bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramic Sensors: A mini-review of their applications
Authors: Krishna Prasad N. V. , Venkata Prasad K. , Ramesh S. , Phanidhar S. V. , Venkata Ratnam K. , Janardhan S. , Manjunatha H. , Sarma M. S. S. R. K. N. , Srinivas K.
Published: November 2020

We are living in a sensor world. Sensors are used in the house, office, car, and other areas detecting our presence by turning lights on, adjusting room temperature, detecting fires, and many other tasks. Today sensor has become a “buzz word”, without which it is hard to imagine living. They play a vital role in all sectors including housing, industry, aviation, medicine, and automobiles to name a few. Sensors can be manufactured with many types of materials. However, sensors made of ceramics have significance and have advantages when compared to those made from other materials. This mini review examines ceramic sensors and their applications in various sectors including the materials used to build them and their functioning in different areas. The paper precisely reports ceramic sensors and their applications in industry, including the medical, automotive, and aviation sectors.
Yoga for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Xiangling , Chen Zehua , Shen Zhen , Chen Guocai , Xu Xuemeng
Published: November 2020

Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a pervasive inflammatory autoimmune disease that seriously impairs human health and requires more effective non-pharmacologic treatment approaches. This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the efficacy of yoga for patients with RA.

Methods: Medline (through PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE (through SCOPUS), and Web of Science database were screened through for articles published until 20 July 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of yoga in patients with RA were included. Outcomes measures were pain, physical function, disease activity, inflammatory cytokines, and grip strength. For each outcome, standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Result: Ten trials including 840 patients with RA aged 30–70 years were identified, with 86% female participants. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant overall effect in favor of yoga for physical function (HAQ-DI) (5 RCTs; SMD = −0.32, 95% CI −0.58 to −0.05, I2 = 15%, P = 0.02), disease activity (DAS-28) (4 RCTs; SMD = −0.38, 95% CI −0.71 to −0.06, I2 = 41%, P = 0.02) and grip strength (2 RCTs; SMD = 1.30, 95% CI 0.47–2.13, I2 = 63%, P = 0.002). No effects were found for pain, tender joints, swollen joints count or inflammatory cytokines (i.e., CRP, ESR, IL-6, and TNF-α).

Summary: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that yoga may be beneficial for improving physical function, disease activity, and grip strength in patients with RA. However, the balance of evidence showed that yoga had no significant effect in improving pain, tender joints, swollen joints count, and inflammatory cytokines in patients suffering from RA. Considering methodological limitations, small sample size, and low-quality, we draw a very cautious conclusion in the results of the estimate of the effect. High-quality and large-scale RCTs are urgently needed in the future, and the real result may be substantially different.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Outcome of Stroke by Cervicocranial Arterial Dissection
Authors: Sun Guangbi , Yang Yi , Chen Zhiguo , Yang Le , Diao Shanshan , Huang Shicun , Wang Yiqing , Wang Yiting , Sun Baoliang , Yuan Xia , Xu Xingshun
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is positively associated with poor prognosis in patients with cerebral infarction. The goal of this prospective study is to explore the predictive value of NLR in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by cervicocranial arterial dissection (CCAD).

Methods: Ninety-nine patients with AIS caused by CCAD met criteria for inclusion and exclusion were selected for this study. We collected baseline data on the admission including NLR. The primary poor outcome was major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3) or death at 3 months after AIS.

Results: A total of 20 (20.2%) patients had a poor outcome at 3 months after AIS. According to the 3-month outcome, the patients were divided into two groups and univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Among the risk factors, elevated NLR levels were independently associated with 3-month poor outcomes. Further, we made the ROC curve to evaluate the predictive value of NLR level on prognosis. The area under the curve was 0.79 and a cut-off value of NLR was 2.97 for differentiating the poor outcome. We divided patients into groups according to the cut-off value. Patients with high NLR have a higher risk of poor outcome than those with low NLR (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: As an inflammatory marker, elevated NLR levels were associated with 3-month poor outcome in AIS caused by CCAD.
Determination of a “Specific Population Who Could Benefit From Rosuvastatin”: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial to Uncover the Novel Value of Rosuvastatin for the Precise Treatment of ARDS
Authors: Zhang Shi , Lu Zhonghua , Wu Zongsheng , Xie Jianfeng , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: November 2020

Background: The high heterogeneity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) contributes to paradoxical conclusions from previous investigations of rosuvastatin for ARDS. Identification of the population (phenotype) that could benefit from rosuvastatin is a novel exploration for the precise treatment.

Methods: The patient population for this analysis consisted of unique patients with ARDS enrolled in the SAILS trial (rosuvastatin vs. placebo). Phenotypes were derived using consensus k-means clustering applied to routinely available clinical variables within 6 h of hospital presentation before the patients received placebo or rosuvastatin. The Kaplan–Meier statistic was used to estimate the 90-day cumulative mortality to screen for a specific population that could benefit from rosuvastatin, with a cutoff P < 0.05.

Results: The derivation cohort included 585 patients with ARDS. Of the patients with the four derived phenotypes, those with phenotype 3 were classified as the “specific population who could benefit from rosuvastatin” as rosuvastatin resulted in a significant reduction in 90-day cumulative mortality from ARDS [hazard ratio (HR), 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.09–0.93; P = 0.027]. Additionally, rosuvastatin markedly improved the days free of cardiovascular failure (10.08 ± 3.79 in the rosuvastatin group vs. 7.31 ± 4.94 in the placebo group, P = 0.01) and coagulation abnormalities (13.65 ± 1.33 vs. 12.15 ± 3.77, P = 0.02) up to day 14 in the phenotype 3 cohort. Phenotype 3 was summarized as Platelethigh & Creatlow phenotype because these patients have a relatively higher platelet count (390.05 ± 79.43 × 109/L) and lower creatinine (1.42 ± 1.08 mg/dL) than do patients classified as other phenotypes. In addition, rosuvastatin seemed to increase 90-day mortality for patients classified as phenotype 4 (HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 0.09–9.93; P = 0.076), with an adverse effect on reducing the days free of renal failure up to day 14 (4.70 ± 4.99 vs. 10.17 ± 4.69, P = 0.01). Patients in phenotype 4 showed relatively severe illness in terms of baseline features, particularly renal failure, with high serum glucose. Therefore, phenotype 4 was defined as APACHEhigh & Serum glucosehigh phenotype.

Conclusions: This secondary analysis of the SAILS trial identified that rosuvastatin seems to be harmful for patients classified as APACHEhigh & Serum glucosehigh phenotype, but benefit patients in Platelethigh & Creatlow phenotype, thus uncovering the novel value of rosuvastatin for the precise treatment of ARDS.
Tumor-Microenvironment- Responsive Size-Shrinkable Drug-Delivery Nanosystems for Deepened Penetration Into Tumors
Authors: Cheng Xiaoliang , Li Houli , Ge Xuemei , Chen Lijuan , Liu Yao , Mao Wenwei , Zhao Bo , Yuan Wei-En
Published: November 2020

Over the years, the manipulation and clinical application of drug-delivery nanosystems for cancer diseases have attracted a rapid growth of academic research interests, and some nanodrugs have been approved for clinic application. Although encouraging achievements have been made, the potency of nanomedicines in cancer treatment is far from satisfaction, and one significant reason is the inefficient penetration of nanoparticles into solid tumors. Particle size is one of the most significant features that influence diffusion ability of the drug-delivery system in tumors. Size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems possess a size-switchable property that can achieve passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and transform into ultrasmall particles in tumors for deep penetration into tumors. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by acidic pH, hypoxia, upregulated levels of enzymes, and a redox environment. In this review, we summarize and analyze the current research progresses and challenges in tumor microenvironment responsive size-shrinkable drug-delivery nanosystems. We further expect to present some meaningful proposals and enlightenments on promoting deep penetration into tumors of nanoparticles.
Non-catalytic-Region Mutations Conferring Transition of Class A β-Lactamases Into ESBLs
Authors: Cao Thinh-Phat , Yi Hyojeong , Dhanasingh Immanuel , Ghosh Suparna , Choi Jin Myung , Lee Kun Ho , Ryu Seol , Kim Heenam Stanley , Lee Sung Haeng
Published: November 2020

Despite class A ESBLs carrying substitutions outside catalytic regions, such as Cys69Tyr or Asn136Asp, have emerged as new clinical threats, the molecular mechanisms underlying their acquired antibiotics-hydrolytic activity remains unclear. We discovered that this non-catalytic-region (NCR) mutations induce significant dislocation of β3-β4 strands, conformational changes in critical residues associated with ligand binding to the lid domain, dynamic fluctuation of Ω-loop and β3-β4 elements. Such structural changes increase catalytic regions’ flexibility, enlarge active site, and thereby accommodate third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, ceftazidime (CAZ). Notably, the electrostatic property around the oxyanion hole of Cys69Tyr ESBL is significantly changed, resulting in possible additional stabilization of the acyl-enzyme intermediate. Interestingly, the NCR mutations are as effective for antibiotic resistance by altering the structure and dynamics in regions mediating substrate recognition and binding as single amino-acid substitutions in the catalytic region of the canonical ESBLs. We believe that our findings are crucial in developing successful therapeutic strategies against diverse class A ESBLs, including the new NCR-ESBLs.
Prognostic Model of Colorectal Cancer Constructed by Eight Immune-Related Genes
Authors: Wen Shuting , He Long , Zhong Zhuotai , Mi Hong , Liu Fengbin
Published: November 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with a high mortality rate. Growing evidence demonstrates that immune-related genes play a prominent role in the occurrence and development of CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of immune-related genes in CRC.

Methods

Gene expression profiles and clinical data of 568 CRC and 44 non-tumorous tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. First, we performed a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis to determine the DEGs associated with overall survival. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently performed for prognostic immune-related genes. Then, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to establish the immune prognostic model and identify the independent prognostic factors of CRC. Next, in vitro experiments were done to further validate the model. Finally, we analyzed the correlation among immune-related genes, clinical traits, and immune cell infiltration.

Results

In total, 3,702 DEGs were obtained, and 338 prognostic immune-related genes were identified. Among them, 45 genes were significantly correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients. A TF-mediated network was set up to explore its internal mechanism. GO and KEGG analyses further illustrated that these genes were enriched in immune-and inflammatory-related pathways. Then, a prognostic prediction model composed of eight immune-related genes (SLC10A2, UTS2, FGF2, UCN, IL1RL2, ESM1, ADIPOQ, and VIP) was constructed. The AUC of the ROC curve for 1, 3, 5, and 10 years overall survival (OS) was 0.751, 0.707, 0.680, and 0.729, respectively. The survival analysis suggested that the OS of the high-risk group was significantly poorer than that of the low-risk group. Meanwhile, in vitro assays revealed that ESM1 and SLC10A2 exert opposing roles in colon cancer cell proliferation, validating the accuracy of the model. The correlation analysis indicated that immune cell infiltration was positively related to the model.

Conclusion

This study screened prognosis-related immune genes and developed a prognostic prediction model of CRC. These findings may help provide potential novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. At the same time, the understanding of the CRC immune microenvironment status was deepened.
Hypertrophy of the Anterior External Arcuate Fasciculus: A Rare Variant With Implications for the Development of the Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: Stonebridge Renee , Taliano Ross J. , Velilla Terra D. , Anthony Douglas C.
Published: November 2020

A rare anatomic variant of a markedly enlarged anterior external arcuate fasciculus (AEAF) on the ventral medullary surface is reported and compared to two controls. The hypertrophic AEAF was nine times larger in diameter than normal, whereas the arcuate nucleus (AN) and inferior olivary nucleus (ION) appeared histologically normal in size and neuronal distribution, and morphometric analysis of the AN confirmed that it was within the normal range. Calbindin-2 (calretinin, CALB2) expression was identified in the AN and in the fibers of the normal AEAF. The hypertrophic AEAF did not contain calbindin-2–expressing fibers. CALB2 expression was also present in the ventrolateral portion of the ION, both in the index case and in one of the control cases. The origin of the additional fibers was not identified; however, the potential origin of these fibers and its implications for the development of the AEAF are discussed.
A Comparative Study of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Patients With and Without Head Trauma: A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ou Yunwei , Yu Xiaofan , Liu Xiaojuan , Jing Qian , Liu Baiyun , Liu Weiming
Published: November 2020

Background: The clinical features of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) in patients with and without a history of head trauma have remained unclear. Here, we investigated differences in clinical characteristics in CSDH patients with and without head trauma.

Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical characteristics of CSDH patients who had undergone exhaustive drainage strategies via burr-hole craniostomies from August 2011 to May 2019. We divided patients into a trauma group (i.e., head trauma) and a no-trauma group. Chi-square tests or t-tests were used to analyze differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationships between the clinical characteristics and either reduction of the hematoma cavity or length of the hospital stay in CSDH patients with trauma.

Results: We collected data from 1,307 CSDH patients, among whom 805 patients had a history of head trauma whereas 502 patients did not. The mean age of patients with head trauma was 64.0 ± 16.1 years, while that of patients without head trauma was significantly younger at 61.5 ± 17.9 years (p = 0.010). Furthermore, more patients in the no-trauma group had a history of hypertension compared to those in the trauma group (40.2 vs. 32.9%, p = 0.007). Dizziness occurred in 29.2% of patients with trauma and in 23.1% of patients without trauma (p = 0.016). A greater number of patients with trauma showed a reduction of hematoma cavity after surgery compared to that of patients without trauma (p = 0.002). The length of hospital stay in patients with trauma was 7.9 ± 4.5 days, which was longer than that of patients without trauma (7.3 ± 3.7 days, p = 0.016). In contrast, there were no significant different differences between the two groups in terms of the densities of hematomas on computed-tomography scans, complications, mortality rates, recurrence rates, or outcomes.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there were some noteworthy differences in the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of CSDH patients with and without head trauma. However, our findings also indicate that if an optimal treatment method is employed, such as our exhaustive drainage strategy, similar treatment outcomes can be achieved between these groups.
Isolated Cervical Dystonia: Management and Barriers to Care
Authors: Supnet Melanie Leigh , Acuna Patrick , Carr Samuel J. , Kristoper de Guzman Jan , Al Qahtani Xena , Multhaupt-Buell Trisha , Francoeur Taylor , Aldykiewicz Gabrielle E. , Alluri Priyanka R. , Campion Lindsey , Paul Lisa , Ozelius Laurie , Penney Ellen B. , Stephen Christopher D. , Dy-Hollins Marisela , Sharma Nutan
Published: November 2020

Background: Cervical dystonia (CD) is a rare disorder, and health care providers might be unfamiliar with its presentation, thus leading to delay in the initial diagnosis. The lack of awareness displays the need to highlight the clinical features and treatment in cervical dystonia. In our cohort, we have identified an earlier age of onset in men, despite an overall preponderance of affected women.

Objective: We aim to identify the prevalence, age of onset, spread, and treatment modalities of CD in the population. We also highlight the barriers which patients encounter related to diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment.

Methods: We reviewed 149 CD patients who attended specialized Dystonia Clinics over a 14-year period. Dystonia severity was rated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden (BFM), Tsui, and Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scales (TWSTRS). Mood and quality of life were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Results: CD patients were majority White (91.3%) and more commonly female (75.8%). Men had an earlier median age of onset, 40.5 years (p = 0.044). BAI revealed a mean score of 7.2 (±6.4, n = 50) indicating minimal anxiety while BDI revealed a mean score of 7.30 (±7.6, n = 50) indicating minimal depression. The only SF-36 subscales associated with CD severity were physical functioning (p = 0.040) pain (p = 0.008) and general health (p = 0.014).

Conclusion: There appear to be gender differences in both the prevalence and age of onset of the disease. There was a 3-fold higher incidence in women than in men. CD patients of both sexes experience barriers to care, which can be reflected in their quality of life and time-to-diagnosis. In addition, males were less likely to experience an objective benefit with botulinum toxin treatment and more likely to discontinue care. Greater awareness of CD by health care providers is important to reduce the time-to-diagnosis.
Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder Show Altered Visuomotor Control During Stair Negotiation Associated With Heightened State Anxiety
Authors: Parr Johnny V. V. , Foster Richard J. , Wood Greg , Thomas Neil M. , Hollands Mark A.
Published: November 2020

Safe stair negotiation is an everyday task that children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are commonly thought to struggle with. Yet, there is currently a paucity of research supporting these claims. We investigated the visuomotor control strategies underpinning stair negotiation in children with (N = 18, age = 10.50 ± 2.04 years) and without (N = 16, age = 10.94 ± 2.08 years) DCD by measuring kinematics, gaze behavior and state anxiety as they ascended and descended a staircase. A questionnaire was administered to determine parents' confidence in their child's ability to safely navigate stairs and their child's fall history (within the last year). Kinematics were measured using three-dimensional motion capture (Vicon), whilst gaze was measured using mobile eye-tracking equipment (Pupil labs). The parents of DCD children reported significantly lower confidence in their child's ability to maintain balance on the stairs and significantly more stair-related falls in the previous year compared to the parents of typically developing (TD) children. During both stair ascent and stair descent, the children with DCD took longer to ascend/descend the staircase and displayed greater handrail use, reflecting a more cautious stair negotiation strategy. No differences were observed between groups in their margin of stability, but the DCD children exhibited significantly greater variability in their foot-clearances over the step edge, which may increase the risk of a fall. For stair descent only, the DCD children reported significantly higher levels of state anxiety than the TD children and looked significantly further along the staircase during the initial entry phase, suggesting an anxiety-related response that may bias gaze toward the planning of future stepping actions over the accurate execution of an ongoing step. Taken together, our findings provide the first quantifiable evidence that (a) safe stair negotiation is a significant challenge for children with DCD, and that (b) this challenge is reflected by marked differences in their visuomotor control strategies and state anxiety levels. Whilst it is currently unclear whether these differences are contributing to the frequency of stair-related falls in children with DCD, our findings pave the way for future research to answer these important questions.
Targeting CYP2J2 to Enhance the Anti-Glioma Efficacy of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Stimulation by Inhibiting the Pro-Angiogenesis Function of M2 Microglia
Authors: Lei Xuejiao , Chen Xuezhu , Quan Yulian , Tao Yihao , Li Junlong
Published: November 2020

Enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anti-tumor drugs is essential for cancer management. Although cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) stimulation exerts anti-tumor action in glioma cells by regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, or apoptosis, selective CB2R agonist alone does not achieve a satisfactory therapeutic outcome. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the possible strategy for enhancing the anti-glioma efficacy of JWH133, a selective CB2R agonist. In this study, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR were used to investigate microglia polarization. Tumor growth was monitored via bioluminescent imaging using the IVIS Spectrum System. The angiogenesis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was detected by the tube formation assay. qRT-PCR was used to investigate cytochrome P450 2J2 (CYP2J2) and 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET) expression. Our results showed that administration of JWH133 significantly promoted microglial M2 polarization both in vitro and in vivo. The medium supernatant of M2 microglia induced by JWH133 treatment facilitated angiogenesis of HBMECs. CYP2J2 expression and 11,12-EET release in the supernatant of JWH133-induced M2 microglia were significantly upregulated. Treatment with 11,12-EET prompted HBMEC angiogenesis and glioma growth. CYP2J2 knockdown restrained the release of 11,12-EET and significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effect of JWH133 on glioma. This study showed that targeting CYP2J2 might be a beneficial strategy to enhance the anti-glioma efficacy of JWH133 by inhibiting the pro-angiogenesis function of M2 microglia.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 Promotes VEGF-A Expression in OSCC by Activating ILK and MEK1/2 Signaling and Downregulating miR-29c
Authors: Lien Ming-Yu , Chang An-Chen , Tsai Hsiao-Chi , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Hua Chun-Hung , Cheng Shih-Ping , Wang Shih-Wei , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: November 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive tumor that has a poor prognosis, with high levels of local invasion and lymph node metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) plays essential roles in OSCC tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL2) is implicated in various inflammatory conditions and pathological processes, including oral cancer. The existing evidence has failed to confirm any correlation between MCP-1 or VEGF-A expression and OSCC angiogenesis. In this study, high expression levels of MCP-1 and VEGF-A were positively correlated with disease stage in patients with OSCC. In oral cancer cells, MCP-1 increased VEGF-A expression and subsequently promoted angiogenesis; miR-29c mimic reversed MCP-1 activity. We also found that MCP-1 modulated VEGF-A expression and angiogenesis through CCR2/ILK/MEK1/2 signaling. Ex vivo results of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay revealed the angiogenic qualities of MCP-1, with increased numbers of visible blood vessel branches. Our data suggest that MCP-1 is a new molecular therapeutic target for the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis in OSCC.
NRG Oncology Survey on Practice and Technology Use in SRT and SBRT Delivery
Authors: Chetvertkov Mikhail , Monroe James Ira , Boparai Jaskaran , Solberg Timothy D. , Pafundi Deanna H. , Ruo Russell L. , Gladstone David J. , Yin Fang-Fang , Chetty Indrin J. , Benedict Stanley , Followill David S. , Xiao Ying , Sohn Jason W.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To assess stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT)/stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) practices by polling clinics participating in multi-institutional clinical trials.

Methods

The NRG Oncology Medical Physics Subcommittee distributed a survey consisting of 23 questions, which covered general technologies, policies, and procedures used in the Radiation Oncology field for the delivery of SRT/SBRT (9 questions), and site-specific questions for brain SRT, lung SBRT, and prostate SBRT (14 questions). Surveys were distributed to 1,996 radiotherapy institutions included on the membership rosters of the five National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) groups. Patient setup, motion management, target localization, prescriptions, and treatment delivery technique data were reported back by 568 institutions (28%).

Results

97.5% of respondents treat lung SBRT patients, 77.0% perform brain SRT, and 29.1% deliver prostate SBRT. 48.8% of clinics require a physicist present for every fraction of SBRT, 18.5% require a physicist present for the initial SBRT fraction only, and 14.9% require a physicist present for the entire first fraction, including set-up approval for all subsequent fractions. 55.3% require physician approval for all fractions, and 86.7% do not reposition without x-ray imaging. For brain SRT, most institutions (83.9%) use a planning target volume (PTV) margin of 2 mm or less. Lung SBRT PTV margins of 3 mm or more are used in 80.6% of clinics. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is the dominant delivery method in 62.8% of SRT treatments, 70.9% of lung SBRT, and 68.3% of prostate SBRT.

Conclusion

This report characterizes SRT/SBRT practices in radiotherapy clinics participating in clinical trials. Data made available here allows the radiotherapy community to compare their practice with that of other clinics, determine what is achievable, and assess areas for improvement.
Survival Prediction in Gallbladder Cancer Using CT Based Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Zefan , Zhu Guannan , Jiang Xian , Zhao Yunuo , Zeng Hao , Jing Jing , Ma Xuelei
Published: November 2020

Objective

To establish a classifier for accurately predicting the overall survival of gallbladder cancer (GBC) patients by analyzing pre-treatment CT images using machine learning technology.

Methods

This retrospective study included 141 patients with pathologically confirmed GBC. After obtaining the pre-treatment CT images, manual segmentation of the tumor lesion was performed and LIFEx package was used to extract the tumor signature. Next, LASSO and Random Forest methods were used to optimize and model. Finally, the clinical information was combined to accurately predict the survival outcomes of GBC patients.

Results

Fifteen CT features were selected through LASSO and random forest. On the basis of relative importance GLZLM-HGZE, GLCM-homogeneity and NGLDM-coarseness were included in the final model. The hazard ratio of the CT-based model was 1.462(95% CI: 1.014–2.107). According to the median of risk score, all patients were divided into high and low risk groups, and survival analysis showed that high-risk groups had a poor survival outcome (P = 0.012). After inclusion of clinical factors, we used multivariate COX to classify patients with GBC. The AUC values in the test set and validation set for 3 years reached 0.79 and 0.73, respectively.

Conclusion

GBC survival outcomes could be predicted by radiomics based on LASSO and Random Forest.
Effects of IL-1β and TNF-α on the Expression of P311 in Vascular Endothelial Cells and Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Zhou Daijun , Liu Tengfei , Wang Song , He Weifeng , Qian Wei , Luo Gaoxing
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aimed to define the role of interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the expression of P311 in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and in wound healing.

Methods

DAPI staining, a CCK-8 assay, cell migration assay, and an angiogenesis assay were used to assess the effects exerted by TNF-α and IL-1β at various concentrations on morphology, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of VECs. Western blot (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) models were employed to observe the effects exerted by proteins related to the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and P311 mRNA expression. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the binding sites of P311 and NF-κB. Finally, to investigate the effects of IL-1β and TNF-α on wound healing and the length of new epithelium in mice, we established a full-thickness wound defect model in mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure changes in P311, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, PECAM-1/CD31), as well as other related proteins.

Results

When levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were both 20 ng/ml, their effects on cell proliferation, cytoskeleton protein expression, cell migration, and angiogenesis were the greatest (P < 0.05). IL-1β and TNF-α at moderate concentrations effectively promoted P311 mRNA and p-NF-κB protein expression (P < 0.05), while p-NF-K b protein expression was decreased (P < 0.05). Luciferase assays showed that P311 expression was also relatively greater when stimulated at moderate concentrations (P < 0.05), while relative expression was significantly lower when the p-NF-K b inhibitor CAPE was added (P < 0.05). On 7-day wound healing rate comparison, the control, IL-1β, IL-1βab, TNF-α, and TNF-αab groups were 18, 37, 35, 39, and 36%, respectively, while control group + P311 siRNA was 31% (P < 0.05). New epithelial length, granulation tissue thickness, and number of blood vessels trends were also the same. In the control group, P311 showed lower relative expression levels than the others (P < 0.05). P311 relative expression levels trended as follows: control group > IL-1βab > IL-1β > TNF-αab > TNF-α (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

When IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations are moderate, they effectively promote the proliferation, expression, migration, and angiogenesis of VECs, possibly by promoting the expression of the NF-K b pathway and thereby promoting the expression of P311. In vitro experiments on mice suggest that P311 effectively promotes wound healing, and its mechanism may be closely related to PCNA, CD31, and VEGF.
Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax Notoginseng Formula (A&P) Combined With Bifidobacterium Contribute a Renoprotective Effect in Chronic Kidney Disease Through Inhibiting Macrophage Inflammatory Response in Kidney and Intestine
Authors: Rui-Zhi Tan , Hui Diao , Jian-Chun Li , Xia Zhong , Xiao-Jia Wang , Dan Wen , Jun-Ming Fan , Li Wang
Published: November 2020

There is increasing evidence that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can cause intestinal dysfunction, which in turn aggravates the progression of kidney disease. Studies have shown that the immune response of macrophage plays an important role in promoting inflammation in kidney and intestine of CKD.Astragalus mongholicusBunge and Panax notoginseng formula (A&P) is a widely used traditional medicine for the treatment of CKD in China, however, the underlying mechanism is largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of A&P and Bifidobacterium combination treatment in regulation of inflammatory response of macrophage in kidney and intestine of CKD mouse, as well as the potential molecular mechanism. We established a CKD mouse model with 5/6 nephrectomy and a macrophage inflammatory cellular model with LPS and urotoxinin vivoandin vitro. The results showed that A&P combined with Bifidobacterium significantly reduced the expression and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1 in kidney and blood, as well as in inflammatory macrophage. Interestingly, A&P combined with Bifidobacterium strongly improved the intestinal flora and protected the intestinal barrier. Notably, the maintainer of macrophage polarization, Mincle, was activated in kidney and intestine of CKD mouse as well as in urotoxin stimulated macrophage, that was effectively inhibited by the treatment of A&P and Bifidobacterium combination. Overexpression of Mincle by genetic modification can abolish the inhibitory effects of A&P combined with Bifidobacterium on inflammation in urotoxin stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In summary, these findings demonstrated that A&P combined with Bifidobacterium can protect kidney against CKD by down-regulating macrophage inflammatory response in kidney and intestine via suppressing Mincle signaling, which provides a new insight in the treatment of CKD with traditional medicine.
Machine Learning Unmasked Nutritional Imbalances on the Medicinal Plant Bryophyllum sp. Cultured in vitro
Authors: García-Pérez Pascual , Lozano-Milo Eva , Landin Mariana , Gallego Pedro Pablo
Published: November 2020

Plant nutrition is a crucial factor that is usually underestimated when designing plant in vitro culture protocols of unexploited plants. As a complex multifactorial process, the study of nutritional imbalances requires the use of time-consuming experimental designs and appropriate statistical and multiple regression analysis for the determination of critical parameters, whose results may be difficult to interpret when the number of variables is large. The use of machine learning (ML) supposes a cutting-edge approach to investigate multifactorial processes, with the aim of detecting non-linear relationships and critical factors affecting a determined response and their concealed interactions. Thus, in this work we applied artificial neural networks coupled to fuzzy logic, known as neurofuzzy logic, to determine the critical factors affecting the mineral nutrition of medicinal plants belonging to Bryophyllum subgenus cultured in vitro. The application of neurofuzzy logic algorithms facilitate the interpretation of the results, as the technology is able to generate useful and understandable “IF-THEN” rules, that provide information about the factor(s) involved in a certain response. In this sense, ammonium, sulfate, molybdenum, copper and sodium were the most important nutrients that explain the variation in the in vitro culture establishment of the medicinal plants in a species-dependent manner. Thus, our results indicate that Bryophyllum spp. display a fine-tuning regulation of mineral nutrition, that was reported for the first time under in vitro conditions. Overall, neurofuzzy model was able to predict and identify masked interactions among such factors, providing a source of knowledge (helpful information) from the experimental data (non-informative per se), in order to make the exploitation and valorization of medicinal plants with high phytochemical potential easier.
Simultaneous Real-Time Measurement of Isoprene and 2-Methyl-3-Buten-2-ol Emissions From Trees Using SIFT-MS
Authors: Lehnert Ann-Sophie , Perreca Erica , Gershenzon Jonathan , Pohnert Georg , Trumbore Susan E.
Published: November 2020

The C5 hemiterpenes isoprene and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO) are important biogenic volatiles emitted from terrestrial vegetation. Isoprene is emitted from many plant groups, especially trees such as Populus, while emission of MBO is restricted to certain North American conifers, including species of Pinus. MBO is also a pheromone emitted by several conifer bark beetles. Both isoprene and MBO have typically been measured by proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS), but this method cannot accurately distinguish between them because of their signal overlap. Our study developed a method for using selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) that allows simultaneous on-line measurement of isoprene and MBO by employing different reagent ions. The use of m/z(NO+) = 68 u for isoprene and m/z(O2+) = 71 u for MBO gave minimal interference between the compounds. We tested the suitability of the method by measuring the emission of young trees of Populus, Picea, and Pinus. Our results largely confirm previous findings that Populus nigra, Picea glauca, and Picea abies emit isoprene and Pinus ponderosa emits MBO, but we also found MBO to be emitted by Picea abies. Thus SIFT-MS provides a reliable, easy to use, on-line measuring tool to distinguish between isoprene and MBO. The method should be of use to atmospheric chemists, tree physiologists and forest entomologists, among others.
Genome-Wide Prediction of Complex Traits in Two Outcrossing Plant Species Through Deep Learning and Bayesian Regularized Neural Network
Authors: Maldonado Carlos , Mora-Poblete Freddy , Contreras-Soto Rodrigo Iván , Ahmar Sunny , Chen Jen-Tsung , do Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira , Scapim Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2020

Genomic selection models were investigated to predict several complex traits in breeding populations ofZea maysL. andEucalyptus globulusLabill. For this, the following methods of Machine Learning (ML) were implemented: (i) Deep Learning (DL) and (ii) Bayesian Regularized Neural Network (BRNN) both in combination with different hyperparameters. These ML methods were also compared with Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) and different Bayesian regression models [Bayes A, Bayes B, Bayes Cπ, Bayesian Ridge Regression, Bayesian LASSO, and Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS)]. DL models, using Rectified Linear Units (as the activation function), had higher predictive ability values, which varied from 0.27 (pilodyn penetration of 6 years old eucalypt trees) to 0.78 (flowering-related traits of maize). Moreover, the larger mini-batch size (100%) had a significantly higher predictive ability for wood-related traits than the smaller mini-batch size (10%). On the other hand, in the BRNN method, the architectures of one and two layers that used only the pureline function showed better results of prediction, with values ranging from 0.21 (pilodyn penetration) to 0.71 (flowering traits). A significant increase in the prediction ability was observed for DL in comparison with other methods of genomic prediction (Bayesian alphabet models, GBLUP, RKHS, and BRNN). Another important finding was the usefulness of DL models (through an iterative algorithm) as an SNP detection strategy for genome-wide association studies. The results of this study confirm the importance of DL for genome-wide analyses and crop/tree improvement strategies, which holds promise for accelerating breeding progress.
Radiation and Drought Impact Residual Leaf Conductance in Two Oak Species With Implications for Water Use Models
Authors: Qin Haiyan , Arteaga Carles , Chowdhury Faqrul Islam , Granda Elena , Yao Yinan , Han Ying , Resco de Dios Víctor
Published: November 2020

Stomatal closure is one of the earliest responses to water stress but residual water losses may continue through the cuticle and incomplete stomatal closure. Residual conductance (gres) plays a large role in determining time to mortality but we currently do not understand how do drought and shade interact to alter gres because the underlying drivers are largely unknown. Furthermore, gres may play an important role in models of water use, but the exact form in which gres should be incorporated into modeling schemes is currently being discussed. Here we report the results of a study where two different oak species were experimentally subjected to highly contrasting levels of drought (resulting in 0, 50 and 80% losses of hydraulic conductivity) and radiation (photosynthetic photon flux density at 1,500 μmol m–2 s–1 or 35–45 μmol m–2 s–1). We observed that the effects of radiation and drought were interactive and species-specific and gres correlated positively with concentrations of leaf non-structural carbohydrates and negatively with leaf nitrogen. We observed that different forms of measuring gres, based on either nocturnal conductance under high atmospheric water demand or on the water mass loss of detached leaves, exerted only a small influence on a model of stomatal conductance and also on a coupled leaf gas exchange model. Our results indicate that, while understanding the drivers of gres and the effects of different stressors may be important to better understand mortality, small differences in gres across treatments and measurements exert only a minor impact on stomatal models in two closely related species.
Distance to the Neutral Face Predicts Arousal Ratings of Dynamic Facial Expressions in Individuals With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Schneider Jan N. , Brick Timothy R. , Dziobek Isabel
Published: November 2020

Arousal is one of the dimensions of core affect and frequently used to describe experienced or observed emotional states. While arousal ratings of facial expressions are collected in many studies it is not well understood how arousal is displayed in or interpreted from facial expressions. In the context of socioemotional disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, this poses the question of a differential use of facial information for arousal perception. In this study, we demonstrate how automated face-tracking tools can be used to extract predictors of arousal judgments. We find moderate to strong correlations among all measures of static information on one hand and all measures of dynamic information on the other. Based on these results, we tested two measures, average distance to the neutral face and average facial movement speed, within and between neurotypical individuals (N = 401) and individuals with autism (N = 19). Distance to the neutral face was predictive of arousal in both groups. Lower mean arousal ratings were found for the autistic group, but no difference in correlation of the measures and arousal ratings could be found between groups. Results were replicated in an high autistic traits group. The findings suggest a qualitatively similar perception of arousal for individuals with and without autism. No correlations between valence ratings and any of the measures could be found, emphasizing the specificity of our tested measures. Distance and speed predictors share variability and thus speed should not be discarded as a predictor of arousal ratings.
Curcumin in Depression: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Current Evidence—A Narrative Review
Authors: Ramaholimihaso Tahiana , Bouazzaoui Fayçal , Kaladjian Arthur
Published: November 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating disorders. Current available treatments are somehow limited, so alternative therapeutic approaches targeting different biological pathways are being investigated to improve treatment outcomes. Curcumin is the main active component in the spice turmeric that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety and depressive disorders. In the past decades, curcumin has drawn researchers' attention and displays a broad range of properties that seem relevant to depression pathophysiology. In this review, we break down the potential mechanisms of action of curcumin with emphasis on the diverse systems that can be disrupted in MDD. Curcumin has displayed, in a number of studies, a potency in modulating neurotransmitter concentrations, inflammatory pathways, excitotoxicity, neuroplasticity, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal disturbances, insulin resistance, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and endocannabinoid system, all of which can be involved in MDD pathophysiology. To date, a handful of clinical trials have been published and suggest a benefit of curcumin in MDD. With evidence that is progressively growing, curcumin appears as a promising alternative option in the management of MDD.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychiatric Symptoms: The Impact on Parkinson's Disease in the Elderly
Authors: Janiri Delfina , Petracca Martina , Moccia Lorenzo , Tricoli Luca , Piano Carla , Bove Francesco , Imbimbo Isabella , Simonetti Alessio , Di Nicola Marco , Sani Gabriele , Calabresi Paolo , Bentivoglio Anna Rita
Published: November 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a condition of increased vulnerability and frailty for elderly patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Social isolation may worsen the burden of the disease and specifically exacerbate psychiatric symptoms, often comorbid with PD. This study aimed at identifying risk/protective factors associated with subjective worsening of psychiatric symptomatology during the COVID-19 outbreak in a sample of individuals with PD aged 65 years or older.

Methods: Patients with PD routinely followed at the outpatient clinic of Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, were assessed for subjective worsening of psychiatric symptoms through a dedicated telephone survey, after Italy COVID-19 lockdown. Patients' medical records were reviewed to collect sociodemographic and clinical data, including lifetime psychiatric symptoms and pharmacological treatment.

Results: Overall, 134 individuals were assessed and 101 (75.4%) reported lifetime psychiatric symptoms. Among those, 23 (22.8%) presented with subjective worsening of psychiatric symptomatology during the COVID-19 outbreak. In this group, the most frequent symptom was depression (82.6%), followed by insomnia (52.2%). Subjective worsening of neurological symptoms (Wald = 24.03, df = 1, p = 0.001) and lifetime irritability (Wald = 6.35, df = 1, p = 0.020), together with younger age (Wald = 5.06, df = 1, p = 0.038) and female sex (Wald = 9.07 df = 1, p = 0.007), resulted as specific risk factors for ingravescence of psychiatric presentation. Lifetime pre-existing delusions, having received antipsychotics, and not having received mood stabilizer were also associated with subjective worsening of psychiatric symptomatology due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: Individuals with PD and lifetime history of psychiatric symptoms may be exposed to increased vulnerability to the stressful effect of COVID-19 outbreak. Interventions aimed at reducing irritability and mood instability might have an indirect effect on the health of patients with PD during the COVID-19 pandemic.