious factors were also found to influence vasectomy uptake. In addition, several reasons were cited for motivating men regarding their decision on vasectomy and finally, participants shared their experiences following their vasectomy. ConclusionConclusively, despite all the misconceptions and concerns raised about vasectomy, the study revealed a positive perception among the vasectomized men. The study recommends that the government should formulate policies which will improve the utilization of vasectomy through ongoing monitoring and evaluation of services.
Comprehensive Analysis of circRNA Expression Pattern in Senescent EPCs
Authors: Wang Chunli , Liu Fang , Wang Fei , chen shuyan
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Atherosclerosis(AS) is a major disease affecting the elderly health. CircRNAs are found to play important roles in AS. This study aims to explore the biological functions of circRNAs in senescent EPCs. Methods: Endothelial progenitor cells which can differentiate into endothelial cells and their replicative senescent cells were used. we analyzed the circRNA expression profiles using RNA-seq, picked up- and down- regulated circRNAs, next done gene ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis, and last circRNA-miRNA-target interactions were predicted. Results: Many circRNAs were identified as significantly dysregulated in senescent cells. GO analysis showed that differential expressed circRNAs origin genes were involved mainly in metabolic process, immune system process and response to stimulus. KEGG pathway enrichment is involved mainly in endocytosis, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, mTOR signaling pathway and AMPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, we generated a dysregulated circRNA-miRNA binding and found four circRNAs (has_circ_0007710, _0067750, _0007029, _0002202) were related to atherosclerosis. Conclusions: These results show that circRNAs might play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis in aging.
Usefulness of Virtual Reality-Based Training to Diagnose Strabismus
Authors: Moon Hyun Sik , Yoon Hyeon Jeong , Park Sang Woo , Kim Chae Yeon , Jeong Mu Seok , Lim Sung Min , Ryu Jee Heon , Heo Hwan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) based training for diagnosing strabismusMethods: Fourteen ophthalmology residents performed at least 30 VR training sessions to diagnose esotropia and exotropia. Examinations of real patients with esotropia or exotropia before and after the VR training were video-recorded and presented to a strabismus expert to assess accuracy and performance scores for measuring the deviation angle and diagnosing strabismus with anonymization. A feedback survey regarding the usefulness and ease of use of the VR application was conducted for participants.Results: The mean age of 14 ophthalmology residents, including 10 men and 4 women, was 29.7 years. Before VR training, participants showed a mean accuracy score of 14.50 ± 5.45 and performance score of 9.64 ± 4.67 for measuring the deviation angle and diagnosing strabismus in real patients with strabismus. After VR training, they showed a significantly improved accuracy score of 22.14 ± 4.37 (p = 0.012) and performance score of 15.50 ± 1.99 (p = 0.011). According to the survey, most participants agreed on the usefulness of VR application.Conclusions: This study suggests that VR based training improves ophthalmology residents’ clinical diagnostic skills for strabismus in a short period.
WITHDRAWN: Nutrient Removal Effectivity of Seaweeds as Biofilter and Water Pollution Control in Hybrid Grouper Aquaculture Wastewater at Low Salinity
Authors: Adharini Ratih Ida , Murwantoko Murwantoko , Probosunu Namastra , Setiawan Riza Yuliratno , Satriyo Tony Budi
Published: January 2021

This research aims to determine the performance and nutrient uptake effectivity of seaweeds species, namely Ulva fasciata., Sargassum illicifolium, Gelidium sp., and Dictyota sp. as a biofilter in hybrid grouper aquaculture wastewater at low salinity (14-17 ppt). This study used a Completely Randomized Design with 3 replications. The statistical analysis was carried out by Analysis of Variance continued with the Least Significance Difference test, and the Kruskal-Walis test with the Mann-Whitney analysis, and T-test with a confidence level of 95%. The concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, phosphate, and water quality parameters were observed every 4 days. The seaweeds uptake of N and P in water, and Specific Growth Rate were also observed. The results showed that U. fasciata was able to reduce ammonia by 75.95% and nitrate by 79.53%, which were the highest compared to other treatments, while Dictyota sp. was able to20 reduce the highest phosphate by 87.5% for 20 days. The highest SGR was achieved by U. fasciata at 1.91 %day-1. The highest N content uptake by seaweeds was 104.4%, and the total P of 182.3% occurred in U. fasciata. Overall, U. fasciata has 22 the highest performance and effectiveness as a biofilter that is able to reduce nutrient waste in low-salinity from grouper aquaculture, for re-circulation or before being discharged into the environment to reduce eutrophication and HABs in aquatic environment. The highest growth rate of U. fasciata can be used as food with highly nutritional and economical value.
In-Situ Synchrotron Diffraction and Modeling of Non-Equilibrium Solidification of a MnFeCoNiCu Alloy
Authors: Schneiderman Benjamin , Chuang Andrew Chihpin , Kenesei Peter , Yu Zhenzhen
Published: January 2021

The solidification mechanism and segregation behavior of laser-melted Mn35Fe5Co20Ni20Cu20 was firstly investigated via in-situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction at millisecond temporal resolution. The transient composition evolution of the random solid solution during sequential solidification of dendritic and interdendritic regions complicates the analysis of synchrotron diffraction data via any single conventional tool, such as Rietveld refinement. Therefore, a novel approach combining a hard-sphere approximation model, thermodynamic simulation, thermal expansion measurement and microstructural characterization was developed to assist in a fundamental understanding of the evolution of local composition, lattice parameter, and dendrite volume fraction corresponding to the diffraction data. This methodology yields self-consistent results across different methods. Via this approach, four distinct stages were identified, including: (I) FCC dendrite solidification, (II) solidification of FCC interdendritic region, (III) solid-state interdiffusion and (IV) final cooling with marginal diffusion. It was found out that in Stage I, Cu and Mn were rejected into liquid as Mn35Fe5Co20Ni20Cu20 solidified dendritically. During Stage II, the lattice parameter disparity between dendrite and interdendritic region escalated as Cu and Mn continued segregating into the interdendritic region. After complete solidification, during Stage III, the lattice parameter disparity gradually decreases, demonstrating a degree of composition homogenization. The volume fraction of dendrites slightly grew from 58.3–65.5%, based on the evolving composition profile across a dendrite/interdendritic interface in diffusion calculations. Postmortem metallography further confirmed that dendrites have a volume fraction of 64.7% ± 5.3% in the final microstructure.
Degradation of Insulin Amyloid by Antibiotic Minocycline and Formation of Toxic Intermediates
Authors: Mori Wakako , Yuzu Keisuke , Lobsiger Nadine , Nishioka Hideo , Sato Hisako , Nagase Terumasa , Iwaya Keiichi , Lindgren Mikael , Zako Tamotsu
Published: January 2021

Insulin balls, localized insulin amyloids formed at subcutaneous insulin-injection sites in patients with diabetes, cause poor glycemic control owing to impairments in insulin absorption. Our previous study has shown that some insulin balls are cytotoxic, but others are not, implying amyloid polymorphism. Interestingly, the patient with toxic insulin balls had been treated with antibiotic minocycline, suggesting a possible relationship between toxicity of insulin balls and minocycline. However, the direct effect of minocycline on the structure and cytotoxicity of the insulin amyloid is still unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that that minocycline at physiological concentrations induced degradation of insulin amyloids formed from human insulin and insulin drug preparations used for diabetes patients. Interestingly, the process involved the initial appearance of the toxic species, which subsequently changed into less-toxic species. It is also shown that the structure of the toxic species was similar to that of sonicated fragments of human insulin amyloids. Our study shed new light on the clarification of the revelation of insulin balls and the development of the insulin analogs for diabetes therapy.
Does Blastocyst Morphology Influence Live Birth Rate after Frozen-thawed Single Euploid Embryo Transfer?
Authors: Li Na , Guan Yichun , Ren Bingnan , Zhang Yuchao , Du Yulin , Kong Hongjiao , Lou Hua
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate whether the morphologic parameters of euploid blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) following single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles?
Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis involving autologous single FET cycles after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) through next generation sequencing (NGS) by a university-based reproductive medical center that was performed from June 2017 to September 2019.Women were divided into three age groups (< 30, 30–34 and ≥ 35 years). The primary outcome measure was LBR. Outcomes were compared to determine the association between different blastocyst quality (Good, Average and Poor), inner cell mass (ICM) grade (A and B), and trophectoderm (TE) grade (A, B and C) and LBR.
Results

We included 232 single FET cycles for analysis, the total LBR was 48.48%. In the youngest group (< 30 years, n = 86), LBR were compared between cycles with various blastocyst quality (72.22% for good quality, 54.55% for average quality and 34.78% for poor quality; P = 0.019), ICM grade (70.59% for grade A and 42.03% for grade B; P = 0.035) and TE grade (85.71% for grade A,57.58% for grade B and 34.78 for grade C; P = 0.015). Similarly, in the 30–34 years group, LBR ranged from 50.00% for good quality to 45.45% for poor quality (P = 0.870), from 35.29% for ICM grade A to 51.22% for ICM grade B (P = 0.291), from 60.00% for TE grade A to 45.45% for TE grade C (P = 0.634). Likewise, in the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 47), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, but no significant differences were seen in blastocyst morphologic parameters and LBR (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

After single FET cycles, the LBR was associated with morphologic parameters of euploid blastocysts, especially in women < 30 years old. However, these differences were not found in women older than 30 years. We suggested that for older women whose embryos undergoing PGT-A with NGS to be euploid have the same development potential regardless of their blastocyst morphology.
Human epididymis protein 4 and Lewis y enhance chemotherapeutic resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer through the p38MAPK pathway
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhu Liancheng , Zhuang Huiyu , Gao Song , Lin Bei
Published: January 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate due to difficulties in early detection and chemotherapy resistance. Human epididymal protein 4 (HE4) has been adopted as a novel serum biomarker for early ovarian cancer diagnosis, we have previously detected the presence of Lewis y antigen modifications on HE4 in ovarian cancer cell lines. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression of HE4 and Lewis y antigen in human ovarian cancer in order to analyze their correlation with each other, as well as with the clinical pathological parameters of ovarian cancer patients.
Methods

We first used immunohistochemistry to detect the respective expressions of these compounds in two patient groups (chemotherapy-resistant and -sensitive) containing a total of 95 patients. Then, we adopted a bioinformatic approach and used online large-sample databases (TCGA, CCLE and GTEx; Metascape, Cytoscape) to explore the potential mechanisms of action of these compounds.
Results

Our results demonstrate that high HE4 and Lewis y expressions could be used as markers for chemotherapy-resistance and poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. These two expressions were widely correlated in various cancer tissues and are thought to act by activating the p38 MAPK pathway and inducing VEGFA, PTGS2,EGR1,andHIFI1A, thereby promoting malignant biological behavior and resistance in ovarian cancer.
Conclusions

This finding not only reveals the possible mechanism by which HE4 and Lewis y antigen affect ovarian cancer, but also identifies a four-gene signature that could be very useful in ovarian cancer detection and/or the development of new targeted therapies.
A high serum phosphate and calcium-phosphate product is associated with cerebral small vascular disease in patients with stroke; a real world study.
Authors: Lv Wenjing , Wang Zixuan , Jiang Junqi , Deng BinBin , Lin Qingxia
Published: January 2021

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a slowly progress disease, often accompanied by stroke, and result in dementia, depression, cognitive impairment, etc. It had already known that calcium and phosphorus metabolism (CPM) disorders were associated with vascular related adverse events. Serum Ca, P, Ca×P are the most commonly used indicators of CPM in clinical. The risk factors of CSVD and the relationship of serum Ca, P, Ca×P and CSVD in stroke patients who do not have CPM disorders are still obscure. We enrolled 488 CSVD patients in a cohort from a consecutive hospital-based stroke registry, and further sub-grouped them into lacunes, white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and matched them to 140 stroke patients without CSVD as controls. CSVD patients had higher levels of serum Ca, P, Ca×P. We developed 2 predictive models and nomograms (incorporating age, hypertension, P or Ca×P, respectively) for CSVD patients. The prediction and calibration power were good. Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.855, 0.851, respectively. P value of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit (H-L) test was 0.689, 0.698, respectively. P and Ca×P were positive correlated with CSVD, with OR 3720.401 (646.665-21404.249), 1.294 (1.222-1.370), respectively. We further validated the models in lacunes, WMHs, and CMBs, and found models were still valid in these 3 subtypes. In summary, a high serum P or Ca×P are associated with an increased risk of CSVD in stroke patients who without CPM disorders.
Listening to Bluetooth Beacons for Epidemic Risk Mitigation
Authors: Barthe Gilles , De Viti Roberta , Druschel Peter , Garg Deepak , Rodriguez Manuel Gomez , Ingo Pierfrancesco , Kremer Heiner , Lentz Matthew , Lorch Lars , Mehta Aastha , Schoelkopf Bernhard
Published: January 2021

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there have been burgeoning efforts to develop and deploy smartphone apps to expedite contact tracing and risk notification. Unfortunately, the success of these apps has been limited, partly owing to poor interoperability with manual contact tracing, low adoption rates, and a societally sensitive trade-off between utility and privacy. In this work, we introduce a new privacy-preserving and inclusive system for epidemic risk assessment and notification that aims to address the above limitations. Rather than capturing pairwise encounters between smartphones as done by existing apps, our system captures encounters between inexpensive, zero-maintenance, small devices carried by users, and beacons placed in strategic locations where infection clusters are most likely to originate. Epidemiological simulations using an agent-based model demonstrate several beneficial properties of our system. By achieving bidirectional interoperability with manual contact tracing, our system can help control disease spread already at low adoption. By utilizing the location and environmental information provided by the beacons, our system can provide significantly higher sensitivity and specificity than existing app-based systems. In addition, our simulations also suggest that it is sufficient to deploy beacons in a small fraction of strategic locations for our system to achieve high utility.
Hip Arthroplasty in Two Patients With Congenital Pubic Diastasis and Severe Dysplastic Hips
Authors: Götze Christian , Peterlein Christian-Dominik
Published: January 2021

Background: Congenital pubic diastasis in combination with a dysplastic situation of the hip is a rather rare malformation. Two cases of young female patients prompted us to report the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to secondary osteoarthritis. Our treatment strategy and short- as well in one case long-term results are described in regard to the rather rare literature. Methods: We describe a case of a 39 -year-old female patient with a pubic diastase and severe hip dysplasia on both sides treated with a primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). High overweight of more than 275 pounds, diabetes mellitus and multiple prior operation aggravate the operative procedure. Main problem based on the fixation strategy of the cup in this retroverted acetabulum presented in CT-analysis with elevated rotation center due to the dysplastic situation. In the other case a 52-year old female lady presented dysplastic osteoarthritis of the left hip. Results: In the first case both hips were treated with a cementless osteoconductive cup (TM, Zimmer-Biomet) and a cementless stem (Alloclassic SL, Zimmer-Biomet). A 10° elevated rim liner of the cup was used in order to avoid dislocation. Both hips were 9 and 8.5 years postoperative radiologically still in place without any signs of loosening. There was an improvement of quality of life documentated with an amelioration of the Harris Hip Score from preoperative 14 points to 68 points. In the second case a conventional hemispherical cup (Alloclassic-Allofit, Zimmer-Biomet) was placed in the retroverted acetabulum combined with a cementless stem (Fitmore A, Zimmer-Biomet) attached at the metaphseal proximal femur bone. 6 months postoperative, the patient was free of symptoms with an increased quality of life. Conclusion: Sufficient long-term results highlight the possiblity of total hip arthroplasty of patients with osteoarthritis even in congenital pubic diastasis. Retroversion of the dysplastic acetabulum, rotation of the posterior part of the pelvis and instability of the pelvic ring in these circumstances might be the most feared aspects in the treatment of these rare cases.