bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract C084: Distance traveled for cervical cancer treatment and its impact on five-year survival
Authors: Bae Sejong , Pandya Vishruti , Wang Hao , Wang Chenguang , Huh Warner K.
Published: January 2023

Objective: To evaluate the impact of distance from patient residence to treatment facility and five-year cervical cancer survival. Materials and Methods: To assess five-year cervical cancer survival, cervical cancer data were obtained from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) years 2004-2017, only from patients with a minimum follow-up time of 5 years. It covers more than 70% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in the United States. Women younger than 20 years old were excluded from this study, as well as women with race other than white or black (Hispanic origin was not distinguished). Five-year survival was calculated. SAS version 9.4 was used for statistical analysis. Results: 50,582 patients met study criteria, with 79% white and 13.5% who had stage III/IV disease. Insurance type was 56% private, 18% Medicaid, 13% Medicare, and 11% uninsured or unknown. Distance between residence zip code and hospital was less than 50 miles (80%), more than 50 miles (14%), and 7% unknown. Rural-Urban status was 96% Urban, 1.5% Rural, and 2.9% unknown. Whites were more likely to travel more than 50 miles to a treatment facility (P <0.0001). Travel of more than 50 miles was associated with race (P <0.0001), insurance (P <0.0001), facility type (P <0.0001), stage (P <0.0001), age (P <0.0001), geographic location (P <0.0001), income (P <0.0001), education (P <0.0001), and Rural-Urban status (P <0.0001). White, Medicaid/Medicare insured, academic/research program facility, stage I, younger age, those who lived in the South, income <$50,353, and less education were more likely to travel more than 50 miles to treatment facility. In the adjusted model for five-year survival, insurance (P <0.0001), facility type (P <0.0001), comorbidity (P <0.0001), distance (P=0.0485), stage (P <0.0001), age (P <0.0001), geographic location (P=0.0074), income (P=0.0014), and education (P=0.0184) were associated with survival. Conclusion: Fourteen percent (14%) of patients resided more than 50 miles from treatment facility. Medicaid/Medicare, non-academic/research program facility, higher comorbidity, higher cancer stage, greater than 50 miles travel distance, older age, living in the South, income < $50,353, and less education were associated with five-year cervical cancer survival.

Citation Format: Sejong Bae, Vishruti Pandya, Hao Wang, Chenguang Wang, Warner K. Huh. Distance traveled for cervical cancer treatment and its impact on five-year survival [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C084.
Abstract C100: Initial description and analysis of study participants of the Puerto Rico Biobank from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Bahr Allison , Gordián Edna , Pérez-Morales Jaileene , Oliveras José , Muñoz-Antonia Teresita , Flores Idhaliz , Cress W. Douglas
Published: January 2023

Objectives: The Puerto Rico Biobank (PRBB) is a tissue biorepository that collects biospecimens and associated data for cancer research investigations. One of its purposes is to acquire and provide data regarding cancers within the the Hispanic/Latino and Puerto Rican population not otherwise available. Herein we report on data from a self-administered questionnaire providing insight into factors associated with cancer in this unique patient population. Procedures: A questionnaire is administered to all PRBB subjects in Spanish at the time of consent. It is divided into sections including but not limited to demographics, clinical history, family history, nutrition, physical activity, cancer risk factors, and psychological wellness. Data was obtained from the PRBB questionnaire administered from 2009 to 2019. We analyzed the PRBB questionnaire by comparing questionnaire responses from: overall population that completed a questionnaire, those represented by biobank tissue, and by stratifying population into cancer participants and non-cancer participants. Results: Among the 1,710 patients that completed the PRBB questionnaires 60% were female, 61% white, 92% Hispanic/Latino, and 41% reported having an education level of 12th grade or lower. In the domain of cancer personal history, 70% of the PRBB consented cancer participants were diagnosed with either breast, prostate, colon, lung, or uterine cancers. The average age of PRBB non-cancer participants was less than the average age of the cancer participants (45.8 vs 61.2, respectively). Of the cancer participants, 76% were more likely to have a family member have cancer than the non-cancer participants (65%). Conclusion: Analysis of self-reported data collected through a self-administered questionnaire provides insights into the unique demographic, lifestyle, and family history of this Hispanic/Latino population. The most diagnosed cancer types of the respondents are consistent with the top 3 and 4 newly diagnosed cancers in Puerto Rico for men and women, respectively. The information from this analysis will support future investigations on cancer health disparities related to this minority cancer population.

Citation Format: Allison Bahr, Edna Gordián, Jaileene Pérez-Morales, José Oliveras, Teresita Muñoz-Antonia, Idhaliz Flores, W. Douglas Cress. Initial description and analysis of study participants of the Puerto Rico Biobank from 2009 to 2019 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C100.
Abstract C112: Understanding and addressing cancer disparities among American Indians in North Carolina: The Southeastern cancer health equity partnership
Authors: Bell Ronny A. , Akinyemiju Tomi , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: January 2023

North Carolina (NC) is home to the largest American Indian population in the Eastern United States (approximately 300,000 residents, about 2.8% of the total NC population), represented by eight state and federally recognized tribes (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Sappony, Occaneechi Band of Saponi Nation, Meherrin, Haliwa Saponi, Coharie, Lumbee, Waccamaw Siouan) and four urban Indian organizations (Metrolina Native American Association, Guilford Native American Association, Triangle Native American Society, Cumberland County Association for Indian People). This population experiences significant health disparities largely related to adverse social determinants of health and limited access to health care. With regards to cancer, disparities exist for incidence and mortality for certain cancer, although there are limited data available with regards to cancer screening stage at diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Furthermore, evidence suggests that racial misclassification contributes to a significant underestimation of the true cancer incidence and mortality in this population. To address the cancer care needs of NC American Indians, a unique collaboration was established in 2021 among the leadership of the Community Outreach and Engagement programs at the three NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in North Carolina (Duke Cancer Institute, University of North Carolina Lineberger Cancer Center, Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center). The collaboration, entitled, The Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP), has as its mission to "understand and address the cancer-related health needs of American Indian communities in our catchment areas and beyond." SAICEP includes: (1) a quarterly speakers' series, featuring nationally recognized experts in the area of American Indian cancer research and care; (2) educational outreach and engagement activities at tribal and state cultural events; and, (3) cutting-edge culturally respectful research to understand and address cancer disparities at the tribal and state level. Partnerships have been established with tribal leaders across the state as well as researchers at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in the traditional homeland of the Lumbee tribe (the largest tribe in the state). Future endeavors will include partnerships with tribes in other states in our catchment areas (Virginia, South Carolina).

Citation Format: Ronny A. Bell, Tomi Akinyemiju, Stephanie B. Wheeler. Understanding and addressing cancer disparities among American Indians in North Carolina: The Southeastern cancer health equity partnership [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C112.
Abstract C126: Exploring racial disparities on the association between allostatic load and cancer mortality: A retrospective cohort analysis of NHANES, 1988 through 2015
Authors: Andrzejak Sydney E. , Moore Justin X. , Bevel Malcom , Jones Samantha R. , Tingen Martha S.
Published: January 2023

Background: Several studies suggest that chronic stress may be associated with increased risk of cancer mortality. Our study sought to determine the association between allostatic load (AL), a measure of cumulative stress, and risk of cancer death; and whether these associations varied by race/ethnicity and age. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1988 through 2010 linked with the National Death Index through December 31, 2015. We fit Fine & Gray Cox proportional hazards models to estimate sub-distribution hazard rates (sHRs) of cancer death between high and low AL status (adjusted for age, sociodemographics, and comorbidities). Results: In fully adjusted models, high AL was associated with a 23% increased risk of cancer death (adjusted (sHR): 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10-1.38) among all participants and a 24% increased risk of cancer death (sHR :1.24, 95% CI: 1.07-1.44) among Non-Hispanic Whites (NH-White). When further stratified by age (participants aged <40 years), high AL was associated with a 74% increased risk (sHR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.28 – 2.37) among all participants; a 2-fold increased risk (sHR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.05 – 3.87) among NH-Whites; an 88% (sHR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.09 – 3.23) increased risk among Non-Hispanic Blacks (NH-Black); and a 48% increased risk among Hispanics (sHR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.89 – 2.45). Conclusions: Overall, when stratified by race, the risk of death attributed to cancer remained significant, however among NH-Blacks and Hispanics this association was slightly attenuated. Impact: High AL is associated with increased risk of overall cancer death, and future studies should delineate the association between AL and cancer-specific mortality to better understand the causal mechanisms between cumulative stress and cancer.

Citation Format: Sydney E. Andrzejak, Justin X. Moore, Malcom Bevel, Samantha R. Jones, Martha S. Tingen. Exploring racial disparities on the association between allostatic load and cancer mortality: A retrospective cohort analysis of NHANES, 1988 through 2015 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr C126.
Abstract IA002: How patient advocates can make a difference in their research advocacy efforts and contributions and why it's important
Authors: Johnson Wenora Y.
Published: January 2023

Knowledge about cancer research has driven me to advocate on behalf of myself and others who need to know about their cancer risk, hereditary pre-disposition, prevention and survivorship. Understanding how Patient Advocates can make a difference is extremely important and valuable to research.

Citation Format: Wenora Y. Johnson. How patient advocates can make a difference in their research advocacy efforts and contributions and why it's important [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr IA002.
A Novel Case of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis Associated with Renal Cell Carcinoma Successfully Treated with Infliximab and Methotrexate
Authors: Patel Suraj , Alhajj Mandy , Brimhall Conrad L
Published: January 2023

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is categorized as a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis most commonly seen in women in the fourth to fifth decade of life. This systemic inflammatory condition affects multiple organ systems and can result in severe joint destruction which can progress to arthritis mutilans. To date, various underlying malignancies have been discovered in patients with MRH including breast, gastric, thymic, hepatic, and melanoma. There has been 1 case of underlying renal cell carcinoma reported in a patient diagnosed with MRH. Additionally, there is no consistently recognized treatment for MRH described in the literature. The rarity of the disease contributes to the difficulty in defining a standardized treatment. We present the case of a patient with extensive joint and skin involvement who was successfully treated with infliximab and methotrexate, experienced clinical improvement, and was later diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The synergistic effects of infliximab and methotrexate, in combination with the low side-effect profile, appear to be promising in the setting of MRH and in our patient resulted in the resolution of symptoms and cutaneous manifestations. We suggest this regimen as an effective combination therapy. We emphasize thorough and continuous screening for underlying malignancy associated with MRH, despite clinical improvement or negative malignancy work-up upon initial diagnosis.
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas Associated with Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease
Authors: Yokoigawa Norio , Kawaguchi Yusai
Published: January 2023

A 77-year-old man was pointed out thrombocytopenia and polycystic liver and kidney disease following hypertension and diabetes mellitus and duodenitis. He consulted to our hospital for further examination. Computed tomography (CT) showed multiple cysts in the liver and kidney and also showed cystic lesions in the pancreatic tail. The size of the tumor of pancreas was 3 cm × 4 cm. FDG-PET CT showed FDG uptake in the tumor of the pancreatic tail. It has not showed metastasis in the other organs. The examinations suggested that the cause of thrombocytopenia was infection of Helicobacter pylori or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or drugs. We performed distal pancreatectomy for the tumor of pancreas. Histological findings revealed that the tumor of pancreas was invasive intraductal mucinous carcinoma. He had no recurrence for 3 months after operation. In this case, the patient with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and multiple liver cysts developed IPMC. We suggest that some genetic interactions may exist between ADPKD and pancreatic carcinogenesis.
How Surgical Research Gave Birth to a New Clinical Surgical Field: A Viewpoint from the Dallas Uterus Transplant Study
Authors: Johannesson Liza , Testa Giuliano , da Graca Briget , Wall Anji
Published: January 2023

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) has come of age in the 21st century, building on the 20th century developments in vascular anastomosis and effective immunosuppressive protocols that have enabled solid organ transplantation to become the life-extending and life-improving treatment option we know today. However, UTx has the goal of enabling reproduction, meaning that research has focused on establishment of pregnancy and healthy live birth in addition to surgical technique and immunosuppression. Summary: The Dallas Uterus Transplant Study (DUETS), established at Baylor University Medical Center in 2015, is one of four UTx programs in the USA, and it holds the distinction of being home not only to the first US live birth but also the highest volume UTx program worldwide, with 23 uterus transplants performed to date, resulting in 15 live births. Innovations pioneered at our center span all aspects of the UTx process, all seeking to improve success for recipients in terms of achieving pregnancy and live birth, while also minimizing the burden on donors and recipients. They have included the following: (1) a deceased donor hysterectomy approach that allows the uterus to be procured prior to cross clamp; (2) proof of concept with use of only superior uterine veins after procuring both the superior and inferior uterine veins during the donor surgery, enabling the choice of the best option in terms of size and location for outflow, while also preserving ovary viability in living donors; (3) contribution to robot-assisted technique/minimally invasive technique with vaginal extraction of the uterus graft for living donor surgeries, shortening donor recovery times; (4) developing a robot-assisted technique for graft hysterectomies, improving recovery times for recipients at the end of their UTx journey; (5) refining immunosuppression protocols to enable embryo transfer as early as 3 months after induction therapy, increasing recipients’ chances for achieving up to two live births during the 5 years posttransplant the UTx protocol specifies; and (6) building on our clinical trial experience to now offer UTx in the U.S. outside the setting of a clinical study. Key Messages: Our center along with others throughout the world has demonstrated that UTx can be reproducible, result in live births from both living and deceased donors, and be safely introduced as a clinical option. Due to the complexity of UTx as well as the need for long-term multidisciplinary care, centers implementing UTx should have an established abdominal transplant program, a gynecologic surgery program, high-risk obstetric and neonatal care, and institutional support and oversight, and should partner with established UTx programs for protocol development and operative proctoring.
Peer control, trust, and humility as antecedents of cooperation: an exploratory study
Authors: Oyadomari José Carlos Tiomatsu , Nisiyama Edelcio Koitiro , Bido Diógenes de Souza , Bordin Maximilian Zanelato
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the relationship between peer control, a construct of management accounting generally associated with negative aspects, and humility in performance evaluation, a mediator of cooperation. We also examined the association between trust and cooperation. To address all these relationships, we did a single entity survey in a Brazilian subsidiary of a multinational insurance company, through a representative sample of 147 respondents. The results show that peer control is positively associated with cooperation and with humility in performance evaluation, and the latter is positively associated with cooperation. In addition, trust is also positively associated with cooperation. The results contribute to the literature by developing the humility construct in performance evaluation, which is the attitude after the manager is informed of the achieved outcomes, and by trying untested relationships, such as the role of peer control in cooperation. Results can also be useful for organizations that seek cooperation of their employees, suggesting that they should use peer control, since they contribute to an attitude of humility in evaluating performance, and therefore, to cooperation.
First record of hygropetric species in the genus Paegniodes Eaton, 1881 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: SHI WEIFANG , TONG XIAOLI
Published: January 2023

Paegniodes oligopilus sp. nov., a first hygropetric species in the genus Paegniodes Eaton, 1881 found from madicolous habitat, is described based on larvae from Southwest China. The new species is characterized by the posterior margin of 1st segment bearing a row of 13–15 stout setae; mesonotum and abdominal tergites II–IX having a reddish brown median stripe; swimming setae of cerci and median caudal filament are vestigial. The morphological affinities and feeding habits with other known species are discussed.
Reshaping Food Systems to improve Nutrition and Health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

This detailed and comprehensive study examines nutrition and health in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region, presenting the six game-changing food systems actions proposed by the WHO and the progress of their implementation in the region.

The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region is a particularly complex place to study: an area of economic contrasts with changing dietary patterns and stark differences between high levels of malnutrition and a prevalence of overweight and obesity. As a result, actions to improve the nutritional situation of the population are urgently sought. The strategies explored in this book offer a unique opportunity to change food systems all over the world, addressing aspects including sustainable food production, the impact of marketing and labelling on behaviour, and the effect of global events such as climate change, war and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reshaping Food Systems is an essential read at a time when malnutrition in all its forms, including undernourishment, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight and obesity, pose a serious threat to global health, and is of particular interest for policymakers working in nutrition and public health.
3.3 Food Labelling with Focus on Front-of-Pack Labelling
Authors: Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Meyer Alexa
Published: January 2023

Chapter 3.3 focuses on food labelling as a means to empower consumers to make healthier and more sustainable food choices. Providing information on the content of energy and macronutrients in packaged foods is customary in many countries of the world and even mandatory in over 60 countries. This kind of nutrition labelling is generally provided in the form of a table on the back of food packages. However, many consumers perceive this information as confusing and often have difficulties reading and understanding it. This has led to the development of additional nutrition labels that provide simplified information on the nutritional quality of a food in a salient form displayed on the front of the food package. Different models of these front-of-pack labels (FOPLs) have been proposed in recent years, with some giving information about certain critical nutrients like sugar, salt and saturated fatty acids, whereas others are based on a summary evaluation of single nutrients. An alternative way to transmit this information is via health logos that categorize foods that fulfil certain nutritional quality criteria. Labels using colour codes to rate foods have been shown to be particularly useful and are generally preferred by consumers. Regardless of the system chosen, it is important to align the model with existing national health and nutrition policies and guidelines, and for these be based on a scientifically sound, transparent nutrient profiling system. The development and implementation of the labelling system should involve all stakeholders such as food manufacturers and consumer associations. The interest in FOPLs is increasing and many countries have already introduced them or are currently considering this step. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Iran was the first country to use a traffic light labelling system that became mandatory in 2016. Traffic light labelling has also been introduced in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, initially on a voluntary basis with the intention of making labelling mandatory in the near future. Tunisia developed a health logo marking healthier foods with a green tick. In Morocco, the French Nutri-Score model performed best in tests with consumers and is currently considered for introduction. Surveys from Iran and Saudi Arabia found that while about 80% of the sampled foods carried FOP labels, the display of nutrients was often inaccurate or incomplete. Comprehensive evaluation studies of the systems are still outstanding.
Levels of orientation bias differ across digital content categories: Implications for visual perception
Authors: Duggan Nicholas , Gerhardstein Peter
Published: January 2023

With the continued growth of digital device use, a greater portion of the visual world experienced daily by many people has shifted towards digital environments. The “oblique effect” denotes a bias for horizontal and vertical (canonical) contours over oblique contours, which is derived from a disproportionate exposure to canonical content. Carpentered environments have been shown to possess proportionally more canonical than oblique contours, leading to perceptual bias in those who live in “built” environments. Likewise, there is potential for orientation sensitivity to be shaped by frequent exposure to digital content. The potential influence of digital content on the oblique effect was investigated by measuring the degree of orientation anisotropy from a range of digital scenes using Fourier analysis. Content from popular cartoons, video games, and social communication websites was compared to real-life nature, suburban, and urban scenes. Findings suggest that digital content varies widely in orientation anisotropy, but pixelated video games and social communication websites were found to exhibit a degree of orientation anisotropy substantially exceeding that observed in all measured categories of real-world environments. Therefore, the potential may exist for digital content to induce an even greater shift in orientation bias than has been observed in previous research. This potential, and implications of such a shift, is discussed.
Water vapor transmission and electromagnetic shielding characteristics of stainless steel/viscose blended yarn woven fabrics
Authors: Rathour Rochak , Krishnasamy Jagatheesan , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy R
Published: January 2023

In this study, stainless steel/viscose blended yarn was prepared and different structured woven fabrics were prepared for studying the moisture transmission and electromagnetic shielding behaviour. By doubling viscose spun yarn with SS filament yarn, the SS/viscose blended yarn was prepared. The woven fabrics were made in a sample loom using viscose yarn and SS/viscose blended yarn. By changing the metal content, thread density and conductive fibre proportions at different levels, the developed fabrics were analyzed for maximum shielding effectiveness in the frequency of 300 kHz to 1.5 GHz. The fabric having conductive threads in warp and weft directions showed larger shielding effectiveness (SE) compared to fabric having conductive threads in one direction. The increase in weft density, proportions of conductive threads (in weft direction) and metal content increases the shielding level of fabric. The highest SE of 56 dB was observed for plain woven fabric compared to 3/1 twill, 2/2 twill and 2/2 basket fabrics in the frequency of 700 MHz. The influence of environmental factors such as relative humidity and pH on shielding behaviour of fabrics were also studied. As the relative humidity was increased, the SE was also increased. The fabric treated with acidic (or) basic condition exhibited better SE than the fabric in neutral condition. Similarly, air permeability and water vapour transmission characteristics of the developed conductive fabrics were also analyzed. The air permeability of the fabric was higher when the metal content in the fabric was low. The fabric having more floats showed higher air permeability compared to fabrics with less floats. Similarly, the water vapour transmission rate was also high for long float fabrics. The developed conductive fabrics could be used as wall covering and personal protective clothing in defense industry.
RhoA G17E/Vav1 Signaling Induces Cancer Invasion via Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Kitazawa Masato , Miyagawa Yusuke , Koyama Makoto , Miyazaki Satoru , Hondo Nao , Muranaka Futoshi , Tokumaru Shigeo , Yamamoto Yuta , Ehara Takehito , Matsumura Tomio , Takeoka Michiko , Soejima Yuji
Published: January 2023

Background: RAS homolog family member A (RhoA), a member of the Rho family of small GTPases, and Vav1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho family GTPases, have been reported to activate pathways related to the actin cytoskeleton and regulation of cell shape, attachment, and motility. The interaction between these molecules in lymphoma is involved in malignant signaling, but its function in epithelial malignancy is unknown. Here, we investigated the malignant signal of mutant RhoA in gastric cancer and demonstrated the potential of RhoA G17E/Vav1 as a therapeutic target for diffuse gastric cancer. Methods: The RhoA mutants R5W, G17E, and Y42C were retrovirally transduced into the gastric cancer cell line MKN74. The stably transduced cells were used for morphology, proliferation, and migration/invasion assays in vitro. MKN74 cells stably transduced with ectopic wild-type RhoA and mutant RhoA (G17E) were used in a peritoneal xenograft assay. Results: The RhoA mutations G17E and Y42C induced morphological changes in MKN74. G17E induced Vav1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels and promoted the migration and invasion of MKN74. An RNA interference assay of Vav1 revealed that RhoA G17E enhanced cancer cell invasion via Vav1. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation revealed that Vav1 and RhoA G17E specifically bind and function together through matrix metalloproteinase −9. In a peritoneal xenograft model of nude mice, RhoA G17E promoted peritoneal dissemination, whereas Vav1 knockdown suppressed it. Conclusion: Overall, our findings indicate that RhoA G17E is associated with Vav1 and promoted cancer invasion via matrix metalloproteinase −9 in gastric cancer cells. Thus, RhoA G17E/Vav1 signaling in diffuse gastric cancer may be a useful therapeutic target.
A Complexity Framework for Project Management Strategies
Authors: Boonstra Albert , Reezigt Cees
Published: January 2023

We examine how project complexity influences the choice of a project management strategy and present a framework that facilitates managers in selecting a suitable project management strategy. We distinguish the complexity of project domains from two dimensions, the degree of structural complexity and the degree of dynamic complexity, resulting in four generic project types. Four generic project management strategies are identified that match these project types. This complexity framework for project management allows key players to determine a better project management strategy and related practices given its content, the internal context, and the external environment.
A comparison of airway responsiveness in smokers with chronic bronchitis and in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Engel T , Heinig JH , Madsen O , Hansen M , Weeke ER
Published: January 2023

Fifty-two of 95 smokers with a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) above 70% predicted and with chronic bronchitis were found to have increased bronchial responsiveness, expressed as PC20FEV1, upon challenge with inhaled histamine. The degree of responsiveness was significantly below that found in matched asthmatics, but substantially higher than that reported in normals. The degree of responsiveness was significantly correlated to prechallenge ventilatory capacity, age and tobacco consumption but not to sex. PC40MEF50 showed the same distribution as PC20FEV1, but did not add further information. The slope of the dose response curve expressing the maximum expiratory flow at 50% of vital capacity expired (MEF50) did not correlate with any of the parameters measured. The slope of the FEV1 dose-response curves showed significant correlation with tobacco consumption. The degree of bronchial responsiveness as an indication for future disability needs to be investigated.
Oral N-acetylcysteine or S-carboxymethylcysteine inhibit cigarette smoke-induced hypersecretion of mucus in rat larynx and trachea in situ
Authors: Rogers DF , Turner NC , Marriott C , Jeffery PK
Published: January 2023

Two weeks exposure of rats to cigarette smoke (CS) significantly (p less than 0.05) increased the secretion of fucose-containing glycoconjugates above normal in an in situ preparation of larynx and trachea. After equilibration mean basal secretion in CS-exposed rats was 24 micrograms (per 30 min collection) which was 8 times higher than that of unexposed animals (p less than 0.01). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or S-carboxymethylcysteine (SCMC) given as 1% of the drinking water, before and after daily exposure to CS, significantly inhibited the development of the CS-induced increase in fucose secretion reducing the mean for basal secretion in each group to 7 and 5 micrograms, respectively (p less than 0.05). Neither NAC nor SCMC had significant effects on baseline glycoconjugate secretion in control animals. Albumin was inconsistently present in the secretions of both control and CS-exposed animals, whereas in those exposed to CS and also given one of the two cysteine derivatives there was a consistent increase in albumin transudation.
Use of peak flow variability and methacholine responsiveness in predicting changes from pre-test diagnosis of asthma
Authors: Parameswaran K , Belda J , Sears MR
Published: January 2023

Asthma is usually diagnosed clinically. This study investigated how methacholine challenge and peak expiratory flow monitoring influenced change from a pretest clinical diagnosis. Records of 132 patients referred with respiratory symptoms, who subsequently had reliable measurements of both airway responsiveness (provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 (PC20)) and peak expiratory flow variability (PEFV) were reviewed. Initial and final diagnoses for each patient were classified as: a) definite asthma; b) possible asthma; and c) definitely not asthma. The predictive value of PEFV and PC20 regarding overall change from pre- to post-test diagnosis, change from initial diagnosis of possible or definitely not asthma, and change from initial diagnosis of definite asthma, were tested by multiple logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios for PC20 were expressed per doubling dose, and for PEFV per 5% variability. Clinical diagnosis of definite asthma and definitely not asthma were confirmed in 70% and 79% respectively. PC20, but not PEFV, predicted an overall change between pre- and post-test diagnosis. Both PC20 and PEFV independently predicted change to definite asthma. PEFV and interaction between PC20 and PEFV predicted a change in those whose initial diagnosis was definite asthma. Although both measurements showed a significant correlation, there was poor agreement between positive tests. Both peak expiratory flow variability and provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second influence diagnostic decision-making in patients with a high pre-test probability of asthma.
Using transfer learning and dimensionality reduction techniques to improve generalisability of machine-learning predictions of mosquito ages from mid-infrared spectra
Authors: Mwanga Emmanuel P. , Siria Doreen J. , Mitton Joshua , Mshani Issa H. , González-Jiménez Mario , Selvaraj Prashanth , Wynne Klaas , Baldini Francesco , Okumu Fredros O. , Babayan Simon A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Old mosquitoes are more likely to transmit malaria than young ones. Therefore, accurate prediction of mosquito population age can drastically improve the evaluation of mosquito-targeted interventions. However, standard methods for age-grading mosquitoes are laborious and costly. We have shown that Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) can be used to detect age-specific patterns in mosquito cuticles and thus can be used to train age-grading machine learning models. However, these models tend to transfer poorly across populations. Here, we investigate whether applying dimensionality reduction and transfer learning to MIRS data can improve the transferability of MIRS-based predictions for mosquito ages.

Methods

We reared adults of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis in two insectaries. The heads and thoraces of female mosquitoes were scanned using an attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, which were grouped into two different age classes. The dimensionality of the spectra data was reduced using unsupervised principal component analysis or t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding, and then used to train deep learning and standard machine learning classifiers. Transfer learning was also evaluated to improve transferability of the models when predicting mosquito age classes from new populations.

Results

Model accuracies for predicting the age of mosquitoes from the same population as the training samples reached 99% for deep learning and 92% for standard machine learning. However, these models did not generalise to a different population, achieving only 46% and 48% accuracy for deep learning and standard machine learning, respectively. Dimensionality reduction did not improve model generalizability but reduced computational time. Transfer learning by updating pre-trained models with 2% of mosquitoes from the alternate population improved performance to ~ 98% accuracy for predicting mosquito age classes in the alternative population.

Conclusion

Combining dimensionality reduction and transfer learning can reduce computational costs and improve the transferability of both deep learning and standard machine learning models for predicting the age of mosquitoes. Future studies should investigate the optimal quantities and diversity of training data necessary for transfer learning and the implications for broader generalisability to unseen datasets.
DM-MOGA: a multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm for identifying disease modules of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shang Junliang , Zhu Xuhui , Sun Yan , Li Feng , Kong Xiangzhen , Liu Jin-Xing
Published: January 2023

Background

Constructing molecular interaction networks from microarray data and then identifying disease module biomarkers can provide insight into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of non-small cell lung cancer. A promising approach for identifying disease modules in the network is community detection.

Results

In order to identify disease modules from gene co-expression networks, a community detection method is proposed based on multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm with decomposition. The method is named DM-MOGA and possesses two highlights. First, the boundary correction strategy is designed for the modules obtained in the process of local module detection and pre-simplification. Second, during the evolution, we introduce Davies–Bouldin index and clustering coefficient as fitness functions which are improved and migrated to weighted networks. In order to identify modules that are more relevant to diseases, the above strategies are designed to consider the network topology of genes and the strength of connections with other genes at the same time. Experimental results of different gene expression datasets of non-small cell lung cancer demonstrate that the core modules obtained by DM-MOGA are more effective than those obtained by several other advanced module identification methods.

Conclusions

The proposed method identifies disease-relevant modules by optimizing two novel fitness functions to simultaneously consider the local topology of each gene and its connection strength with other genes. The association of the identified core modules with lung cancer has been confirmed by pathway and gene ontology enrichment analysis.
Genetic architecture of fresh-market tomato yield
Authors: Bhandari Prashant , Kim Juhee , Lee Tong Geon
Published: January 2023

Background

The fresh-market tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is bred for direct consumption and is selected for a high yield of large fruits. To understand the genetic variations (distinct types of DNA sequence polymorphism) that influence the yield, we collected the phenotypic variations in the yields of total fruit, extra-large-sized fruit, small-sized fruit, or red-colored fruit from 68 core inbred contemporary U.S. fresh-market tomatoes for three consecutive years and the genomic information in 8,289,741 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions from the whole-genome resequencing of these tomatoes.

Results

Genome-wide association (GWA) mapping using the SNP data with or without SNP filtering steps using the regularization methods, validated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage mapping, identified 18 significant association signals for traits evaluated. Among them, 10 of which were not located within genomic regions previously identified as being associated with fruit size/shape. When mapping-driven association signals [558 SNPs associated with 28 yield (component) traits] were used to calculate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) of evaluated traits, the prediction accuracies of the extra-large-sized fruit and small-sized fruit yields were higher than those of the total and red-colored fruit yields, as we tested the generated breeding values in inbred tomatoes and F2populations. Improved accuracy in GEBV calculation of evaluated traits was achieved by using 364 SNPs identified using the regularization methods.

Conclusions

Together, these results provide an understanding of the genetic variations underlying the heritable phenotypic variability in yield in contemporary tomato breeding and the information necessary for improving such economically important and complex quantitative trait through breeding.
Electrophysiology lab efficiency comparison between cryoballoon and point-by-point radiofrequency ablation: a German sub-analysis of the FREEZE Cohort study
Authors: Metzner Andreas , Straube Florian , Tilz Roland R. , Kuniss Malte , Noelker Georg , Tebbenjohanns Juergen , Andresen Dietrich , Wieneke Heinrich , Stellbrink Christoph , Franke Jennifer , Dorwarth Uwe , Carion Phuong Lien , Holbrook Reece , Hochadel Matthias , Senges Jochen , Hoffmann Ellen , Kuck Karl-Heinz ,   for the FREEZE Cohort Study Investigators, Wu L. Q. , Garcia-Alberola A. , Massa T. , Sabin G. , Franke A. , Souza J. J. , Stanley A. , Spitzer S. G. , Willems S. , Dierk T. , Chun K. R. J. , Borchard R. , Seidl K. H. , Zahn R. , Groschup G. , Obel I. W. P. , Brachmann J. , Gerds-Li J. H. , Gopal R. R. , Schrickel J. , Lewalter T. , Stanley A. , Moshage W. , Eckardt L. , Jung W. , Kremer P. , Lubinski A. , Schumacher B. , Lickfett L. , Münzel T. , Steinwender C. , Efremidis M. , Deneke T. , Nguyen D. Q.
Published: January 2023

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is recommended to treat paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This analysis aimed to assess the hospital efficiency of single-shot cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and point-by-point radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

The discrete event simulation used PVI procedure times from the FREEZE Cohort study to establish the electrophysiology (EP) lab occupancy time. 1000 EP lab days were simulated according to an illustrative German hospital, including 3 PVI cases per day using CBA at one site and RFA at the other.

Results

The analysis included 1560 CBA patients and 1344 RFA patients from the FREEZE Cohort. Some baseline patients’ characteristics were different between groups (age, AF type, and some concomitant diseases), without being statistically associated to ablation procedure time. Mean procedure time was 122.2 ± 39.4 min for CBA and 160.3 ± 53.5 min for RFA (p < 0.0001). RFA was associated with a more than five-fold increase of cumulative overtime compared to CBA over the simulated period (1285 h with RFA and 253 h with CBA). 70.7% of RFA lab days included overtime versus 25.7% for CBA. CBA was associated with more days with an additional hour at the end of the EP lab shift compared to RFA (47.8% vs 11.5% days with one hour left, respectively).

Conclusion

CBA is faster and more predictable than point-by-point RFA, and enables improvements in EP lab efficiency, including: fewer cumulative overtime hours, more days where overtime is avoided and more days with remaining time for the staff or for any EP lab usage.

Clinical trial registrationNCT01360008 (first registration 25/05/2011).
Exploring cultural determinants to be integrated into preterm infant care in the neonatal intensive care unit: an integrative literature review
Authors: Nyaloko Madimetja , Lubbe Welma , Moloko-Phiri Salaminah S. , Shopo Khumoetsile D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cultural practices are an integral part of childrearing and remain a significant aspect for healthcare professionals to ensure culturally sensitive care, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective

To synthesise literature on the cultural determinants that can be integrated into care of preterm infants admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

The current review followed the integrative literature review steps proposed by Lubbe and colleagues. The registration of the review protocol was in PROSPERO. There was a literature search conducted in the EBSCOhost, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus databases using the search string developed in collaboration with the librarian. Three reviewers employed a three-step screening strategy to screen the articles published in English between 2011 and 2021 that focused on culturally sensitive care. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Evidence critical appraisal toolkit assessed the methodological quality of the articles included at the full-text screening level.

Results

There were 141 articles retrieved, and 20 included on the full-text screening level; the exclusion of one article was due to a low critical appraisal grade. Four topical themes emerged from 19 articles: spiritual care practices, intragenerational infant-rearing practices, infant physical care practices, and combining treatment practices.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings indicated that parental cultural beliefs and practices mostly influenced infant-rearing practices, emphasising the significance of integrating cultural practices when rendering healthcare services. The recommendation is that healthcare professionals understand various cultural determinants, mainly those specific to the community they serve, to provide culturally sensitive care.