bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretable Detection and Location of Myocardial Infarction Based on Ventricular Fusion Rule Features
Authors: Zhang Wenzhi , Li Runchuan , Shen Shengya , Yao Jinliang , Peng Yan , Chen Gang , Zhou Bing , Wang Zongmin
Published: October 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases threatening human life. In order to accurately distinguish myocardial infarction and have a good interpretability, the classification method that combines rule features and ventricular activity features is proposed in this paper. Specifically, according to the clinical diagnosis rule and the pathological changes of myocardial infarction on the electrocardiogram, the local information extracted from the Q wave, ST segment, and T wave is computed as the rule feature. All samples of the QT segment are extracted as ventricular activity features. Then, in order to reduce the computational complexity of the ventricular activity features, the effects of Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Locality Preserving Projections (LPP) on the extracted ventricular activity features are compared. Combining rule features and ventricular activity features, all the 12 leads features are fused as the ultimate feature vector. Finally, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is used to identify myocardial infarction, and the overall accuracy rate of 99.86% is obtained on the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) database. This method has a good medical diagnosis basis while improving the accuracy, which is very important for clinical decision-making.
A Novel Fluorescent Dye Invades Mitochondria to Selectively Kill Cancer Stem Cells via Increased ROS Production
Authors: Zhang Bei-Bei , Liu Jun-gang , Bai Xian-Yu , Huang Yuan-Jiao , Xu Ning , Ren Tao
Published: October 2021

Development of multiple agents has a significant impact on the cancer diagnosis and therapy. Several fluorescent dyes including near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent agents have been already well studied in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). In the present study, we reported a novel fluorescent dye could obviously inhibit cancer cell proliferation with slight toxic effects on the biological organism. Furthermore, it displayed selective staining on cancer cells, particularly on cancer stem cells (CSCs), rather than normal cells. Mechanically, this dye preferred to invading mitochondria of cancer cells and inducing overwhelming reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The in vivo experiments further demonstrated that this dye could image cancer cells and even CSCs in a short-time intratumor injection manner using a zebrafish model and subsequently inhibit cancer cell proliferation after a relatively long-time drug exposure. Taken together, the future development of this agent will promise to make an essential contribution to the cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
Observation of Clinical Efficacy of Parylene‐Coated Occluder Based on Electronic Image of Visual Sensor in the Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Fu Hongdu , Liang Liming , Zhuang Huangwei , Yang Jiahui
Published: October 2021

With the acceleration of people’s life rhythm, the incidence of congenital heart disease is getting higher and higher. This study mainly explores the clinical efficacy observation of parylene‐coated occluders based on the electronic image of the visual sensor in the treatment of congenital heart disease. The patient takes a supine position and observes whether the target structure (left ventricular cavity) information is separated from the capture area during rotation, and the angle of the probe is adjusted to ensure that as much target structure information as possible can be obtained during the two‐dimensional image acquisition. During the three‐dimensional ultrasound sampling process, a total of 60 coaxial images were collected within the range of 180°. To reflect the effect of virtual reality, it is necessary to provide users with interactive operation tools. This research provides two methods, mouse interaction and keyboard interaction. Through these two methods, the effect of the basic virtual endoscope is realized. Xtion’s image registration process is completed inside its PS1080 system‐level chip, and all sensor information, color images, and depth images are transmitted to the user host through the USB interface. For example, the point of view can be placed in the heart, because the simulation occlusion must first find a suitable section to better observe and judge the occlusion effect. Therefore, this study uses the mouse interaction method to change the cutting by dragging and rotating the mouse. In the process of releasing the occluder, the parylene‐coated occluder can be released after the X‐ray and ultrasound examination results are satisfactory, and the delivery long sheath and catheter can be sprinkled and compressed to stop the bleeding. During the operation, the ASD measured by two‐dimensional ultrasound after balloon inflation was 24.17 ± 7.94 mm, and the anterior and posterior diameter was 21.30 ± 6.54 mm. This research is helpful for the qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of congenital heart disease.
The Mechanism of miR-141 Regulating the Proliferation and Metastasis of Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting STAT4
Authors: Ma Lili , Shao Hui , Chen Huazhong , Deng Qilong
Published: October 2021

Background. In recent years, it has been reported that miRNA can be used as one of the markers of tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis (including liver cancer), and it plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, there are still very few studies on the mechanism and role of miR-141 in liver cancer. Methods. qRT-PCR was used to test the expressions of miR-141 and STAT4 in collected liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues, cultured liver cancer cell lines MHCC97H, Hep3B, and Huh7, and normal human liver cells HL7702. After processing the results of the qRT-PCR experiment, liver cancer cell MHCC97H which has the lowest expression level was decided to be taken as the research object. miR-NC, miR-141 mimics, si-NC, si-STAT4, miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-NC, and miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-STAT4 were transfected into MHCC97H cells, respectively. The MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of each group of cells, and the Transwell test was used to detect the effect of miR-141 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The interaction between miR-141 and STAT4 was verified by the dual-luciferase reporter experiment, and the expression level of Cyclin D1 and MMP2 was detected by the western blot. Results. Compared with normal cell HL7702, the expression level of miR-141 in liver cancer cell lines was relatively low

P
<
0.05

and the expression level of STAT4 in liver cancer cell lines was relatively high

P
<
0.05

after testing the expression level of STAT4; transfecting miR-141 mimics or Si-SLBP can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; dual-luciferase reporter experiments confirmed that miR-141 can specifically bind to the 3′UTR of STAT4; cotransfection of miR-141 mimics and pcDNA-STAT4 can antagonize the effects of miR-141 mimics on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusion. miR-141 can target the STAT4 gene expression to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells.
On a Unified Mittag-Leffler Function and Associated Fractional Integral Operator
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Farid Ghulam , Salleh Zabidin , Ahmad Ayyaz
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to unify the extended Mittag-Leffler function and generalized Q function and define a unified Mittag-Leffler function. Both the extended Mittag-Leffler function and generalized Q function can be obtained from the unified Mittag-Leffler function. The Laplace, Euler beta, and Whittaker transformations are applied for this function, and generalized formulas are obtained. These formulas reproduce integral transformations of various deduced Mittag-Leffler functions and Q function. Also, the convergence of this unified Mittag-Leffler function is proved, and an associated fractional integral operator is constructed.
Some Eigenvalues Estimate for the
ϕ
-Laplace Operator on Slant Submanifolds of Sasakian Space Forms
Authors: Li Yanlin , Ali Akram , Mofarreh Fatemah , Abolarinwa Abimbola , Ali Rifaqat
Published: October 2021

This paper is aimed at establishing new upper bounds for the first positive eigenvalue of the

ϕ

-Laplacian operator on Riemannian manifolds in terms of mean curvature and constant sectional curvature. The first eigenvalue for the

ϕ

-Laplacian operator on closed oriented

m

-dimensional slant submanifolds in a Sasakian space form

M
~

2
k
+
1

ε

is estimated in various ways. Several Reilly-like inequalities are generalized from our findings for Laplacian to the

ϕ

-Laplacian on slant submanifold in a sphere

S

2

n

+

1

with

ε
=
1

and

ϕ
=
2

.
Influencing Factors of Gastrointestinal Function Recovery after Gastrointestinal Malignant Tumor
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Xiaofeng , Xu Huaping , Zhang Yisheng , Shi Lianghui
Published: October 2021

Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence in the world, and the incidence rate only increases every year. Because of the loss of mental property caused by surgery and postoperative recovery treatment, it has become a difficult problem for many families to solve. Exploring the factors affecting the recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery to accelerate the recovery has become one of the important research topics of current medical experts and scholars. The purpose of this article is to explore the factors affecting the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrointestinal malignancies. In this paper, firstly through experimental investigation, the fasting time and operation method of patients undergoing gastrointestinal malignant tumor surgery are used as variables to conduct a controlled experiment, and the first defecation time, exhaust time, and bowel sound recovery of the experimental subjects after surgery are recorded. Changes in time and other indicators are compared to verify whether they affect the recovery of gastrointestinal function. Experimental data showed that the recovery time of bowel sounds was 29.10 ± 11.09 h in patients with fasting time less than or equal to 2 days after operation, the time of first exhaustion was 28.75 ± 27.80 h, and the time of first defecation was 54.70 ± 39.40 h. The recovery time of bowel sounds in patients with fasting time longer than 2 days was 40.47 ± 9.40 h, the first exhaust time was 71.40 ± 17.54 h, and the first defecation time was 98.30 ± 28.16 h. Therefore, resuming diet as soon as possible after operation is beneficial to the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.
An Improved Ant Colony Optimization Based on an Adaptive Heuristic Factor for the Traveling Salesman Problem
Authors: Du Pengzhen , Liu Ning , Zhang Haofeng , Lu Jianfeng
Published: October 2021

The traveling salesman problem (TSP) is a typical combinatorial optimization problem, which is often applied to sensor placement, path planning, etc. In this paper, an improved ACO algorithm based on an adaptive heuristic factor (AHACO) is proposed to deal with the TSP. In the AHACO, three main improvements are proposed to improve the performance of the algorithm. First, the k-means algorithm is introduced to classify cities. The AHACO provides different movement strategies for different city classes, which improves the diversity of the population and improves the search ability of the algorithm. A modified 2-opt local optimizer is proposed to further tune the solution. Finally, a mechanism to jump out of the local optimum is introduced to avoid the stagnation of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm is tested in numerical experiments using 39 TSP instances, and results shows that the solution quality of the AHACO is 83.33% higher than that of the comparison algorithms on average. For large-scale TSP instances, the algorithm is also far better than the comparison algorithms.
An Optimized Path Planning Method for Coastal Ships Based on Improved DDPG and DP
Authors: Du Yiquan , Zhang Xiuguo , Cao Zhiying , Wang Shaobo , Liang Jiacheng , Zhang Fengge , Tang Jiawei
Published: October 2021

Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is widely used in path planning with its powerful neural network fitting ability and learning ability. However, existing DRL-based methods use discrete action space and do not consider the impact of historical state information, resulting in the algorithm not being able to learn the optimal strategy to plan the path, and the planned path has arcs or too many corners, which does not meet the actual sailing requirements of the ship. In this paper, an optimized path planning method for coastal ships based on improved Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) and Douglas–Peucker (DP) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is used to improve the network structure of DDPG, which uses the historical state information to approximate the current environmental state information, so that the predicted action is more accurate. On the other hand, the traditional reward function of DDPG may lead to low learning efficiency and convergence speed of the model. Hence, this paper improves the reward principle of traditional DDPG through the mainline reward function and auxiliary reward function, which not only helps to plan a better path for ship but also improves the convergence speed of the model. Secondly, aiming at the problem that too many turning points exist in the above-planned path which may increase the navigation risk, an improved DP algorithm is proposed to further optimize the planned path to make the final path more safe and economical. Finally, simulation experiments are carried out to verify the proposed method from the aspects of plan planning effect and convergence trend. Results show that the proposed method can plan safe and economic navigation paths and has good stability and convergence.
Research on Vibration Suppression of the Long Flexible Arm Based on Three Tilt Sensors
Authors: Jiang Haiyong , Jiang Wenguang , Xing Yazhou , Li Na , Yang Xin
Published: October 2021

In this research, a new method based on the equivalence of modal characteristics, differential flatness (DF), and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is proposed for the stabilization control of the long flexible arm (LFA). There are two major problems in the system of the LFA. The first problem is that the LFA is very prone to the multiple-mode coupling, while the control systems need as few sensors as possible. Another problem is that the structure of the LFA in practice is often complex and subject to various disturbances. Therefore, in this paper, the equivalent multirigid body dynamic model of a LFA is derived from the modal information of the equivalent rigid body model of the prototype. Then, the output values of the three tilt sensors are synthesized into an output based on the DF method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through physical experiments. Compared with PID, the proposed method has shorter settling time. The LFA can be restored within 7 seconds under the ADRC, while it needs 90 seconds or more to calm down without the control.
Nutritional Assessment and Management in Paediatric Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Azzouz Jumanah Ziyad , Safdar Osama Yousef , Awaleh Farah Idriss , Khoja Alya Abdullah , Alattas Ali Alawi , Jawhari Abdulkarim Abbas
Published: October 2021

Nutrition in paediatrics has always been one of the most important factors for optimal growth. Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need special consideration for better long-term outcomes, including nutritional status, optimal height, and cognitive function. Nonetheless, there are many obstacles to overcome to attain optimal linear growth and nutritional status in children with CKD. This review highlights the need for tools to assess the growth parameters in CKD. In addition, recommendations for dietary intake play a major role in controlling electrolyte disturbances in patients with CKD. For example, it is still unclear whether it is better to restrict phosphate sources in inorganic, organic, or food additives. The review also summarises different factors such as fluid intake, route of feeding, and essential nutrients that require particular attention in paediatric patients with CKD. In summary, a multidisciplinary team is needed to devise individual nutritional plans to achieve the best outcome and improve the quality of life of patients.
Transurethral Catheterization in Early Training: The Impact of Peer-Led Mentorship
Authors: Mubarak Mohamed , Isa Qasim , Alsaeed Mahmood , Alalawi Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Transurethral catheterization (TUC) is a common hospital procedure. According to the literature, junior doctors contribute to the majority of TUC-related injuries. Our aim is to evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of a short procedure-centric TUC workshop on junior doctor’s confidence, procedural knowledge, and ability to identify potential complications of catheterization. Materials and Methods. Intern doctors were invited to attend a one-hour workshop on TUC. A questionnaire was completed before and after the workshop. Three months later, the questionnaire was readministered to assess the workshop’s long-term impact. The questionnaire consisted of three domains. A: experience, training, and confidence levels (using 5-point Likert scales), B: procedural knowledge (the highest possible score was 10 points), and C: identification of TUC-related complications (the highest possible score was 3 points). Results. 81 interns participated and reported a confidence level of 3.03 ± 1.05 in performing a straightforward TUC. Preworkshop domain B and domain C were 3.92 ± 1.63 and 1.75 ± 0.69 points, respectively. After the workshop, reported confidence levels improved to 3.71 + 1.02 (

p
<
0.05

). Likewise, the scores in domains B and C increased significantly to 8.85 ± 1.40 (

p
<
0.005

) and 2.65 ± 0.6 (

p
<
0.005

), respectively. Three months later, the same parameters were evaluated, and confidence levels were higher than those of the preworkshop levels at 3.83 ± 0.77 (

p
<
0.05

). The average domain B score was 7.85 ± 1.88 (

p
<
0.005

), and domain C score was 2.69 ± 0.53 (

p
<
0.005

). All scores reported after three months were significantly better than the preworkshop levels (

p
<
0.005

), but there were no statistically significant differences when compared to the immediate postworkshop scores (

p
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Short peer-led TUC workshops positively impact intern doctors’ confidence levels, procedural knowledge, and identifying complications.
Protease Catalyzed Production of Spent Hen Meat Hydrolysate Powder for Health Food Applications
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Mishra Aishwarya , Tarafdar Ayon , Anwar Abdullah , Salagram Athiya , Alam Siraz , Sahoo Ashish K. , Sindhu Raveendran , Badgujar Prarabdh C.
Published: October 2021

Whole spent hen meat of Indian commercial layer bird (BV-300 breed) was enzymatically hydrolyzed using Flavourzyme® derived from Aspergillus oryzae. Different time, temperature, and pH combinations generated through response surface methodology (RSM) were tested to find the optimal hydrolysis condition at which maximum antioxidant potential and degree of hydrolysis can be achieved. Hydrolysis for 30 min at a temperature of 53.9°C and pH of 6.56 was found suitable for achieving high degree of hydrolysis and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant potential at optimized conditions was estimated at 93.26% by DPPH radical scavenging assay and 2.32 mM TEAC by FRAP assay. Amino acid profiling of the hydrolysate correlated very well with SDS-PAGE profiling. SDS-PAGE results confirmed that 30 min hydrolysis time was enough to produce low molecular weight peptides (2–5 kDa) with high antioxidant potential. Antioxidant rich Indian spent hen meat hydrolysate powder was economically produced using spray drying. Sensory analysis revealed that 10% hydrolysate powder had satisfactory overall acceptability and has potential to be used in health/functional foods at this concentration. This is the first study wherein optimum hydrolysis conditions for Indian spent hen meat have been reported.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Association between Red Cell Distribution Width and All-Cause Mortality of Patients with Cholecystitis at ICU Admission
Authors: Dong Yihua , Pan Yu , Zhou Wei , Xia Yanhuo , Pan Jingye
Published: October 2021

Background. Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been reported to be associated with mortality in some critically ill patient populations. The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between RDW and in-hospital mortality and short- and long-term mortality of patients with cholecystitis. Method. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in which data from all 702 patients extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the prognostic predictive value of RDW for in-hospital mortality and short- (i.e., 30-day and 90-day) and long-term (i.e., 180-day, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year) mortality. We converted RDW into a categorical variable according to quintiles as less than or equal to 13.9%, 14.0-14.8%, 14.9-15.8%, and 15.9-17.2% and more than 17.2%. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) methods and log-rank tests were used to compare survival differences among different groups. The relationships between RDW levels and in-hospital mortality were evaluated by univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models. Multivariable Cox regression models were built to investigate the association of RDW on the short-term and long-term mortality. Result. After adjusting for potential confounders, RDW was positively associated with in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.187, 95% CI [1.049, 1.343]) and short- (i.e., 30-day: HR: 1.183, 95% CI [1.080, 1.295], 90-day: HR: 1.175, 95% CI [1.089, 1.268]) and long-term (i.e., 1-year: HR:1.162, 95% CI [1.089, 1.240]) mortality in critically ill patients with cholecystitis. Similar results were also shown in the secondary outcomes of 180-day, 3-year, and 5-year mortality. RDW had a significant accurate prognostic effect on different endpoints and could improve the prognostic effect of scoring systems. Conclusion. High level of RDW is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality and short- and long-term mortality in critically ill patients with cholecystitis. RDW can independently predict the prognosis of patients with cholecystitis.
Effect of Drying Whole and Half Chili Pods Using a Solar Dryer with CaCl2 Desiccant on Quality of Powder Chili
Authors: Romauli Nauas D. M. , Ambarita Himsar , Qadry Al , Sihombing Hendrik V.
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the quality of dried whole and half chili pods’ powder dried with solar drying combined with CaCl2 desiccant compared with natural convection solar drying to produce the final chili powder product. Besides the sensory analysis, the quality parameters such as beta-carotene, moisture, vitamin C, and ash content were also observed. The results showed that 57 hours of drying time of whole and half chili pods using solar drying can reach moisture content below 5%. Beta-carotene, ash, and vitamin C contents of the whole chili were higher than those of half chili pods’ dried pepper powder; they were

20.38
±
0.22
 
mg
/
100
 
g

,

5.81
±
0.15
%

, and

23.99
±
0.57
 
mg
/
100
 
g

, respectively. This study can guide the red chili drying process based on the quality of the dried chili powder.
Factors Associated with Quality of Life among Caregivers of People with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Farajzadeh Ata , Akbarfahimi Malahat , Maroufizadeh Saman , Miri Lavasani Negar
Published: October 2021

Purpose. Often people with spinal cord injury (SCI) require help from their caregivers to carry out activities of daily living. Such assistance may affect caregiver quality of life (QoL). This study investigates the QoL and its associated risk factors among caregivers of people with SCI to find possible ways to increase their QoL. Material and Method. A convenience sample of 135 Iranian caregivers of people with SCI participated in a cross-sectional study from the Brain and Spinal Injury Repair Research Center of Tehran (BASIR), Iran, from June 2018 to October 2019. The World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-BREF), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), and a demographic questionnaire were administered. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was then applied to identify risk factors associated with caregiver QoL. Results. Moderate to highly significant negative correlations were observed between all domains of the WHOQoL scale and subscales of the CBS and the BDI-II. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables, depression, burden, and level of injury were found to predict caregiver QoL significantly. Furthermore, QoL was lower in caregivers of people with quadriplegia than paraplegia (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusions. The level of injury, self-perceived caregiver burden, and depression are associated with QoL for the caregivers of people with SCI. A holistic approach incorporating caregiver training, psychological interventions, and adequate support may enable better QoL for these caregivers.
An Action Research on Improving Classroom Communication and Interaction in Social Studies Teaching
Authors: Aksoy Mutlu , Ceylan Tuncay
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research is to reveal how communication and interaction in classrooms can be enhanced with the communicative approach education provided for social studies teachers. The participants of this research were five social studies teachers working at secondary schools and their 7th grade students, N = 110. The data collection tools adopted in this research were video and audio recordings, documents, semistructured interview forms, and stimulated recall interview forms. The data obtained from recordings of lessons were analyzed using the communicative approach, and the data obtained from document review and interview were analyzed using the content analysis method. The results of the study show that social studies curriculum contains items that require both dialogical and authoritative discourses and that the course books are prepared accordingly, but teachers as the practitioners of the program do not conduct their lessons accordingly. Instead, all the teachers participating in the research used only authoritative (interactive/noninteractive) approaches and they did not include dialogical (interactive/noninteractive) approaches at all. This situation, which is seen as a problem in terms of conducting successful in-class communication and interaction, has been solved in three action cycles with one of the teachers. The teacher who used only authoritative (interactive/noninteractive) approaches in her lessons prior to the trainings started to include dialogical (interactive/noninteractive) approaches too. It was also observed that the teacher’s impression of the lessons carried out by adopting the communicative approach model was positive. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the communicative approach model is applicable in the social studies course. It can be said that the trainings given to the teachers created awareness about the use of the communicative approach model in classroom communication and interaction and provided benefits in diversifying discourse styles.
Veillonella Bacteremia in Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Lee Patrick , Fields Brandon K. K. , Liang Tom , Dubé Michael P. , Politano Seth
Published: October 2021

Veillonella species are commensal bacteria of the human oral, gut, and vaginal microbiota that are rarely identified as clinically relevant pathogens. Here, we describe a novel case of Veillonella atypica bacteremia in a patient with biopsy-proven alcoholic hepatitis. Veillonella species have been correlated with disease severity and hepatic encephalopathy in liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis. Their abundance has also been recently observed to be increased in alcoholic hepatitis, where postinflammatory infections are known to impact mortality. This case report highlights the possible clinical manifestations that result from significant gut dysbiosis in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. Early identification and treatment of Veillonella bacteremia in susceptible populations could be crucial to survival given this organism’s predilection for causing life-threatening infections, including meningitis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis.
Sharp Bounds of First Zagreb Coindex for
F
-Sum Graphs
Authors: Javaid Muhammad , Ibraheem Muhammad , Ahmad Uzma , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: October 2021

Let

G
=

V

E

,
E

G

be a connected graph with vertex set

V

G

and edge set

E

G

. For a graph G, the graphs S(G), R(G), Q(G), and T(G) are obtained by applying the four subdivisions related operations S, R, Q, and T, respectively. Further, for two connected graphs

G

1

and

G

2

,

G

1
+
F

G

2

are

F

-sum graphs which are constructed with the help of Cartesian product of

F

G

1

and

G

2

, where

F
∈

S
,
R
,
Q
,
T

. In this paper, we compute the lower and upper bounds for the first Zagreb coindex of these

F

-sum (S-sum, R-sum, Q-sum, and T-sum) graphs in the form of the first Zagreb indices and coincides of their basic graphs. At the end, we use linear regression modeling to find the best correlation among the obtained results for the thirteen physicochemical properties of the molecular structures such as boiling point, density, heat capacity at constant pressure, entropy, heat capacity at constant time, enthalpy of vaporization, acentric factor, standard enthalpy of vaporization, enthalpy of formation, octanol-water partition coefficient, standard enthalpy of formation, total surface area, and molar volume.
Specific Activation of the CD271 Intracellular Domain in Combination with Chemotherapy or Targeted Therapy Inhibits Melanoma Progression
Authors: Saltari Annalisa , Dzung Andreas , Quadri Marika , Tiso Natascia , Facchinello Nicola , Hernández-Barranco Alberto , Garcia-Silva Susana , Nogués Laura , Stoffel Corinne Isabelle , Cheng Phil F. , Turko Patrick , Eichhoff Ossia M. , Truzzi Francesca , Marconi Alessandra , Pincelli Carlo , Peinado Héctor , Dummer Reinhard , Levesque Mitchell P.
Published: October 2021

CD271 (NGFR) is a neurotrophin receptor that belongs to the tumor necrosis receptor (TNFR) family. Upon ligand binding, CD271 can mediate either survival or cell death. Although the role of CD271 as a marker of tumor-initiating cells is still a matter of debate, its role in melanoma progression has been well documented. Moreover, CD271 has been shown to be upregulated after exposure to both chemotherapy and targeted therapy. In this study, we demonstrate that activation of CD271 by a short β-amyloid–derived peptide (Aβ(25–35)) in combination with either chemotherapy or MAPK inhibitors induces apoptosis in 2D and 3D cultures of eight melanoma cell lines. This combinatorial treatment significantly reduced metastasis in a zebrafish xenograft model and led to significantly decreased tumor volume in mice. Administration of Aβ(25–35) in ex vivo tumors from immunotherapy- and targeted therapy–resistant patients significantly reduced proliferation of melanoma cells, showing that activation of CD271 can overcome drug resistance. Aβ(25–35) was specific to CD271-expressing cells and induced CD271 cleavage and phosphorylation of JNK (pJNK). The direct protein–protein interaction of pJNK with CD271 led to PARP1 cleavage, p53 and caspase activation, and pJNK-dependent cell death. Aβ(25–35) also mediated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) accumulation, which induced CD271 overexpression. Finally, CD271 upregulation inhibited mROS production, revealing the presence of a negative feedback loop in mROS regulation. These results indicate that targeting CD271 can activate cell death pathways to inhibit melanoma progression and potentially overcome resistance to targeted therapy.

Significance:

The discovery of a means to specifically activate the CD271 death domain reveals unknown pathways mediated by the receptor and highlights new treatment possibilities for melanoma.
Hypoxia Drives Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase Expression in Macrophages and Confers Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Malier Marie , Gharzeddine Khaldoun , Laverriere Marie-Hélène , Marsili Sabrina , Thomas Fabienne , Court Magali , Decaens Thomas , Roth Gael , Millet Arnaud
Published: October 2021

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of death worldwide, and immune infiltration in colorectal tumors has been recognized recently as an important pathophysiologic event. In this context, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have been related to chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the first-line chemotherapeutic agent used in treating colorectal cancers. Nevertheless, the details of this chemoresistance mechanism are still poorly elucidated. In the current study, we report that macrophages specifically overexpress dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) in hypoxia, leading to macrophage-induced chemoresistance to 5-FU via inactivation of the drug. Hypoxia-induced macrophage DPD expression was controlled by HIF2α. TAMs constituted the main contributors to DPD activity in human colorectal primary or secondary tumors, while cancer cells did not express significant levels of DPD. In addition, contrary to humans, macrophages in mice do not express DPD. Together, these findings shed light on the role of TAMs in promoting chemoresistance in colorectal cancers and identify potential new therapeutic targets.

Significance:

Hypoxia induces HIF2α-mediated overexpression of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase in TAMs, leading to chemoresistance to 5-FU in colon cancers.
Clinical Response in Heavily Pretreated Mycosis Fungoides with Pembrolizumab: A Case Report
Authors: Lolli Ginevra , Casadei Beatrice , Argnani Lisa , Pileri Alessandro , Pellegrini Cinzia , Zinzani Pier Luigi
Published: October 2021

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a disease almost impossible to cure. In the context of heavily pretreated patients, the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) pembrolizumab is a valid therapeutic option. The alteration of the PD-1-PD ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis is often present in MF, and this aspect explains the feasibility of this therapy. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with MF in 2003, Olsen stage IA (T1M0NXBO). Since the moment of the diagnosis, she received 10 lines of therapy, with a short duration of response after each one of them. In April 2020, our patient started pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks, and she achieved a partial response after the 4th cycle, consistent with the modified severity assessment tool (mSWAT) 1, which she is still maintaining after 10 cycles. No grade ≥3 adverse events were recorded. We conclude that pembrolizumab can induce extremely rapid responses in MF, with very low toxicity.
Serum Uric Acid Levels and Their Changes and Risk of Stroke: A 7-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Northwest China
Authors: Zheng Shan , Luo Yan , Miao Qian , Cheng Zhiyuan , Liu Yanli , Lv Kang , Zhang Desheng , Yin Chun , Wang Minzhen , Bai Yana
Published: October 2021

Introduction: It is not clear whether serum uric acid (SUA) levels and their changes over time are associated with the risk of stroke. A 7-year prospective cohort study in northwest China was conducted to analyze effects of SUA and their changes on the risk of stroke. Methods: A total of 23,262 individuals without cardiovascular disease in the Jinchang cohort were followed up for an average of 5.26 years. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of stroke incidence to SUA and relative changes in SUA. Sensitivity analysis was performed after controlling the effect of renal insufficiency. Results: Baseline SUA and relative changes in SUA were positively correlated with the incidence of stroke in both males and females (p for overall association <0.0001). Stroke risk increased by 4.6% per 10% increase in the relative change of SUA (HR = 1.046, 95% CI, 1.007–1.086). The fully adjusted regression analysis demonstrated that only the large gain (>30%) in SUA was associated with an increased risk of stroke by 36.5% (95% CI, 1.8–83.0%), compared with the reference group (participants within ±10% changes in SUA). The same trend was observed in people with normal baseline SUA. In the unadjusted model, the risk of stroke associated with elevated SUA was significantly higher in the hyperuricemia group than in the normal SUA group. Conclusion: High initial SUA concentration and an increase in SUA concentration over time would increase the risk of stroke, and this means that there is no safe increase in SUA.
Keratin 17 as a Marker of UVB-Induced Stress in Human Epidermis and Modulation by Vitis vinifera Extract
Authors: Lombardo Giulia , Melzi Gloria , Indino Serena , Piazza Stefano , Sangiovanni Enrico , Baruffaldi Preis Franz , Marabini Laura , Donetti Elena
Published: October 2021

Human epidermis responds to ultraviolet (UV)B-induced damage by tolerating it, restoring it, or undergoing programmed cell death when the damage is massive. Recently, compounds rich in polyphenols, such as Vitis vinifera L. leaf extract (VVLe), have attracted a lot of interest for skin protection. We investigated the effect of VVLe pre-treatment (1 h) in a 2D model of HaCaT cells and in 3D organotypic cultures of normal human skin exposed to a single UVB dose to study the immediate specific events 1 h and the response orchestrated in the epidermal layer 24 h after irradiation, respectively. In both models, transmission electron microscopy analysis was carried out. The expression of the inducible keratin K17, the activation of both pSTAT3 and Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB signalling pathways, and the epidermal distribution of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4 were assessed by immunofluorescence in the 2D and 3D model. In 3D organotypic cultures, thanks to the preservation of a multi-layered structure, the epidermal distribution of the differentiation biomarkers K10 and K14 as well as of K16 was analysed by immunofluorescence, while the release of interleukin (IL)-8 was evaluated by ELISA. In skin bioptic fragments, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were investigated by LDH assay and Alkaline Comet assay, respectively, and then compared to cell proliferation. The epidermal distribution of the histone γ-H2AX, indicating the fragmented DNA, was analysed by immunofluorescence. In both experimental models, VVLe tuned UVB-induced K17 expression to a different extent in HaCaT cells and in the skin. In HaCaT cells, pSTAT3 activation was induced by UVB and reverted by VVLe pre-treatment. TLR4 expression was triggered by UVB in both models, but VVLe pre-treatment abolished this event only in HaCaT cells. NF-κB immunostaining increased both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm only in HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation. In all irradiated skin samples, VVLe pre-treatment was not able to revert the inhibition of epidermal proliferation, K16 expression, and IL-8 secretion. The effectiveness of VVLe in contrasting the irradiation-induced genotoxicity still remains unclear. In conclusion, our study clearly shows that K17 is a robust marker induced in keratinocytes upon UVB stimulation and that this event can be reverted by a pre-treatment with VVLe. On the whole, these observations represent a novelty in the scenario of the complex relationships between the effects exerted by UVB rays on human skin and significantly improve the knowledge regarding the modulation of the early epidermal response induced by a single exposure to UVB in the presence of VVLe.
The Impact of Maxillary Osteotomy on Fricatives in Cleft Lip and Palate: A Perceptual Speech and Acoustic Study
Authors: Tsang Joy M.K. , Yu Wilson S. , Tuomainen Jyrki , Sell Debbie , Lee Kathy Y.S. , Tong Michael C.F. , Pereira Valerie J.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Abnormal facial growth is a recognized outcome in cleft lip and palate (CLP), resulting in a concave profile and a class III occlusal status. Maxillary osteotomy (MO) is undertaken to correct this facial deformity, and the surgery can impact speech articulation, although the evidence remains limited and ill-defined for the CLP population. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of MO on the production of the fricatives /f/ and /s/, using perceptual and acoustic analyses, and to explore the nature of speech changes. Methods: Twenty participants with CLP were seen 0–3 months pre-operatively (T1) and 3 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) after MO. A normal group (N = 20) was similarly recruited. Perceptual speech data was collected according to a validated framework and ratings made on audio and audio-video recordings (VIDRat). Spectral moments were centre of gravity (CG), standard deviation (SD), skewness (SK) and kurtosis (KU). Reliability studies were carried out for all speech analyses. Results: For the CLP group, VIDRat identified dentalization/interdentalization as the main type of pre-operative error for /s/ with a statistically significant improvement over time, χ2(2) = 6.889, p = 0.032. Effect sizes were medium between T1 and T3 (d = 0.631) and small between T2 and T3 (d = 0.194). For the acoustic data, effect sizes were similarly medium between T1 and T2 (e.g., SK, /f/ d = 0.579, /s/ d = 0.642) and small between T1 and T3 across all acoustic parameters. Independent t tests showed mainly statistically significant differences between both groups at all time points with large effect sizes (e.g., T2 CG, t = –4.571, p < 0.001, d =1.581), indicating that /s/ was not normalized post-operatively. For /f/, differences tended to be at T1 with large effect sizes (e.g., CG, t = –2.307, p = 0.028, d = 0.797), reflecting normalization. Conclusions and Implications: This is the first speech acoustic study on /f/ for individuals with CLP undergoing MO. The surgery has a positive impact on /f/ and /s/, which appear to stabilize 3 months post-operatively. Speech changes are an automatic and a direct consequence of the physical changes brought about by MO, effecting articulatory re-organization. The results of the study have direct clinical implications for the clinical care pathway for patients with CLP undergoing MO.
A review of mental health literacy strategy for adolescence
Authors: Yulianti Padmi Dhyah , Surjaningrum Endang R.
Published: October 2021

Adolescents' problems concerning mental health could a burden for individual, families, and environments. To prevent further worsening mental problems, mental health literacy is needed. Mental health literacy has been promoted in advanced countries. However, it is implemented optimally in developing countries. This research aimed to find out the mental health literacy strategies done by adolescents. This article is a systematic literature review study. To obtain the articles for analysis purposes, search engine assistance was used such as Cochrane Library, Medpub, and ERIC. From 82 collected articles, and inclusion and exclusion stages were carried out to select the articles for the literature study purpose. They were then extracted from individually to get the significant findings. From the results of 11 reviewed articles, a conclusion was found. There were different mental health literacy implementation strategies in each country. Various mental health strategy types for adolescents covered national, community, school-based, and self-empowerment scope strategies.
Depression among diabetes mellitus patients: A study of the protective factors
Authors: Azizah Putri Nur , Widiana Herlina Siwi , Urbayatun Siti
Published: October 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with patients that continue to increase per year. This study aimed to understand the role of self-esteem and religious orientation on depression with resilience as a mediator among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 100 patients were recruited from four public health centers. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depression. In contrast, self-esteem was measured using two aspects of Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, namely self-liking and self-competence. Religious orientation was measured using Allport and Ross’s religious orientation scale, while resilience was measured using Connor and Davidson’s resilience scale. The results were analyzed using path analyses. The study found that resilience mediated the relationship between self-esteem and depression among DM patients. Self-esteem was also shown to correlate with resilience, and resilience also showed a significant relationship with depression. In contrast to initial predictions, however, there was no significant effect of religious orientation on resilience. The research implications suggest that resilience serves as an important protective factor toward depression among patients suffering from DM.
Rethinking territoriality concept on public space after pandemic COVID-19
Authors: De Yong Sherly , Rachmawati Murni , Defiana Ima
Published: October 2021

The spread and pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that is currently happening in the world, has led to new policy steps in the security of public spaces to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and protect public health. There is new adaptation in the policies while using space like limiting the use of public spaces, increasing social distancing between people or creating territory. Territory means specific area where are claimed or maintained (can be physically, through ruler or symbols). Territory can give a sense of security to the users. Therefore, this paper give insight and rethinking the territory concept as sense of security in interior public space and built environment where people expect to see strangers in this space. The methods in this paper are literature review method by collecting and synthesizing previous research using integrative approach. For the result is territory concept achieved as part of protection to the users in the build environment with mechanisms that should be applied in each type: the boundary between areas; limitation to the symbolic; supervision and control of space.
Validity and reliability testing of home care stroke quality indicators
Authors: Chayati Nur , Effendy Christantie , Setyopranoto Ismail
Published: October 2021

It is disconcerting that until today there are no agencies or research to recommend the appropriate indicators of home nursing care of stroke patients according to Indonesian conditions. Hence, this research aimed to verify the validity and reliability of quality indicators of home nursing care for stroke patient that resulted from Delphy process. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out for validity and reliability testing with data collected from 350 respondents. Based on the value of loading factors, 62 indicators were declared valid and five indicators were invalid. This study successfully proved the validity of 62 indicators of quality home care for stroke patients. Further research is needed to pilot project this indicator in a larger area.