bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation and Prognostic Action of SAA, Hcy, and BNP Levels with the Condition of Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Wang Jing , Yang Hong
Published: June 2022

Objective. To explore the correlation of serum amyloid A (SAA), homocysteine (Hcy), and plasma B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) and their predictive value for the status and prognosis of SICH patients. Methods. 82 SICH patients admitted to our hospital from March 2017 to March 2020 were selected. According to the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, the patients were divided into GCS > 8 group (n = 44) and the GCS ≤ 8 group (n = 38). Based on the bleeding volume, the patients were divided into the massive bleeding group (>30 ml) (n = 21), the moderate bleeding group (10∼30 ml) (n = 28), and the small bleeding group (<10 ml) (n = 33). Based on the prognostic status of patients after 28 days of admission, they were divided into the survival group (n = 64) and the death group (n = 18). Serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP levels of patients in different groups were compared, and the correlation between serum SAA, Hcy and plasma BNP levels with GCS score, cerebral hemorrhage, and the prognostic value of patients was analyzed. Results. Serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP levels in patients with GCS ≤ 8 groups were higher than those in GCS > 8 groups (

P
<
0.05

). Serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP levels of patients in the massive bleeding group were higher than those in the moderate and small bleeding groups. Besides, the level of serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP in the moderate bleeding group was higher than that in the small bleeding group (

P
<
0.05

). Serum SAA, Hcy and plasma BNP levels of patients were negatively correlated with GCS scores but positively correlated with bleeding volume (

P
<
0.05

). The levels of serum SAA, Hcy and plasma BNP in dead patients were higher than those in the survival patients (

P
<
0.05

). The combined prediction of serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP for the prognosis of SICH patients was 0.910 (95% CI: 0.984∼0.837), which was higher than the serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP alone predicted AUC 0.679 (95% CI: 0.564∼0.795), 0.720 (95% CI: 0.603∼0.836), and 0.726 (95% CI: 0.616∼0.849). Conclusion. The levels of serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP have a correlation with the severity and prognosis of patients with SICH, which is a feasible index for judging the prognosis of SICH. The levels of serum SAA, Hcy, and plasma BNP are conducive to timely judgment of the progression and prognosis of SICH patients.
Acute Thrombolytic Therapy Combined with the Green Channel Can Reduce the Thrombolytic Time and Improve Neurological Function in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Hong Zhen , Zheng Mingming , Li Yan , Li Shaoquan , Liu Qingran , Xie Songwang , Wang Junyong , Wang Jian , Liu Yongchang
Published: June 2022

Objective. To explore the effect of acute thrombolytic therapy combined with the green channel on the thrombolytic time and neurological function in acute stroke patients. Methods. A total of 100 acute stroke patients admitted to our hospital from August 2016 to August 2019 were recruited as the research cohort. In experimental group, 50 patients were administered green channel combined with acute thrombolytic therapy, while the patients in control group were administered general therapy. The thrombolytic times, the muscle strength grades, the FMA scores, the Barthel index levels, the NIHSS and SSS scores, the SAS and SDS scores, the arterial pressure and heart rates, the total effective rates, the incidences of postoperative adverse reactions, and the satisfaction levels were compared between the two groups. Results. The thrombolysis times in experimental group were shorter than those in control group. In experimental group, there were more patients with muscle strength grades 4 and 5 (

P
<
0.05

), the FMA and Barthel index levels were higher, the NIHSS and SSS (

P
<
0.05

) and the SAS and SDS scores were lower, the arterial pressure and heart rates were lower (

P
<
0.05

), the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions was lower (

P
<
0.05

), the total efficiency was higher (

P
<
0.05

), and the satisfaction level was higher (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Acute thrombolytic therapy combined with the green channel can significantly reduce the thrombolytic time and improve the neurological function in acute stroke patients.
Establishment and Evaluation of Influencing Factors and Risk Prediction Model of Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Complicated with Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Li Xiaoxiao , Wang Ling , Lin Tingting , Qin Tao
Published: June 2022

Objective. To explore the influencing factors of severe hyperbilirubinemia in neonates complicated with acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and then build relevant prediction models and evaluate the prediction performance of the models. Methods. The data of 120 neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia were collected by retrospective analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis methods were used to analyze the data of 120 children. R software was used to visualize the results of multivariate analysis, and a nomogram model was obtained. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision-making curve (DC) were used to evaluate the discrimination, accuracy, and clinical net profit rate of the model. Results. Multivariate analysis showed that nonfull breastfeeding, high-risk symptoms, and pregnancy complications were independent risk factors for ABE in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia. At the same time, the risk of ABE in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia increased with the increase of B/A and Hb levels. The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve for the model was 0.908 (95% CI: 0.839–0.960). The calibration curve shows that the actual prediction curve of the model is in good agreement with the corrected prediction curve. Using the cutoff value of the ROC curve as the diagnostic criterion, the threshold probability of the model was calculated to be 38%. The decision curve shows that when 38% is used as the basis for judging whether to take measures to intervene, the profit rate is 61%. Conclusion. The occurrence of ABE in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia is affected by many factors, and there is a certain degree of interaction between these factors. Combining multiple factors to construct a risk nomogram model can provide a reference for early clinical detection of high-risk neonates.
Progress of Research on the Application of Triple Antibiotic Paste and Hydrogel Scaffold Materials in Endodontic Revascularization: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhao Jia
Published: June 2022

Objective. To evaluate the application of hydrogel scaffold materials and triple antibiotic paste in endodontic regeneration through literature review. Methods. An electronic search of the literature published on PubMed, Wangfang database, and CNKI database using the search terms “endodontic regeneration,” “pulp blood flow reconstruction,” “recanalization,” “triple antibiotic paste,” and “scaffold material” was conducted. The searched literature was used for analysis. Results and Conclusion. Hydrogels regulate stem cell fates, modulate growth factor release, and encapsulate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs. The triple antibiotic paste is composed of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline, which exhibits promising antibacterial effects and duration at appropriate concentrations, with low cytotoxicity, and effectively promotes the preservation and regeneration of pulp tissues and the formation of dental hard tissues. However, issues such as tooth discoloration and bacterial drug resistance also exist. The present article reviews the progress of research on the application of hydrogel scaffold materials and triple antibiotic paste in endodontic revascularization.
An Intelligent System for Detecting Abnormal Behavior in Students Based on the Human Skeleton and Deep Learning
Authors: Ding Yourong , Bao Ke , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: June 2022

With the use of an intelligent video system, this research provides a method for detecting abnormal behavior based on the human skeleton and deep learning. To begin with, the spatiotemporal features of human bones are extracted through iterative training using the OpenPose deep learning network and the redundant information of human bone facial features is reduced in the feature extraction process, effectively reducing the time it takes to identify and analyze abnormal behavior. The collected human skeleton features are then classified using a graph convolution neural network to reduce the computational complexity of the behavior identification algorithm, and the sliding window voting method is used to further improve the accuracy of the behavior classification in practical application, resulting in the diagnosis and classification of abnormal behavior of students under video surveillance. Finally, using the self-built student trajectory data set and the INRIA data set, simulation analysis is performed, and the practicality and superiority of the proposed method for abnormal behavior detection is confirmed by comparing it to the existing abnormal behavior recognition methods. The proposed method for detecting anomalous behavior in a self-built database and INRIA data set has a high accuracy of more than 99.50 percent and a high processing efficiency rate.
Experimental Investigation of Heat-Treated Tool on Wire Electric Discharge Machining of Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)
Authors: Manoj Samson R. , Sridhar Ashvin , Ranjith R. , Muthiya Solomon Jenoris , Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Basavankattimath Murgayya S. , Shata Agegnehu Shara
Published: June 2022

Ti-6Al-4V is known for its lightweight, high tensile strength, exceptional corrosion resistance, and low thermal coefficient of expansion due to which it finds its application in precision surgical instruments and aeronautical and marine engine parts. In this study, Ti-6Al-4V has been machined using wire EDM machine with two different wire materials. The wire thickness of 0.25 mm heat-treated brass and zinc-coated brass tool and super cool oil as dielectric fluid were utilized for the machining process. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was used. Ton (Pulse ON time), Toff (Pulse OFF time), wire feed, and Ip (Current) were the input parameters, and the response parameters such as surface roughness (Ra), material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), and recast layer thickness were optimized by TOPSIS optimization. From the results, higher tool wear rate was observed in brass tool. The titanium percentage after machining was found to be 55.05% for zinc-coated brass wire, whereas it was 51.58% for brass wire. Better productivity and surface integrity were observed in zinc-coated brass tool compared to heat-treated brass. MRR increased to 54.93%, surface roughness decreased to 2.40%, recast layer thickness increased to 3.44%, and tool wear rate was increased to 47.96%.
Salivary Histatin 5 Level in Women with Vaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Şenyuva İrem , Koca Cansu , Karabag Çoban Funda , Tarhan Özgür
Published: June 2022

Histatins (Hsts) are considered a prominent member of antimicrobial peptides rich in histidine, bearing antifungal activity against Candida species. Hst5 is the most effective among them. Although Hst5 is not found in the cervicovaginal fluid, it has been detected in the human serum. Saliva acts as a mirror, reflecting the cause and effect relationship between several diseases. We aimed to show the salivary Hst5 levels with vaginal candidiasis. Women in the reproductive age group (18–50 years) were enrolled in the study. Patients and controls were classified based on the presence or absence of vaginal discharge suggestive of candidiasis, respectively. Vaginal and salivary samples were collected from all the women. Vaginal samples were cultured for the growth of Candida species. Salivary samples were tested by protein electrophoresis to detect Hst5 levels, and the results were compared between the two groups. A total of 80 women were included in this study. The mean age of women in vaginal candidiasis and control groups was 34.25 ± 8.06 and 36.83 ± 7.29 years, respectively. Candida species were isolated from the vaginal samples of the patient group (34 C. albicans, 6 non-Candida albicans) but not from the control group. Hst5 levels in the patient and control group were found to be 0.0571 ± 0.003 ng/mL and 0.0641 ± 0,0031 ng/mL, respectively. Hst5 levels were found to be significantly lower in the vaginal candidiasis group (

p
=
0.001

). We conclude that decreased salivary Hst5 levels in women are associated with vaginal candidiasis. Candida infection is a cause or result of lower salivary Hst5 levels, and it may be an important finding for the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, but further analysis is needed.
Nirmala and Banhatti‐Sombor Index over Tensor and Cartesian Product of Special Class of Semigroup Graphs
Authors: Oğuz Ünal Seda
Published: June 2022

The Nirmala and first Banhatti‐Sombor index which is originated from Sombor index is designated by and , respectively. In this work, we calculated the Nirmala and Banhatti‐Sombor index over the tensor and Cartesian product of a graph of an algebraic structure by presenting two different algorithms.
[Retracted] Application of CFD Numerical Simulation Image Imaging Technology in the Study of Droplet Microfluidic Multiphase Flow Characteristics
Authors: Li Hao , Hu Zihan
Published: June 2022

In order to study the problem that the flow in the internal channel of the microfluidic chip is different from that of the macroscopic system by the FD numerical simulation image imaging technology. Taking the liquid‐liquid extraction of microfluidic chip as the research object, this paper analyzes the theoretical basis, working principle, structural parameters, and the influence of working parameters on the fluid flow of liquid‐liquid extraction. The results are as follows: when the inlet velocity of flowing liquid is 10^(−5) m/s, the diffusion efficiency can still be maintained at 95%; the double ψ‐type aqueous phase showed laminar flow, the two‐phase contact interface increased compared with the bottom flow rate, and the extraction efficiency increased to 98%; the extraction efficiency of double ψ type is higher than that of double Y‐type: when the flow velocity ratio increases from vaq : voil = 1 : 2 to vaq : voil = 5 : 1, the extraction efficiency increases to 99.8%; the experimental extraction efficiency is compared with the diffusion efficiency simulated by simulation. The diffusion efficiency of the cross type is 1.05 times that of the extraction efficiency, and that of the cylindrical type is 1.04 times that of the extraction efficiency. In this study, CFD is used to simulate the characteristics of droplet microfluidic multiphase flow, which enriches the theoretical method and research experience of liquid‐liquid laminar flow.
K5BW12O40 Induces the Apoptosis of A549 Cells by Regulating Caspase-3
Authors: Liu Liping , Liu Shanshan , Liu Renli , Dai Wenwen , Wei Chaojie , Cui Weiwei , Li Dong
Published: June 2022

Objective. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of K5BW12O40, a polyoxometalate (POM), on the apoptosis of A549 cells and its underlying mechanism and to analyze the potential therapeutic effect of K5BW12O40 in non-small-cell lung cancer. Materials and Methods. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of K5BW12O40 (0 mg/ml, 0.001 mg/ml, 0.01 mg/ml, and 0.1 mg/ml). The proliferation of A549 cells treated with different concentrations of K5BW12O40 was detected by MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2 and 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide). The apoptosis of A549 cells induced by K5BW12O40 was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the changes in Bax and caspase-3 protein levels in A549 cells induced by K5BW12O40. Results. As the dose of the K5BW12O40 increases, the cell viability of A549 cells gradually decreases. The results of flow cytometry showed that the apoptotic rate of A549 cells increased with the increase of K5BW12O40 concentration. Western blot results showed that the expression of the apoptosis marker protein caspase-3 was increased in the three groups treated with K5BW12O40 whereas the protein level of Bax did not change significantly in A549 cells treated with K5BW12O40. Conclusions. K5BW12O40 increases the apoptotic rate of A549 cells by upregulating caspase-3.
Intensive Intervention Improves Outcomes for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: A Medical Consortium-Based Management
Authors: Zhao Shunjin , Zheng Lini , Zhu Maoxian , Shui Yuexiang , Bao Xuxin , Zhao Jun
Published: June 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Strategies involving multidimensional approaches for the treatment of COPD are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of medical consortium-based management for COPD. Patients were grouped in accordance with whether the hospitals they went to were under the medical consortium. We enrolled 141 COPD patients in the management group and 147 COPD patients in the control group. There was no predetermined sex and disease severity inclusion or exclusion criteria. Patients in the control group were managed by standard care, while patients in the management group were managed with intensive medical intervention jointly by specialists in the hospital and general practitioners and healthcare workers in community health centers. There was no difference in the basal demographics between the two groups. The basal condition of the management group was worse than that of the control group, demonstrated by a higher CAT score and a lower pulmonary function index. Half-year intensive intervention decreased CAT score from 17.28 to 15.62 and the Barthel ADL index from 73 to 60 in the management group, which was associated with better pulmonary rehabilitation, pursed-lip breathing, oxygen usage, and medicine regularity. The benefits became more obvious after one-year intensive intervention in the management group. There was a difference in mMRC grades and smoking cessation between the two groups. This study shows that a one-year intensive intervention improves the patients’ health status and pulmonary function, suggesting that our medical consortium-based management is effective in the treatment of COPD.
Neferine Exerts Ferroptosis-Inducing Effect and Antitumor Effect on Thyroid Cancer through Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Inhibition
Authors: Li Shujing , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Jin , Yu Bo , Wang Weiran , Jia Baosong , Chang Jingtao , Liu Jing
Published: June 2022

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy with an increasing incidence in the past few decades. Neferine possesses various pharmacological activities, which have been applied in diverse disease models, including various tumors. However, the detailed effect and mechanism of neferine on thyroid cancer are still unclear. In the current study, the viability of IHH-4 and CAL-62 cells was examined by the CCK-8 assay. The effect of neferine on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and ferroptosis was evaluated by CCK-8, flow cytometry, western blot, and spectrophotometry assays. Mechanically, the expressions levels of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling were first determined by a western blot, which was then verified by Nrf2 overexpression. In vivo validation was also conducted on BALB/c nude mice with an inoculation dose of 2 × 106 IHH-4 cells. The results showed that neferine repressed the viability of both IHH-4 and CAL-62 cells both in a dose-dependent way and in a time-dependent fashion, in which the IC50 value of neferine on IHH-4 and CAL-62 cells was 9.47 and 8.72 μM, respectively. Besides, neferine enhanced apoptosis but suppressed invasion, angiogenesis, and EMT of IHH-4 and CAL-62 cells. Moreover, neferine induced the activation of ferroptosis in thyroid cancer cells. Notably, it was revealed that the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway was strongly associated with the effect of neferine on the modulation of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, these outcomes were validated in xenografted mice. Therefore, neferine exerted an antitumor effect and ferroptosis-inducing effect on thyroid cancer via inhibiting the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway.
Awareness and Knowledge of Pharmacists toward Biosimilar Medicines: A Survey in Jordan
Authors: Oqal Muna , Hijazi Bushra , Alqudah Abdelrahim , Al-Smadi Ahmad , A Almomani Basima , Alnajjar Roaa , Abu Ghunaim Majd , Irshaid Mohammad , Husam Aroob
Published: June 2022

Aims. Pharmacists in all clinical settings are recognized drug experts and integral educators of biosimilar medicines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess pharmacists’ knowledge, predictors of knowledge, and views toward biosimilar medicines in Jordan. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan during October–December 2020. An Internet-based self-administrated questionnaire on knowledge and views was distributed using social media groups to the pharmacists among different areas in Jordan. A descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of knowledge including all variables with

p
<
0.20

on univariate analysis. Results. A total 536 responses were received, 502 of which were completed (93.7% response rate). A total of 52.6% of the pharmacists were knowledgeable about biosimilar medicines and the mean of knowledge level was 6.47 ± 1.62 (range 2–10). Multivariate analysis identified that respondents who had heard about biosimilars before (OR = 1.942, 95% CI = 1.231–3.063,

p
<
0.05

) was more likely to be knowledgeable. Respondents who had not taken the course or the postgraduating training course about biosimilars that were less likely to be knowledgeable (OR = 0.548, 95% CI = 0.357–0.839,

p
<
0.05

). A positive response was noted in pharmacist’s view regarding the implementation of biosimilar medicines in healthcare setting, biosimilar medicine prescription related to decreased costs, self-study about biosimilar medicine, and incorporating biosimilar education program at the pharmacy school curriculum universities level. Conclusions. Pharmacists’ views and knowledge vary regarding the particularities and key issues on biosimilar medicines in Jordan. Incorporating biosimilar course in pharmacy school curriculum could improve their acceptance for future pharmacy jobs.
Stereotactic Surgery of Parkinson’s Disease with Magnetic Resonance Imaging under Three‐Dimensional Mark Point Positioning Algorithm
Authors: Jia Yuan , Wang Zengguang , Sun Xiang , Zhou Yipin
Published: June 2022

This research aimed to study the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under three‐dimensional mark point positioning algorithm in stereotactic surgery for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and improve clinical treatment effect. Eighty patients with PD in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were selected as the research objects and randomly divided into two groups. The three‐dimensional mark point positioning algorithm was applied to perform feature positioning on the MRI images of PD patients, and the international unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale (UPDRS) was assessed before and after single‐target surgery of the two groups. There was a significant difference in the postoperative treatment effect between the two groups compared with the preoperative one (P < 0.05). Among the patients in the observation group, 37 cases were marked as markedly effective, accounting for 92.5% of the total group; 1 case was ineffective and 2 cases were improved, accounting for 2.5% and 5%, respectively. In the control group, 35, 2, and 3 cases were assessed as markedly effective, ineffective, and improved, accounting for 87.5%, 5%, and 7.5%, respectively. The overall curative effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The MRI manifestations of PD patients were diversified. MRI under the three‐dimensional mark point positioning algorithm had a high value for the stereotactic treatment of PD patients, which was beneficial to the clinical surgery.
Investigations on Wear Behavior of Aluminium Composites at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Senthil Kumar B. R. , Gopalarama Subramaniyan G. , Pragadish N. , Venkatesh P. M. , Sanjay Soni , Velu C. M. , Navaneethakrishnan G. , Vellingiri Suresh , Govindarajan Venkatesan
Published: June 2022

The aerospace aluminium alloy AA7050 was reinforced with Al2O3 of average particle size 5 m in this study using the stir casting method. To eliminate surface imperfections, AA7050/Al2O3 composites with varied weight percentages (0, 2, 4, 6) were manufactured, and wear tests on composites were carried out utilizing a pin-on-disc apparatus that varied load, velocity, temperature, and weight %. The tensile and hardness tests were carried out at a high temperature. The inclusion of particles enhances wear resistance by establishing a mechanically mixed layer (MML), according to the findings. The wear resistance at 300°C was 100% higher in comparison with resistance at 150°C. Because of the Orowan strengthening and Hall–Petch effect, the tensile strength and hardness of composites enhanced. Temperature, tracked by the weight % of strengthening powders, was the most important factor that influences the wear resistance of the composites. The findings showed that the material properties of AA7050/4wt%Al2O3 at 150°C and AA7050/2wt%Al2O3 at 300°C are superior than base alloy.
[Retracted] The Construction of National Image of China by English World Media in Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Zhang Dian
Published: June 2022

Based on the latest coronavirus corpus of the English corpus collection list (English‐corpora), this paper aims to do the data mining of the China‐related reports reported by the media of the United States, Canada, Britain, and Australia in public health emergencies. It tries to analyze how the English world media construct China’s national image on the basis of the theory of evidentiality. It is found that the national media in the English world media report on China’s national image show a dynamic process of “concern–worry–stigmatization–dumping.” The western media made the construction of China’s national image by subjective reports, objective but negative media discourse, and “double standards.”
Fuzzy Applications in Demonstration of Chinese Teaching Research Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhang Lin , Michalak Wazid
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the effect of Chinese teaching, this paper combines machine learning to conduct Chinese teaching research, constructs an intelligent Chinese teaching system, and conducts online monitoring of the Chinese teaching process. Moreover, this paper uses the general histogram matching algorithm to transfer the color style of the source image to the original image. The image’s local color information will be lost as a consequence of this procedure, according to the processing findings. This paper proposes a multi-directional cutting algorithm to partition the image, then uses the local linear embedding algorithm to realize the color style transfer method, and builds an intelligent Chinese teaching system based on machine learning to achieve a more realistic and natural color style transfer effect. The experimental research shows that the Chinese teaching method based on machine learning proposed in this paper can effectively improve the quality of Chinese teaching.
An Integrative Analysis Revealing ZFHX4-AS1 as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Huang Changchang , Cui Hongyin , Lang Xiaolin , Zhao Fen
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the main cause of deaths worldwide in female reproductive system malignancies. Growing studies have indicated that eRNAs could regulate cellular activities in various tumors. Yet the potential roles of eRNAs in OC progression have not been elucidated. Thus, comprehensive assays were needed to screen the critical eRNAs and to explore their possible function in OC. We used Kaplan–Meier methods to identify survival-associated eRNAs in OC based on TCGA datasets. The levels of ZFHX4-AS1 were examined using TCGA datasets. Further exploration was carried out based on the following assays: clinical and survival assays, GO terms, and KEGG assays. TIMER was applied to delve into the relationships between ZFHX4-AS1 and tumor immune infiltration. In this research, we observed 71 survival-related eRNAs in OC patients. ZFHX4-AS1 was highly expressed in OC specimens and predicted a poor prognosis of OC patients. In addition, high ZFHX4-AS1 expression was positively related to the advanced stages of OC specimens. Multivariate assays revealed that ZFHX4-AS1 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of OC patients. KEGG analysis indicated that ZFHX4-AS1 may play a regulatory effect on TGF-beta signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, and proteoglycans in cancer. The pan-cancer validation indicated that ZFHX4-AS1 was related to survival in eight tumors, namely, UCEC, STAD, SARC, OV, ACC, KICH, KIRC, and BLCA. The expression of ZFHX4-AS1 was correlated with the levels of B cells, T cell CD8+, neutrophil, macrophage, and myeloid dendritic cells. Simultaneously, ZFHX4-AS1 may be a prognostic biomarker and a distinctly immunotherapy-related eRNA in OC.
Evaluation of Sensitivity to Endocrine Therapy Index (SET2,3) for Response to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy and Longer-Term Breast Cancer Patient Outcomes (Alliance Z1031)
Authors: Suman Vera J. , Du Lili , Hoskin Tanya , Anurag Meenakshi , Ma Cynthia , Bedrosian Isabelle , Hunt Kelly K. , Ellis Matthew J. , Symmans W. Fraser
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate prediction of response and event-free survival (EFS) following neoadjuvant endocrine therapy by SET2,3 index of nonproliferation gene expression related to estrogen and progesterone receptors adjusted for baseline prognosis.

 Experimental Design:

A correlative study was conducted of SET2,3 measured from gene expression profiles of diagnostic tumor (Agilent microarrays) in 379 women with cStage II–III breast cancer from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z1031 neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor trial SET2,3 was dichotomized using the previously published cutoff. Fisher exact test was used to assess the association between SET2,3 and low proliferation at week 2–4 [Ki67 ≤ 10% or complete cell-cycle arrest (CCCA; Ki67 ≤ 2.7%)] and PEPI-0 rate in cohort B, and the association between SET2,3 and ypStage 0/I in all patients. Cox models were used to assess EFS with respect to SET2,3 excluding cohort B patients who switched to chemotherapy.

Results:

Patients with high SET2,3 had higher rate of pharmacodynamic response than patients with low SET2,3 (Ki67 ≤ 10% in 88.2% vs. 56.9%, P < 0.0001; CCCA in 50.0% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.0054), but rate of ypStage 0/I (24.0% vs. 20.4%, P = 0.4580) or PEPI = 0 (28.4% vs. 20.6%, P = 0.3419) was not different. Patients with high SET2,3 had longer EFS than patients with low SET2,3 (HR, 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.80; P = 0.0026).

Conclusions:

This exploratory analysis of Z1031 data demonstrated a higher rate of pharmacodynamic suppression of proliferation and longer EFS in high SET2,3 disease relative to low SET2,3 disease. The ypStage 0/I rate and PEPI = 0 rate were similar with respect to SET2,3.
Longitudinal Outcome over Two Decades of Unrelated Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An ALWP/EBMT Analysis
Authors: Nagler Arnon , Ngoya Maud , Galimard Jacques-Emmanuel , Labopin Myriam , Bornhäuser Martin , Stelljes Matthias , Finke Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Einsele Herman , Kröger Nicolaus , Brecht Arne , Bethge Wolfgang , Edinger Matthias , Kulagin Aleksandr , Passweg Jakob , Blau Igor Wolfgang , Elmaagacli Ahmet , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Platzbecker Uwe , Schroeder Thomas , Bunjes Donald , Tischer Johanna , Martin Sonja , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Giebel Sebastian , Savani Bipin , Mohty Mohamad
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

We evaluated outcomes of unrelated transplantation for primary refractory/relapsed (ref/rel) acute myeloid leukemia (AML), comparing two cohorts according to the year of transplant, 2000–2009 and 2010–2019.

Patients and Methods:

Multivariable analyses were performed using the Cox proportional-hazards regression model.

Results:

3,430 patients were included; 876 underwent a transplant between 2000–2009 and 2554 in 2010–2019. Median follow-up was 8.7 (95% CI, 7.8–9.4) and 3.4 (95% CI, 3.1–3.6) years (P < 0.001). Median age was 52 (18–77) and 56 (18–79) years (P > 0.0001); 45.5% and 55.5% had refractory AML while 54.5% and 44.5% had relapsed AML. Conditioning was myeloablative in 60% and 52%, respectively. Neutrophil recovery and day 100 incidence of acute and 2-year incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) were similar between the two periods. Two-year relapse incidence was higher for patients undergoing transplant in the 2000–2009 period versus those undergoing transplant in 2010–2019: 50.2% versus 45.1% (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74–0.97; P = 0. 002). Leukemia-free survival; overall survival; and GvHD-free, relapse-free survival were lower for the 2000–2009 period: 26% versus 32.1% (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97; P = 0.01), 32.1% versus 38.1% (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.96; P = 0.01), and 21.5% versus 25.3% (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81–0.99; P = 0.03), respectively. Two-year nonrelapse mortality was not significantly different (23.8% vs. 23.7%; HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.76–1.11; P = 0.34).

Conclusions:

Outcome of unrelated transplantation for patients with ref/rel AML has improved in the last two decades, rescuing about one third of the patients.

See related commentary by Adrianzen-Herrera and Shastri, p. 4167
Breakthrough Therapy Designation Criteria Identify Drugs that Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients: A Case for More Streamlined Coverage of Promising Therapies
Authors: Collins Grace , Stewart Mark , McKelvey Brittany , Stires Hillary , Allen Jeff
Published: June 2022

The breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) process was created to expedite clinical development timelines for drugs intended to treat serious conditions and preliminary clinical evidence indicates the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies. This analysis demonstrates that BTD is a valuable tool for expediting approval of promising therapies in oncology. By comparing drugs indicated to treat non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) approved with BTD or without BTD between January 2013 and October 2021, BTD drugs reduced the risk of death by a median of 31% and progression by a median of 48%, while drugs never receiving BTD reduced the risk of death and progression by a median of 15% and 41.9%, respectively. These findings show that BTD criteria accurately identify drugs that improve long-term outcomes for patients with cancer and warrant coordinated efforts to ensure timely coverage decisions and access for patients.
Tongue and Lip Acceleration as a Measure of Speech Decline in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Teplansky Kristin J. , Wisler Alan , Green Jordan R. , Campbell Thomas , Heitzman Daragh , Austin Sara G. , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine the efficacy of acceleration-based articulatory measures in characterizing the decline in speech motor control due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Method: Electromagnetic articulography was used to record tongue and lip movements during the production of 20 phrases. Data were collected from 50 individuals diagnosed with ALS. Articulatory kinematic variability was measured using the spatiotemporal index of both instantaneous acceleration and speed signals. Linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between variability measures and intelligible speaking rate (a clinical measure of disease progression). A machine learning algorithm (support vector regression, SVR) was used to assess whether acceleration or speed features (e.g., mean, median, maximum) showed better performance at predicting speech severity in patients with ALS. Results: As intelligible speaking rate declined, the variability of acceleration of tongue and lip movement patterns significantly increased (p < 0.001). The variability of speed and vertical displacement did not significantly predict speech performance measures. Additionally, based on R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) values, the SVR model was able to predict speech severity more accurately from acceleration features (R2 = 0.601, RMSE = 38.453) and displacement features (R2 = 0.218, RMSE = 52.700) than from speed features (R2 = 0.554, RMSE = 40.772). Conclusion: Results from these models highlight differences in speech motor control in participants with ALS. The variability in acceleration of tongue and lip movements increases as speech performance declines, potentially reflecting physiological deviations due to the progression of ALS. Our findings suggest that acceleration is a more sensitive indicator of speech deterioration due to ALS than displacement and speed and may contribute to improved algorithm designs for monitoring disease progression from speech signals.
Protecting the Brain, From the Heart: Safely Mitigating the Consequences of Thrombosis in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Puy Laurent , Forman Rachel , Cordonnier Charlotte , Sheth Kevin N.
Published: June 2022

Optimal antithrombotic management after intracerebral hemorrhage remains one of the central unresolved issues for patients who survive, especially for those patients with atrial fibrillation. Given the observational nature of the studies regarding anticoagulation resumption after intracerebral hemorrhage, there is uncertainty regarding resumption of oral anticoagulation therapy and its timing. There is limited high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice, leading to significant practice variation and uncertainty for patients and providers. Here, we aim to provide the key elements to guide clinicians in their individual decision: whether or not to start or resume anticoagulation in patients with a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Madness as a Form of Knowledge: Pavel Ivanovich Karpov's Creativity of the Mentally Ill
Authors: Jakovljević Branislav
Published: June 2022

Within the span of only four years, two books on the same subject and with almost identical titles were published on two sides of Europe: Hans Prinzhorn's Artistry of the Mentally Ill (Berlin, 1922) and Pavel Ivanovich Karpov's Creativity of the Mentally Ill (Moscow, 1926). Whereas the first book was recognized as one of the key steps in the “discovery” of the psychotic art and its eventual mainstreaming, the second one quickly fell into obscurity. Its author perished in Stalinist purges of the 1930s, together with a number of his colleagues from the Russian Academy of Artistic Science (RAKhN, 1921-1931), in which he served as the head of the Commission for the Creativity of Mentally Ill. This article is the first in-depth study of Karpov's book and his theory of creativity, which he based on his extensive collection of the works of his patients (which was also lost in the purges). The article argues that his approach to psychotic art is completely independent from Prinzhorn's. Instead, it places this book in the context of the specific form of Kunstwissenschaft that was practiced in RAKhN, suggesting that this placement is of primary importance for understanding Karpov's methods and aims. More specifically, the article argues that in his research on the creativity of the mentally ill, Karpov engages in a productive dialogue with the philosopher and prominent RAKhN member Gustav Shpet's work on epistemology from the same period. The result is an original contribution to the clinical literature on art of the mentally ill patients.
Scenes of Access, Politics of Difference
Authors: Karambeigi Pujan
Published: June 2022

Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, museum reformers have struggled to comply with the federal codes for accessibility. This essay accounts for the ambitions and limitations of these debates around access in the museum that were caught in the double bind between public expectation and private market forces, ultimately giving rise to a particular type of bottom-up reform organized around parametric gradients and attitudinal shifts. It does so by juxtaposing manuals for museum educators from the 1990s with artworks by New York City–based artists such as Carolyn Lazard, Jordan Lord, and Park McArthur who all worked with the incorporation of access into their artistic practice during the 2010s. The essay argues that these artistic practices force us to decouple the teaching of access from its narrow focus on shifting individual attitudes and instead belabor the form and content of stories about structural conditions.
Miklós Erdély, Ernst Bloch, Kurt Gödel, and Hidden Green
Authors: Hornyik Sándor
Published: June 2022

The introductory text interprets Eszter Bartholy's article about Miklós Erdély's exhibition Hidden Green. Bartholy's article is based on an interview with Erdély, and contain direct and indirect quotes from one of the most significant Hungarian neo-avant-garde artist. The introductory text describes how Erdély's own interpretation of his exhibition Hidden Green is present in Bartholy's article. Bartholy's analysis of Hidden Green sheds light on the way that Erdély combines ars poetica and art theory, while directly reflecting on utopia and on the social function and significance of art. While the text about Hidden Green seems like the interpretation of an exhibition, Bartholy and Erdély, in a virtual dialogue with thinkers including Ernst Bloch, Kurt Gödel, and Allan Kaprow, also make categorical claims about art theory and social theory. The introductory text argues that Erdély's Hidden Green and Bartholy's article connected and confronted–in the spirit of neo-avant-garde montage techniques–Hungarian popular and folk culture, Marxist aesthetic theories of utopias, and the paradoxes of modern natural sciences.
Thyroid Lymphoma: Case Series Review
Authors: Rezkallah Emad , Hanna Ragai S. , Elsaify Wael M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Primary thyroid lymphoma (PTL) is a rare malignancy accounting for about 5% of all thyroid malignancies and less than 2% of extra-nodal lymphomas. Diffuse B-cell lymphoma is the most common pathological subtype of PTL.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with thyroid lymphoma in our hospital during the period from 2011 to 2021. All patients had clinical, radiological, and pathological evaluation. We have followed up these patients since diagnosis till now.

Results

Eight patients were included in our review. Four patients were males and four were females. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 ± 32 years of age. Diagnosis was confirmed only with tissue histology. Six patients had stage IIE disease and two had stage IVE disease. Four patients had disease related mortality. Of the other four patients, two had chemotherapy (RCHOP) and one had local radiotherapy; all achieved complete remission, and the last one had hemithyroidectomy to relieve airway compression and still under treatment.

Conclusion

Primary thyroid lymphoma is rare malignancy of the thyroid gland. Advanced stage and age at the time of diagnosis, the presence of compression manifestations, large tumor mass, and presence of distant metastasis, all are poor prognostic criteria. Our knowledge of the disease pathology, diagnosis, and management is still limited and more research studies are required.
Longitudinal Associations Between Serum Bilirubin Level and Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaque in a Health Screening Population
Authors: Qin Lu , Li Lin , Fan Hongzhen , Gu Yongsheng , He Weiliang , Zhang Kaihua , Sun Yingru , Zhao Wannian , Niu Xiaoli , Wei Ci , Li Litao , Wang Hebo
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the relationship between bilirubin levels and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in the health screening population. After propensity score matching, this retrospective cohort study included 4360 subjects who underwent health examinations regularly in Hebei General Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 and had no carotid plaque at baseline. After an average follow-up of 26.76 months, the main endpoint Cox regression analysis of carotid plaques was performed. After adjusting the confounding factors, Cox regression analysis showed that when serum total bilirubin (TBIL) and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) increased by 1 standard deviation (SD), the risk of carotid plaque decreased by 7.30% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.80–11.60%) and 15.70% (95% CI: 11.40–19.80%), respectively. When conjugated bilirubin (CB) increased by 1 SD, the risk of carotid plaques increased by 24.3% (95% CI: 19.7–29.0%). TBIL and UCB levels were negatively associated with CAS, and CB levels were positively associated with CAS.
Organized violence 1989–2021 and drone warfare
Authors: Davies Shawn , Pettersson Therése , Öberg Magnus
Published: June 2022

This article reports on trends in organized violence, building on new data by the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP). The falling trend in fatalities stemming from organized violence in the world, observed between 2014 and 2019, was decisively reversed in 2021 as fatalities increased significantly. UCDP registered more than 119,100 deaths in organized violence in 2021, a 46% increase from the previous year. The increase was largely driven by escalating conflicts in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Fatalities increased in all three categories of organized violence, despite a decrease in the number of active state-based conflicts, as well as the number of actors carrying out one-sided violence against civilians. UCDP recorded 54 state-based conflicts in 2021, a decrease by two compared to the previous year. Five of the conflicts were active at the intensity of war, the lowest number of wars since 2010. Violence in 2021 was thus concentrated to fewer but bloodier conflicts. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become increasingly important features of modern conflicts, and the trend in their usage is discussed in the special feature section. UAV usage has since 2019 dispersed among a significant larger number of actors, even as the downscaling in the involvement of the United States in the war on terror has led to a decrease in drone-related fatalities.