bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics Analysis of Differentially Expressed miRNAs and Their Related Genes From Plasma-Derived Exosomes in TCA
Authors: Wu Zhihao , Guo Lizhen , Zhang Jiajie , Wang Peng , Ping Zepeng , Wang Jianfeng , Liu Jun , Chen Jie
Published: February 2022

Background: Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR), a congenital disorder characterized by spasticity and narrowing of the distal colon, as well as abnormalities in peristalsis and defecation, is caused by a deficit of the enteric nervous system of the distal gut. Total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) is a rare type of HSCR. This study aimed to find key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their associated genes from plasma-derived exosomes, as potential biomarkers to study TCA pathogenesis.Results: Plasma-derived exosomal miRNA sequencing of samples from 9 children with HSCR and 10 matched children without HSCR revealed that 62 miRNAs were differentially expressed in plasma-derived exosomes, of which 31 were up-regulated and 31 were down-regulated. The target genes of DEM are predicted from three common databases.There were 652 DEM target gene pairs for the 31 DEMs that were up-regulated and 234 pairs for the 31 DEMs that were down-regulated. Furthermore, 4 DEMs: miR-106b-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-375-3p and miR-34a-5p were differentially expressed between other HSCR types and TCA.Conclusions: Four key miRNAs (miR-106b-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-375-3p, and miR-34a-5p) and their interacting four key genes AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (AFF4), myotubularin-related protein 9 gene (MTMR9), POU domain class 2 transcription factor 1 (POU2F1), and WW-and-C2-domain-containing(WWC2) may be involved in the pathogenesis of TCA.
Targeted shortwave diathermy with perceptual training for severe traumatic optic neuropathy patients
Authors: Tang Qingping , Zhang Hua , Zhou Quan , Zhang Wei , Tian Mingqin , Huang Zilong , Jiang Weihong , Xie Zhihai
Published: February 2022

Purpose Patients with severe traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) have limited improvement in visual function despite therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether targeted shortwave diathermy combined with perceptual training may enhance visual function in patients with severe TON after endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND) surgery.Methods Eighteen severe TON patients after EOND surgery were included and received targeted shortwave diathermy (SWD) therapy and perceptual training. Visual function, visual evoked potential (VEP), and diffusion tensor imaging were evaluated.Results Patients with severe TON obtained significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and color vision scores at 10 and 16 weeks after rehabilitation (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation showed that the age of the subject was positively associated with the visual functions. And the visual acuities of two children were completely lost before and after surgery and visual acuity was regained at the light perception level approximately 2 months after rehabilitation. Additionally, the mean P100 amplitude and diffusion tensor imaging values of affected nerves were changed after 10 weeks of rehabilitation. Pearson correlation showed that the VEP and diffusion tensor imaging parameters were significantly correlated with the visual functions after rehabilitation.Conclusions Targeted SWD combined with perceptual training exhibited beneficial effects on severe TON patients after EOND surgery. Additionally, the current study reported the first evidence of visual function recovery 74 days after complete visual loss in child with TON when combined rehabilitation was performed.The trial registry name: Targeted shortwave diathermy with perceptual training for severe traumatic optic neuropathy patients. URL: ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: Record Summary NCT05140486.Contact ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05140486.
Model parameter identification method of proton exchange membrane fuel cell based on improved Harris-hawks and particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Huang Jianfei , Li Yi , Zhou Xiao , Qian Ledan
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the problems of low identification accuracy and long identification time in the traditional proton exchange membrane fuel cell model parameter identification method, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell model parameter identification method based on improved Harris hawks and particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. The main technical parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cell are determined through the capacity, internal resistance, discharge depth and discharge power of proton exchange membrane fuel cell, the simulation model of proton exchange membrane fuel cell is established under Matlab / Simulink, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced to improve the Harris hawks algorithm, The improved Harris hawks algorithm is used to identify the model parameters of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The simulation results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and short identification time.
Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Following the Injection of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) In Mature Male Westar Rats: Histochemical and Caspase 3 Immunohistochemical Reactivities
Authors: ghonimi wael , Alferah Mosaid , Dahran Naief , El-Shetry Eman
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The spatial resolution of micro-Raman spectroscopy for particulate LiFePO4
Authors: Ryabin Alexander A. , Pelegov Dmitry V.
Published: February 2022

The fast-growing lithium battery industry needs quality control tools. Micro-Raman spectroscopy is a popular technique for structural characterization and impurity probing. The problem is that the method resolution can be appropriately quantified for a sample with planar geometry, like a single crystal, but not for a powder consisting of microparticles with irregular shape and surface. In this work, we have examined a series of single LiFePO4 particles on a Raman-active Si substrate. This model experiment let us conclude that vertical resolution for particulate systems with inhomogeneity of shape and structure should be achieved be described not quantitative but qualitative. The observed variation of local probing depths is explained by spatial inhomogeneity of defects/impurities concentration, Mie scattering, blocking properties of pores, and surface plasmon resonance. In conclusion, we provide our recommendations for local and integral measurements using confocal Raman microscopy.
Tumor-specific inhibition with magnetic field
Authors: guanghua yang
Published: February 2022

Low frequency magnetic field exerted a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth and has been developed as a therapeutic modality. Our study demonstrated that it increased intracellular calcium ions leading to membrane depolarization that interrupted intercellular signaling. Inhibition was observed in exposed tumor adherent cells, agglomerates, but not in freely tumor suspended cells and is therefore more pronounced on solid tumors. Our study provides evidence that exposure to magnetic field is broadly applicable to treating a variety of solid tumors.
Observer based versus Non-Observer based Adaptive Control of Electrically Driven Cooperative Manipulators using q-analogue of Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu operator as Uncertainty approximator
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Deylami Ali , khorashadizadeh Saeed
Published: February 2022

In this paper, q-analogue of Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu operator is proposed for uncertainty estimation in adaptive control of cooperative electrically driven manipulators. The contribution of this paper is reducing the number of signals needed in construction of the regressor vector for uncertainty estimation due to the simplicity of q-analogue of Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu operator in comparison with other alternatives. It is verified that uniformly ultimately bounded stability of the tracking/approximation errors can be assured if the q-analogue of Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu operator is utilized as regressors. Moreover, it has been assumed that velocity signals are not available and an observer is needed to estimate these signals. Different trajectories including simple and complicated paths have been tested in simulation results. The results are also compared with the case in which velocity signals are in hand to show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed observer-controller structure
Does a Body Mass Reduction Improve Functional Stability in Young Obese Women?
Authors: Cieślińska-Świder Joanna Magdalena , Błaszczyk Janusz Wiesław , Opala-Berdzik Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

Functional stability is necessary for everyday activities. The studies have indicated the deterioration of functional stability during standing in the obese adults. This study aimed to determine whether the three-month weight-loss program that resulted in body mass reduction equal to or greater than 5% of the initial body mass would improve functional stability in young obese women. For the purpose of this study, the data of 30 females were included. Their mean age was 35.8±9.2. The women performed the anterior limit of stability test on the force platform twice: before and after weight-loss program. Their BMI at two sessions was 36.1±5.1 and 32.3±5, respectively. After the weight loss program, the COP velocities were increased in both phases of the anterior limit of stability test: the dynamic transition from standing to maximal forward-leaning and the maintenance of maximal forward-leaning position (p<0.05). No significant changes in the values of the COP parameters were found in the eyes-closed trial (p>0.05). The results suggest that body mass reduction in young obese women led to improved mobility and postural control when visual cuing was available. The longer-lasting weight-loss program might be necessary to observe this effect under visual deprivation conditions. Body mass should be reduced in obese patients to improve their mobility and functional stability; it may prevent unexpected falls.
Fuzzy identification of bioactive components for different efficacies of a medicinal herb by BP neural network association analysis of UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE and integrated effects
Authors: Chen Jia-Qian , Chen Yan-Yan , Du Xia , Tao Hui-Juan , Pu Zong-Jin , Shi Xu-Qin , Yue Shi-Jun , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Shang Er-Xin , Tang Yu-Ping , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: February 2022

Background: The multicomponent nature of a medicinal herb leads to multiple efficacies via numerous metabolic byproducts, potential molecular interactions and targets, which makes a network-oriented approach preferable in the preliminary stage of herbal medicine research. In this study, we aim to develop a generally applicable strategy to fuzzily identify bioactive components for different efficacies by back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) association analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for every data (UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE) and integrated effects.Methods: Through applying fuzzy chemical identification, most components in an herb can be classified into different chemical groups. Meanwhile the integration effect values of herbal different efficacies may be obtained by animal experiment evaluation and multi-attribute comprehensive indexes. Then BP-ANN is used for association analysis of herbal components and different efficacies by correlating the component contents determined from UPLC-Q-TOF/MSE profiling and the integration effect values. So, the effect contribution of one type of components might be totaled to demonstrate herbal universality and individuality characters for different efficacies.Results: In the case of rhubarb, it suggested that combined anthraquinones, flavanol and its polymers might be the universality character to the multi-functional properties while stilbene glycosides, anthranone and its dimers, free anthraquinones, chromones, gallic acid and gallotannins, butyrylbenzene and its glycosides contributed to the individuality characteristics.Conclusion: This novel methodology was successfully applied to investigate and differentiate the bioactive components of rhubarb. These efforts will promote our recognition and understanding of the bioactive components in rhubarb and provide scientific evidence to support the expansion of its use in clinical applications and the further development of some products based on this medicinal herb. And this approach should also be useful for investigating the bioactive constituents of other medicinal herbs or natural functional products.
Phenotypic and genotypic correlation of antimicrobial susceptibility of Bacteroides fragilis: lessons learnt
Authors: Jha Lisha , Ragupathi Naveen Kumar Devanga , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Prakash John Antony Jude , Y Binesh Lal
Published: February 2022

BackgroundBacteroides fragilis are opportunistic pathogens causing severe infections with increasing antimicrobial resistance. Since, phenotypic susceptibility testing is time-consuming and uneconomical, this necessitates a need for genotypic screening for deciding empirical therapy for B. fragilis.MethodsB. fragilis was isolated from clinical samples, exudates, tissue and body fluids collected between November 2018 and January 2020 in a tertiary care hospital. Samples were cultured in anaerobic blood agar and neomycin blood agar using the Anoxomat Mark system and species identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Brucella agar supplemented with hemin, Vit K1 and 5% v/v laked sheep blood was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration by agar dilution. Genomic DNA was extracted and nim, ermF and cfiA genes were amplified, and visualized in a 2% agarose gel.ResultsOut of 51 non-duplicate B. fragilis, majority (74.5%) were recovered from exudates followed by body fluids. Isolates (n=51) expressed 45%, 41%, 16% resistance for clindamycin, metronidazole, and meropenem, respectively with least resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam (6%). Among metronidazole resistant isolates, 52% harboured nim genes in addition to 76% (23/30) of susceptible isolates. Similarly, cfiA was present in all eight meropenem resistant isolates in addition to 22% (9/41) susceptible ones. ConclusionsAll cfiA negative were phenotypically susceptible that can be employed to rule out meropenem resistance. Detecting limited genes for B. fragilis does not always correlate with phenotypic resistance, due to IS elements, efflux and other genetic determinants. Redundant use of meropenem with metronidazole should be avoided, as recommendation of metronidazole requires prior phenotypic testing due to the reported 41% resistance.
Residential Proximity to Croplands at Birth and Childhood Leukaemia
Authors: Bamouni Sophie , Hémon Denis , Faure Laure , Clavel Jacqueline , Goujon Stéphanie
Published: February 2022

Background
Domestic and parental occupational pesticide exposures are suspected of involvement in the occurrence of childhood acute leukaemia (AL), but the role of exposure to agricultural activities is little known. In a previous ecological study conducted in France, we observed an increase in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) incidence rate with increasing viticulture density in the municipalities of residence at diagnosis.
Objectives
this study aimed to test the hypothesis that residential proximity to croplands at birth increases the risk of childhood AL, with a particular focus on vineyards.
Methods
We identified all the primary AL cases diagnosed before the age of 15 years in the cohorts of children born in the French municipalities between 1990 and 2015. We estimated crop densities in each municipality of residence at birth using agricultural census data, for ten crop types. Variations in standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were evaluated with Poisson regression models, for all AL, ALL and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), separately.
Results
Among the 19,809,700 children born and residing in mainland France at birth in 1990-2015, 8,747 AL cases (7,236 ALL and 1,335 AML) were diagnosed over the period. We did not evidence any statistically significant positive association between total crop density or any specific crop density in the municipality of residence at birth and all AL, ALL or AML. Interestingly, we observed a higher ALL incidence rate in the municipalities with the highest viticulture densities (SIR=1.25 95%CI [1.01-1.54]). Adjusting for the main potential confounders did not change the results.
Conclusion
Our study does not support the hypothesis that residential proximity to croplands, particularly vineyards, around birth plays a role in childhood leukaemia. The slightly higher ALL incidence rate in children born in the municipalities with the highest viticulture densities may reflect the previously-observed association at diagnosis.
From Anti-vax Intentions to Vaccination: Evidence from Nine Countries
Authors: Galasso Vincenzo , Pons Vincent , Profeta Paola , Becher Michael , Brouard Sylvain , Foucault Martial
Published: February 2022

Despite large take-up rates in most OECD countries, millions of people still refuse COVID-19 vaccination. The large number of unvaccinated individuals raises major concerns about the diffusion of the virus. Anti-vax individuals are often very vocal about their choice and use social media to convince undecided individuals not to get vaccinated. Using original data from two surveys in nine OECD countries, we show that half of the individuals, who expressed anti-vax intentions in December 2020, were vaccinated by summer 2021. We find that information plays a key role. Vaccinations were more likely among individuals aged 50+, more informed on traditional media, trusting scientists, exposed to COVID-19, compliant with public restrictions, and less concerned about vaccines’ side effects. We also run a survey experiment with informational messages in the first wave. A striking result is that these informational treatments affected not only immediate vaccination intentions, but also actual vaccination rates recorded six months later – even among individuals, who had initially expressed anti-vax intentions. Altruistic messages, about protecting health or the economy, had the largest effect. Important differences in the relative impact of our different treatments across countries indicate that successful information campaigns should be tailored to the context.
Relational aspects of building capacity in economic evaluation in an Australian Primary Health Network using an embedded researcher approach
Authors: Piper Donella , Iedema Rick , Goodwin Nicholas , Jorm Christine , Searles Andrew , McFayden Lisa
Published: February 2022

Background: Health organisations are increasingly implementing ‘embedded researcher’ models to translate research into practice. Against specified aims, this paper examines the impact of an embedded researcher model known as the embedded Economist (eE) Program that was implemented in an Australian Primary Health Network (PHN) located in regional New South Wales, Australia. The site, participants, program aims and design are described. Insights into the relational facilitators, challenges and barriers to the integration of economic evaluation perspectives into the work of the PHN are provided. Methods: The eE Program consisted of embedding a lead health economist on site, supported by off-site economists, part-time, for three- and three-quarter months to collaborate with PHN staff. Evaluation of the eE at the PHN included qualitative data collection via semi-structured interviews (N= 34), observations (N=8) and a field diary kept by the embedded economists. A thematic analysis was undertaken through the triangulations. Results: The eE Program successfully met its aims of increasing PHN staff awareness of the value of economic evaluation principles in decision making and their capacity to access and apply these principles. There was also evidence that the program resulted in PHN staff applying economic evaluations when commissioning service providers. Evaluation of the eE identified two key facilitators for achieving these results. First, a highly receptive organisational context characterised by a work ethic, and site processes and procedures that were dedicated to improvement. Second was the development of trusted relationships between the embedded economist and PHN staff that was enabled though: the commitment of the economist to bi-directional learning; facilitating access to economic tools and techniques; personality traits (likeable and enthusiastic); and because the eE provided post-embedding support for PHN projects. Conclusions: This study provides the first detailed case description of an embedded health economics program. The results demonstrate how the process, context and relational factors of engaging and embedding the support of a health economist works and why. The findings reinforce international evidence in this area and are of practical utility to the future deployment of such programs. Trial registration: N.A.
In Silico Analysis and Expression Profiling of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22- like and E6-like Genes Associated with Fiber Quality in Cotton
Authors: Ashraf Farzana , Khan Asif Ali , Iqbal Nadia , Mahmood Zahid , Ghaffar Abdul , Khan Zulqurnain
Published: February 2022

BackgroundWild Gossypium species and races are rich source of genetic polymorphism due to environmental dispersal and continuous natural selection. These genetic resources hold mass of outclass genes that can be used in cotton improvement breeding programs to exploit possible traits such as fibre quality, abiotic stress tolerance, and disease and insect resistance. Therefore, use of new molecular techniques such as genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics is very important to utilize the genetic potential of wild species in cotton improvement programs.MethodsInterspecific lines and Gossypium species used in the study were grown at Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan. After retrieving DNA sequence of the genes from NCBI, the primers for gene expression and full-length gene sequence were designed. Expression profiling of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes was performed through Real Time PCR. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment was conducted for sequence comparison of interspecific lines and Gossypium species. Different in silico analysis were used for characterization of fibre genes and identification of cis acting promoter elements in promoter region.ResultsVariable expression of genes related to fibre development was observed at different stages. BLAST and DNA sequence alignment exhibited resemblance of interspecific lines with G. hirsutum. In silico analysis on the sequence data also confirmed the role of Expansin A4, BURP Domain protein RD22-like and E6-like fibre genes in fibre development. Similarly, several stress tolerant and light responsive cis acting elements were identified through promotor analysis, which may contribute for fibre development in the breeding programs.ConclusionExpansin A4, BURP Domain RD22-like and E6-like have positive role in fibre development with variable expression at fiber length and strength associated stages.
Pharmacovigilance Reporting During Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in Nigeria: Findings From the 2020 Campaign
Authors: Rotimi Kunle , Aiden Jimmy , Dabes Chrysanthus , Maduka Kenneth , Oguche Daniel , Itiola Ademola Joshua , Oresanya Olusola
Published: February 2022

Background
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) campaign is known to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality among children aged 3 -59 months in the Sahel regions of Africa. However, the success of the intervention may be adversely affected by the absence of a robust pharmacovigilance system to monitor safety. This paper aims to describe our pharmacovigilance reporting experience during the campaigns conducted across seven states in Nigeria in 2020.
Methods
The SMC campaigns were held from July to November 2020 over 4 cycles with about 12 million eligible children reached by trained community drug distributors. Suspected adverse drugs reactions were reported routinely through the national pharmacovigilance system. Completed PV forms submitted to the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration And Control were retrieved and analyzed.
Results
The ADR reporting across the seven states was low, with 5 states failing to report any incidence. Abdominal pain, weakness, diarrhea, fever, rash and vomiting were reported, with vomiting being the commonest. Children aged 12-59 months accounted for most (~86%, 49/57) of the reports, with over 70% (40/57) of these reports completed by Community Health Extension Workers. The System Organ Class showed the gastrointestinal system as the most affected (65%, 37/57).
Conclusion
Our experience suggests potential ADR underreporting from the campaign. The quality and quantity of reports have been identified as a major concern, highlighting the need for active surveillance, strengthen health workers' capacity and the national pharmacovigilance system for optimum ADR reporting.
WITHDRAWN: The Role of AdeABC, AdeFGH and AdeIJK Efflux Pumps in Reduced Susceptibility to Tigecycline: Emergence of an Outbreak Associated With an International Clone Variant of Acinetobacter Baumannii Isolated From Burn Patients in Iran
Authors: Taheri Behrouz , Bahador Abbas , farshadzadeh Zahra , Assarehzadegan-dezfuli Aram
Published: February 2022

Tigecycline is a new therapeutic agent for treating multiple drug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii infections. However, recent reports have suggested the efficacy of tigecycline in fighting A. baumannii infections has been reduced. In this study we investigated the role of resistance-nodulation cell division (RND) efflux pumps in reducing the efficacy of tigecycline against clinical isolates of A. baumannii collected from hospitalized burn patients in Iran. The susceptibility of 100 isolates to 19 antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method, with the exception of colistin and tigecycline, which were assessed using the Etest method. PCR was used to detect the prevalence of genes. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of genes encoding RND efflux pumps. Additionally, a three loci dual assay and multiple loci variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) were used to deﬁne PCR-based groups (G) and epidemiological studies of isolates, respectively. Colistin (99%), followed by tigecycline (71%) could be effective therapeutic options against A. baumannii. Forty-three percent of all isolates belonged to G variants. The high antibiotic resistance rate and over expression of RND efflux pumps were observed in G variants. MLVA identified 44 distinct types with 11 clusters and 29 singleton genotypes. The mean expression levels of AdeB in 29 tigecycline non-susceptible A. baumannii (TNAB) counterpart 71 tigecycline susceptible A. baumannii (TSAB) increased approximately 7- fold. All TNAB and TSAB isolates were shown to express adeG at higher level than adeB and adeJ, exceptionally TNAB isolates expressed adeB at a greater level than others. Four fold or greater decrease in tigecycline MIC was observed in 20% and 79% of TSAB and TNAB isolates, respectively. We observed an increasing trend in the rate of TNAB isolates and G variants in burn patients. The mechanism of their resistance was mediated by an increase in the expression of AdeABC efflux pump; AdeFGH and AdeIJK were not observed to have a direct role in tigecycline resistance. Also, this is the first study to report on the tendency of increase to spread of TNAB G variants, as the sub-clone of G1, in Iranian burn center.
Predicting the EGFR Mutation Status of Lung Adenocarcinoma Manifesting as Ground-glass Nodules Based on 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics
Authors: Shi Yunmei , Niu Rong , Gao Jianxiong , Shao Xiaoliang , Wang Jianfeng , Zhang Feifei , Wang Yuetao , Shao Xiaonan
Published: February 2022

Background: The incidence of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma is significantly higher. For multiple GGNs, invasive detection is difficult to achieve. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an ideal non-invasive examination method to predict the EGFR mutation status in GGNs patients. Radiomics-based machine learning (ML) has been applied in various tumors. However, no predictive models based on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics features have been used to identify the EGFR mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as GGNs. We amied to explore the predictive value of combining 18F-FDG PET/CT based radiomics and ML methods in distinguishing the mutation status of EGFR in lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as GGNs.Results: Among the 106 nodules, 81 had EGFR mutations (76.4%). There were no significant differences in general data, morphological characteristics, and PET/CT parameters between the EGFR mutation group and the wild group (P>0.05). Among the four models in the test set, XGBoost showed the best performance (AUC=0.798, 95%CI: 0.627-0.904) and was significantly better than Random Forest (AUC=0.680, 95%CI: 0.509-0.822) (Z=2.122, P=0.034).Conclusion: The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics and machine learning methods is a potential non-invasive method for predicting the EGFR mutation status of GGNs lung adenocarcinoma.
Diagnostic utility of absolute neutrophil count as a new marker of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; multicenter study
Authors: Mousa Nasser , Abdel-Razik Ahmed , Sheta Tarek , Deiab Ahmed , Taha Khaled , Mahmoud Rasha , Yassen Ahmed , Habib Alaa , Amer Amany , Mousa Eman , El-Wakeel Niveen , El-Sabbagh Amr , Awad Mohmoud , Diasty Muhammad , Fathy Aya , El-Emam Ola , Abdelsalam Mostafa , Elgamal Ayman , Elbaz Sherif , Elmahdi Essam , Elhammady Dina
Published: February 2022

Background. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a fatal complication of liver cirrhosis with high mortality rates. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic utility of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) as a non-invasive marker for SBP diagnosis. Methods. Six hundred patients with cirrhotic ascites were included in the study. All patients underwent abdominal paracentesis and the ascitic fluid was processed for cell count and culture. Results. Absolute neutrophil count was significantly higher in SBP versus non-SBP and in culture positive SBP versus culture negative SBP. ANC at cutoff value > 2.804 has 84% sensitivity and 78% specificity for diagnosis of SBP with positive and negative predictive values (79.4% and 83.6 respectively). At a cut-off point > 5.6, ANC is capable of differentiating culture positive SBP from culture negative SBP cases with 62.07% sensitivity and 60.87 % specificity. Increased ANC, WBC, CRP, creatinine and decreased platelet emerged as independent risk factors for SBP development, while increased ANC, WBC and decreased platelets were independent predictors of culture positive SBP. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that, ANC count is simple, non-invasive diagnostic marker for SBP. Increased ANC, WBC, CRP, creatinine and decreased platelet emerged as independent risk factors for SBP development.
Shaking table test and numerical simulation study on a tunnel-soil-bridge pile structure interaction system
Authors: Lu Shasha , Zhao Dongxu , Yin Hang , Liu Shaodong , Xu Hong , Zhang Yanan
Published: February 2022

In this study, the dynamic interaction (SSSI) of a double tunnel–sand–soil–bridge pile system under earthquakes is investigated by conducting a shaking table test in the context of an actual project in Dalian. The dynamic response laws of the structure and site are determined and compared with the results obtained using ABAQUS numerical simulation. In the numerical model introduces, the Kelvin intrinsic model subroutine is introduced, and the equivalent linear method is used to deal with the nonlinearity of the sandy soil in the calculation process. The experimental results are compared with the results obtained using the numerical model to verify the reliability of the numerical simulation. Based on this, eight work­ing conditions are designed, and the interaction law between the structures in the system is investigated through a comparative analysis. The results showed that the tunnel amplifies the dynamic responses of the bridge pile, adjacent tunnel, and far field, while the bridge pile attenuates the dynamic responses of the side tunnel and far field; the presence of both the tunnel and bridge pile increases the internal force of the adjacent structure, and the peak internal force often occurs near the intersection of the structure or at the pile–soil interface.
Impact of government policies on approved and adopted rice varietal targeted trait changes in China
Authors: Zhao Yawei , Hu Ruifa , Xiong Changzhao , Deng Haiyan
Published: February 2022

Background: Improvement of crops’ varietal traits not only involve the selection of superior varieties by research institutes or firms, but also depends on the adoption by farmers. In order to promote research institutes or seed firms developing superior new varieties, the Chinese government has established crop varietal approval system policies since early 1980s. Subsidies for growing superior crop seed varieties have been introduced since 2000s to stimulate farmers to employ superior seeds with improved traits in the production.Results: Using data on nationally approved rice varieties and farmers’ adopted varieties, this study examines rice varietal trait changes in China over the past four decades and explores the impact of national crop varietal approval policies on approved rice traits as well as the effect of seed subsidies on adopted rice trait changes. The results show that the yield of approved varieties and adopted varieties showed an upward trend over the past decades, but the volatility of approved varieties was significantly stronger than that of adopted varieties, and the yield of approved varieties was slightly higher than that of adopted varieties in most years. The rice quality of approved rice varieties showed a trend of continuous improvement, but the adopted varieties showed a downward trend. The disease resistance of the approved varieties failed to show an increasing trend overall, while the adopted varieties remained unchanged. National crop variety approval policies exert a significant positive impact on approved rice yield traits but exert a negative influence on disease resistance. Subsidies for superior seed varieties significantly increase adopted rice quality but decrease yield. Conclusions: The results suggest that national crop variety approval policies are the gatekeeper of improved rice, so the government could improve the policies to more meet farmers’ and finally consumers’ needs. However, if the government were targeted at increasing rice yield through subsidies for superior seed varieties, it might not be helpful.
Laparoscopy versus Laparotomy for the Treatment of BCLC Stages 0 or A Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with or without Microvascular Invasion: A Multicenter, Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Yang Shi-Ye , Yan Mao-Lin , Duan Yun-Fei , Feng Jin-Kai , Ye Jia-Zhou , Xiang Yan-Jun , Liu Zong-Han , Guo Lei , Xue Jie , Cheng Shu-Qun , Guo Wei-Xing
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To analyze the long-term prognoses of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages 0 or A hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients associated with or without microvascular invasion (MVI) treated with laparoscopy versus laparotomy using propensity score matched analysis.Methods: The clinicopathological data of HCC patients at BCLC stages 0 or A from 4 major medical centers were retrospectively reviewed, and sub-grouped in terms of the presence of MVI to explore the effect of MVI on the long-term surgical outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to build a matched group of HCC patients for comparison of follow-up indicators between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups.Results: 495 HCC patients at BCLC stages 0 or A were enrolled, including 243 in the laparoscopic group and 252 in the laparotomic group. Laparoscopic resection group had a shorter operative time, less blood loss, and lower frequencies of blood transfusion and postoperative complication rates. After PSM, the laparoscopic group had a significantly better overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) than the laparotomic group. Subgroup analysis demonstrated OS and RFS of patients without MVI were also significantly improved in the laparoscopic group compared with the laparotomic group. However, no significant difference of OS and RFS between two groups was found in patients with MVI after PSM.Conclusions: Pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC patients at early stages can be performed safely with favorable short-term and long-term outcomes at high-volume liver cancer centers, regardless of the presence of MVI.
Development of a Novel 18F-labeled Probe for PET imaging of Estrogen Receptor β
Authors: Zhou Yujing , Lei Peng , Han Jiaxin , Wang Zhiming , Ji Aiyan , Wu Yuyang , Zheng Lingling , Zhang Xiaoqing , Qu Chunrong , Min Jian , Zhu Weiliang , Xu Zhijian , Liu Xingdang , Chen Hao , Cheng Zhen
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Estrogen receptors beta (ERβ) is an important ER subtype and plays crucial roles in many physiological and pathological disorders. Herein, we aim to develop a probe, 18F-PVBO, for in vivo ERβ targeted PET imaging with promising results.Methods: 18F-PVBO was synthesized using a two-step radiolabeling method. The relative binding affinities of the reference compound PVBO towards ERα and ERβ were determined by a competitive radiometric binding assay using 3H-estradiol. Cytotoxicity and cell uptake were evaluated in ERβ-positive DU145 cells. PET imaging, including blocking study, was performed in DU145 tumor-bearing nude mice (n = 3 per group), and the biodistribution study of 18F-PVBO was also performed.Results: The non-radioactive PVBO showed 12.46-fold stronger binding affinity to ERβ than to ERα in vitro. 18F-PVBO was synthesized with a 15-28% radiochemical yield (n = 5) within 40 min, and the radiochemical purity was >98%. The uptake of 18F-PVBO in DU145 cells was significantly blocked by ERB-041 (p < 0.05). The uptake of 18F-PVBO in DU145 xenografts increased during the 120 min dynamic scanning, with a maximum uptake of 2.80 ± 0.30% ID/g at 120 min. Based on time active curves (TACs), injection of 18F-PVBO with unlabeled PVBO or ERB-041 resulted in a significant signals reduction with the T/M ratio <1 at 30, 60, 75, and 120 min post-injection (p <0.05). Comparison of the %ID/g showed 18F-PVBO had a higher T/M ratio compared to 18F-FES in DU145 tumor-bearing mice at 60 min (1.65 vs. 1.28), 75 min (1.76 vs. 1.35), and 120 min (1.80 vs. 1.37) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: 18F-PVBO shows 12.46-fold stronger binding to ERβ over ERα, with high radiochemical stability. It demonstrates the feasibility of noninvasively imaging ERβ positive tumors by small-animal PET and provides a new strategy for visualizing of ERβ in vivo.
Postoperative Adjuvant Treatment Options in Resected Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hou Qiuyu , Luo Ningning , Li Mengmeng , Qi Yingxue , Fan Xinglong
Published: February 2022

Lung cancer remains the most common malignancies and the leading cause of mortality worldwide, more than 80% of which are Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). For approximately one-third of diagnosed NSCLCs with stage I–IIIA disease, surgical resection is recommended as a preferred curative treatment. Nevertheless, many resected NSCLC patients experience recurrence. The adjuvant treatment option of patients with resected Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains unstandardized. At present, there are many postoperative adjuvant therapy options for resected NSCLC, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, which adjuvant therapy is better for which patients is remaining to be explored. With further development of ctDNA-based molecular residual disease (MRD) research, more accurate clinical trials may be needed in the future to refine more comparison of biomarker for more precise treatment in postoperative adjuvant therapy in the future. In our manuscript, we discussed the status of possible markers and possible future clinical trials in combination with MRD. Finer patient stratification and adjuvant treatment options need to be further explored.
Non-invasive follicular neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features: a challenging and infrequent entity in Argentina
Authors: Saban Melina , Tolaba Norma , Orlandi Ana M , Deutsch Susana , Pitoia Fabián , Lowenstein Alicia , Calabrese Maria Cristina , Cavallo Andrea , Iotti Alejandro , Alvi Marcelo Monteros , Nallar Marcelo , Jaén Ana , Figurelli Silvina , Carrizo Fernando , Colobraro Antonio , Tascón Gabriela García , Saccoliti María , De Lima Andrea Paez , Lencioni Melisa , Califano Inés , Cabezón Carmen
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Non-invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer was reclassified as non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). These neoplasms have an extremely low malignant potential. The aim of this study was 1) to assess the prevalence of NIFTP in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, 2) to evaluate their outcomes and 3) to determine their molecular profile.Methods: Multicenter, descriptive, retrospective study. Patients with papillary thyroid cancer diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2016 from 11 referral centers were included. Diagnosis of NIFTP was based on criteria described by Nikiforov et al. in 2018. At least two pathologists agreed on the diagnosis. Two thousand six hundred and seventy-seven papillary thyroid cancer patients were included; 456 (17%) of them were follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer, and 30 (1.12%) fulfilled diagnostic criteria for NIFTP.Results: Each of the 30 included patients underwent a total thyroidectomy, and 50% were treated with radioiodine (median dose 100 mCi). After a median follow up of 37 months, 84% of patients had an excellent response, 3% had an indeterminate response and data was missing in the remaining 13%. No metastatic lymph nodes, distant metastases or recurrences were found. RAS mutations were detected in 4 patients (13%).Conclusion: The prevalence of NIFTP in our series is amongst the lowest reported. Excellent outcomes of patients underscore their low malignant potential. Molecular findings differ from other series, probably related to environmental or ethnic features of our population and the meticulous criteria for diagnosing NIFTP.
Groundwater Level Simulation Using Soft Computing Methods with Emphasis on Major Meteorological Components
Authors: Vadiati Meysam , Samani Saeideh , Azizi Farahnaz , Zamani Efat , Kisi Ozgur
Published: February 2022

Precise and accurate estimates of groundwater level might be of great importance for attaining sustainable development goals and integrated water resources management. Compared with alternative numerical models, soft computing methods are promising tools for groundwater level simulation and prediction, which need more hydrogeological and aquifer characteristics. The central aim of this research is to explore the performance of such well-accepted data-driven models to simulate the groundwater level (GWLt) with emphasis on major meteorological components, including; precipitation (P), temperature (T), evapotranspiration (ET) dataset on a monthly interval. Artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic (FL), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), group method of data handling (GMDH), and least-square support vector machine (LSSVM) are used to predict one-, two-, and three-month ahead groundwater level in an unconfined aquifer. The main meteorological components (Tt, ETt, Pt, Pt−1) and GWL for one, two, and three lag-time (GWLt−1, GWLt−2, GWLt−3) were used as input for different scenarios to attain precise and accurate prediction. The results showed that all models could have the best simulation for one month ahead in scenario 5, comprising inputs of GWLt−1, GWLt−2, GWLt−3, Tt, ETt, Pt, Tt−1, ETt−1, Pt−1. Based on different evaluation criteria, all employed models could simulate the groundwater level with a desirable accuracy and precision, and the results of LSSVM were the superior one.
Direct Observation of Heterogeneous Formation of Amyloid Spherulites in Real-time by Super-resolution Microscopy
Authors: Hatzakis Nikos , Zhang Min , Pinholt Henrik , Zhou Xin , Bohr Søren , Banetta Luca , Zaccone Alessio , Foderà Vito
Published: February 2022

Protein misfolding in the form of fibrils or spherulites is involved in a spectrum of pathological abnormalities. Our current understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms has primarily relied on the use of spectrometric methods to determine the average growth rates and diffraction-limited microscopes with a low temporal resolution to observe the large-scale morphologies of intermediates. We developed a REal-time kinetics via binding and Photobleaching LOcalisation Microscopy (REPLOM) super-resolution method to directly observe and quantify the existence and abundance of diverse aggregate morphologies of human insulin, below the diffraction limit and extract their heterogeneous growth kinetics. Our results revealed that even the growth of microscopically identical aggregates, e.g. amyloid spherulites, may follow distinct pathways. Specifically, spherulites do not exclusively grow isotropically but, surprisingly, may also grow anisotropically, following similar pathways as reported for minerals and polymers. Combining our technique with machine learning approaches, we associated growth rates to specific morphological transitions and provided energy barriers and the energy landscape at the level of single aggregate morphology. Our unifying framework for the detection and analysis of spherulite growth can be extended to other self-assembled systems characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity, disentangling the broad spectrum of diverse morphologies at the single-molecule level.