bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving accelerated 3D imaging in MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer using a deep learning method
Authors: Zhu Ji , Chen Xinyuan , Liu Yuxiang , Yang Bining , Wei Ran , Qin Shirui , Yang Zhuanbo , Hu Zhihui , Dai Jianrong , Men Kuo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study was to improve image quality for high-speed MR imaging using a deep learning method for online adaptive radiotherapy in prostate cancer. We then evaluated its benefits on image registration.

Methods

Sixty pairs of 1.5 T MR images acquired with an MR-linac were enrolled. The data included low-speed, high-quality (LSHQ), and high-speed low-quality (HSLQ) MR images. We proposed a CycleGAN, which is based on the data augmentation technique, to learn the mapping between the HSLQ and LSHQ images and then generate synthetic LSHQ (synLSHQ) images from the HSLQ images. Five-fold cross-validation was employed to test the CycleGAN model. The normalized mean absolute error (nMAE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measurement (SSIM), and edge keeping index (EKI) were calculated to determine image quality. The Jacobian determinant value (JDV), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and mean distance to agreement (MDA) were used to analyze deformable registration.

Results

Compared with the LSHQ, the proposed synLSHQ achieved comparable image quality and reduced imaging time by ~ 66%. Compared with the HSLQ, the synLSHQ had better image quality with improvement of 57%, 3.4%, 26.9%, and 3.6% for nMAE, SSIM, PSNR, and EKI, respectively. Furthermore, the synLSHQ enhanced registration accuracy with a superior mean JDV (6%) and preferable DSC and MDA values compared with HSLQ.

Conclusion

The proposed method can generate high-quality images from high-speed scanning sequences. As a result, it shows potential to shorten the scan time while ensuring the accuracy of radiotherapy.
Isolated giant aortic arch aneurysm repair in a 13-year-old girl: a case report
Authors: Vashkeba Volodymyr , Karpenko Vasyl , Zelenchuk Oleh , Serhii Sudakevych , Maruniak Stepan , Swol Justyna , Todurov Borys , Demyanchuk Vitaly
Published: July 2023

Background

Aortic arch aneurysm is a very rare condition in children. Surgery is the life saving procedure but it performing might be challenging due to the complex anatomy.

Case presentation

We describe a 13-year-old girl who was diagnosed to have an isolated giant aortic arch aneurysm. This girl was referred to our institution with persistent cough as a leading symptom, which started two months ago. Surgery was performed as combined approach: left-sided thoracotomy and midline sternotomy. The left subclavian artery was re-implanted via supraclavicular approach to the left common carotid artery end-to-side anastomosis. Aneurysm was excised after midline sternotomy and initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass under mild hypothermia. Histological evaluation of the wall of the aneurysm revealed no evidence of any specific changes.

Conclusions

The using of the combined method was characterised by a good postoperative surgical results. Pediatricians should be aware of persistent cough in children as a symptom of mediastinal mass of different origin and identity.
Integrating network pharmacology and experimental verification to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of asparagus against polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Xing Jinshan , Luo Xin , Jia Keran , Liu Shuang , Chen Shaokun , Qiao Gan , Zhang Chunxiang , Yi Jingyan
Published: July 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age that still lacks effective treatment. Inflammation is one of the important features of PCOS. Asparagus (ASP) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging pharmacological effects, and its anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated in a variety of tumors. However, the role and mechanism of ASP in PCOS remain unclear.

Methods

The active components of ASP and the key therapeutic targets for PCOS were obtained by network pharmacology. Molecular docking was used to simulate the binding of PRKCA to the active components of ASP. The effects of ASP on inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in PCOS, and the regulation of PRKCA were examined by KGN, a human derived granulosa cell line. PCOS mouse model validated the results of in vivo experiments.

Results

Network pharmacology identified 9 major active ingredients of ASP with 73 therapeutic targets for PCOS. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment yielded 101 PCOS-related signaling pathways. The hub gene PRKCA was obtained after taking the gene intersection of the top 4 pathways. Molecular docking showed the binding of PRKCA to the 7 active components in ASP. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ASP alleviated the course of PCOS through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. ASP can partially restore the low expression of PRKCA in the PCOS models.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effect of ASP on PCOS is mainly achieved by targeting PRKCA through the 7 active components of ASP. Mechanistically, ASP alleviated the course of PCOS through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, and PRKCA was its potential target.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure: far to go—a review
Authors: Luo Jinjin , Li Jiaqi , Li Peng , Liang Xi , Hassan Hozeifa Mohamed , Moreau Richard , Li Jun
Published: July 2023

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has been recognized as a severe clinical syndrome based on the acute deterioration of chronic liver disease and is characterized by organ failure and high short-term mortality. Heterogeneous definitions and diagnostic criteria for the clinical condition have been proposed in different geographic regions due to the differences in aetiologies and precipitating events. Several predictive and prognostic scores have been developed and validated to guide clinical management. The specific pathophysiology of ACLF remains uncertain and is mainly associated with an intense systemic inflammatory response and immune-metabolism disorder based on current evidence. For ACLF patients, standardization of the treatment paradigm is required for different disease stages that may provide targeted treatment strategies for individual needs.
How to avoid harm with feeding critically ill patients: a synthesis of viewpoints of a basic scientist, dietitian and intensivist
Authors: Reintam Blaser Annika , Rooyackers Olav , Bear Danielle E.
Published: July 2023

The optimal feeding strategy in critically ill patients is a matter of debate, with current guidelines recommending different strategies regarding energy and protein targets. Several recent trials have added to the debate and question our previous understanding of the provision of nutrition during critical illness. This narrative review aims to provide a summary of interpretation of recent evidence from the view of basic scientist, critical care dietitian and intensivist, resulting in joined suggestions for both clinical practice and future research. In the most recent randomised controlled trial (RCT), patients receiving 6 versus 25 kcal/kg/day by any route achieved readiness for ICU discharge earlier and had fewer GI complications. A second showed that high protein dosage may be harmful in patients with baseline acute kidney injury and more severe illness. Lastly, a prospective observational study using propensity score matched analysis suggested that early full feeding, especially enteral, compared to delayed feeding is associated with a higher 28-day mortality. Viewpoints from all three professionals point to the agreement that early full feeding is likely harmful, whereas important questions regarding the mechanisms of harm as well as on timing and optimal dose of nutrition for individual patients remain unanswered and warrant future studies. For now, we suggest giving low dose of energy and protein during the first few days in the ICU and apply individualised approach based on assumed metabolic state according to the trajectory of illness thereafter. At the same time, we encourage research to develop better tools to monitor metabolism and the nutritional needs for the individual patient accurately and continuously.
The role of Dmnt1 during spermatogenesis of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Cunningham Christopher B. , Shelby Emily A. , McKinney Elizabeth C. , Schmitz Robert J. , Moore Allen J. , Moore Patricia J.
Published: July 2023

Background

The function of DNA methyltransferase genes of insects is a puzzle, because an association between gene expression and methylation is not universal for insects. If the genes normally involved in cytosine methylation are not influencing gene expression, what might be their role? We previously demonstrated that gametogenesis ofOncopeltus fasciatusis interrupted at meiosis following knockdown ofDNA methyltransferase 1(Dnmt1) and this is unrelated to changes in levels of cytosine methylation. Here, using transcriptomics, we tested the hypothesis thatDmnt1is a part of the meiotic gene pathway. Testes, which almost exclusively contain gametes at varying stages of development, were sampled at 7 days and 14 days following knockdown ofDmnt1using RNAi.

Results

Using microscopy, we found actively dividing spermatocysts were reduced at both timepoints. However, as with other studies, we sawDnmt1knockdown resulted in condensed nuclei after mitosis–meiosis transition, and then cellular arrest. We found limited support for a functional role forDnmt1in our predicted cell cycle and meiotic pathways. An examination of a priori Gene Ontology terms showed no enrichment for meiosis. We then used the full data set to reveal further candidate pathways influenced byDnmt1for further hypotheses. Very few genes were differentially expressed at 7 days, but nearly half of all transcribed genes were differentially expressed at 14 days. We found no strong candidate pathways for howDnmt1knockdown was achieving its effect through Gene Ontology term overrepresentation analysis.

Conclusions

We, therefore, suggest thatDmnt1plays a role in chromosome dynamics based on our observations of condensed nuclei and cellular arrest with no specific molecular pathways disrupted.
Islet transplantation: overcoming the organ shortage
Authors: Mantovani Marluce da Cunha , Gabanyi Ilana , Pantanali Carlos Andrés , Santos Vinícius Rocha , Corrêa-Giannella Maria Lúcia Cardillo , Sogayar Mari Cleide
Published: July 2023

Background

Type 1 diabetesmellitus(T1D) is a condition resulting from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading patients to require lifelong insulin therapy, which, most often, does not avoid the most common complications of this disease. Transplantation of isolated pancreatic islets from heart-beating organ donors is a promising alternative treatment for T1D, however, this approach is severely limited by the shortage of pancreata maintained under adequate conditions.

Methods

In order to analyze whether and how this problem could be overcome, we undertook a retrospective study from January 2007 to January 2010, evaluating the profile of brain-dead human pancreas donors offered to our Cell and Molecular Therapy NUCEL Center (www.usp.br/nucel) and the basis for organ refusal.

Results

During this time period, 558 pancreata were offered by the São Paulo State Transplantation Central, 512 of which were refused and 46 were accepted for islet isolation and transplantation. Due to the elevated number of refused organs, we decided to analyze the main reasons for refusal in order to evaluate the possibility of improving the organ acceptance rate. The data indicate that hyperglycemia, technical issues, age, positive serology and hyperamylasemia are the top five main causes for declination of a pancreas offer.

Conclusions

This study underlines the main reasons to decline a pancreas offer in Sao Paulo—Brazil and provides some guidance to ameliorate the rate of eligible pancreas donors, aiming at improving the islet isolation and transplantation outcome.

Trial registration: Protocol CAPPesq number 0742/02/CONEP 9230.
Diabetes duration or age at onset and mortality in insulin-dependent diabetics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xing-mu , Zhong Shu-ping , Li Gang-feng , Zhuge Fu-yuan
Published: July 2023

Background

This meta-analysis was conducted given the contradictory findings from studies on the influence of diabetes duration or age at onset on mortality in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Methods

Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and CINHAL) were comprehensively searched to identify relevant studies until October 31, 2022. All of the selected articles contained statistics on hazard ratios, relative risks (RRs), or odds ratios, or data for estimating the association between diabetes duration or age at onset and total mortality in IDDM patients. Regardless the heterogeneity assessed by the I2 statistic, pooled RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total mortality were acquired via random effect meta-analysis with inverse variance weighting.

Results

This meta-analysis finally included 19 studies involving 122, 842 individuals. Both age at onset and diabetes duration were positively associated with an increased mortality rate in IDDM patients. Specifically, the pooled RRs for age at onset and diabetes duration were 1.89 (95%CI 1.43–2.50) and 1.89 (95%CI 1.16–3.09) respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that only prepubertal onset was associated with a greater survival advantage than pubertal or postpubertal onset.

Conclusions

The findings of this meta-analysis and systematic review suggest that a later age at onset or longer diabetes duration is associated with increased risk of total mortality in IDDM patients. However, this conclusion shall be interpreted with caution due to the possibility of residual confounding and be confirmed in the future by well-designed studies.
Integrated biomarker profiling of the metabolome associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among Tibetan in China
Authors: Meng Jinli , Huang Fangfang , Shi Jing , Zhang Chenghui , Feng Li , Wang Suyuan , Li Hengyan , Guo Yongyue , Hu Xin , Li Xiaomei , He Wanlin , Cheng Jian , Wu Yunhong
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Metabolomic signatures of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Tibetan Chinese population, a group with high diabetes burden, remain largely unclear. Identifying the serum metabolite profile of Tibetan T2DM (T-T2DM) individuals may provide novel insights into early T2DM diagnosis and intervention.

Methods

Hence, we conducted untargeted metabolomics analysis of plasma samples from a retrospective cohort study with 100 healthy controls and 100 T-T2DM patients by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

The T-T2DM group had significant metabolic alterations that are distinct from known diabetes risk indicators, such as body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. The optimal metabolite panels for predicting T-T2DM were selected using a tenfold cross-validation random forest classification model. Compared with the clinical features, the metabolite prediction model provided a better predictive value. We also analyzed the correlation of metabolites with clinical indices and found 10 metabolites that were independently predictive of T-T2DM.

Conclusion

By using the metabolites identified in this study, we may provide stable and accurate biomarkers for early T-T2DM warning and diagnosis. Our study also provides a rich and open-access data resource for optimizing T-T2DM management.
A case report of acute food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome to walnut
Authors: Zhu Wen Zheng , Perkins Siobhan
Published: July 2023

Background

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a delayed, non-IgE-mediated food allergy. This syndrome was once thought to be rare, but emerging literature suggests an increasing incidence along with more foods being implicated. Also, with the introduction of guidelines on early peanut introduction, peanut-induced FPIES seems to be increasing in Australia and USA. Although most patients are diagnosed with FPIES within the first year of life, most commonly with food triggers to cow’s milk or soy, other phenotypes exist in comparison to this classic presentation. In this case report, we present a patient with late onset of acute FPIES at age 3 to walnut.

Case Presentation

We describe a case of FPIES in a 12-year-old boy who had recurrent episodes of repetitive emesis, that began at age 3, each time after consuming walnuts. Mom does not give a history of intentional feeding (or avoidance) of walnut and/ or pecans. She also described possible reactions with pine nuts and macadamia. He was assessed with an oral food challenge to walnut, which triggered an episode of acute FPIES. He developed vomiting with onset 2 h post-ingestion, pallor, lethargy, and required an emergency department visit for anti-emetic medications and oral rehydration therapy. He improved on the therapy and now avoids cashew, pistachio, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts.

Conclusions

This case report adds to the limited literature that exists on culprit food allergens in FPIES. We present an acute FPIES triggered by the ingestion of walnuts. The diagnosis, common food triggers, and natural history of FPIES are described. There remains a lack of information on the natural history of FPIES, especially towards uncommon food triggers and on FPIES that present beyond infancy.
Tetra-block: ultrasound femoral, lateral femoral-cutaneous, obturator, and sciatic nerve blocks in lower limb anesthesia: a case series
Authors: Coviello Antonio , Iacovazzo Carmine , Cirillo Dario , Diglio Pasquale , Bernasconi Alessio , Cozzolino Andrea , Izzo Antonio , Marra Annachiara , Servillo Giuseppe , Vargas Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

The gold standard anesthesiologic procedure for urgent femur fracture surgery is Spinal Anesthesia. It is not always feasible because of patients' severe comorbidities and difficulties in optimizing drug therapy in the appropriate time frame such as discontinuation of anticoagulant drugs. The use of four peripheral nerve blocks (tetra-block) can be a winning weapon when all seems lost.

Case presentation

We present, in this case series, three Caucasian adult femur fractures (an 83-year-old woman, a 73-year-old man, and a 68-year-old woman) with different and major comorbidities (cardiac or circulatory disorders on anticoagulants therapy that were not discontinued on time; breast cancer and others) underwent the same anesthesiologic approach in the urgent setting. Ultrasound peripheral nerve blocks, that is femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and sciatic with parasacral approach were successfully performed in all patients who underwent intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric fracture. We evaluated the adequacy of the anesthesia plane, postoperative pain control with the VAS scale, and the incidence of postoperative side effects.

Conclusions

Four peripheral nerve blocks (Tetra-block) can be alternative anesthesiologic management in urgent settings, in patients where drug therapy cannot be optimized, as in antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy.
FAIR-Checker: supporting digital resource findability and reuse with Knowledge Graphs and Semantic Web standards
Authors: Gaignard Alban , Rosnet Thomas , De Lamotte Frédéric , Lefort Vincent , Devignes Marie-Dominique
Published: July 2023

The current rise of Open Science and Reproducibility in the Life Sciences requires the creation of rich, machine-actionable metadata in order to better share and reuse biological digital resources such as datasets, bioinformatics tools, training materials, etc. For this purpose, FAIR principles have been defined for both data and metadata and adopted by large communities, leading to the definition of specific metrics. However, automatic FAIRness assessment is still difficult because computational evaluations frequently require technical expertise and can be time-consuming. As a first step to address these issues, we propose FAIR-Checker, a web-based tool to assess the FAIRness of metadata presented by digital resources. FAIR-Checker offers two main facets: a “Check” module providing a thorough metadata evaluation and recommendations, and an “Inspect” module which assists users in improving metadata quality and therefore the FAIRness of their resource. FAIR-Checker leverages Semantic Web standards and technologies such as SPARQL queries and SHACL constraints to automatically assess FAIR metrics. Users are notified of missing, necessary, or recommended metadata for various resource categories. We evaluate FAIR-Checker in the context of improving the FAIRification of individual resources, through better metadata, as well as analyzing the FAIRness of more than 25 thousand bioinformatics software descriptions.
Differential impact of BRAFV600E isoforms on tumorigenesis in a zebrafish model of melanoma
Authors: De Paolo Raffaella , Sarti Samanta , Bernardi Sara , Cucco Francesco , Tavosanis Andrea , Pitto Letizia , Poliseno Laura
Published: July 2023

BRAFV600E comes as two main splicing variants. The well-studied ref isoform and the recently discovered X1 isoform are co-expressed in cancer cells and differ in terms of 3’UTR length and sequence, as well as C-term protein sequence. Here, we use a melanoma model in zebrafish to study the role played by each isoform in larval pigmentation, nevi formation, and their progression into melanoma tumours. We show that both BRAFV600E-ref and BRAFV600E-X1 proteins promote larval pigmentation and nevi formation, while melanoma-free survival curves performed in adult fish indicate that BRAFV600E-ref protein is a much stronger melanoma driver that BRAFV600E-X1 protein. Crucially, we also show that the presence of the 3’UTR suppresses the effect of ref protein. Our data highlight the necessity to undertake a systematic study of BRAFV600E isoforms, in order to uncover the full spectrum of their kinase-(in)dependent and coding-(in)dependent functions, hence to develop more informed strategies for therapeutic targeting.
Extracellular matrix remodelling and stiffening contributes to tumorigenesis of salivary carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma——A study based on patient-derived organoids
Authors: Chen Wanling , Gu Ting , Chen Qianqian , Qu Chuxiang , Zhang Chunye , Hu Yuhua , Xia Ronghui , Zhang Ying , Wang Min , Huang Xinyi , Li Jiang , Shi Chaoji , Tian Zhen
Published: July 2023

Background

Salivary carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is defined as a carcinoma that develops from benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Abnormally activated Androgen signaling pathway and amplification of HER-2/neu(ERBB-2) gene are known to be involved in CXPA tumorigenesis. Recent progress in tumour microenvironment research has led to identification that extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling and increased stiffness act as critical contributing role in tumour carcinogenesis. This study examined ECM modifications to elucidate the mechanism underlying CXPA tumorigenesis.

Results

PA and CXPA organoids were successfully established. Histological observation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and whole-exome sequencing demonstrated that organoids recapitulated phenotypic and molecular characteristics of their parental tumours. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of organoids showed that differentially expressed genes are highly enriched in ECM-associated terms, implying that ECM alternations may be involved in carcinogenesis. Microscopical examination for surgical samples revealed that excessive hyalinized tissues were deposited in tumour during CXPA tumorigenesis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that these hyalinized tissues were tumour ECM in nature. Subsequently, examination by picrosirius red staining, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and cross-linking analysis indicated that tumour ECM was predominantly composed of type I collagen fibers, with dense collagen alignment and an increased level of collagen cross-linking. IHC revealed the overexpression of COL1A1 protein and collagen-synthesis-related genes, DCN and IGFBP5 (p < 0.05). Higher stiffness of CXPA than PA was demonstrated by atomic force microscopy and elastic imaging analysis. We utilized hydrogels to mimic ECM with varying stiffness degrees in vitro. Compared with softer matrices (5Kpa), CXPA cell line and PA primary cells exhibited more proliferative and invasive phenotypes in stiffer matrices (50Kpa, p < 0.01). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of RNA-sequencing data revealed that AR and ERBB-2 expression was associated with TWIST1. Moreover, surgical specimens demonstrated a higher TWIST1 expression in CXPA over PA. After knocking down TWIST1 in CXPA cells, cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness were significantly inhibited (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Developing CXPA organoids provides a useful model for cancer biology research and drug screening. ECM remodelling, attributed to overproduction of collagen, alternation of collagen alignment, and increased cross-linking, leads to increased ECM stiffness. ECM modification is an important contributor in CXPA tumorigenesis.
Comparison of the new version of DEEC protocol to extend WSN lifetime
Authors: El-Sayed Hamdy H. , Hashem Zainab Mostafa
Published: July 2023

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used in many different fields. One of the most recent and rapidly expanding applications is the Internet of Things (IoT), which enables the connectivity of numerous objects or devices over the Internet. However, WSNs have a bigger concern about battery power than mobile ad hoc networks, which shortens the network's lifetime. As a result, extensive research has been done on lowering WSNs' energy usage. Designing a hierarchical clustering algorithm is one of many methods for lowering the energy consumption of WSNs. Given the restricted hardware capabilities of the sensor nodes, modeling and building energy-efficient routing solutions to enhance the overall network lifetime has emerged as one of the most crucial approaches in wireless sensor networks. Cluster-based heterogeneous routing protocols, a typical feature of routing technology, have demonstrated efficacy in managing topology, energy consumption, data collection or fusion, dependability, or stability in distributed sensor networks. The existing Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering (DEEC) clustering protocol is changed in this study by switching the power level between the nodes and adding a threshold limit for cluster head selection. The number of packets sent to a base station increases by 843% when comparing the proposed improved DEEC protocol to the existing DEEC protocol, increasing the number of living nodes to more than 10,000 rounds, or over 30,000 rounds, which can be used to extend the WSN lifetime. The suggested algorithm outperforms alternative energy-efficient protocols in terms of stability period and network lifetime under various scenarios of area, energy, and node density.
Trajectory optimization for UAV-assisted relay over 5G networks based on reinforcement learning framework
Authors: Abohashish Sara M. M. , Rizk Rawya Y. , Elsedimy E. I.
Published: July 2023

With the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into fifth generation (5G) networks, UAVs are used in many applications since they enhance coverage and capacity. To increase wireless communication resources, it is crucial to study the trajectory of UAV-assisted relay. In this paper, an energy-efficient UAV trajectory for uplink communication is studied, where a UAV serves as a mobile relay to maintain the communication between ground user equipment (UE) and a macro base station. This paper proposes a UAV Trajectory Optimization (UAV-TO) scheme for load balancing based on Reinforcement Learning (RL). The proposed scheme utilizes load balancing to maximize energy efficiency for multiple UEs in order to increase network resource utilization. To deal with nonconvex optimization, the RL framework is used to optimize the trajectory UAV. Both model-based and model-free approaches of RL are utilized to solve the optimization problem, considering line of sight and non-line of sight channel models. In addition, the network load distribution is calculated. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme under different path losses and different flight durations. The results show a significant improvement in performance compared to the existing methods.
Abnormal expression of fission and fusion genes and the morphology of mitochondria in eutopic and ectopic endometrium
Authors: Ye Chaoshuang , Chen Pei , Xu Bingning , Jin Yang , Pan Yongchao , Wu Tianyu , Du Yongjiang , Mao Jingxia , Wu Ruijin
Published: July 2023

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in physiological and metabolic function of the cell. Mitochondrial dynamics orchestrate mitochondrial function and morphology, involving fission and fusion as well as ultrastructural remodeling. Mounting evidence unravels the close link between mitochondria and endometriosis. However, how mitochondrial architecture changes through fission and fusion in eutopic and ectopic tissues of women with ovarian endometriosis remains unknown. We detected the expression of fission and fusion genes and the morphology of mitochondria in eutopic and ectopic endometrium in ovarian endometriosis. The results showed that the expression of DRP1 and LCLAT1 was upregulated in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs), and the expression of DRP1, OPA1, MFN1, MFN2, and LCLAT1 was significantly downregulated in ectopic ESCs, and reduced number of mitochondria, wider cristae width and narrower cristae junction width was observed, but there was no difference in cell survival rate. The altered mitochondrial dynamics and morphology might, respectively, provide an advantage for migration and adhesion in eutopic ESCs and be the adaptive response in ectopic endometrial cells to survive under hypoxic and oxidative stress environment.
The effect of the anti-leukemia inhibitory factor on the immune system in the Balb/c mice bearing breast cancer induced with 4T1 cells
Authors: Yavari Abolfazl , Zare Fateme , Hadinedoushan Hossein , Tahoori Mohammad Taher
Published: July 2023

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is considered as one of the effective factors in the growth of breast cancer, and anti-leukemia inhibitory factor antibody is considered as one of the treatment options for this type of cancer.

Methods

Mice models of breast cancer were made with 4T1 cell line and were randomly divided into four groups. The first group included the mice that received anti-LIF (Anti LIF group). The mice in the second group received anti-LIF and doxorubicin (Anti LIF & DOX). The mice in the third group received only doxorubicin (DOX). Finally, the mice in the fourth group did not receive any intervention. 22 days after tumor induction, some of the mice were killed, and their tumor tissues, lymph nodes, and spleens were separated for evaluating P53, Caspase-3, TIM-3, LAG-3, CTLA-4, and PD-1 genes expression. The percentage of regulatory T cells and level of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were evaluated. The rest of the mice were kept to check the tumor size and their survival rate.

Results

The proposed intervention did not have any significant effect on the tumor growth and the survival rate. However, the expression of P53 gene and Caspase-3 in the tumor tissue of the Anti LIF group had a significant enhancement. In tumor tissues and lymph nodes, the expression of T-bet, PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3 genes in the Anti LIF group showed a significant increase. There was no significant difference between groups in the percentage of regulatory T cells and level of IFN-γ and TGF-β.

Conclusions

The proposed interventions were able to have a direct effect on tumors, but no significant effect was observed on the immune system.
Dietary supplemental coated essential oils and organic acids mixture improves growth performance and gut health along with reduces Salmonella load of broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Hu Zeqiong , Liu Lin , Guo Fangshen , Huang Jia , Qiao Jianing , Bi Ruichen , Huang Jinyu , Zhang Kaichen , Guo Yuming , Wang Zhong
Published: July 2023

Background

Reducing Salmonella infection in broiler chickens by using effective and safe alternatives to antibiotics is vital to provide safer poultry meat and minimize the emergence of drug-resistant Salmonella and the spread of salmonellosis to humans. This study was to first evaluate the protective efficacy of feeding coated essential oils and organic acids mixture (EOA) on broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis, SE), and then its action mechanism was further explored.

Methods

A total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres male chickens were randomly assigned into five treatments with six replicates, including non-challenged control fed with basal diet (A), SE-challenged control (B), and SE-infected birds fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg of EOA (BL), 500 mg/kg of EOA (BM) and 800 mg/kg of EOA (BH), respectively. All birds on challenged groups were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis on d 13. 

Results

Feeding EOA showed a reversed ability on negative effects caused by SE infection, as evidenced by decreasing the feed conversion rate (FCR) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) (P < 0.05), obviously decreasing intestinal and internal organs Salmonella load along with increasing cecal butyric acid-producing bacteria abundance (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplemental different levels of EOA notably up-regulated claudin-1 (CLDN-1), occludin (OCLN), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin-2 (MUC-2), fatty acid binding protein-2 (FABP-2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), myeloid differential protein-88 (MyD88) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA levels in the ileum of the infected chickens after challenge, whereas down-regulated toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis combined effect size measurements analysis (LEfSe) showed that the relative abundance of g_Butyricicoccus, g_Anaerotruncus and g_unclassified_f_Bacillaceae significantly was enriched in infected birds given EOA. Also, phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis showed that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were significantly enriched in the EOA group.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the essential oils and organic acids mixture can be used as an effective strategy to ameliorate and alleviate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in broilers.
Low bone mineral density is found in low weight female youth with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and associated with higher PYY levels
Authors: Sella Aluma Chovel , Becker Kendra R. , Slattery Meghan , Hauser Kristine , Asanza Elisa , Stern Casey , Kuhnle Megan , Micali Nadia , Eddy Kamryn T. , Misra Madhusmita , Thomas Jennifer J. , Lawson Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a restrictive eating disorder commonly associated with medical complications of undernutrition and low weight. In adolescence, a critical time for bone accrual, the impact of ARFID on bone health is uncertain. We aimed to study bone health in low-weight females with ARFID, as well as the association between peptide YY (PYY), an anorexigenic hormone with a role in regulation of bone metabolism, and bone mineral density (BMD) in these individuals. We hypothesized that BMD would be lower in low-weight females with ARFID than healthy controls (HC), and that PYY levels would be negatively associated with BMD.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in 14 adolescent low-weight females with ARFID and 20 HC 10–23 years old. We assessed BMD (total body, total body less head and lumbar spine) using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and assessed fasting total PYY concentration in blood.

Results

Total body BMD Z-scores were significantly lower in ARFID than in HC (− 1.41 ± 0.28 vs. − 0.50 ± 0.25, p = 0.021). Mean PYY levels trended higher in ARFID vs. HC (98.18 ± 13.55 pg/ml vs. 71.40 ± 5.61 pg/ml, p = 0.055). In multivariate analysis within the ARFID group, PYY was negatively associated with lumbar BMD adjusted for age (β = -0.481, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that female adolescents with low-weight ARFID may have lower BMD than healthy controls and that higher PYY levels may be associated with lower BMD at some, but not all, sites in ARFID. Further research with larger samples will be important to investigate whether high PYY drives bone loss in ARFID.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction on stress regulation and associated neurocognitive mechanisms in stressed university students: the MindRest study
Authors: Kogias Nikos , Geurts Dirk E. M. , Krause Florian , Speckens Anne E. M. , Hermans Erno J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Stress-related disorders are a growing public health concern. While stress is a natural and adaptive process, chronic exposure to stressors can lead to dysregulation and take a cumulative toll on physical and mental well-being. One approach to coping with stress and building resilience is through Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). By understanding the neural mechanisms of MBSR, we can gain insight into how it reduces stress and what drives individual differences in treatment outcomes. This study aims to establish the clinical effects of MBSR on stress regulation in a population that is susceptible to develop stress-related disorders (i.e., university students with mild to high self-reported stress), to assess the role of large-scale brain networks in stress regulation changes induced by MBSR, and to identify who may benefit most from MBSR.

Methods

This study is a longitudinal two-arm randomised, wait-list controlled trial to investigate the effects of MBSR on a preselected, Dutch university student population with elevated stress levels. Clinical symptoms are measured at baseline, post-treatment, and three months after training. Our primary clinical symptom is perceived stress, with additional measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, alcohol use, stress resilience, positive mental health, and stress reactivity in daily life. We investigate the effects of MBSR on stress regulation in terms of behaviour, self-report measures, physiology, and brain activity. Repetitive negative thinking, cognitive reactivity, emotional allowance, mindfulness skills, and self-compassion will be tested as potential mediating factors for the clinical effects of MBSR. Childhood trauma, personality traits and baseline brain activity patterns will be tested as potential moderators of the clinical outcomes.

Discussion

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing stress-related symptoms in a susceptible student population and crucially, to investigate its effects on stress regulation, and to identify who may benefit most from the intervention.

Trial registration

Registered on September 15, 2022, at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05541263.
Bibliometric mining of research directions and trends for big data
Authors: Lundberg Lars
Published: July 2023

In this paper a program and methodology for bibliometric mining of research trends and directions is presented. The method is applied to the research area Big Data for the time period 2012 to 2022, using the Scopus database. It turns out that the 10 most important research directions in Big Data are Machine learning, Deep learning and neural networks, Internet of things, Data mining, Cloud computing, Artificial intelligence, Healthcare, Security and privacy, Review, and Manufacturing. The role of Big Data research in different fields of science and technology is also analysed. For four geographic regions (North America, European Union, China, and The Rest of the World) different activity levels in Big Data during different parts of the time period are analysed. North America was the most active region during the first part of the time period. During the last years China is the most active region. The citation scores for documents from different regions and from different research directions within Big Data are also compared. North America has the highest average citation score among the geographic regions and the research direction Review has the highest average citation score among the research directions. The program and methodology for bibliometric mining developed in this study can be used also for other large research areas. Now that the program and methodology have been developed, it is expected that one could perform a similar study in some other research area in a couple of days.
Optical changes and association with axial elongation in children wearing orthokeratology lenses of different back optic zone diameter
Authors: Guo Biyue , Cho Pauline , Cheung Sin Wan , Kojima Randy , Vincent Stephen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To compare changes in ocular aberrations in children wearing orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses with a back optic zone diameter (BOZD) of 6 mm (6-MM group) or 5 mm (5-MM group) and their associations with axial elongation (AE) over two years.

Methods

Seventy Chinese children, aged 6 to < 11 years, with myopia between − 4.00 to − 0.75 D, were randomly allocated to 5-MM and 6-MM groups. Ocular aberrations were measured, rescaled to a 4-mm pupil, and fitted with a 6th order Zernike expansion. Measurements, including axial length, were taken prior to commencing ortho-k treatment and then every six months over two years.

Results

After two years, the 5-MM group displayed a smaller horizontal treatment zone (TZ) diameter (by 1.14 ± 0.11 mm, P < 0.001) and less AE (by 0.22 ± 0.07 mm, P = 0.002) compared with the 6-MM group. A greater increase in total root mean square (RMS) of higher-order aberrations (HOAs), primary spherical aberration (SA) ($${\mathrm{C}}_{4}^{0})$$

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, and coma were also observed in the 5-MM group at all follow-up visits. The horizontal TZ diameter was significantly associated with changes in RMS HOAs, SA (RMS, primary and secondary SA), and RMS coma. After controlling for baseline parameters, RMS HOAs, RMS SA, RMS coma, and primary ($${\mathrm{C}}_{4}^{0})$$

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and secondary ($${\mathrm{C}}_{6}^{0})$$

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SA were significantly associated with AE.

Conclusions

Ortho-k lenses with a smaller BOZD created a smaller horizontal TZ diameter and a significant increase in total HOAs, total SA, total coma, and primary SA and a decrease in secondary SA. Of these ocular aberrations, total HOAs, total SA, and primary SA were negatively correlated with AE over two years.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03191942. Registered 19 June 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03191942.
Incidence and characteristics of aqueous misdirection after glaucoma surgery in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Lin Haishuang , Li Jiaqian , Zheng Xuanli , Wan Rui , Zhou Mengtian , Ding Yutong , Ji Yiting , Xie Yanqian , Tham Clement C. , Zhang Shaodan , Liang Yuanbo
Published: July 2023

Background

To report the incidence and clinical characteristics of aqueous misdirection (AM) after glaucoma surgery in Chinese patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Methods

Medical records of all patients diagnosed with primary angle-closure glaucoma who underwent glaucoma surgery in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2012 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases of AM were identified through a keyword-based search. The incidence of AM was calculated. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the AM patients were also described.

Results

A total of 5044 eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma were included (mean age 65.81 ± 9.96 years, 68.11% women). Thirty-eight eyes developed AM, presenting an overall incidence of 0.75%. The mean time interval between surgery and first record of AM diagnosis was 2.57 ± 5.24 months (range, 0 day to 24 months). The incidence of AM was significantly higher in patients aged ≤ 40 years (21.28%) and those aged 40–50 years (3.32%), compared to those > 50 years (0.42%) (P < 0.001). AM developed much more frequently among patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (1.30%), compared to those with acute angle-closure glaucoma (0.32%, P < 0.001). Eleven eyes (0.37%) developed AM following non-filtering surgery compared to 24 eyes (2.27%) after filtering surgery (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The incidence of AM after glaucoma surgery was 0.75% in Chinese patients with primary angle closure glaucoma. Younger age, chronic angle-closure glaucoma, and undergoing filtering surgery, were identified as associated risk factors for developing AM. Phacoemulsification may have less risk of developing AM compared to filtering surgery.
TP53 mutations in Romanian patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Manirakiza Felix , Yamada Hidetaka , Iwashita Yuji , Ishino Keiko , Ishikawa Rei , Kovacs Zsolt , Osvath Eva , Nzitakera Augustin , Gurzu Simona , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: July 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has been ranked as the second most deadly cancer and the third most diagnosed cancer cases for the year 2020. Specifically for Romania, the number of CRC-related deaths in 2019 was estimated at 6307 people, with a standardized mortality rate of 33.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. Although the tumor protein 53 (TP53) gene is intensively studied, there are few data on TP53 mutations in Romanian CRC. Furthermore, since genetic alterations may show geographical differences, our study aimed to analyze the clinical status and TP53 somatic variation in Romanian CRC patients.

Subjects and methods

DNA from 40 randomly selected cases of CRC was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues and sequenced using direct Sanger sequencing techniques, and variants were annotated according to the recommendations of the Human Genome Variation Society. Novel variants were analyzed using MutationTaster2021 to predict their effects.

Results

The mean age was 63.6 years (range 33–85 years) with a male to female ratio of 2.3. More than 45% (18/40) had an advanced cancer stage (≥ stage III). Mutations were found in 21/40 cases (52.5%), with one case having two mutations, giving a total of twenty-two mutations in the TP53 coding DNA. These mutations include 3 (13.6%) insertion-deletion mutations, two of which are novel frameshift mutations: c.165delT (in exon 4) and c.928_935dup (in exon 9), both of which are predicted to lead to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and are classified as deleterious. The remaining 19 (86.36%) were substitution mutations: 1 nonsense and 18 (81.8%) missense mutations, with G > A (n = 7/19; 36.8%) and C > T (n = 6/19; 31.5%) transitions being the most common. The G > T transversion was found in 21.05% (4/19) of the substitution mutations.

Conclusion

We have described two novel frameshift mutations in TP53. The discovery of novel mutations following the efforts of The Cancer Genome Atlas and other large-scale cancer genome sequencing projects may be further evidence of the heterogeneous nature of mutations in cancer and may indicate that the identification of carcinogenic mutations is not yet saturated. Further sequencing is therefore needed, especially in less studied populations. Importantly, consideration of their geographical environment will shed light on population-specific carcinogenesis.