bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification of 12 amino acid transporter families and molecular characterization of their transcriptional responses to various nutrient stresses in allotetraploid rapeseed
Authors: Kong Xiao-cai , Yue# Cai-peng , Zhang Tian-yu , Zhou Ting , Huang Jin-yong , Hua Ying-peng
Published: March 2022

Background: Brassica napus is an important oil crop in China and has a great demand for nitrogen. Amino acid transporters (AAT) play a key role in amino acid absorption and transport in plants. However, the AAT family genes have not been reported in Brassica napus so far.Results: In this study, genome-wide analysis identified 203 AAT members in Brassica napus genome. Based on phylogenetic and synteny analysis, BnaAATs were classified into twelve groups. The members in the same subgroups showed that similar physiochemical characteristics, intron/exon and motif patterns. By evaluating cis-acting regulatory elements (CREs) in the promoters, we identified some cis-acting regulatory elements (CREs) related to hormone, stresses and plant development. Darwin’s evolutionary analysis indicated that BnaAATs might have experienced strong purifying selection pressure. The BnaAAT gene family in Brassica napus may have undergone gene expansion, the chromosomal location of BnaAATs indicated that whole genome replication or segmental replication may play a major driving role. Differential expression pattern of BnaAATs under nitrate limitation, phosphate shortage, potassium shortage, boron stress, boron toxicity, cadmium toxicity, ammonium excess, and salt stress conditions indicated that they were responsive to different nutrient stresses. Conclusions: In summary, these findings provide a comprehensive survey of the BnaAAT genes family and lay a foundation for the further functional analysis of family members. Transcriptome analysis identified genes that responded to stresses, which laid a foundation for the genetic improvement in rapeseed nutrient stress resistance.
Electronic structure and interaction in CH4@C60 : A first-principle investigation
Authors: jia ang , huang he , zuo zhong-fu , Peng Yongjin
Published: March 2022

CH4@C60 was the first example an organic molecule has been embedded in C60, and by far the largest molecule. CH4 can rotate freely in the molecular cage, and the carbon skeleton structure of the C60 has no obvious deformation. The electronic structure of CH4@C60 and interaction between C60 and CH4 were studied under quantum mechanical calculation method. The different reaction sites on C-C bonds in C60 and the weak Van der Waals interaction between CH4 and C60 were shown clearly. These results and the orbital interaction between CH4 and C60 were helpful for understanding and further application of this unique biggest organic molecule CH4 contained in C60 structure so far.
Impoverishment Effect of Out of Pocket Health Spending in India: A Comparison Between Households with Elderly and Households without Elderly
Authors: Barman Papai , Das Milan , Behara Deepak kumar , Sahoo Harihar
Published: March 2022

Background: The share of out-of-pocket health spending (OOPS) to household consumption expenditure is very high, around 67 percent, making health care costs catastrophic and leading to impoverishment effects in the medium to longrun. In this study, we have examined the impoverishment effects of OOPS on households with elderly and without elderly.Methods:Our study extracted households with the hospitalized member in the last 365 days (N=80105) in the first phase and thereafter, it divided households with elderly (N = 23708), and households without elderly (N = 56397). Further, we have categorized a household’s impoverishment as a binary variable (Yes or No) after paying health services. The study has employed bivariate and logistics regression to examine the relationship between outcome variables and selected socio-demographic characteristics of households. Results. Our findings show that OOPS among elderly households is on the upswing. By controlling for other factors, households with two elderly individuals are 6% more likely to be impoverished than the households without elderly. The prevalence of poverty among households with at least one elderly person is 10.5%, while it is 9.8% among households with elderly. As a result of the greater out-of-pocket expenditure, a higher percentage of elderly households in most Indian states are impoverished than households without elderly.Conclusion:The findings of the current study call for financial protection and regional level policies for the identified households. There is also a need to expand the insurance coverage, especially the households with elderly.
Efficacy of Prunus Armeniaca on Oral Squamous cell carcinoma Cell Line: An Ex- Vivo study
Authors: Fahmi Ahmed , Abdelkawy Maha
Published: March 2022

Prunus Armeniaca (Egyptian apricot) is the plant of Rosaceae family which is widely known for its fruit. It has high nutritional value as it contains essential amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Kernel oil extracted from it was found to have antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its therapeutic effect is still under research. Apricot extracts were found to inhibit in vitro growth of breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: Evaluating the effect of Prunus Armeniaca (PA) extract on Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) Methods: Egyptian PA seeds were macerated and added to 90% methanol for 7 day for alcohol extract preparations. OSCC cell line of human tongue were cultured and divided onto 2 groups. Group − 1 was treated with the PA alcohol extract. Group-2 were untreated cell line of the OSCC human tongue as a negative control group. Caspase-3 and − 8 activity assay, Cell viability and cytotoxicity, and Cell cycle analysis were performed. Results: Group-1 showed significant increase in caspase-3 & -8 than group 2. Group-1 showed significant minimal cytotoxicity in comparison to Staurosporine. Cell cycle analysis revealed cell growth arrest in S- phase for group-2 with total apoptosis 7.7 folds than group-1. Conclusion: PA extract yields anti-growth properties on human tongue OSCC cell line.
Immunogenetic Basis of Chicken’s Heterophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Revealed by Genome-wide Indel Variants Analysis
Authors: Zhao Guiping , jin zhang , Wang Jie , Wang Qiao , Ding Jiqiang , Wang Zixuan , Thiam Mamadou , Li Qinghe
Published: March 2022

BackgroundEnhancing host immunity is an effective way to reduce morbidity in chickens. Heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio is associated with host disease resistance in birds. Chickens with different H/L ratio levels show different disease resistances, caused by a difference in the functional capacity of heterophils. In this study, an H/L directional breeding chicken line was constructed and a combined statistical analysis was used to explore the candidate genes and pathways related to H/L ratio based on whole-genome sequencing of 368 individuals, divided into a non-selection line (NS) and selection lines including G5, G9 and F2 of G9.ResultsHeterophils isolated from the H/L selection line had stronger phagocytosis and oxidative burst function than non-selection line. The 22.44 Mb genomic regions which annotated 300 protein-coding genes were selected in the genome of G9 compared to NS based on a genome-wide selective sweep. Several selective regions were identified containing genes like interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) and moesin (MSN) associated with the intracellular receptor signaling pathway, C-C motif chemokine receptor 6(CCR6)、dipeptidyl peptidase 4(DPP4) and hemolytic complement (HC) associated with the negative regulation of leukocyte chemotaxis and tight junction protein 1(TJP1) associated with actin cytoskeleton organization. In addition, 45 genome-wide significant indels containing 29 protein-coding genes were also identified as associated with the H/L ratio based on genome-wide association study (GWAS). The expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 5(PTPN5) and oxysterol binding protein like 5(OSBPL5) were positively correlated with H/L ratio and significantly different between the high and low H/L groups of the Beijing-You chicken. The A/A allelic frequency of indel 5_13108985 (P-value= 3.85E-06) within OSBPL5 gradually increased from the non-selection line to the G5 and G9 and the individuals with A/A exhibited lower H/L ratio. ConclusionsThe phagocytosis and oxidative burst functions were enhanced and 22.44 Mb genomic regions were selected with the directional selection of H/L ratio. PTPN5 and OSBPL5 genes were identified as candidate genes. These findings revealed the complex genetic mechanism of H/L ratio related to immunity and will allow selection for improving chicken immunity based on the H/L ratio.
Sinapic Acid Attenuates the Neuroinflammatory Response by targeting AKT and MAPK in LPS-activated microglial models
Authors: Huang Tianqi , Zhao Dong , Lee Sang-Bin , Keum Gyochang , Yang Hyun Ok
Published: March 2022

Sinapic acid (SA) is a phenolic acid that is widely found in fruits and vegetables, which has various bioactivities, such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anxiolytic functions. Overactivated microglial cells play a major role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of sinapic acid in microglia-derived neuroinflammatory models. Our results demonstrated that SA inhibited production of the nitric oxide (NO) pro-inflammatory factor, induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), induced interleukin (IL)-6 and enhanced the release of IL-10 in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, a mechanistic study revealed that SA remarkably attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK cascades in LPS-induced microglia. Consistently, administration of SA regulated the production of inflammation-related cytokines and inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK cascades and Akt in the mouse cerebral cortex. These results suggested that SA may offer a possible treatment for anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway.
MORC2/ β-catenin signaling axis promotes proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Saroha Himanshu Singh , Guddeti Rohith Kumar , Jacob Jasmine P , Pulukuri Kiran Kumar , Karyala Prashanthi , Pakala Suresh
Published: March 2022

Although Microrchidia 2 (MORC2) is overexpressed in many types of human cancer, its role in breast cancer progression remains unknown. Here, we report that the chromatin remodeler MORC2 expression positively correlates with β-catenin expression in breast cancer cell lines and patients. Overexpression of MORC2 augmented the expression of β-catenin and its target genes, cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Consistent with these results, we found MORC2 knockdown resulted in decreased expression of β-catenin and its target genes. Surprisingly, we observed that c-Myc, the target gene of β-catenin, regulated the MORC2-β-catenin signaling axis through a feedback mechanism. We demonstrated that MORC2 regulates β-catenin expression and function by modulating the phosphorylation of AKT. In addition, we observed reduced proliferation and migration of MORC2 overexpressing breast cancer cells upon β-catenin inhibition. Overall, our results demonstrate that MORC2 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by regulating β-catenin signaling.
A case of concern or the new normal? Lumbar spine MRI Findings in asymptomatic elite male academy footballers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carmody Sean , Rajeswaran Gajan , Mitchell Adam , Kryger Katrine Okholm , Ahmad Imtiaz , Gill Munraj , Rushton Alison
Published: March 2022

Background
Understanding common MRI findings may allow clinicians to appreciate the sport-specific effects on the lumbar spine, and to discern clinically significant pathology. Prevalence data regarding radiological abnormalities seen during the surveillance of asymptomatic elite footballers is, therefore, important to help understand injury mechanisms and to prevent associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spines of asymptomatic elite male adolescent footballers.
Methods
A prospective cross-sectional study design was used. MRI was performed using a 3T Siemens Prisma scanner including a 3D VIBE sequence in 18 asymptomatic male elite adolescent footballers recruited from a professional academy in England (mean age 17.8, range 16.9–18.6 years). The images were independently reported by two consultant musculoskeletal radiologists to achieve consensus opinion. Standardised classification criteria were used to assess and report abnormalities descriptively
Results
Fifteen players (15/18, 83.3%) showed ≥1 abnormalities, included facet degeneration, synovial cysts, disc degeneration, disc herniation, and pars injury. One player (1/18, 5.56%) had mild (Grade 1) facet joint arthropathy at L4/L5 and 3/18 (16.7%) showing evidence of bilateral facet joint effusions. Three synovial cysts were identified in 2/18 players, 4/18 players presented asymptomatic pars injuries, with 4 showing a grade 2 subtotal stress fracture and 1 player a grade 4 chronic stress fracture seen on 3D VIBE sequencing. Disc degeneration at one or more levels was demonstrated in 7/18 players. Disc herniation was present in 5/18 players.
Conclusions
A range of unsuspected findings on MRI of the lumbar spine are common in elite adolescent footballers. MRI 3D VIBE may be useful to diagnose and assess healing of pars injuries in elite footballers and could negate the need to expose players to ionising radiation (e.g., computed tomography).
Plasmonic Metamaterials Absorbers Design Based on XGBoost and LightGBM Algorithms
Authors: Gu Leilei , Xie Shusheng , Zhang Ying , Huang Yule , He Yaojun , Liu Hongzhan , Wei Zhongchao , Guo Jian Ping
Published: March 2022

The emergence of metamaterials has brought a revolutionary way to manipulate the behavior of light on the nanoscale. However, there are still many problems in design process, such as time-consuming, many-to-one mapping, etc. Here, we demonstrate the forward and inverse design of plasmonic metamaterials absorbers based on Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). The inverse framework can use the input reflective index value to design the metamaterial parameter structure. The experimental results show that XGBoost has better performance in forward and inverse design (Forward-R2: 0.956; Inverse-R2: 0.967). The framework is suitable for designing metamaterials on demand, and it can be used in zoom imaging, metamaterials absorbers, metamaterials filters and other fields.
Comparative Analysis of Bioaccumulation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Copper and Nickel in Wheat Crop
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad Waqar , SAIF SAIRA , Irfan Muhammad , Raza Ahmad , Iram Wajeeha , Tahir Hira , Mazhar Fatima
Published: March 2022

In this research, the comparative analysis of heavy metals has been studied. An experiment was conducted to determine heavy metals bioaccumulation in wheat as wheat is the staple cereal crop consumed as food globally. Abiotic stress disturbs the metabolic pathway of plants, and the bioaccumulation of the metals cause enzymatic degradation, reduction in photosynthesis, increased level of the ROS species. Comparative analysis of the Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni was analyzed with the help of Inductively Coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results show that Ni has a maximum value of BCF in shoots and roots, whereas the Cr has maximum TF values. SOD and POD assays were performed to check the ROS level in the plants. The results show that plants increase their anti-oxidant enzymes for the scavenging of ROS produced against the bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
Comparison of Intraocular Tamponade in Patients with Peripheral Tear-Induced Retinal Detachment Coexist Macular Hole without High Myopia
Authors: Ozturk Yucel , Ağın Abdullah , Gencoglu Aysun Yucel , Talan Mustafa , Bulut Muhammed Nurullah
Published: March 2022

Purpose
To introduce the surgical results and examine the effect of intraocular tamponades on surgical outcomes in patients with coexisting macular hole (MH) and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) without high myopia.
Methods
This retrospective, cross-sectional, the two-center study was carried out with 29 eyes of 29 patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the intraocular tamponade used in surgery: silicone oil (group 1) and C3F8 gas (group 2). In all patients, the internal limiting membrane was peeled during surgery. Exclusion criteria were determined as RRD with MH due to high myopia without peripheral retinal tears and traumatic MH.
Results
In group 1, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was three logMAR, while postoperative BCVA was 1 logMAR (p < 0.001). In group 2, preoperative BCVA was 3 logMAR, while postoperative BCVA was 0.76 logMAR (p = 0.008). The retinal attachment success rate was 15/17 (89.3%) in group 1, 11/12 (91.7%) in group 2 (p = 0.64). MH closure rate was 12/17 (71.6%) in group 1, 10/12 (78.1%) in group 2 (p = 0.52). Besides, there was not any difference in terms of preoperative and postoperative BCVA, preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, BCVA improvement in both groups. (p = 0.77, p = 0.16, p = 0.63, p = 0.54, p = 0.21, respectively).
Conclusions
Our results showed no significant difference between using silicone oil or C3F8 gas as an intraocular tamponade after internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with RRD due to peripheral tear coexist MH.
Virtual Reality improves symptom control in palliative care – a feasibility trial
Authors: Guenther Miriam , Görlich Dennis , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther , Dasch Burkhard , Krüger Janina , Lenz Philipp
Published: March 2022

Background: Effective symptom control is the primary goal in palliative care (PC). Virtual reality (VR) allows a temporary escape from pharmacological resistant pain and enables experiences and journeys palliative patients are not capable of experiencing due to frailty or hospitalization. Patients can immerse in virtual worlds, be distracted by playing games or go on a journey once again. Another benefit of enabling unrealizable wishes in the virtual world is potentially an additional control of psychological and physical symptoms. We evaluated in a national single-center feasibility trial, whether a onetime VR experience is a feasible, satisfactory and effective tool for improving end of life-symptoms for hospitalized patients with palliative needs. Methods: 45 patients at the University Hospital of Muenster with inpatient palliative treatment were offered a one-time VR experience. We excluded patients with brain tumors, brain-metastases, seizure, motion sickness, claustrophobia, vertigo attacks, hearing or visual impairment and those who could not consent.A selection of several videos and games were offered by a VR system. The primary endpoint was patient-reported pain recorded by visual analogue scale. Pre-, during- and post-interventional pain scores were reported. Additionally, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The Pain-Out questionnaire for postoperative pain was handed to the participants before and after the VR intervention.Results: Data of 21 women and 19 men were analyzed, their average age was 51.9 (SD: 15.8) years. Five patients were excluded for loss of glasses, a VR experience less than five minutes, claustrophobia, acute disorientation or hardly comparable environmental circumstances. The mean Karnofsky score was 45.5 (SD: 14.9) and self-reported health in EQ-5D-5L was 41.9 (SD: 23.1).A significant pain reduction could be shown during, directly post- and one hour postinterventional (VAS preinterventional 2.25 (SD: 0.4399), during 0.7 (SD: 0.2983, p<0.0001), postinterventional 0.9 (SD: 0.3354, p=0.0001), one hour postinterventional 1.15 (SD: 0.4163, p=0.0004). More than 80% evaluated the VR-experience as very good or good, as many as wanted to use the device again. No serious side effects were reported, but three patients felt nausea (7%), two headache (5%) and three stated dry eyes (7%). Conclusion: This pilot trial suggests that VR seems to be a feasible and effective tool to reduce pain and ameliorate the mood in PC. The usage of VR in PC has broad acceptance and might be a valuable future tool for symptom control. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03698526(https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03698526?term=virtual+reality&cond=palliative+care&cntry=DE&city=Münster&rank=1)
“Compared to COVID, HIV is nothing”: exploring how onshore international students in an Australian City navigate COVID-19 versus BBV/STI risk
Authors: Okeke Sylvester Reuben
Published: March 2022

BackgroundWhile a large body of evidence indicates increased alcohol and other drug use among young people as a way of mitigating the psychological distress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence around the use of sex fir such mitigation is scarce. Most of what we know about sex during COVID-19 lockdowns is largely based on solitary sexual practices, which may not answer the critical question around how the pandemic may be shaping sexual practices of young people. Against the backdrop, this study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic may be shaping blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs) risk and protective practices among African and Asian international students in Sydney, Australia. MethodsThis phenomenological qualitative study involved a semi-structured telephone and face-to-face interviews with 16 international university students in Sydney, between September 2020–March 2021. Generated data were coded using NVivo and analysis was guided by reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsParticipants experienced elevated mental health distress because of the COVID-19 pandemic and some reported engaging in casual sexual hook-ups as a strategy to seek relief from the mental health distress they experienced. Some of those sexual hook-ups were condomless partly because COVID-related disruptions impacted condom accessibility during lockdowns. Also, the preventive practices of some participants who reported being sexually active during the lockdowns were focused on preventing COVID-19 while BBVs/STIs got lesser attention. ConclusionThis study indicates a need for comprehensive public health response to the evolving and near-endemic COVID-19 situation. Such comprehensive approach should focus on empowering young people to prevent both the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the sexual spread of BBVs/STIs, especially among highly vulnerable groups.
Construction of a lncRNA‐associated ceRNA regulatory network to explore the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Huang Rong , Sun Li-Jing
Published: March 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide, and is considered a major public health problem. Studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) may be involved in the biological processes of CKD, but the exact mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, further analysis of these ceRNA networks will reveal the important role of ceRNAs in the pathogenesis of CKD.Methods: Differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in CKD patients and healthy volunteers were identified through high-throughput sequencing. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to examine the key biological functions and pathways involved in CKD. The lncRNA‐associated ceRNA regulatory network was constructed, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was conducted to identify the hub genes involved in the pathogenesis of CKD. Results: In this study, 378 DE lncRNAs were detected, of which 207 were intergenic lncRNAs, 88 were intronic lncRNAs and 83 were exonic lncRNAs. The intergenic lncRNAs have 96 up-regulated lncRNAs and 111 down-regulated lncRNAs. As for intronic lncRNAs, 39 lncRNAs were up-regulated and 49 were down-regulated. Similarly, we also found that 27 exonic lncRNAs were up-regulated and 56 were down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis was performed based on the prediction of lncRNA‐miRNA-mRNA interactions. GO analysis showed that predicted target gene was highly correlated with the immune response. KEGG analysis revealed that predicted target genes were significantly enriched in regulated pathways such as MAPK signaling pathway. We successfully constructed lncRNA‐associated ceRNA regulatory network involved in the pathogenesis of CKD, and based on this network, a PPI network was established to identify 10 hub genes which participate in the pathogenesis of CKD.Conclusions: Our findings provide a new perspective understanding of the lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network involved in CKD, which may help to elucidate the potential pathogenesis of CKD.
The length of the fertilization period for a Paulownia plantation affects indirectly the composition and diversity of the soil fungal community due to changes in the soil microbial characteristics
Authors: Wu Lichao , Liu Sen , Li Xia , Fu Yujia , Li Peng , Lu Sheng , Qiao Jie , Li Hui , Wang Baoping
Published: March 2022

The broad-leaved Paulownia species, the fastest-growing timber species in the world, typically receives fertilizer at the planting stage to ensure sustainable productivity. However, the succession pattern and the functional expression of the soil fungal community under long-term fertilization are unclear; in addition, the underlying regulatory mechanisms regarding the indirect effects of forest fertilization on the fungal community via the soil properties is poorly understood. This study focused on the direct and indirect effects of selecting different periods of fertilization on the composition of the fungal community through analysis of the properties of the soil (based on high-throughput sequencing technology) for samples collected from four chronosequences of a Paulownia plantation fertilization experiment (1, 3, 10, and 13-yr). The soil organic carbon content, the total nitrogen, the microbial biomass carbon, and the available nutrients were significantly increased as a result of fertilizer treatment, and the relative abundance of Zygomycota was significantly higher than that in a reference forest. Specifically, the short-term fertilization group (1-yr and 3-yr) and the long-term fertilization group (10-yr and 13-yr) were more effective than the reference forest in promoting an increase in dominant taxa, community diversity and richness. Correlation and linear regression analyses also showed that the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen may be the key driving factors which affect the community diversity of the soil fungi and their composition for the different periods of fertilization. Overall, the study demonstrated that the long-term application of fertilizer increased the soil fungal diversity of the Paulownia plantation, changed the community composition, and promoted the growth of dominant taxonomy with high relative abundance. Furthermore, the results highlighted the beneficial effects and potential threats of long-term fertilization on the functional composition of the fungal community. Our findings provide powerful evidence to support extending the period of fertilization in a Paulownia plantation to 10-yr to better manage such plantations in the future.
Clinical significance of metabolic quantification for retinal nonperfusion in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Jeong Areum , Yao Xue , Hemert Jano van , Sagong Min
Published: March 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by microvascular changes including ischemia. Degradation and metabolic changes of various retinal cells occur during ischemia. Ischemic region containing more cells will lead to greater metabolic impairment. We analyzed the non-perfusion region (NPR) by integrating histologic mapping with ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWF FA) images. We also investigated the correlations of the weighted ischemic index (ISI) considering the regional distribution of retinal cells with cytokines, macular edema (ME), and neovascularization (NV). In this study, 32 patients with treatment-naïve DR and 21 age-matched control participants were included. The difference between the non-weighted and weighted ISI of NPR with leakage was greatest at the posterior region. The weighted ISI of NPR with leakage was correlated with MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, PlGF, and VEGF-A levels, while the non-weighted ISI of NPR with leakage was correlated with IL-8 and IL-6 levels. The presence of baseline ME or NV in patients with DR was associated with the weighted ISI, with a stronger association when cones and rods were weighted. The weighted ISI reflecting both metabolic activity and cell distribution demonstrated a better correlation with clinical features and was more valuable in NPR with leakage than non-weighted ISI, which previous studies conventionally used.
A Novel Prognostic Prediction Model Based on Pyroptosis-related Signature for Breast Cancer
Authors: Tian Bao-Xing , Yin Kai , Qiu Xia , Sun Hai-Dong , Zhao Ji , Du Yi-Bao , Gu Yi-Fan , Wang Xing-Yun , Wang Jie
Published: March 2022

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer affecting women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Compelling evidence indicates that pyroptosis, a newly discovered form of programmed cell death accompanied by inflammation and immune response, is inextricably involved in the development of cancer, and may activate tumor-specific immunity and/or enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies.Methods: We constructed a novel pyroptosis-related model, based on RNA-seq and clinical data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Data from a total of 1025 patients were included in this study, and the relationships among their clinicopathological features, survival, immune cell infiltration and RNA-seq expression levels were analyzed.Results: Two pyroptosis clusters were determined according to 38 pyroptosis-related genes. The proportions of tumor-infiltrating immune cells differed significantly in the two pyroptosis clusters. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the differential gene expressions (DGEs) implicated that the immune-related pathways were activated. Then, a 56 pyroptosis-related genes signature, constructed by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression, was significantly associated with progression free interval (PFI), disease specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) of patients with BC. Kaplan-Meier (KM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted to confirm the clinical significance of the signature. Finally, a nomogram was constructed based on the signature to evaluate its clinical value. Cox analysis revealed that the signature was significantly associated with PFI and DSS of patients with BC. KM analysis demonstrated that the signature could efficiently distinguish high and low risk patients. Moreover, ROC analysis showed that the signature exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in predicting the prognosis of patients with BC. Patients in both gene and clinical low risk subgroup (G-C-) who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly lower incidence of the clinical event than those who did not. A nomogram constructed based on the signature was effective in predicting 5- and 10-year PFI and DSS. Conclusion: This study presents a novel 56 pyroptosis-related genes signature prognostic signature significantly associated with PFI, DSS, and OS in patients with BC, and combining with TNM stage might be a potential therapeutic strategy for individualized clinical decision-making.
Immunohistochemical staining of LEF-1 is a useful marker for distinguishing WNT-activated Medulloblastomas
Authors: Wang Depeng , Gong Jie , Zhang Hui , Liu Yulu , Sun Nannan , Hao Xiaomeng , Mu Kun
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To investigate lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF-1) protein expression in medulloblastomas (MBs) and its correlation with molecular grouping of MBs. Methods: Expressions of LEF-1 and β-catenin were detected by immunohistochemistry, and molecular grouping was performed based on the NanoString and sequencing techniques for 30 MBs. Results: By genetic defining, 3 MBs were WNT-activated , 11 were SHH-activated, 3 were in Group 3 and 13 in Group 4 respectively. Nuclear LEF-1 staining was found in 8 MBs using immunohistochemical method. Three out of 8 showed diffuse and strong nuclear LEF-1 staining which were proved to be WNT-activated genetically, while the other 5 MBs with focal staining were SHH-activated genetically. The expression of LEF-1 protein was significantly correlated with genetically defined WNT-activated MBs (P<0.0001). We also found focal nuclear β-catenin expression ( less than 1% of tumor cells）in 5 MBs. LEF-1 positivity was significantly correlated nuclear β-catenin expression (p<0.001). Conclusions: Immunohistochemical staining of LEF-1 can be used as a substitute for β-Catenin, the latter is difficult to recognize for the cytoplasm/membrane staining background. Diffuse nuclear staining of LEF-1 indicates WNT-activated MB.
A comparison of First Nations and Non-First Nations Australians’ survey responses to COVID-19 risks and impacts: Implications for health communications
Authors: Allan Julaine , Kleinschafer Jodie , Saksena Teesta , Rahman Azizur , Lawrence Jayne , Lock Mark
Published: March 2022

This study investigated differences between rural Australian First Nations and non-First Nations survey respondents’ perceptions of COVID-19 related risks; and analysed other variables that could predict an exacerbation of anxiety related to COVID-19 harms.
Methods
A cross-sectional online and paper survey of rural and regional residents from the western regions of NSW, Australia was conducted. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess links between First Nations status and other variables.
Results
There were significant differences between First Nations (n=60) and non-First Nations (n= 639) respondents across all socio-demographic categories. The results reflect a significantly higher level of anxiety among the First Nations Australians in the sample: they felt afraid more often, felt it was highly likely they would catch the virus and if they did catch the virus perceived that it would be very harmful. Living with children under eighteen years of age and in small rural towns were key factors linked to feeling afraid of COVID-19 and First Nations status.
Conclusion
Health risk communication in pandemic response should include an equitable focus on rural areas, recognising that First Nations Australians are a significant proportion of the rural population with different risk factors and concerns than those of non-First Nations Australians. This principle of First Nations led design is critical to all health policy and planning. Governments globally should include rural areas in planning pandemic responses, recognising that First Nations populations are a significant proportion of the rural population creating syndemic conditions.
Ward Nurses’ Perception and Performance on Communication with Physician in Clinical Deterioration in Korea: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Bo-Gyeong , Kang Kyoungrim , Cho Hyun-Jin
Published: March 2022

Background
Effective communication between nurses and physicians is necessary for prompt and accurate response in clinical deterioration.
Purpose
This study aimed to examine nurses’ perception and performance on communication with physicians in clinical deterioration situations in the ward.
Method
A descriptive research design with a survey of 250 ward nurses working in two tertiary hospitals.
Findings
: On communication with the physician, nurses’ perception was highest for the timeliness, followed by accuracy, understanding, satisfaction, and openness, and their performance was highest for preparation, followed by the situation, background, assessment, and recommendation.
Conclusions
It is suggested that proactive activities for improving openness, accuracy, satisfaction, and mutual understanding between physicians and nurses are required for patient safety. Additionally, the performance for assessment and recommendations should be improved. Education programs for nurses and physicians should be developed and applied to clinical practice to promote understanding and trust in interprofessional communication.
Psychosomatic symptoms: resilience as a protective factor in adolescents.
Authors: Fuentes-Chacón Rosa Mª , Simón-Saiz Mª José , Díaz-Valentín Mª José , Rodriguez-Sánchez Mª José , Martínez-García Rosa Mª , Garrido-Abejar Margarita
Published: March 2022

Background: Psychosomatic symptoms—clinical manifestations without a clear pathological origin—have a high prevalence in adolescents. However, most studies are oriented towards the search for risk factors and very few have approached the subject by examining which elements may be protective. The objective of this current work was to identify whether there is an association between the presence of psychosomatic symptoms and the capacity for resilience in adolescents. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and multicenter study carried out at five different schools in Cuenca (Spain). The sample comprised 844 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years who were in the 3rd or 4th years of compulsory secondary education or the 1st or 2nd years of the baccalaureate. At each academic level, groups were randomly selected for administration of the Psychosomatic Problems Scale and 10-Item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (to determine psychosomatic symptoms and resilience, respectively); sociodemographic data were also recorded.Results: Girls overall, and adolescents aged 17–18 years, presented significantly higher psychosomatic symptoms. Being more resilient was negatively correlated with all the psychosomatic symptoms. The strongest correlation was between ‘felt sad’ and ‘concentrating difficulties’ and the multivariate analysis, which controlled for sex and age, predicted fewer psychosomatic symptoms among the most resilient individuals. Conclusions: Psychosomatic symptoms are frequently observed in the adolescent population and are often expressions that make emotional distress visible. The capacity for resilience positively affected emotional well-being and reduced the risk of presenting psychosomatic symptoms in our study population.
Bacterial coinfections are really rare in Covid-19 intensive care units?
Authors: Karaca Banu , Aksun² Murat , Karahan² Nagihan Altıncı , Girgin² Senem , Ormen¹ Bahar , Tuzen² Ahmet Salih , Demirdal Tuna , Sencan Atilla
Published: March 2022

Background: There are conflicting and limited data about nosocomial coinfections in COVID-19 case in the intensive care unit. This study aims to investigate coinfections in COVID-19 patients followed in a tertiary care reference university hospital intensive care unit. Methods: This study was conducted and analyzed retrospectively the data of coinfections of 351 COVID-19 patients in the period 28.02.2020–15.01.2021 in a tertiary care intensive care unit in a university hospital. Results: Bacterial coinfections were present in 216 of the 351 cases. One hundred and thirty of these cases were evaluated as nosocomial infections. Third day the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, usage of invasive mechanical ventilation, and presence of septic shock were significantly higher in the coinfected group. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, polymorphonuclear leukocyte count, procalcitonin, C reactive protein, ferritin, and blood urea nitrogen values were significantly higher in the coinfection group. In the multinomial regression analysis, the number of white blood cells (WBC) (HR: 1.063 [1.019–1.109], p: 0.005) and invasive mechanical ventilation use (HR: 3.336 [1.865–5.966], p < 0.001) were considered independent risk factors for coinfection. The rates of hospitalization on the day of arrival (p: 0.000) and the 21st day (p: 0.005), as well as total mortality (p: 0.004), were significantly higher in the coinfected group.Conclusions: Bacterial coinfections of COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit was not rare. Mortality in coinfected patients was higher than noninfected group. Identifying the infectious agent, classifying colonizations and infections, and using the proper treatment of antibiotics is of great importance in case management of COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit.
Prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of epirubicin combined with ifosfamide in patients with lung metastases from soft tissue sarcoma based on chest enhanced CT radiomics features
Authors: Miao Lei , Ma Shu-Tao , Jiang Xu , Zhang Huan-Huan , Wang Yan-Mei , Li Meng
Published: March 2022

Objective: To investigate the value of enhanced chest CT radiomics features in predicting the efficacy of epirubicin combined with ifosfamide in patients with pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcoma Methods: In a retrospective analysis of 51 patients with pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcoma, all received the chemotherapy regimen of epirubicin combined with ifosfamide, and the efficacy was evaluated by the RECIST（1.1）. Each patient selected 1 or 2 chemotherapy regimens. Lung metastases were used as target lesions (86 target lesions total), and the patients were divided into a progression group (n=29) and a nonprogressive group (n=57). The nonprogressive group included a stable group (n=34) and a partial response group (n=23). Information of lung metastases was extracted from enhanced CT images before chemotherapy, and all lesions were delineated by ITK-SNAP software manually or semiautomatically. The decision tree classifier had a better effect in all radiomics models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of the model for progression vs. non-progression.Results: In total, 851 enhanced CT radiomics features were extracted for each target lesion and finally reduced to 2 radiomics features, which were used to construct a radiomics model. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the model for predicting the progression of lesions were 0.917 and 0.856 in the training and test groups.Conclusion: The model established based on the radiomics features of chest enhanced CT before treatment has certain predictive value for the chemotherapy efficacy of patients with soft tissue sarcoma lung metastases.
I-125 seeds brachytherapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for subcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Fu-Lei , Wang Yong , Huang Xiang-Zhong , Pan Tian-Fan , Guo Jin-He
Published: March 2022

Background: I-125 seeds brachytherapy (ISB) has been used to improve the clinical effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to appraise the safety and clinical efficacy of combined ISB and TACE for the treatment of subcapsular HCC.Materials and Methods: A retrospective investigative study extending from January 2017 to December 2020, involved individuals suffering from subcapsular HCC, who were subjected to TACE treatment with or without ISB in our center. The clinical effectiveness was compared between 2 groups.Results: Sixty-four patients, in total, with subcapsular HCC had to undergo TACE with (n = 32) or without (n = 32) ISB in our center. After CT-guided ISB, only 2 (6.3%) patients experienced a self-limited pneumothorax. Combined treatment resulted in a significantly higher complete response (56.3% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.002) and total response (90.7% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.004) rates than that of TACE alone. In comparison to the TACE alone group, the median progression-free survival was substantially longer in the combined treatment group (11 months vs. 5 months, P = 0.016). Further, 15 and 28 patients in combined and TACE alone groups respectively died within the follow-up. The median OS was comparable between combined and TACE alone groups (22 months vs. 18 months, P = 0.529). Conclusions: Combined TACE and ISB therapy is a safe treatment method for individuals suffering from subcapsular HCC. When compared, combined treatment had significantly enhanced clinical efficacy as a subcapsular HCC therapy, in comparison to TACE alone.
Effects of Long-Haul COVID on the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Recovered Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Trihandini Indang , Muhtar Manendra , Sakti Dea Allan Karunia , Erlianti Chintya Putri
Published: March 2022

People with long-haul COVID-19 could experience various health problems, from milder to more severe ones. This study aimed to identify the effect of long-haul COVID-19, specifically on the Quality of Life domains, experienced by COVID-19 patients who have been discharged. Data collection was carried out online, using data from DKI Jakarta hospitalized patients who have been confirmed with and recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infections. We selected patients who were at least a month away from the onset of COVID-19. Logistic regression technique was used to analyse the data. The questionnaire used in this study contained questions regarding long-haul COVID 19 symptoms and domains of Quality of Life, which were measured by WHOQOL-BREF. Prior to the data collection, we tested the questionnaire with 30 recovered patients who were hospitalized outside DKI Jakarta. Of the 172 recovered inpatients who filled out the questionnaire correctly and aged 18 years or more selected by random sampling, 30.2% had long-haul COVID 19. Respondents who only experienced one long-haul COVID-19 symptom had a proportion of 23.8 %, while those who experienced more than one long-haul COVID-19 symptom had a proportion of 6.4%. This study showed that the long-haul effects of COVID-19 affected almost all domains in Quality of Life except the environmental one. Age, gender, and marital status were covariates for the association between long-haul COVID 19 and the Quality of Life domains. In conclusion, coordination between health service providers and public health officers is essential to obtain an adequate response of post surveillance for recovered COVID-19 patients.
Clinical implications of circulating tumor DNA in predicting the outcome of first line treatment in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Mi Lan , Wang Chunyang , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhu Jianhua , Qi Fei , Yu Hui , Ye Yingying , Wang Dedao , Cao Jiaowu , Hu Dingyao , Yang Quanyu , Zhao Dandan , Ma Tonghui , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: March 2022

Background: The clinical implication of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a prognostic or predictive biomarker in DLBCL patients receiving standard immunochemotherapy is uncertain. Methods: Here, using targeted next-generation sequencing, we assessed the prognostic and predictive utility of ctDNA in 73 DLBCL patients before, during and after the first line therapy Results: Pretreatment ctDNA level was an independent prognostic factor for both progression-free survival (PFS, adjusted HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.27 - 4.6; p = 0.007) and overall survival (OS, adjusted HR 2.58; 95% CI 1.204 - 5.5; p = 0.015) by multivariate analysis. Besides, we found for the first time that the phase after two cycles of therapy was also an appropriate timing to predict survival and patients with higher ctDNA levels had an inferior PFS (6.5 months vs. unreached; HR 2.604; 95% CI 0.996 - 6.807; p = 0.043) and OS (6.5 months vs. unreached; HR 2.604; 95% CI 0.996 - 6.807; p = 0.043). Furthermore, the patients classified as molecular responders who presented larger decrease in ctDNA levels after the initial two treatment cycles had more favorable PFS (unreached vs. 6.25 months; HR 5.348; 95% CI 1.698 - 16.85; p = 0.0015) and OS (unreached vs. 25.87; HR 4.0; 95% CI 1.051 - 15.22; p = 0.028) compared with non-responders. Beyond that, interim ctDNA clearance may be an alternative noninvasive method of PET-CT for predicting better PFS (HR 3.65; 95% CI 1.452 - 9.178; p = 0.0033) and OS (HR 3.536; 95% CI 1.192 - 10.49; p = 0.016). In addition, ctDNA was a potential biomarker for tracking minimal residue disease (MRD) at radiographic CR status and ctDNA-MRD identified patients at high risk of recurrence (HR 6.471; 95% CI 1.177 - 35.58; p = 0.014) after treatment. Conclusions: ctDNA was a promising noninvasive tool for prognosis prediction, response assessment, and early relapse prediction of first line treatment in DLBCL patients.