bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin lesions by Scedosporium apiospermum and Nocardia pulmonary infection in an oncologic patient: A case report
Authors: Gavalda Meritxell , Lorenzo Alejandro , Vilchez Helem , Gimenez Sandra , Calvo Cristina , Martin Luisa , Riera Melchor
Published: May 2023

Background Fungal infections are an uncommon entity, especially those produced by species other than Aspergillus. Despite this, they are usually more virulent and difficult to treat. In the following case report, we present the case of an immunocompromised patient suffering from two serious opportunistic infections in the same episode: the first of these, Nocardia multilobar pneumonia; and the second, skin infection by Scedosporium apiospermum. These required prolonged antibacterial and antifungal treatment.Case presentation This case is a 71 year-old oncological patient admitted for recurrent pneumonias that was diagnosed for Nocardia pulmonary infection. Nervous system involvement was discarded and cotrimoxazol was started. Haemorrhagic skin ulcers in the lower limbs appeared after two weeks of hospital admission. We collected samples which were positive for Scedosporium apiospermum and we added voriconazole to the treatment. As a local complication, the patient presented a deep bruise that needed debridement. We completed 4 weeks of intravenous treatment with slow improvement and continued with oral treatment until the disappearance of the lesions occurs.Conclusions Emerging fungal infections such as Scedosporium apiospermum are increasing globally. These species are more difficult to diagnose and treat, due to factors of the fungus itself and the characteristics of the patient, and therefore clinicians must be aware of their complications.
Isolated Collagenoma Mimicking a Lipoma in an HIV-positive Patient on HAART: a Case Report
Authors: Wu Kevin , Movassaghi Masoud , DeClerck Brittney , Chow Maggie
Published: May 2023

Background
Collagenomas are connective tissue hamartomas composed of dermal collagen. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can present with HIV-related lipodystrophy or lipomas. There are no known associations between HIV and collagenomas.
Case Presentation
Here we describe a case of an isolated collagenoma mimicking lipodystrophy in an HIV patient that developed following initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The lesion was a seven by four-centimeter subcutaneous nodule with no epidermal changes located on the occipital scalp. This lesion was excised, and histopathology showed thick and randomly arranged collagen bundles, consistent with a collagenoma.
Conclusion
This case represents an isolated collagenoma presenting in a patient with HIV. Treatment of collagenomas include surgical excision and intralesional corticosteroids. It is important to keep collagenoma in the differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with an isolated large indurated subcutaneous nodule.
RNF213 inhibits metastasis via mediating KRT16 ubiquitination in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pei Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaoli , Zeng Huanwen , Zeng Fangfang , Wei Chunren , Zhang Zhaoyuan , Chen Nan , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2023

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) accounts for 40% of NSCLC. Ring finger protein 213(RNF213) has been shown to inhibit the progression of many different cancers including glioblastoma and breast cancer. However, the role of RNF213 in LUAD has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RNF213 on the progression of LUAD.
Methods：The expression of RNF213 in LUAD tissues was analyzed by western blot, TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GTEx (Genotype_Tissue Expression Project) databases. Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was used to predict the clinical significance of RNF213 in LUAD. We determined the role of RNF213 in LUAD cell lines through migration and invasion assay. The relationship of RNF213 and KRT16 were demonstrated via co-immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination, protein degradation assay and immunoblotting. We next confirmed the oncogenetic role of KRT16 using migration and rescue assay. The clinical roles of RNF213 and KRT16 were explored by immunohistochemical staining assay (IHC) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results Our data manifested that RNF213 expression was reduced in LUAD, thereby suppressing LUADmetastasis. The molecular study revealed that RNF213 functions by promoting KRT16 ubiquitination. IHC data analysis showed that KRT16 was negatively correlated with RNF213 protein expression, and downregulation of RNF213 was associated with poor overall survival.
Conclusion RNF213 is a tumor suppressor that inhibits metastasis of LUAD by mediating KRT16 ubiquitination.
Akaluc/AkaLumine bioluminescence system enables highly sensitive, non-invasive and temporal monitoring of gene expression in Drosophila
Authors: Chihara Takahiro , Ito Akira , Matsuda Nagisa , Ukita Yumiko , Okumura Misako
Published: May 2023

Bioluminescence generated by luciferase and luciferin has been extensively used in biological research. However, detecting signals from deep tissues in vivo poses a challenge to traditional methods. To overcome this, the Akaluc and AkaLumine bioluminescent systems were developed, resulting in improved signal detection. We evaluated the potential of Akaluc/AkaLumine in Drosophila melanogaster to establish a highly sensitive, non-invasive, and temporal detection method for gene expression. Our results showed that oral administration of AkaLumine to flies expressing Akaluc provided a higher luminescence signal than Luc/D-luciferin, with no observed harmful effects on flies. The Akaluc/AkaLumine system allows for monitoring of dynamic temporal changes in gene expression. Additionally, using the Akaluc fusion protein and fusion gene allows for protein level and mRNA splicing monitoring. Our findings indicate that the Akaluc/AkaLumine system is a powerful bioluminescence tool for analyzing gene and protein expression in deep tissues and small numbers of cells in Drosophila.
Individual and combinatorial effects of stiffness and electrical conductivity on host-immune responses to conductive hydrogels
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Lee Sanghun , Park Junggeon
Published: May 2023

Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs) with mechanical softness and electrical conductivity are promising materials for biomedical engineering applications, e.g., tissue engineering and bioelectronics. However, the effects of the mechanical and electrical properties of ECH on the immune system remain unexplored. Thus, we prepared several graphene oxide-incorporated polyacrylamide hydrogels with varying stiffnesses and conductivities, and examined their interactions with macrophages and host tissues in vitro and in vivo. Stiff ECHs can reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and increase the anti-inflammatory marker expression in the acute phase, however, it eventually causes severe inflammation, regardless of the conductivity. In contrast, ECH conductivity generally attenuated inflammation and affected fibrotic collagen deposition depending on stiffness. Overall, high-conductivity soft ECHs exhibited the lowest inflammatory reactions, and high-conductivity rigid ECHs provided the greatest acceleration of fibrous collagen encapsulation. The present findings provide vital insights for the future development of hydrogel-based electronics and electroactive tissue-engineering scaffolds.
Capture and Reaction of CO2 and H2 Catalyzed by a Complex of Coronene: A Computational Study.
Authors: Guillén Luis Gustavo , Fomina Lioudmila , Salcedo Roberto
Published: May 2023

An organometallic complex of coronene and chromium was designed and used as a catalyst in a simulated process in which a CO2 molecule is captured, activated, and then reacts with a hydrogen molecule (H2) to yield formic acid (HCOOH). The thermodynamic and kinetic results from this process are analyzed, as well as the nature of the orbitals in which the process is carried out.
Soluble Prorenin Receptor: A Novel Biomarker for the Prediction of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ye Xiaojie , Xu Jiachun , Zhu Ye , Song Kai
Published: May 2023

Objective Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the common pathological feature of Chronic kidney disease (CKD). The diagnosis of RIF requires kidney biopsy, while non-invasive methods are still lacking. Given the association between (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) and organ fibrosis, and the secrete nature of soluble (pro)renin receptor (soluble PRR), we postulate that serum soluble PRR may serve as a potential biomarker of renal fibrosis in CKD patients.Methods 90 CKD patients received kidney biopsy were included, 75 of them were followed up for 1 year. Serum soluble PRR concentration was determined by ELISA kits. Masson staining and PRR immunohistochemical staining were performed on their renal biopsy specimens.Results (1) Serum soluble PRR was statistically significant in patients with different degrees of RIF (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that serum soluble PRR could independently predict the risk of RIF (P = 0.046). (2) Serum soluble PRR was positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.282, P = 0.007) and negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.321, P = 0.002). With the progression of CKD, the serum soluble PRR level was increased significantly (P = 0.010). (3) PRR expression in renal tissues was positively correlated with the area of RIF (r = 0.836, P < 0.001). (4) Patients in the high soluble PRR group had a 4 months shorter mean retention time of renal function than that in the low soluble PRR group (P = 0.048).Conclusions Serum soluble PRR and renal PRR expression in CKD patients were positively correlated with the degree of RIF. Serum soluble PRR can independently predict the risk of RIF and the progression of CKD.
Prevalence of Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction in Takayasu’S Arteritis and its Association with Disease Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Figueirôa Maria de Lourdes Castro de Oliveira , Costa Maria Carolina Moura , Costa Maria Clara Moura , Lobo Paulo Rocha , Sanches Leonardo Vinicius , Martins Kátia Maria Alves , Sousa Anna Paula Mota Duque , Pedreira Ana Luísa Sousa , Santiago Mittermayer Barreto
Published: May 2023

Background Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a vasculitis that affects the aorta and its branches and causes stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysms. Up to 60% of TA patients are associated with cardiac involvement which confers a poor prognosis. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis is an echocardiographic technique that can detect the presence of subclinical systolic dysfunction. Hence, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of subclinical systolic dysfunction in patients with TA using the GLS method and to correlate this finding with disease activity using the ITAS-2010 (Indian Takayasu Activity Score).Methods Thirty patients over 18 years of age who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria for TA were included. The sample was submitted for medical record review, clinical and echocardiographic evaluation, and application of ITAS-2010. The cutoff for systolic dysfunction was GLS > – 20%.Results Of the 30 patients analyzed, 25 (83.3%) were female, and the mean age was 42.6 years (± 13.2). The median time since diagnosis was 7.5 years [range, 3–16.6 years], and the type V angiographic classification was the most prevalent (56.7%). Regarding echocardiographic findings, the median ejection fraction (EF) was 66% [61–71%] and the GLS was − 19.5% [-21.3 to -15.8%]. Although half of the participants had reduced GLS, only two had reduced EF. Ten patients (33.3%) met the criteria for activity. An association was found between disease activity and reduced GLS in eight patients (P = 0.02) using the chi-square test.Conclusion GLS seems to be an instrument capable of the early detection of systolic dysfunction in TA. The association between GLS and disease activity in this study should be confirmed in a study with a larger sample size.
Use of Space and Movement Patterns of Reproductive Female Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Akyatan Rookery in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: YILMAZ Can , Oruç Ayşe
Published: May 2023

For threatened animals with distinct breeding and foraging areas, it is important to identify key habitats for appropriate conservation and management. The Mediterranean Sea represents the northernmost limits for green turtle breeding activity, with 46% of nesting sites (n = 6) located in the Eastern Mediterranean, though knowledge about their post-breeding distributions is limited to date. Thus, we evaluated 14 adult female green turtles breeding at Akyatan in Turkey using satellite transmitters, including their breeding, migratory and foraging movement and distribution patterns. The home ranges of green turtles during the inter-nesting period were along the eastern Mediterranean bordering the Turkish coast. The mean core home range was 56 ± 52.64 km2 (range=4-151 km2) and the core home ranges of female individuals during the inter-nesting period were along the shores of Akyatan beach. Most turtles migrated south (n = 12) to Egypt and Libya (6 and 6, respectively) with two distinct migratory routes one coastal, one cutting across the open ocean, while two migrated to the shores of Egypt until their signals were cut off (1364 km, range=1317-1430). Migration lasted up to 13-53 days (mean 31 days) at mean speeds of 2.57 km/h. Twelve green turtles frequented five different foraging sites on the Egyptian and Libyan coasts. Of those that migrated to Egypt, 5 frequented a highly saline lagoon (Bardawil), with four strongly overlapping core home ranges. Also, the home ranges of two turtles in Libya strongly overlapped (Gulf of Sirte). Efforts to implement protection should focus on foraging areas, in addition to breeding areas, to safeguard green sea turtles in this region
Industrial scale composting process as a successful method for inactivation of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. Behrens) and sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)
Authors: Schumann Lisa , Berger Beatrice , Daub Matthias , Böhlke Tanja , König Stephan
Published: May 2023

Cyst producing nematodes are persistent soil-born organisms causing severe damage to cultivated plants. Persistence of the economically relevant cyst nematode species Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii was investigated at different stages during a large-scale industrial composting process to evaluate its efficiency to prevent spread of these nematodes into natural and agricultural habitats. Using reference cyst nematodes incorporated into organic waste from households and the processing industry the effect of anaerobic fermentation as well as aerobic composting processes were investigated. Treated cysts were analysed for viability and reproductive potential by performing hatching tests and bioassays on susceptible host plants. The investigated composting plant showed maximum temperatures between <40 and 72°C at aerobic composting conditions relative to the position of the pile the samples were incorporated. We found no viable juveniles or reproductive potential of Globodera spp. and less than five percent reproduction in H. schachtii. Additionally to temperature conditions, we presume that competition of the microbial community and their released bio-digestants also play a major role in successful treatment of these severe pest organisms.
Value of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in predicting fall and fall-induced injury among old Chinese adults
Authors: Li Weiqiang , Rao Zhenzhen , Fu Yanhong , Schwebel David C. , Li Li , Ning Peishan , Huang Jiaqi , Hu Guoqing
Published: May 2023

Background: The short physical performance battery (SPPB) is an easy-to-use tool for fall risk prediction, but its predictive value among community dwellers has not been examined through a large-sample longitudinal study.
Methods: We analyzed five-round follow-up data (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 years) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) (2011-2018). The Cochran-Armitage trend test examined trends in fall incidence rate across SPPB performance levels. Multivariable logistic regression and negative binomial regression models were fitted to examine associations between SPPB performance and subsequent fall and fall-induced injury. The goodness-of-fit and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were used together to quantify the value of the SPPB in predicting fall and fall-induced injury among community-dwelling older adults.
Results: The CHARLS study included 9279, 6153, 4142, 4148, and 3583 eligible adults aged 60 years and older in the five included follow-up time periods. SPPB performance was associated with fall and fall-induced injury in two or three of the five follow-up time periods (P<0.05). The goodness-of-fit for all predictive models was poor, with both Cox-Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2 under 0.10 and AUCs of 0.53-0.57 when using only SPPB as a predictor and with both Cox-Snell R2 and Nagelkerke R2 lower than 0.12 and AUCs of 0.61-0.67 when using SPPB, demographic variables, and self-reported health conditions as predictors together. Sex and age-specific analyses displayed highly similar results.
Conclusions: The use of SPPB together with demographic variables and self-reported health conditions does not appear to offer good predictive performance for falls or fall-induced injuries among community-dwelling older Chinese adults.
Differences in the earthquake preparedness of low- and high-income countries: The cases of Panay island, Philippines and Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Atando Ramil Basquez , Sugawara Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Panay island, Philippines and Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan are populated communities, highly vulnerable to earthquake hazards especially tsunami, and having recognized preparedness measures. This study differentiates their disaster management strategies as they vary in resources. It further compares their earthquake countermeasures to assess the level of compliance with the four priority areas of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 2015–2030. The previous experiences of researchers as practicing geologist, seismologist, and disaster manager have reinforced the needed information that were gathered through on-site visit, in-depth interview with disaster managers, and data mining using the websites of government agencies and private media entities. The collected data were subjected to content and narrative analyses. Findings revealed that Panay has minimal resources, yet utilizing the synergy of national and local governments and collaborating with foreign institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations have enabled it prepare for devastating earthquakes. The high-income Shizuoka prefecture invested in innovation, logistics, provision of incentives, and flexibility to achieve an advanced and a considerable earthquake preparedness.
Measuring Efficiency of Public Hospitals Under the Impact of Covid-19 in Türki̇ye
Authors: SÜLKÜ SEHER NUR , Mortaş Alper , Küçük Aziz
Published: May 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has had serious medical, administrative and financial effects on the health system and hospitals around the world. In Türkiye, compared to 2019 realizations, in 2020 and 2021 respectively there were 39% and 21% decrease in the number of outpatient services and 29% and 17% decline in total inpatient services of public hospitals. The main subject of this research is how the pandemic period affects the Turkish public hospitals’ efficiency. We have measured the technical efficiency of outpatient and inpatient care services of Turkish public hospitals using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). The dataset includes 563 hospitals for the years 2015 through 2021. Inputs of number of physicians, nurses and other medical staff, and number of beds and their interactions with each other are introduced to the SFA models of outputs of outpatient visits and inpatient discharges adjusted with case mix index are derived. Firstly, we found that the years associated with Covid-19 have a significant negative impact on the inpatient service efficiency. Training and Research and City Hospitals have low efficiency scores in outpatient services but high efficiency scores in inpatient services. In addition, the regions with high population rates have positive impact in outpatient efficiency and negative impact in inpatient efficiency. During the pandemic, city hospitals, have received large investments, gained a key role by increasing both the patient load and their efficiency. Future reforms can be guided by taking advantage of the efficiency differences of hospitals in different environmental factors.
JEL Codes: D22, D24, I11, I180
Host, reproductive, and lifestyle factors in relation to quantitative histologic metrics of the normal breast
Authors: Abubakar Mustapha , Klein Alyssa , Fan Shaoqi , Lawrence Scott , Mutreja Karun , Henry Jill E. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Duggan Maire A. , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: May 2023

Background
Emerging data indicate that variations in quantitative epithelial and stromal tissue composition and their relative abundance in benign breast biopsies independently impact risk of future invasive breast cancer. To gain further insights into breast cancer etiopathogenesis, we investigated associations between epidemiological factors and quantitative tissue composition metrics of the normal breast.
Methods
The study participants were 4,108 healthy women ages 18-75 years who voluntarily donated breast tissue to the US-based Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank (KTB; 2008-2019). Using high-accuracy machine-learning algorithms, we quantified the percentage of epithelial, stromal, adipose, and fibroglandular tissue, as well as the proportion of fibroglandular tissue that is epithelium relative to stroma (i.e., epithelium-to-stroma proportion, ESP) on digitized hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained normal breast biopsy specimens. Data on epidemiological factors were obtained from participants using a detailed questionnaire administered at the time of tissue donation. Associations between square root transformed tissue metrics and epidemiological factors were investigated using multivariable linear regression models.
Results
With increasing age, the amount of stromal, epithelial, and fibroglandular tissue declined and adipose tissue increased, while that of ESP demonstrated a bimodal pattern. Several epidemiological factors were associated with individual tissue composition metrics, impacting ESP as a result. Compared with premenopausal women, postmenopausal women had lower ESP [β (95% Confidence Interval (CI))= -0.28 (-0.04 to -0.013); P<0.001] with ESP peaks at 30-40 years and 60-70 years among pre- and post-menopausal women, respectively. ESP was higher among gravid than nulligravid women [β (95%CI)= 0.19 (0.08-0.30); P<0.001], increasing with increasing number of live births (P-trend <0.001). A positive family history of breast cancer was associated with higher ESP [β (95%CI)= 0.13 (0.02-0.25); P=0.02]. Further, overweight [β (95%CI)= 0.18 (0.06-0.30); P=0.004] or obese [β (95%CI)= 0.33 (0.21-0.44); P<0.0001] women had higher ESP than those with normal body mass index (BMI), while Black women had higher ESP than White women [β (95%CI)= 0.13 (0.01-0.26); P=0.03].
Conclusion
Our findings provide strong epidemiological evidence on the potential role of joint variations in stromal-epithelial tissue composition in the etiopathogenesis of breast cancer and underscore the need for further research into how exposure-tissue interactions shape breast cancer development and etiologic heterogeneity.
A Confirmatory and Exploratory Approach to the Dimensions and Sources of Foreign Language Enjoyment Among Japanese University English Learners
Authors: Xethakis Larry
Published: May 2023

The Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale is a popular measure of enjoyment, however the validity of this scale has yet to be examined in the Japanese context. This study used mixed methods to investigate the validity of this scale and uncover sources of positive classroom emotions in a sample of 514 Japanese university English learners in a blended learning course. Results from confirmatory factor analysis indicated poor fit for four models of the scale from past studies. Exploratory factor analysis subsequently revealed two dimensions. One factor, Foreign Language Enjoyment-Social, comprised items related to the social aspects of a positive learning experience, while the second, Foreign Language Enjoyment-Private, concerned personal feelings of achievement and success in learning. Several prominent sources of social and private enjoyment, including pride, realization of progress and meaningful engagement with peers, emerged from analysis of qualitative data from a subset of 329 respondents. The findings add to knowledge on the structure and validity of the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale in the Japanese context and suggest the need for further in-depth study of this emotion in different cultural contexts.
An Empirical Comparison of Deep Learning Explainability Approaches for EEG using Simulated Ground Truth
Authors: Ravindran Akshay Sujatha , Contreras-Vidal Jose
Published: May 2023

Recent advancements in machine learning and deep learning (DL) based neural decoders have significantly improved decoding capabilities using scalp electroencephalography (EEG). However, the interpretability of DL models remains an under-explored area. In this study, we compared multiple model explanation methods to identify the most suitable method for EEG and understand when some of these approaches might fail. A simulation framework was developed to evaluate the robustness and sensitivity of twelve back-propagation-based visualization methods by comparing to ground truth features. Multiple methods tested here showed reliability issues after randomizing either model weights or labels: e.g., the saliency approach, which is the most used visualization technique in EEG, was not class or model-specific. We found that DeepLift was consistently accurate as well as robust to detect the three key attributes tested here (temporal, spatial, and spectral precision). Overall, this study provides a review of model explanation methods for DL-based neural decoders and recommendations to understand when some of these methods fail and what they can capture in EEG.
A good preoperative immune prognostic index is predictive of better prognosis for locally advanced rectal cancer patients with ypTNM stage II who underwent radical resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Shoufeng , Wang Ye , Cai Huajun , Pan Zhen , Guan Guoxian
Published: May 2023

Background:
No studies have investigated the role of IPI in assessing the prognosis for LARC patients undergoing nCRT.
Objective:
We attempted to combine neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) to generate a new rectal immune prognostic index (RIPI) to explore whether RIPI is associated with the prognosis of LARC. And try to find out whether there is a population that might benefit from RIPI in LARC.
Methods:
Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who underwent radical surgery after Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) from February 2012 to May 2017 were enrolled. Based on the best cut-off points of NLR and sLDH, we developed rectal immune prognostic index (RIPI). Patients were grouped as follows: 1) good, RIPI = 0, good, 0 factors; 2) poor, RIPI = 1, 1 or 2 factors.
Results:
A total of 642 patients were enrolled. In yp TNM stage II patients, there was a statistically significant difference in 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.03) between RIPI=1 and RIPI=0 groups. In ypCR, stage I, stage II, and stage III, there was no significant difference in 5-year DFS between IPI=0 and IPI=1 groups. In multivariate analysis, the significant factor predicting DFS was RIPI score (p=0.035)
Conclusion:
RIPI was closely related to the prognosis of LARC patients undergoing nCRT. In particular, RIPI is of great significance in evaluating the prognosis of LARC patients with ypTNM stage II who underwent radical resection after nCRT.
Label Consistency Loss for Multi-label Decoding in Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Wang Chishe , Fan Kangnan , Wang Jie
Published: May 2023

Named entity recognition (NER) has beed studied well recent years. However, the diversity problem that arises while multiple labels are decoded into entities has been ignored in most studies. Concretely, in the process of decoding labels into entities, the same label prediction accuracy may lead to different entity prediction accuracy. This paper propose label consistency loss (LCL) to address the multi-label decoding diversity problem while considering the global label prediction accuracy. Specifically, the proposed method consists of two loss functions: global loss function and entity loss function. The global loss function is dedicated to improve the global label prediction accuracy by calculating the global error between predicted labels and gold labels. Entity loss is dedicated to solve the diversity problem by achieving labels in same entity are in the same prediction score distribution. To verify the effectiveness of LCL, this paper propose L2E metric which denote the conversion rate of labels to entities. Apply LCL to baseline and conduct experiments on two datasets. The experiment results show the F1 performance of baseline is improved by 1.16% percent and 0.17% percent, the L2E is improved by 1.52% and 0.03% on two datasets.
Volumetric evaluation of effects of platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor on bone healing after endodontic microsurgery
Authors: You Jae-Seek , Jung Gyeo-Woon , Oh Ji-Su , Moon Seong-Young , Lee Won-Pyo , Jo Hyoung-Hoon
Published: May 2023

Background This study evaluated the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) on bone healing after endodontic microsurgery.Methods Eighteen patients with an isolated periapical lesion < 10 mm in the maxillary anterior region were randomly assigned to three groups: control, PRF, or CGF. Endodontic microsurgery was performed and PRF or CGF membranes were placed over the bone defects in the experimental groups. The volume of the bone defect at postoperative one week, three months, and six months was evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography and Mimics software. The results were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and post-hoc Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction.Results At the three-month follow-up, the PRF and CGF groups showed significantly greater bone healing compared with the control group (p > 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the PRF and CGF groups. At the six-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between the groups.Conclusions These results suggested that PRF and CGF promote early bone healing after endodontic microsurgery.
DADLE promotes autophagic flux and depresses necroptosis by inhibiting cytosolic phospholipase A2 mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization after spinal cord injury
Authors: Chen Yituo , Zhang Haojie , Jiang Liting , Cai Wanta , Kuang Jiaxuan , Geng Yibo , Xu Hui , Li Yao , Yang Liangliang , Cai Yuepiao , Wang Xiangyang , Xiao Jian , Ni Wenfei , Zhou Kailiang
Published: May 2023

Programmed cell death plays a critical role in the progression of spinal cord injury (SCI). Autophagy is a protective factor for controlling neuronal damage, while necroptosis promotes further cell death and neuroinflammation after SCI. DADLE (d-Ala2, d-Leu5) is a selective agonist for delta opioid receptor (DOR) and has been identified as a promising drug for its neuroprotective effects. Our present work aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of DADLE on locomotive function recovery following SCI and its concrete mechanism. By establishing a mouse model of spinal cord contusion injury and using functional behavioural assessment, our results showed that DADLE promoted functional recovery after SCI. Through experimental methods such as western blotting and immunofluorescence, we found that DADLE promoted autophagic flux and inhibited necroptosis. Then, analysis of the enzyme activity of NAG and related protein expression of CTSD and CTSB in lysosomes and cytoplasm revealed that DADLE decreased lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). The autophagy inhibitor CQ reversed the protective effect of inhibiting necroptosis. Further analysis identified that DADLE decreased phosphorylated cPLA2, and network pharmacology analysis revealed that the AMPK (Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase) signalling pathway may be involved in the therapeutic effect of DADLE. Finally, blocking the interaction between DOR and DADLE by using naltrindole abolished the anti-phosphorylation effect of DADLE on cPLA2 and p38, resulting in a decrease in autophagic markers and an increase in necroptosis and LMP markers. Altogether, our study indicated that DADLE promotes autophagic flux and inhibits necroptosis by decreasing LMP by interacting with DOR and then activating the AMPK/SIRT1/P38/cPLA2 pathway after SCI, which may have potential clinical application value in the future.
Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding as an Efficient Alternative to Purchased Race and Ethnicity Data for Health Surveys
Authors: Suzuki Honoka , McRoy Martha , Connor Nora , Brinkley Jason
Published: May 2023

Race and ethnicity are a key demographic collected in health surveys that allow for important investigations into health disparities and efforts towards achieving health equity. In addition to collecting this information from survey respondents, the availability of high-quality race and ethnicity data on an entire survey sample, including respondents and nonrespondents, allows for additional important race-related investigations and procedures that enhance survey quality and analyses (e.g., oversampling, non-response follow-ups, weighting adjustments). While researchers may purchase auxiliary data, including race/ethnicity, from commercial data vendors to append to survey samples, such purchased data can be limited by concerns of accuracy, completeness, and cost. In this study, we explored Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding (BISG), an indirect estimation method of race/ethnicity that relies on surnames and geocoded addresses widely used in health services research, as an alternative to purchasing this information from data vendors. Using the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s 2021 Community Health Survey, we compared the accuracy of BISG’s race/ethnicity predictions to purchased race/ethnicity data, using the survey respondents’ self-reported race/ethnicity as the gold standard. We demonstrate that under certain conditions, BISG provides a promising, efficient alternative to purchasing race and ethnicity information, highlighting its potential to enhance quality of survey-based health research.
A Novel Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Technique: Lateral Non-abdominal Pre-peritoneal Approach Running Head: A Novel Hernia Repair Technique: LNAPP
Authors: Avanaz Ali
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Open and endoscopic techniques have been described for the treatment of inguinal hernia, but the gold standard treatment method is yet to be defined. Recurrence rates after inguinal hernia surgery vary between 10-15%, and chronic pain is seen in 10-12% of patients. This study aimed to introduce a new surgical technique called lateral non-abdominal pre-peritoneal repair for inguinal hernia surgery.
Methods: We recorded the data of patients’ age, gender, body mass index (BMI), prior hernia surgery, hernia side, type of hernia, postoperative complications, pain scores according to the numeric pain scale, and analgesic consumption.
Results: Seventeen inguinal hernias were repaired with the new technique in 14 patients. Two of the patients were female. The median age was 59, and the mean BMI was 26.8. The median hospital stays and time passed since the surgery was 1 day, and 72 days, respectively. The mean operative time was 64 ±29 minutes. The median tramadol consumption was 100 mg, and the mean paracetamol consumption was 1143 mg. The median pain score on POD 1 and current pain score was 4 and 0, respectively.
Conclusions: No significant complications occurred intraoperatively. We observed the pain scores were acceptable on POD 1, and excellent in postoperative follow-up. Low pain scores, low analgesic consumption, and the absence of recurrence in a newly developed procedure within the learning curve indicate that satisfactory results can be obtained.
Dyslexia-Related Loci Are Significantly Associated With Language And Literacy In Chinese-English Bilingual Hong Kong Chinese Twins
Authors: Chung Cheuk Yan , Pan Dora Jue , Paracchini Silvia , Jiang Wenxuan , So Hon-Cheong , McBride Catherine , Maurer Urs , Zheng Mo , Choy Richard
Published: May 2023

A recent genome-wide association study on dyslexia in 51,800 affected European adults and 1,087,070 controls detected 42 genome-wide significant SNPs. Among the 42 SNPs, rs2624839 further showed a significant association with quantitative reading fluency in a Chinese replication cohort. This study aimed at replicating the association between loci near the reported dyslexia associated rs2624839 and quantitative measurements of language and literacy in a unique cohort of bilingual Hong Kong Chinese twins who speak Chinese as first language and English as second language. To investigate the region near dyslexia associated rs2624839, proxy SNPs (rs1005678, rs12632110, and rs12494414) were tested at the population level (n = 308) and the within-twin level (n = 344, 172 twin pairs). At population level, significant associations with Chinese and English vocabulary knowledge were observed for all the three SNPs (p < .05). The strongest significant association after multiple testing correction was between rs12494414 and English vocabulary knowledge at the within-twin level (p = .004). We also demonstrated a trend of associations with English word reading and spelling, but larger sample size study is required to validate our findings. However, there was no significant associations with Chinese word reading and spelling. Our result suggests an important contribution of dyslexia-associated SNPs to language and literacy in Chinese and English in bilingual Chinese twins.
Re-coherence Generated by Nonlinear Maps
Authors: Roth Yehuda
Published: May 2023

Coherence, the fundamental concept underlying quantum computers, is a complex phenomenon that limits their implementation. Coherent states can be non-stationary (i.e., not an eigenstate of the Hamiltonian), and system–environment interactions can cause decoherence. To adapt to environmental factors such as heat, the realization of quantum computers entails cold environments at temperatures close to absolute zero. Nonlinear dynamics can result from open systems (such as system–environment feedback interactions). Here we show that nonlinear maps characterized by a single attractor can cause mixed-density matrices to become pure and that implementing such nonlinear maps may provide a straightforward approach to realizing quantum computers.
The Temporal Dynamics of Dissociation: Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment and Laboratory Study in a Transdiagnostic Sample
Authors: Heekerens Johannes B. , Gross James J. , Kreibig Sylvia D. , Wingenfeld Katja , Roepke Stefan
Published: May 2023

Background Dissociation is a ubiquitous clinical phenomenon. Dissociative disorders (DD) are primarily characterized by dissociation, and dissociative states are also a criterion for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dissociative reactions across diagnostic categories are believed to be affect contingent and theorized to serve affect regulation functions. What is not clear, however, is how self-reported affect and physiological reactivity unfold within dissociative episodes. To address this issue, the present project aims to investigate the hypothesis (1) whether self-reported distress (as indicated by arousal, e.g., feeling tense/agitated, and/or valence, e.g., feeling discontent/unwell) and physiological reactivity increase before dissociative episodes and (2) whether self-reported distress and physiological reactivity decrease during and after dissociative episodes in a transdiagnostic sample of patients with DD, BPD, and/or PTSD.Methods We will use a smartphone application to assess affect and dissociation 12 times per day over the course of one week in everyday life. During this time, heart and respiratory rates will be remotely monitored. Afterwards, participants will report affect and dissociative states eight times in the laboratory before, during, and after the Trier Social Stress Test. During the laboratory task, we will continuously record heart rate, blood pressure, electrodermal activity, and respiratory rate, and take salivary samples to determine cortisol levels. Our hypotheses will be tested using multilevel structural equation models. Power analyses determined a sample size of 85.Discussion The project will test key predictions of a transdiagnostic model of dissociation based on the idea that dissociative reactions are affect contingent and serve affect regulation functions. • This project will not include non-clinical control participants. In addition, the assessment of dissociation is limited to pathological phenomena.
High-throughput sheath-less microfluidic impedance cytometry for point of care applications
Authors: Hosseini Seied Ali , Bahrami Sanaz , Zolghadr Leila , Gheibi Nematollah
Published: May 2023

The present study introduces a microfluidic device that employs impedance measurement to accurately enumerate cells in suspension. Prior to the development of this device, impedance cytometry microfluidic chips necessitated the use of planar electrodes and sheath fluids, which complicated the system, or utilized small constricted regions that impeded cell movement and reduced operational efficiency. This newly developed device is capable of sensitive and rapid cell enumeration without the need for sheath fluid or planar electrodes, making it suitable for point of care applications. Instead of thin film electrodes, the same needles used for liquid injection were implemented for impedance measurement, thus simplifying the device. The physical parameters of the device were designed using analytical and computer aided simulations to determine the maximum dimensions required for sensitive detection of human cells. Simulations were also employed to investigate the effects of flow rates, cell shape, and injection method on device performance, and results were compared with experimental findings. Finally, this novel device was tested for its ability to count MCF7 cells at various flow rates and concentrations, with a limit of detection of 32.3 cells per µL being achieved.
Construction of a prediction model for rebleeding in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: zhuang yangping , Xia Shaohuai , Chen Junwei , Ke Jun , Lin Shirong , Lin Qingming , Tang Xiahong , Huang Hanlin , Zheng Nan , Wang Yi , Chen Feng
Published: May 2023

Background
The incidence of rebleeding in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains despite advances in intervention approaches. Therefore, early prediction of the risk of rebleeding could help to greatly reduce the mortality rate in these patients.
We aim to develop and validate a new prediction model to predict the probability of rebleeding in patients with AUGIB.
Methods
A total of 1,170 AUGIB patients who completed the procedure of emergency gastroscopy within 48 h of admission were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to construct a new prediction model. A receiver operating characteristic curve, a line graph, and a calibration and decision curve were used to assess the predictive performance of our new prediction model and compare its performance with that of the AIMS65 scoring system to determine the predictive value of our prediction model.
Results
A new prediction model was constructed based on Lactic acid (LAC), neutrophil percentage (NEUTP), platelet (PLT), albumin (ALB), and D-DIMER. The AUC values and their 95% confidence interval (CI) for the new prediction model and the AIMS65 score were 0.746 and 0.619, respectively, and 0.697–0.795 and 0.567–0.670, respectively. In the training group, the C index values based on the prediction model and the AIMS65 scoring system were 0.720 and 0.610, respectively. In the validation group, the C index values based on the prediction model and the AIMS65 scoring system were 0.828 and 0.667, respectively. The decision and calibration curve analysis also showed that the prediction model was superior to the AIMS65 scoring system in terms of accuracy of prediction, consistency, and net clinical benefit.
Conclusion
The prediction model can predict the probability of rebleeding in AUGIB patients after endoscopic hemostasis therapy.
MiR-19b-3p inhibits cell viability and proliferation and promotes apoptosis by targeting IGF1 in KGN cells
Authors: Li Youzhu , Ye Yuanyuan , Zhang Hengyuan , Yang Ye , Zhang Ningqing , Gao Hong , Wu Rongfeng
Published: May 2023

Background: Endometriosis(EM) is a major cause of infertility, but the pathogenesis and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. MiR-19b-3p is involved in many diseases, but its functional role in EM-associated infertility has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine miR-19b-3p abundance and IGF1 concentration in cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid in EM-associated infertility patients and to reveal the potential role of miR-19b-3p in KGN cells by identifying its target and elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
Results: The results showed that compared to the control group (patients with tubal infertility), EM-associated infertility patients had a lower percentage of mature oocytes. Abundance of miR-19b-3p was increased in CCs in EM-associated infertility patients. IGF1 was a direct target of miR-19b-3p and was negatively regulated by miR-19b-3p in KGN cells. Overexpression of miR-19b-3p significantly inhibited viability and proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase in KGN cells. The effects of miR-19b-3p could be reversed by co-transfection of IGF1 and the biological effects of miR-19b-3p in KGN cells were mediated by IGF1. In addition, miR-19b-3p targeted IGF1 to downregulate AKT phosphorylation and to participate in apoptotic pathway in KGN cells.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that miR-19b-3p abundance is increased in CCs and IGF1 concentration is decreased in follicular fluid in EM-associated infertility patients, and miR-19b-3p participates in the regulation of biological effects of KGN cells by targeting IGF1.
Cavitating and Non-cavitating Lumped Vortex Element under a Free Surface
Authors: Bal Sakir
Published: May 2023

In this study, the lift and moment coefficients of two-dimensional cavitating and non-cavitating flat-plate moving with a constant speed under a free surface have been calculated by a closed - form solution. The cavitation (if exists) volume has also been computed in case of cavitating flat-plate. The flat-plate has been modeled by a lumped vortex element under the constraints of potential flow theory. Linearized free surface condition has been applied and then the total velocity potential has been computed by the method of images. Cavitation effect has been included into the calculations by considering an additional angle of attack in the case of fully wetted solution. The wave elevations on the free surface have also been calculated in a closed form solution. The lift coefficients by the present solution have been validated with those of Plotkin’s method. The effects of Froude number, submergence depth of flat-plate from calm free surface, angle of attack and cavitation number on the results (namely lift and moment coefficients, cavitation volume and free surface deformations) have been discussed in a detailed manner