bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘When hunger makes everything better looking!’: The effect of hunger on the aesthetic appreciation of human bodies, faces and objects
Authors: Cazzato Valentina , Vicario Carmelo M. , Urgesi Cosimo
Published: April 2022

Background

Research evidence suggests that physiological state of hunger might affect preference for female body weight, such that hungrier, compared to satiate, men prefer heavier body weight and rate as more attractive heavier female figures. Here, we seek to extend these findings by comparing the effects of fasting and snack on aesthetics judgements of the bodies and faces of conspecifics and of objects in a sample of female and male participants.

Methods

Forty-four participants (women: n = 21, mean age = 23.70 yrs ± 0.62) provided aesthetic liking judgments of round and slim human bodies, faces and objects, under at least 12 h of overnight fasting and immediately after having eaten a snack (i.e., bananas). An anthropometric measure of adiposity (i.e., Body Mass Index, BMI) was also collected from each observer.

Results

Overall, we found that participants’ aesthetic judgements were higher for slim stimuli compared to round ones. However, after fasting, participants rated round stimuli as more attractive compared to when they had a snack. This hunger-based shift in ratings not only was apparent when stimuli depicted a human body or face, but also when they depicted an object, thus suggesting a general modification of observers’ aesthetic preference related to hunger. Importantly, this effect was modulated by participants’ BMI so that only participants with a high BMI provided higher aesthetic judgements for round stimuli after fasting than after a snack.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that both the modification of the physiological state and the individual differences in adiposity level of the observers might affect the aesthetic appreciation of the external world.
A clustering-based topic model using word networks and word embeddings
Authors: Mu Wenchuan , Lim Kwan Hui , Liu Junhua , Karunasekera Shanika , Falzon Lucia , Harwood Aaron
Published: April 2022

Online social networking services like Twitter are frequently used for discussions on numerous topics of interest, which range from mainstream and popular topics (e.g., music and movies) to niche and specialized topics (e.g., politics). Due to the popularity of such services, it is a challenging task to automatically model and determine the numerous discussion topics given the large amount of tweets. Adding on this complexity is the need to identify these topics with the absence of prior knowledge about both the types and number of topics, while having the requirement of the relevant technical expertise to tune the numerous parameters for the various models. To address this challenge, we develop the Clustering-based Topic Modelling (ClusTop) algorithm that first constructs different types of word networks based on different types of n-grams co-occurrence and word embedding distances. Using these word networks, ClusTop is then able to automatically determine the discussion topics using community detection approaches. In contrast to traditional topic models, ClusTop does not require the tuning or setting of numerous parameters and instead uses community detection approaches to automatically determine the appropriate number of topics. The ClusTop algorithm is also able to capture the syntactic meaning in tweets via the use of bigrams, trigrams, other word combinations and word embedding techniques in constructing the word network graph, and utilizes edge weights based on word embedding. Using three Twitter datasets with labelled crises and events as topics, we show that ClusTop outperforms various traditional baselines in terms of topic coherence, pointwise mutual information, precision, recall and F-score.
Association between early tracheostomy and patient outcomes in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Tanaka Aiko , Uchiyama Akinori , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sakaguchi Ryota , Komukai Sho , Matsuyama Tasuku , Yoshida Takeshi , Tokuhira Natsuko , Iguchi Naoya , Fujino Yuji
Published: April 2022

Background

Tracheostomy is commonly performed in critically ill patients because of its clinical advantages over prolonged translaryngeal endotracheal intubation. Early tracheostomy has been demonstrated to reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay. However, its association with mortality remains ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the timing of tracheostomy and mortality in patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients who underwent tracheostomy during their intensive care unit (ICU) admission between April 2015 and March 2019. Patients who underwent tracheostomy before or after 29 days of ICU admission were excluded. Data were collected from the nationwide Japanese Intensive Care Patient Database. The primary outcome was hospital mortality. The timing of tracheostomy was stratified by quartile, and the association between patient outcomes was evaluated using regression analysis.

Results

Among the 85558 patients admitted to 46 ICUs during the study period, 1538 patients were included in the analysis. The quartiles for tracheostomy were as follows: quartile 1, ≤ 6 days; quartile 2, 7–10 days; quartile 3, 11–14 days; and quartile 4, > 14 days. Hospital mortality was significantly higher in quartile 2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.13), quartile 3 (aOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.28–2.59), and quartile 4 (aOR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.61–3.16) (p for trend < 0.001) than in quartile 1. A similar trend was observed in the subgroup analyses of patients with impaired consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score < 8) and respiratory failure (PaO2:FiO2 ≤ 300) at ICU admission (p for trend = 0.081 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

This multi-institutional observational study demonstrated that the timing of tracheostomy was significantly and independently associated with hospital mortality in a stepwise manner. Thus, early tracheostomy may be beneficial for patient outcomes, including mortality, and warrants further investigation.
Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention in non-oncological femoral megaprosthesis infections: minimum 5 year follow-up
Authors: Asokan A. , Ibrahim M. S. , Thompson J. W. , Haddad F. S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Megaprostheses are increasingly utilised outside of the oncological setting, and remain at significant risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Debridement, antibiotic, and implant retention (DAIR) is an established treatment for PJI, however its use in non-oncological patients with femoral megaprostheses has not been widely reported. There are significant differences in patient physiology, treatment goals, and associated risks between these patient cohorts.

Methods

We identified 14 patients who underwent DAIR for a PJI of their femoral megaprostheses, between 2000 and 2014, whom had their index procedure secondary to non-oncological indications. Patients were managed as part of a multidisciplinary team, with our standardised surgical technique including exchange of all mobile parts, and subsequent antibiotic therapy for a minimum of 3 months. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 5 years.

Results

Patients included six proximal femoral replacements, five distal femoral replacements, and three total femoral replacements. No patients were lost to follow-up. There were six males and eight females, with a mean age of 67.2 years, and mean ASA of 2.3.

Nine patients (64.3%) successfully cleared their infection following DAIR at a minimum of 5 year follow-up. Five patients (35.7%) required further revision surgery, with four patients cleared of infection. No patients who underwent DAIR alone suffered complications as a result of the procedure.

Conclusions

The use of DAIR in these complex patients can lead to successful outcomes, but the risk of further revision remains high. The success rate (64.3%) remains on par with other studies evaluating DAIR in megaprostheses and in primary arthroplasty. This study indicates judicious use of DAIR can be an appropriate part of the treatment algorithm.

Level of evidence

II
TASC (Telehealth After Stroke Care): a study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial of telehealth-enabled multidisciplinary stroke care in an underserved urban setting
Authors: Naqvi Imama A. , Cheung Ying Kuen , Strobino Kevin , Li Hanlin , Tom Sarah E. , Husaini Zehra , Williams Olajide A. , Marshall Randolph S. , Arcia Adriana , Kronish Ian M. , Elkind Mitchell S. V.
Published: April 2022

Background

Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for recurrent stroke, and blood pressure (BP) reduction is associated with decreased risk of stroke recurrence. However, hypertension remains poorly controlled in many stroke survivors. Black and Hispanic patients have a higher prevalence of uncontrolled BP and higher rates of stroke. Limited access to care contributes to challenges in post-stroke care. Telehealth After Stroke Care (TASC) is a telehealth intervention that integrates remote BP monitoring (RBPM) including nursing telephone support, tailored BP infographics and telehealth video visits with a multidisciplinary team approach including pharmacy to improve post-stroke care and reduce stroke disparities.

Methods

In this pilot trial, 50 acute stroke patients with hypertension will be screened for inclusion prior to hospital discharge and randomized to usual care or TASC. Usual care patients will be seen by a primary care nurse practitioner at 1–2 weeks and a stroke neurologist at 1 and 3 months. In addition to these usual care visits, TASC intervention patients will see a pharmacist at 4 and 8 weeks and will be enrolled in RBPM consisting of home BP monitoring with interval calls by a centralized team of telehealth nurses. As part of RBPM, TASC patients will be provided with a home BP monitoring device and electronic tablet that wirelessly transmits home BP data to the electronic health record. They will also receive tailored BP infographics that help explain their BP readings. The primary outcome will be feasibility including recruitment, adherence to at least one video visit and retention rates. The clinical outcome for consideration in a subsequent trial will be within-patient change in BP from baseline to 3 months after discharge. Secondary outcomes will be medication adherence self-efficacy and satisfaction with post-stroke telehealth, both measured at 3 months. Additional patient reported outcomes will include depression, cognitive function, and socioeconomic determinants. Multidisciplinary team competency and fidelity measures will also be assessed.

Conclusions

Integrated team-based interventions may improve BP control and reduce racial/ethnic disparities in post-stroke care. TASC is a post-acute stroke care model that is novel in providing RBPM with tailored infographics, and a multidisciplinary team approach including pharmacy. Our pilot will determine if such an approach is feasible and effective in enhancing post-stroke BP control and promoting self-efficacy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04640519
Challenges and adaptations to public involvement with marginalised groups during the COVID-19 pandemic: commentary with illustrative case studies in the context of patient safety research
Authors: Adeyemi Isabel , Sanders Caroline , Ong Bie Nio , Howells Kelly , Quinlivan Leah , Gorman Louise , Giles Sally , Amp Mat , Monaghan Elizabeth , Naseem Sumaira , Pearson Adam , Cheraghi-Sohi Sudeh
Published: April 2022

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is integral to research on patient safety in the NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (NIHR GMPSTRC), and is central to our patient safety research within our theme focusing on people in marginalised groups. Due to the impact of COVID-19, researchers had to adapt how they do PPI. For marginalised groups, remote working and digital adaptations (the key adaptations made in accessing and utilising health services in the United Kingdom during COVID-19) can potentially lead to further marginalisation of people already marginalised and provide new barriers to others. This editorial showcases three case examples of PPI with marginalised groups during COVID-19, these are with: (1) adults with vision impairments, (2) adults and carers with lived experience of self-harm and/ or suicide and (3) adults with lived experience of homelessness. In these case examples, we focus on challenges relating to key aspects of PPI during the pandemic. First, setting up a PPI advisory group and secondly maintaining relationships and effective PPI with a pre-existing advisory group. We contrast these examples using more traditional ways of ‘doing PPI’ i.e. involving public contributors in various stages of the research cycle, with a more fully ‘co-produced’ approach to research when developing a new patient safety intervention. Important considerations for PPI with marginalised groups during COVID-19 include: how to avoid exacerbating the digital divide when using video conferencing for PPI, the need for enhanced awareness around flexibility and resources, and the value of working closely with specialist charities to enable adaptations that are sensitive to the changed circumstances and needs of PPI contributors.
Hidden in plain sight? Identifying patient-authored publications
Authors: Oliver Jacqui , Lobban Dawn , Dormer Laura , Walker Joanne , Stephens Richard , Woolley Karen
Published: April 2022

Background

Patient advocates are increasingly authoring peer-reviewed publications that could enhance patient care and understanding of the lived experience. Although patient authorship may be seen as an innovation in the peer-reviewed publication environment and some may not be aware of or accept patient authorship, we know patient-authored publications exist. However, identifying patient-authored publications is often challenging and time-consuming.

Main body

In this commentary, we propose a definition for a patient author and patient-authored publications. We outline factors driving the increase in patient authorship, including patient interest, recognition of the value of including the patient voice and major funders recognising the importance of involving patient advocates in research. Evidence and experience-based guidance on patient authorship is emerging, and we highlight practical guidance for patient advocates on authoring peer-reviewed publications. To gain a better understanding of patient authorship, an efficient method is needed to identify patient-authored publications. A dataset on patient-authored publications could be used for a range of quantitative and qualitative research studies. The affiliation search function in PubMed can provide an easy, and reproducible way to identify a dataset of patient-authored publications in the international peer-reviewed literature, but only if patient authors include a standard metatag, (e.g. Patient Author) as one of their listed affiliations, combined with other affiliations as appropriate. From 2020 to 2021, there was a nine-fold increase in patient-authored publications in PubMed identified using the Patient Author tag. We recognize that terminology can be contentious and some authors may prefer alternative metatags. Further efforts are required to gain consensus on a suitable, standard metatag or set of metatags to use to show the true extent of patient authorship.

Conclusion

Patient authorship is not only legitimate, but it also exemplifies the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. Stakeholders in the publication community need to review their policies and procedures to identify and address barriers to patient authorship. Patient advocates, funders, researchers and publishers could all help to promote awareness and acceptance of patient authorship and the merits of using a standard metatag or set of metatags, so that patient-authored publications are no longer hidden in plain sight.
Co-creation of an exercise inventory to improve scapular stabilization and control among individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: a survey-based study amongst physiotherapists
Authors: Dubé Marc-Olivier , Arel Jasmine , Paquette Philippe , Roy Jean-Sébastien , Desmeules François , Gagnon Dany H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Scapular stabilization exercises (SSE) are often included in the treatment of individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) to decrease pain and improve function. These SSE typically aim to strengthen the scapular muscles and optimize dynamic neuromuscular control of the scapula, which may improve overall shoulder stability and movement quality. No consensus of the recommended SSE for the management of RCRSP is available. Hence, this study aimed to consult physiotherapists to co-create an inventory of recommended SSE based on the exercise’s relevance and frequency of prescriptions for the rehabilitation of individuals with RCRSP.

Methods

A group of 16 physiotherapists with experience in treating shoulder pain participated in a sequential consultation incorporating two distinct rounds of consultation focusing on SSE (modified Delphi design). In round 1, physiotherapists identified and demonstrated up to 10 SSE that they commonly recommend or use among individuals with RCRSP. The description and performance of all SSE were audio and video recorded. All SSE suggested by more than one participant in round 1 advanced to round 2. In round 2, physiotherapists rated these SSE on a 4-point Likert scale according to their perceived relevance and frequency of prescription for this population.

Results

In round 1, out of the 25 SSE recommended by participants, 19 SSE (76.0%) were recommended by more than one physiotherapist and advanced to round 2. In round 2, 13 SSE were consensually classified (agreement ≥75%) as being relevant for the rehabilitation of individuals with RCRSP. SSE targeting the recruitment of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles were considered the most relevant for the management of RCRSP, whereas SSE targeting neuromuscular scapular control were the most prescribed SSE for the management of RCRSP.

Conclusions

An inventory composed of 13 SSE was co-created by physiotherapists based on their relevance and frequency of prescription for the rehabilitation of individuals with RCRSP. When designing an exercise program, physiotherapists can use this SSE inventory to inform their exercise selection, in combination with their current knowledge on shoulder rehabilitation, as well as patients’ preferences.
Evaluation of a 4-day repeated-dose micronucleus test in rat glandular stomach and colon using aneugens and non-genotoxic non-carcinogens
Authors: Okada Emiko , Fujiishi Yohei , Narumi Kazunori , Ohyama Wakako
Published: April 2022

Background

We previously developed a rodent gastrointestinal (GI) tract micronucleus (MN) test using the glandular stomach and/or colon, and evaluated this test method using several genotoxic carcinogens (clastogens) and genotoxic non-carcinogens; we demonstrated that this test method could detect genotoxic stomach and/or colon carcinogens with target organ specificity. In the present study, we further evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the MN test for the rat glandular stomach and colon using three aneugens (colchicine, vinblastine sulfate, and docetaxel hydrate) and two non-genotoxic non-carcinogens (sodium chloride and sucrose).

Results

Male Crl:CD (SD) rats were administered test compounds through clinical administration route (orally or intravenously) for four consecutive days and then examined for the micronucleated cell frequencies in the glandular stomach and colon. We observed that all three aneugens significantly and dose-dependently increased the micronucleated cell frequencies in the stomach and colon. In contrast, neither of the two non-genotoxic non-carcinogens increased the micronucleated cell frequency in these tissues. Notably, an increase in cell proliferation was observed in the glandular stomach of rats administered a stomach toxicant, sodium chloride, but this increase did not affect the induction of micronuclei in the gastric cells.

Conclusions

In the present study, it was demonstrated that the glandular stomach and colon MN tests could detect aneugens as positive and could adequately evaluate non-genotoxic non-carcinogens as negative, including a chemical that enhances cell proliferation. These results provide important evidence supporting good performance of the rat glandular stomach and colon MN tests with a 4-day treatment regimen.
COVID-19 as a trigger of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in a patient with autoimmune hyperthyroidism: a case report
Authors: Situmeang Rocksy Fransisca V. , Stevano Reza , Sutanto Ratna
Published: April 2022

Background

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) composes an uncommon subtype of stroke caused by thrombotic occlusion of the cerebral venous system and tends to occur in hypercoagulable states. Albeit exceedingly rare, autoimmune hyperthyroidism and COVID-19 has been implicated as rare risk factors for CVST. As both conditions are capable of inducing degrees of inflammation and hypercoagulability, we postulate that COVID-19 could trigger CVST by superimposing endotheliitis and inflammation on the hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolytic state of hyperthyroidism.

Case presentation

We report the case of an adult male with headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and previously known autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Diagnostics revealed elevated inflammatory and hypercoagulability markers, free T4, low TSHs, and positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Neuroimaging demonstrated an acute intracerebral and subdural hemorrhage attributable to cerebral sinus thromboses. A diagnosis of CVST with associated COVID-19 and autoimmune hyperthyroidism was established, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated. Follow-up examination revealed complete symptomatic resolution and regression of thrombosis.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware that even mild COVID-19 could precipitate CVST, especially in presence of other risk factors. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the effects of mild COVID-19 on existing prothrombic states, including autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, a high index of suspicion towards a secondary cause must be maintained for headaches in COVID-19, as it may indicate a serious etiology, including CVST.
Licensed and unlicensed cannabis outlets in Los Angeles County: the potential implications of location for social equity
Authors: Firth Caislin L. , Warren Kristin M. , Perez Lilian , Kilmer Beau , Shih Regina A. , Tucker Joan S. , D’Amico Elizabeth J. , Pedersen Eric R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Cannabis social equity programs intend to redress inequities experienced by low income and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) during cannabis prohibition in the United States. In Los Angeles County (LA), the approach is to increase cannabis outlet licensure and employment for low income and BIPOC communities. Monitoring locations of both licensed and unlicensed outlets over time is critical to informing how local social equity programs may affect communities.

Methods

We identified locations of licensed and unlicensed cannabis outlets in LA, from February to April 2019 and again from March to April 2020, and calculated the number and type of outlets by socio-demographic characteristics of census tracts (race/ethnicity, poverty, education, unemployment) using the 2013–2017 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

Results

Licensed outlets increased in LA from 162 in 2019 to 195 in 2020; unlicensed outlets decreased from 286 to 137 over the same time period. In 2020, more licensed outlets were in tracts with majority white residents and adults with at least a bachelor’s degree; fewer licensed outlets were in tracts with larger Latinx or Black populations, whereas 71% of unlicensed outlets in 2020 were in low-income tracts, and more unlicensed outlets were in predominately Latinx tracts, high poverty and high unemployment tracts, and tracts with more single female-headed households.

Conclusions

Neighborhood-level analyses are an important first step, but more data are needed for comprehensive evaluations of social equity programs—from individual businesses to the communities living nearby—to understand the impacts on low income and BIPOC populations.
Delayed adverse reaction to a natural dermal filler mimicking salivary gland neoplasia
Authors: Alli Nasreen , Murdoch Marshall , Meer Shabnum
Published: April 2022

Background

Cosmetic dermal fillers are a sought-after procedure globally. However, despite the safety claims of filler materials by the manufacturers, adverse reactions still occur.

Case presentation

This case report is of a 66-year-old female who presented with a late-onset complication of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that clinically mimicked a salivary gland neoplasm. The patient presented with firm peri-oral swellings of short duration that clinically mimicked a pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The diagnosis was that of a foreign-body granulomatous response to dermal fillers. Although other mimics of a similar nature are reported a knowledgeable clinician, careful choice of filler material, knowledge of the product, thorough pre-procedural history taking and post-procedural patient follow-up can drastically minimize a possible misdiagnosis. The reaction was treated with a combination of hyaluronidase, betamethasone and 5-flurouracil intra-lesional injections monthly for 11 consecutive months, with total clinical resolution.

Conclusions

Patient education of the procedure, product name and the possibility of an adverse reaction occurring, even years later or at a site distant to the initial site of placement, is vital. Further, we review the recent reported adverse association of the new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and dermal filler placement.
Two cases of anesthetics-induced epileptic seizures: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Wanling , Lai Wanlin , Peng Anjiao , Chen Lei
Published: April 2022

Background

Anesthetics like propofol have been reported to be capable of controlling status epilepticus. However, we have observed during daily clinical work that some anesthetics can induce epileptic seizures. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationships between anesthetics and epilepsy.

Case presentation

We collect and report two cases of anesthetics-induced epileptic seizures, in order to arouse attention towards this critical phenomenon. We also summarize the current research progress on this topic, analyze associations between anesthetics and epilepsy, and discuss the mechanisms underlying the associations. Two females, seizure-free for more than 3 years, presented with anesthetics-induced epileptic seizures and controlled by administration of Midazolam and Diazepam. By literature review, we included six studies which found that the occurrence of epileptic seizures has no relationship with the age/sex of patients, the surgery procedure, nor the type of anesthesia. It is closely related to the decreased blood concentration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the inadequate preoperative preparation.

Conclusions

Unnecessary surgery should be avoided for patients with epilepsy, and anesthetists should make careful selections on anesthetics and prepare adequately for surgery.
Learning science with YouTube videos and the impacts of Covid-19
Authors: Breslyn Wayne , Green Amy E.
Published: April 2022

This study investigates student and teacher use of online instructional YouTube chemistry videos in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Data were collected from a global sample of students (n = 1147) subscribed to the first author’s popular chemistry education YouTube channel. Participants were in secondary school or college and reported having learned science in a variety of contexts including completely online, blended, or completely in-person. The data collection instrument, an online questionnaire, was designed to detect both quantitative and qualitative changes in the use of instructional video. In addition, statistics for the overall YouTube chemistry education channel for 2018 through 2021 were compiled to provide evidence of video viewing trends with a large sample (98.6 million video views) over a timeframe encompassing before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that students’ personal use of video for learning science increased substantially during the pandemic. However, for the majority of teachers, the use of video to support online learning during the pandemic either remained the same or declined. Post-pandemic, students plan to continue using science videos for learning and want teachers to do the same.
MicroRNA 21 and microRNA 10b: early diagnostic biomarkers of breast cancer in Egyptian females
Authors: Ali Mai , El Gayar Dina , Hany Normeen , Ezzat Abdel Hamid , Zeyada Reham
Published: April 2022

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers in developing and developed countries among women worldwide. Mammography is one of the superior methods for BC detection, but it carries up to 20% false-negative results, especially in early cases. Histological examination of tissue biopsies and fine-needle aspiration cytology are invasive techniques. Hence, minimally invasive markers are needed for the improved detection of BC. microRNAs, small, noncoding, single-stranded RNAs functioning as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes, are attractive biomarkers for early detection. This study aimed to examine the serum levels of miR21 and miR10b in patients with BC especially in the early stages compared to healthy controls to evaluate their potential use as BC biomarkers.

Methods

This study included 90 females who were divided into two groups. Group I included 70 patients with BC and was subdivided into group Ia with 40 nonmetastatic BC patients and group Ib with 30 metastatic BC patients. Group II included 20 apparently healthy females as a control group. Serum miR21 and miR10b as biomarkers and miR16 as a housekeeping gene were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The median levels of miR10b and miR21 were statistically significantly upregulated in the sera of patients with BC compared to healthy controls (P = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses demonstrated that serum levels of miR10b and miR21 were useful biomarkers for distinguishing between patients with BC and the control group, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.991 with 97.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity at a cutoff of 3.1 for miR10b and an AUC of 0.965 with 95.7% sensitivity and 85% specificity at a cutoff of 1.7 for miR21. Regarding the early stages of BC, the median levels of the fold change of serum miR21 and miR10b were statistically significantly higher in patients with BC (stages I and IIa) than in the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Both miR21 and miR10b have valuable diagnostic roles in detecting the early stages of BC.
Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria: purification strategies and applications in food and medical industries: a review
Authors: Yap Pei Gee , Lai Zee Wei , Tan Joo Shun
Published: April 2022

Background

Bacteriocins are generally defined as ribosomally synthesized peptides, which are produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that affect the growth of related or unrelated microorganisms. Conventionally, the extracted bacteriocins are purified by precipitation, where ammonium sulphate is added to precipitate out the protein from the solution.

Main text

To achieve the high purity of bacteriocins, a combination with chromatography is used where the hydrophobicity and cationic properties of bacteriocins are employed. The complexity column inside the chromatography can afford to resolve the loss of bacteriocins during the ammonium sulphate precipitation. Recently, an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) has been widely used in bacteriocins purification due to the several advantages of its operational simplicity, mild process conditions and versatility. It reduces the operation steps and processing time yet provides high recovery products which provide alternative ways to conventional methods in downstream processing. Bacteriocins are widely approached in the food and medical industry. In food application, nisin, which is produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. has been introduced as food preservative due to its natural, toxicology safe and effective against the gram-positive bacteria. Besides, bacteriocins provide a board range in medical industries where they are used as antibiotics and probiotics.

Short conclusion

In summary, this review focuses on the downstream separation of bacteriocins from various sources using both conventional and recent ATPS techniques. Finally, recommendations for future interesting areas of research that need to be pursued are highlighted.
Investigation of rectangular apertures and their application on speckle imaging
Authors: Hamed A. M. , Al-Saeed T. A.
Published: April 2022

Background

An aperture in the form of four squares arranged symmetrically along the cartesian coordinates with equal distances from the center investigated. Three models are suggested in the computation of the Point Spread Function PSF using the FFT technique. In the 1st model, circular annulus is placed in the center, while in the 2nd model a square annulus is shown, and in the 3rd model, two symmetric squares in the models 1, 2 are replaced by two symmetric rectangles while the center remains of square annulus. In all the models, central obstruction is made seeking to improve the PSF.

Results

An analytical formula for the PSF for the aperture described in the 1st model is obtained. In addition, the autocorrelation corresponding to these apertures are computed and compared with the known autocorrelation corresponding to the whole square aperture. An application on speckle imaging is given using these apertures combined with the diffuser. All images for the design of the apertures and the speckle images are made using the MATLAB code.

Conclusions

The resolution computed from the FWHM showed an improvement for the suggested square apertures as compared with the uniform square aperture where the total width is kept constant. In addition, the strength of the legs in the PSF for the suggested apertures is much higher than that corresponding the uniform aperture which makes it useful for imaging of extended objects.
Mapping water pipeline leakage by ground-penetrating radar diffraction imaging
Authors: Liu Yu , Shi Zhanjie
Published: April 2022

Investigation of water pipeline leakage is a matter of great significance for water resources management. Among various approaches, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) attracts increasing attention as a fast and noninvasive technique. However, this method suffers from uncertainties in the stage of interpretation because diffractions from the leak region often are too weak to be identified. To address this problem, we have developed the use of diffraction imaging to enhance imaging and characterization of water leakage. Numerical seepage simulation allows us to establish an equivalent computational analog for a known leak condition. After the collection of parallel GPR survey lines, we apply diffraction separation and imaging techniques on 2D and 3D data. Although the actual situation is generally well reproduced by 2D and 3D results, 3D diffraction imaging provides improved mapping of leakage compared with its 2D counterpart. We then apply the method to field data collected at a training base for water pipeline leakage control in Shaoxing, China. The prediction from imaging results corresponds well with the true position and type of leakage. The laboratory and field experiments substantiate the viability of GPR diffraction imaging and illustrate the potential of using GPR to detect small water leaks.
Gradient sensing in Bayesian chemotaxis
Authors: Auconi Andrea , Novak Maja , Friedrich Benjamin M.
Published: April 2022

Bayesian chemotaxis is an information-based target search problem inspired by biological chemotaxis. It is defined by a decision strategy coupled to the dynamic estimation of target position from detections of signaling molecules. We extend the case of a point-like agent previously introduced (Vergassola et al., Nature (2007)), which establishes concentration sensing as the dominant contribution to information processing, to the case of a circle-shaped agent of small finite size. We identify gradient sensing and a Laplacian correction to concentration sensing as the two leading-order expansion terms in the expected entropy variation. Numerically, we find that the impact of gradient sensing is most relevant because it provides direct directional information to break symmetry in likelihood distributions, which are generally circle shaped by concentration sensing.
Topological pz-wave nodal-line superconductivity with flat surface bands in the AHxCr3As3 (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) superconductors
Authors: Hao Juan-Juan , Zhang Ming , Wu Xian-Xin , Yang Fan
Published: April 2022

We study the pairing symmetry and the topological properties of the hydrogen-doped ACr3As3 superconductors. Based on our first-principle band structure with spin-orbit coupling (SOC), we construct a tight-binding model including the on-site SOC terms, equipped with the multi-orbital Hubbard interactions. Then using the random-phase-approximation (RPA) approach, we calculate the pairing phase diagram of this model. Our RPA results yield the triplet p

z
-wave pairing in the

spin channel to be the leading pairing symmetry all over the experiment relevant hydrogen-doping regimes. This pairing state belongs to the spin-U(1)-symmetry–protected time-reversal–invariant topological nodal-line superconductivity. Determined by the momentum-dependent topological invariant Z(k

x
, k

y
), the whole (001) surface Brillouin zone is covered with topological flat bands with different regimes covered with different numbers of flat surface bands, which can be detected by the scanning tunneling microscope experiments.
Clinical Application of Saphenous Nerve Transfer for Sensory Reconstruction of the Sole After Sciatic Nerve Injury: A Case Series
Authors: Emamhadi Mohammadreza , Haghani Dogahe Mohammad
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Sole sensation is essential for standing and walking. Moreover, lack of protective sensation of sole increases the risk of fall-related injuries. In the light of recent developments in nerve transfer, reconstruction of sole sensation can be achieved even in sciatic nerve injuries. Few researchers have addressed the problem of lack of potential donor nerve in proximal sciatic nerve injuries. The saphenous nerve has sufficient sensory fibers and is anatomically feasible to be used as a donor nerve to reconstruct sensation.

OBJECTIVE:

To outline a new approach to restore the sensation of the sole using terminal branches of the saphenous nerve.

METHODS:

In an attempt to restore sole sensation, 4 patients underwent saphenous nerve transfer to medial plantar and calcaneal branches. Highet–Zachary system scoring was used to evaluate sensory recovery in target regions (heel, metatarsal heads, and big toe).

RESULTS:

Of the study population, heel sensation recovered up to S3 in 1 case, S2 in 2 cases, and S1 in 1 case. Partial recovery of the metatarsal heads and the big toe was achieved in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of this study indicate that the saphenous nerve is a suitable and available donor to restore sole sensation in sciatic or posterior tibial nerve injuries.
Modern Appraisal of Patency and Complications in Cerebral Bypass Surgery: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Farooq Jeffrey , Heller Robert S. , Noureldine Mohammad Hassan A. , Wang Zhen-Jie , Wei Grace , Mhaskar Rahul , Ren Zeguang , van Loveren Harry , Lau Tsz , Agazzi Siviero
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Cerebral bypass is a valuable surgical technique in well-selected patient populations. Updated clinical guidelines and improved surgical techniques warrant a contemporary reevaluation of the complications and patency to inform clinical practice and enhance postoperative patient care.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the complication rates and postoperative graft patency for the 3 most common indications for bypass surgery: moyamoya disease, intracranial atherosclerosis, and intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS:

Perioperative notes of 175 consecutive bypass patients at a single institution were retrospectively identified to evaluate the clinical course and complications of surgery.

RESULTS:

The rate of total postoperative complications between moyamoya disease (9 of 98, 9.2%), intracranial atherosclerotic disease (7 of 57, 12.3%), and intracranial aneurysm (4 of 20, 20%) was not statistically different (P = .33). Immediate postoperative bypass patency was significantly higher in moyamoya disease (90 of 96, 93.8%) and intracranial atherosclerotic disease (48 of 51, 94.1%) than in intracranial aneurysm (13 of 18, 72.2%; P = .02). Intravenous heparin administration during bypass suturing was negatively associated with immediate postoperative patency (87% heparin patency vs 99% no heparin patency; P = .02). Double-barrel bypass trended toward an increased risk of wound healing complications (2 of 13, 15.4%) compared with the single-barrel bypass technique (4 of 156, 2.6%; P = .07).

CONCLUSION:

Cerebral bypass surgery remains an excellent surgical treatment for moyamoya disease, intracranial atherosclerosis, and intracranial aneurysms. This study suggests bypass is safer in moyamoya disease and intracranial atherosclerosis. Additional studies to clarify the risk of single-barrel vs double-barrel bypass and intraoperative heparin-stratified complications may be beneficial.
Cadaver-Free Neurosurgical Simulation Using a 3-Dimensional Printer and Augmented Reality
Authors: Lee Min Ho , Lee Tae-Kyu
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

Training to become a neurosurgeon takes time and effort, with the training requirements continuing to increase. As such, more efficient educational tools are needed.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the use of 3-dimensional (3D) printing and augmented reality (AR) systems within neurosurgical training programs.

METHODS:

The skull and its structures were segmented using normal computed tomography and MRI and printed with a 3D printer. Basic procedures (burr-hole trephination and other craniotomies) and advanced procedures of skull base approaches (anterior clinoidectomy, anterior petrosectomy, and mastoidectomy) were practiced with the printed model. Skull base approaches were practiced in an AR system. After the training program, a questionnaire was administered to the trainees about the effectiveness of the program.

RESULTS:

The basic procedure program was conducted four times with 22 trainees. Twenty trainees indicated that the present simulation program was important to their education (average of 4.9/5.0). When asked whether the model was similar to a human skull, the average score was 4.5 of 5 points. The advanced procedure program was conducted five times with 10 trainees. All 10 answered that the simulation program was a useful tool for training on skull base approaches (average of 5/5). All respondents answered that they would be able to perform the skull base approaches in patients after completing the training program (an average of 4.7/5).

CONCLUSION:

The simulation-based training program using 3D-printed anatomy with an AR system was demonstrated to be an important adjunct to training neurosurgery. It provides trainees a realistic environment to improve skills and performance during clinical practice.
A combined bioinformatics and LC-MS-based approach for the development and benchmarking of a comprehensive database of Lymnaea CNS proteins
Authors: Wooller Sarah , Anagnostopoulou Aikaterini , Kuropka Benno , Crossley Michael , Benjamin Paul R. , Pearl Frances , Kemenes Ildikó , Kemenes György , Eravci Murat
Published: April 2022

Applications of key technologies in biomedical research, such as qRT-PCR or LC-MS-based proteomics, are generating large biological (-omics) datasets which are useful for the identification and quantification of biomarkers in any research area of interest. Genome, transcriptome and proteome databases are already available for a number of model organisms including vertebrates and invertebrates. However, there is insufficient information available for protein sequences of certain invertebrates, such as the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis, a model organism that has been used highly successfully in elucidating evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of memory function and dysfunction. Here, we used a bioinformatics approach to designing and benchmarking a comprehensive central nervous system (CNS) proteomics database (LymCNS-PDB) for the identification of proteins from the CNS of Lymnaea by LC-MS-based proteomics. LymCNS-PDB was created by using the Trinity TransDecoder bioinformatics tool to translate amino acid sequences from mRNA transcript assemblies obtained from a published Lymnaea transcriptomics database. The blast-style MMSeq2 software was used to match all translated sequences to UniProtKB sequences for molluscan proteins, including those from Lymnaea and other molluscs. LymCNS-PDB contains 9628 identified matched proteins that were benchmarked by performing LC-MS-based proteomics analysis with proteins isolated from the Lymnaea CNS. MS/MS analysis using the LymCNS-PDB database led to the identification of 3810 proteins. Only 982 proteins were identified by using a non-specific molluscan database. LymCNS-PDB provides a valuable tool that will enable us to perform quantitative proteomics analysis of protein interactomes involved in several CNS functions in Lymnaea, including learning and memory and age-related memory decline.
Studies on the Properties of Poly(3-alkylthiophene) Copolymerized by a Small Amount of Thiophene Derivative Bearing a Cyclic Siloxane Moiety at the Side Chain
Authors: Kubota Chihiro , Kashimoto Masaki , Yamashita Ryutaro , Okano Kentaro , Horie Masaki , Funahashi Masahiro , Matsumoto Takuya , Nishino Takashi , Mori Atsunori
Published: April 2022

Thiophene–thiophene copolymers composed of 3-alkylthiophene and a small amount of thiophene bearing cyclic siloxane are synthesized by random copolymerizatin of 2-chloro-3-dodecylthiophene and 2-chlorothiophene bearing cyclic tetrasiloxane as a substituent. Deprotonative metalation of chlorothiophenes with a bulky magnesium amide followed by the addition of nickel catalyst undergoes polymerization to afford statistical copolymer based on the feed ratio. The copolymer bearing a small amount of (1–10%) cyclic siloxane is subjected to the formation of thin film. The treatment of the obtained thin film with an acid vapor results in the formation of film insoluble in any solvent through the formal networking of poly(3-dodecylthiophene) by the effect of a small amount of cyclic siloxane moiety. The measurement of electric properties reveals improved conductivities to 106 fold higher than before the acid treatment.