bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of patients with community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis or septic shock: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuting , Wang Youquan , Guo Jianxing , Li Hongxiang , Yang Hongmei , Zhang Dong
Published: December 2022

Background
Mortality and other clinical outcomes between community-acquired and hospital-acquired patients with sepsis or septic shock have been documented inconsistently and are controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of community-acquired and hospital-acquired sepsis or septic shock.
Methods
We searched the PubMed, Embase databases and Cochrane Library for studies from inception to the 1st of Oct. 2022. We included studies involving patients with sepsis or septic shock. All authors reported our primary outcome of all-cause mortality and clearly comparing community-acquired versus hospital-acquired patients with clinically relevant secondary outcomes (ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation requirements, renal replacement requirements, days on vasopressor and cost of hospitalization). Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
Thirteen studies including 1175830 patients were included. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis showed that the all-cause mortality of hospital-acquired group was higher than that of the community-acquired group(OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.43; P < 0.00001; Chi2 = 262.95; I2 = 95%). Secondary outcomes demonstrated that the ICU length of stay of hospital-acquired group was longer than that of the community-acquired group(MD=-4.38;95% CI, -4.43 to -4.32; P < 0.00001;Chi2 = 2678.16; I2 = 100%), the hospital length of stay of hospital-acquired group was longer than that of the community-acquired group (MD=-12.36;95% CI, -12.44 to -12.27; P < 0.00001;Chi2 = 539.65; I2 = 98%), the mechanical ventilation requirements of hospital-acquired group was more than that of the community-acquired group (OR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.46; P < 0.00001; Chi2 = 18.54; I2 = 84%), the days on vasopressor of hospital-acquired group was longer than that of the community-acquired group (MD=-1.71;95% CI, -1.78 to -164; P < 0.00001;Chi2 = 289.53; I2 = 100%), the cost of hospitalization of hospital-acquired group was more than that of the community-acquired group (MD=-34064.29; 95% CI, -34327.71 to -33800.87; P < 0.00001;Chi2 = 63.96; I2 = 98%). There was no statistically significant difference in the renal replacement requirements between two groups(OR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.09; P = 0.13; Chi2 = 0.29; I2 = 0%).
Conclusions
The proportion of hospital-acquired sepsis or septic shock is about 12.9%. Compared with community-acquired sepsis or septic shock patients, hospital-acquired ones had higher mortality and other worse clinical outcomes, including longer ICU and hospital length of stay, more requirements of mechanical ventilation and renal replacement, longer vasopressor days and more cost of hospitalization.
ProS/Mer alleviates sepsis-induced neuromuscular dysfunction by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signals
Authors: Xie Fei , Sun Jiaxin , Zhang Hongwei , Zhou Shukui
Published: December 2022

Background
Sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with systemic inflammation and behavioral impairment. Microglia are well-known critical regulators of neuroinflammation, which feature in multiple neurodegenerative disorders. These cells become “activated” through stimulation of toll-like receptors (TLRs), resulting in changes in morphology and production and release of cytokines. Myeloid-epithelial-reproductive tyrosine kinase (Mer), a member of the Tyro-Axl-Mer (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, regulates multiple features of microglial/macrophage physiology. The present study examined the roles of the related TAM receptors, Mer, and its ligand, Protein S (ProS), in regulating neuroinflammation and neuromuscular function following sepsis.
Methods
The sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in wildtype (WT) and Mer−/− rats, and recombinant protein S (ProS) or normal saline (NS) was intrathecally injected for intervention. The muscle weight, neuromuscular function, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and Western blot were performed.
Results
Knockout of Mer showed significantly decreased muscle weight and neuromuscular function at day 4 post-CLP, as well as increased inflammatory cytokines, activated microglia/macrophage, and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway in the spinal cord. The administration of ProS activated the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 1/3 (SOCS1/3) pathway and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway, which alleviated the neuromuscular dysfunction after CLP.
Conclusion
ProS/Mer alleviates muscle atrophy and neuromuscular dysfunction in the sepsis model by activating the STAT1/SOCS signaling pathway and inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Bibliometric analysis of scientific publications of surgical procedures for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Dan , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: December 2022

Background
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common pathological strain of thyroid cancer, and thyroidectomy is the most traditional and currently dominant treatment for PTC. However, the large number of publications on surgical procedures for PTC is not well summarized. This study aims to condense information from scientific papers on surgical procedures for PTC published over the past three decades, quantify the research progress in this field, respond to research hotspots, and reveal potential future research directions.
Methods
The scientific publications assessed in this study were retrieved from the Science Citation Index—Expanded (SCI-E) database, having been published between 1990–2021. Annual outputs, high-yield journals, countries, institutions, authors, and their citation times were summarized. In addition, bibliometric analysis was performed on keyword co-occurrence, burst citations, and citation networks. The relationships between citations were computed and visualized using the CiteSpace_5.7.R5W and VOSviewer_1.6.16 visualization software programs.
Results
A total of 442 articles on "surgical procedures for PTC" were indexed in SCI-E during the past 30 years, covering five categories, namely, endocrinology and metabolism; surgery; oncology; otorhinolaryngology; and radiology, nuclear medicine, and medical imaging. The United States, Italy, and South Korea showed dominance in terms of publication output, h-index, and total citations. Thyroid was the top publisher of relevant papers, and the most-cited article was “2015 American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Adult Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.” The keywords that appeared most frequently were “cancer”, “carcinoma”, “management”, “surgery”, “papillary”, and “nodules”. Popular research topics were "association guidelines,” "extent,” "meta-analysis,” "lymph node metastasis, " and "outcome." In addition, new surgical methods, including intraoperative nerve monitoring and robot-assisted surgery, have been advanced in recent years and may have a good future in the field of PTC surgery.
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of research in the field of surgical procedures for PTC. How to effectively screen patients for immediate surgery and develop uniform criteria for recommending surgery for patients with progressive lesions may be a focus of research in the coming years.
Challenges in Conducting Population-based Seroepidemiology Survey of Covid-19 in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojogbede Adewale Kayode , Bamidele Tajudeen , Aina Oluwagbemiga , Raheem Toyosi , Okwuraiwe Azuka , Amoo Olufemi , Osuolale Kazeem Adewale , Oladele David , Salako Abideen , Ige Fehintola , Musa Adesola Zaidat , Idigbe Ifeoma , Anwoju Fatimoh , Baruwa Sikiru , Abdur-Razzak Hussein , Adebayo Bisola , Wright Kikelomo , Ohihoin Aigbe , Ezechi Oliver , Audu Rosemary
Published: December 2022

Population-based study is known to be a very essential type of study during and after a pandemic or epidemics, as it provides important information on the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of the disease in question. There has been limited information about challenges faced in conducting such surveys in Nigeria. In this paper, we would share our experience, and describe the challenges faced in conducting population-based seroepidemiological study of COVID – 19 in Lagos, Nigeria. Some challenges were peculiar to specific Local Government Areas (LGAs) while others were general. The challenges include general misconception of community members about health research, difficulties in mapping houses, planning for data collection, standardising data collection, working in hard-to-reach community when resources were limited as well as difficulty in collection of blood, oral and naso-oropharyngeal swabs. Ways of overcoming these problems, lessons learnt, and recommendations are hereby discussed.
Impact of cardiac shock wave therapy on the dynamics of biomarkers: results of proteomic analysis
Authors: Burneikaitė Greta , Jasiūnas Eugenijus , Shkolnik Evgeny , Zuozienė Gitana , Misonis Nerijus , Petrauskienė Birutė , Kazėnaitė Edita , Laucevičius Aleksandras , Smih Fatima , Rouet Philippe , Čelutkienė Jelena
Published: December 2022

Background: Cardiac shock-wave therapy (CSWT) is a non-invasive treatment based on low-frequency ultrasound waves that stimulate angiogenesis. Current data on the effects of revascularization procedures on angiogenesis biomarkers are limited.
In this study, we aimed to characterize the serum protein profiles of patients with coronary artery disease after CSWT treatment in relation to changes in exercise and imaging parameters.
Methods: The study population included 10 patients from a prospective, randomized, triple-blind, sham-procedure controlled study (NCT02339454), who received CSWT and had demonstrated improvement in myocardial perfusion and/or contractility at 6 months follow-up
The blood samples were collected at baseline, after the last treatment procedure (9th treatment week), at 6-month follow-up and stored at −80°C until analysis. The cardiovascular-related proteins (n=92) were measured using the Olink Proseek Multiplex Cardiovascular III panel (Olink, Uppsala, Sweden).
Results: The median age was 65.5 years, and 7 patients were males. A total of 20 biomarkers showed significant changes from baseline to 9th week and 6 months follow-up (p<0.05).
We identified 28 proteins that showed clear association with an increase in exercise tolerance and improvement in myocardial contractility or perfusion after CSWT. Using a volcano plot and results from the paired Mann-Whitney U test at confidence level of 0.95, we identified 3 proteins (PON3, TR-AP, CD163) with elevated values corresponding to increase in exercise duration (p<0.05) and 2 proteins (CPA1, COL1A1) related to improved myocardial contractility (p<0.05).
A pathway analysis including 28 proteins suggested that these biomarkers were related to immune and inflammatory response, cell adhesion, tissue remodeling, proteolysis and catabolic processes.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates the association of an increase in protein levels with an improvement in exercise duration and contractile function. Proteomic analysis suggests that CSWT exerts biological effects including immune and inflammation response, cell adhesion and tissue remodeling, all of which may mediate angiogenesis.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02339454).
Standardized Equipment Management Procedures and Fleet Management of Department of Public Works and Highways Region Iv-a
Authors: Naelgas Mary Anne
Published: December 2022

The study determined the implementation of the standardized equipment management procedures (SEMP) and fleet management of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-A for a basis of a proposed Equipment Services Section (ESS). It aimed to answer the level of perceptions of the respondents in the implementation of SEMP in terms of Equipment Administration (EA), Preventive Maintenance (PM), and Repair Process (RP), determine the problems encountered in fleet management, and if there are significant differences between the perceptions of the respondents in the implementation of SEMP and in the problems encountered in fleet management. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey method. The data gathered were treated using mean, standard deviation, analysis of variance, and posteriori test. The findings revealed that the null hypothesis which stated that there is no significant difference in the level of implementation of SEMP in DPWH Region IV-A in terms of equipment administration and repair process and the problems encountered in fleet management is accepted. However, the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant difference in the implementation of SEMP in terms of preventive maintenance is rejected.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin protects against phosgene-induced acute lung injury by activating the ID1-dependent anti-inflammatory response
Authors: He Gaihua , Yu Weihua , Li Hongwei , Liu Jiangzheng , Tu Yongmei , Kong Deqin , Long Zi , Liu Rui , Peng Jie , Wang Zhao , Liu Penghui , Hai Chunxu , Yan Wenjun , Li Wenli
Published: December 2022

Phosgene, a highly dangerous chemical warfare agent, is widely used as an industrial chemical. Phosgene inhalation causes acute lung injury (ALI), which may further progress into pulmonary edema. Currently, there is no known antidote for phosgene poisoning. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (α1-AT) is a protease inhibitor that has been used to treat emphysema patients, who are deficient in α1-AT, for decades. Recent studies have shown that α1-AT has both anti-inflammatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of α1-AT in phosgene-induced ALI. We observed a time-dependent increase in α1-AT expression and secretion in the lungs of rats exposed to phosgene. Interestingly, α1-AT was derived from neutrophils, but not from macrophages or alveolar type II cells, and α1-AT knockdown aggravated phosgene- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and cell death in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Conversely, α1-AT administration suppressed the inflammatory response and prevented death in LPS- and phosgene-exposed BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, α1-AT treatment increased the expression of the inhibitor of DNA binding (ID1) gene, which suppressed NF-κB pathway activation, reduced inflammation, and inhibited cell death. These data demonstrate that neutrophil-derived α1-AT protects against phosgene-induced ALI by activating the ID1-dependent anti-inflammatory response. This study may provide novel strategies for the treatment of patients with phosgene-induced ALI.
Correlation between PAPP-A levels determined during the first trimester and birth weight at full-term.
Authors: Sánchez Elena Turrado , Sánchez Virginia de Miguel , Cortiñas Manuel Macia
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Foetal birth weight is an important determinant of perinatal health. For this reason, various methods have been investigated for estimating this weight during pregnancy.
Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible relationship between full-term birth weight and PAPP-A levels determined during the first trimester as part of combined screening for aneuploidy carried out in pregnant women.
Material and methodology We carried out a single-centre study including pregnant women who were being followed up by the Obstetrics Service Care Units of the XXI de Santiago de Compostela e Barbanza Foundation, who gave birth from 1 March 2015 to 1 March 2017, and who had undergone their first-trimester combined chromosomopathy screening (or first-trimester combined screening, FTCS). The sample included a total of 2794 women.
Results: When we analysed the relationship between foetal birth weight and the parameters used during first-trimester combined screening, as well as investigating into a predictor role for these parameters, we found a significant correlation between MoM PAPP-A and foetal birth weight. When MoM PAPP-A was measured at extremely low levels (< 0.3) during the first trimester, the OR for giving birth to a foetus with weight < p10, adjusting for gestational age and sex, was 2.74. For low levels of MoM PAPP-A (0.3 - 0.44), the OR was 1.52. With regard to the value of MOM PAPP-A levels as a predictor of foetal macrosomia, a correlation could be observed with elevated levels, although this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: PPAP-A determined during the first trimester acts as a predictor of foetal weight at term, as well as for foetal growth disorders.
Remdesivir Administration for Sars Cov 2 Pneumonia in Icu and Non- Icu Patients: Outcome and Post-treatment Differences
Authors: Sabba Antonio , Pontoni Giancarlo , Santangelo Maria , Rachedi Nadir , D’Ercole Maurizio , Marseglia Bernardino , Fusaro Marcella , Fontana Costantino
Published: December 2022

Purpose
This prospective observation and monocentric study aims to verify the outcome (Healing/Death) of Remdesivir, a nucleotide analogue prodrug of adenosine, for two hospital patients groups: patients in standard oxygen therapy and patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Methods
449 patients affected by Covid-19 were hospitalized at the Rome Military Hospital between March 2020 and July 2022. Depending on the severity of the disease they were assigned either to the Functional Health Emergency Unit (UFES) - if suffering from interstitial pneumonia with a clinical manifestation of dyspnoea associated with peripheral oxygen saturation < 92%, and oxygen atmospheric pressure therapy - or to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - if the blood gas-lytic index P/F (ratio between partial pressure of arterial O2 and inspired fraction of O2) was below 150. The two patient categories were further separated into a study group undergoing Remdesivir therapy and a control group treated alternatively with Lopinavir/Ritonavir either Hydroxychlorochina or Tocilizumab.
Results
The results highlight the importance of the adoption of Remdesivir in the initial stages of infection to prevent the systemic spread and viral multiplication and, in the subsequent phase, a cytokine storm resulting in acute respiratory failure and multi organ failure. The use of the drug in the most advanced stages of the disease is not associated with a real impact on patient outcomes. Therefore, there is a statistically significant correspondence between the early use of remdesevir in the treatment of Sars Cov 2 disease - in addition to guidelines therapies - and a favorable clinical outcome.
In Vitro High-Throughput Toxicological Assessment of E-Cigarette Flavors in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells and the role of TRPA1 in Cinnamon Flavor-Induced Toxicity
Authors: Effah Felix , Taiwo Benjamin , Baines Deborah , Bailey Alexis , Marczylo Tim
Published: December 2022

Background
Electronic cigarettes (ECs) are considered a less hazardous alternative to tobacco smoking but are not harmless. Growing concerns about the safety profiles of flavors in e-liquids underpin the need for this study.
Methods
Here, we screened 53 nicotine-free flavored e-liquids (across 15 flavor categories) across a 3-point concentration range (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% v/v) in a high-throughput fashion in human bronchial epithelial (HBEC-3KT) submerged cell cultures to identify ‘toxic hits’ using in vitro endpoint assays comprising cell count, cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
Results
We observed significant, dose-dependent adverse effects only with cinnamon, vanilla tobacco, and hazelnut e-liquids compared to media-only control and PG/VG vehicle controls. Hence, we further analyzed these three flavors for their effects on HBEC-3KT proliferation, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress. A significant decrease in cell proliferation after 36h was observed for each e-liquid toxic hit compared to media-only and PG/VG controls. Hazelnut (at all concentrations) and vanilla tobacco (1%) increased cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation compared to media-only and PG/VG controls. Conversely, all three flavors at 0.5% and 1% significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MP) compared to PG/VG and media-only controls. We hypothesized that the cytotoxic effects of cinnamon flavor in e-liquids might be mediated via the transient protein receptor ankyrin subtype 1 (TRPA1); however, TRPA1 antagonist AP-18 (10 µM) did not mitigate these effects, and cinnamon significantly increased TRPA1 transcript levels. Therefore, pathways that mediate cinnamon’s cytotoxicity warrant further investigations.
Conclusion
This study could inform public health authorities on the relative health risks assessment following exposure to EC flavor ingredients.
The Role of Ramus Intermedius in Atherosclerosis Plaque Deposition at the Left Bifurcation Region: A Retrospective Study using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: ROSANI NURUL SAZMI , Zamin Rasheeda Mohd , Zulkafli Intan Suhana , Aman Raja Rizal Azman Raja , Zuhdi Ahmad Syadi Mahmood , Danaee Mahmoud
Published: December 2022

Ramus intermedius (RI) is a coronary artery anatomical variant arising from the left main bifurcation angle coursing between the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries. RI is commonly reported in coronary artery investigations, but its role in coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. The objective of this study is to evaluate the contributory effects of the RI in the development of CAD at the left bifurcation region (LBR) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). A retrospective cross-sectional single-centre study was conducted on patients who underwent CCTA from January 2017 until December 2018. A total of 374 patients were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The left main coronary artery (LMCA), proximal left anterior descending (pLAD), and proximal left circumflex (pLCx) arteries were analysed against known cardiovascular risks (CVR) (i.e., Absence or Presence). The RI was identified in 32% of patients (n = 121). RI singularly increases the risk for plaque deposition at the LMCA and pLAD but not in the pLCx. RI increased the risk for LMCA stenosis by eight-fold (Adjusted OR, aOR: 8.5, 95% CI: 1.7, 43.0, p = 0.010). At the pLAD, a RI increased the risk for plaque deposition at the lateral wall by three-fold (aOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 11.3, p = 0.036) and four-fold for plaque formation on both lateral and medial walls (aOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 2.7, 17.2, p = 0.038). These findings suggested for the first time that RI pose an elevated risk for atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.
A study of the effect of Graphene on the Fatigue Life of CuAlNi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Issa Wasiu Ayinde , Çamur Hüseyin , Savaş Mahmut
Published: December 2022

CuAlNi shape memory alloys (SMA) find usefulness in high temperature engineering applications. They have ease of production and are cheap in comparison with Nickel-Titanium alloys. The alloy is usually under cyclic load/stress but lacks excellent fatigue properties. In this study, the effect of graphene (C) on the fatigue life of CuNiAl SMA was investigated. The resulting S-N curves revealed that as the number of stress cycles increases, the magnitude of stress leading to fatigue failure reduces. CuAlNi SMA containing 0.3% graphene showed an improved fatigue life at 1649.25MPA. Design Expert Software version 13.0 was deployed to predict the interaction between fatigue life, percentage composition; of Cu, Al, Ni, graphene (C), and applied stress. These parameters (%Cu, %Al, %Ni, %C, σ) were significant model terms at p < 0.05, indicating that they have significant effect on the fatigue life of SMA and the mathematical model indicated a good fit with R 2 of 0.9058. The developed model can be employed in fatigue life study of shape memory alloy containing a fourth addition such as graphene.
Uveitis, a Rare but Important Complication of adjuvant Zoledronic acid in breast cancer
Authors: Chacko Geena , Kota Srigowri , Kumar Shicha , Ohri Nisha , Omene Coral , Toppmeyert Deborah L. , Ganesan Shridar , George Mridula
Published: December 2022

Adjuvant therapy has become a crucial part in reducing risk of recurrence after surgical intervention. Bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid have been used as part of adjuvant therapy. Among its many side-effects, zoledronic acid also carries a risk of uveitis. Uveitis remains one of many lesser-known side-effects; prompt recognition is essential to ensure patients receive appropriate and timely care to help prevent permanent vision loss. We report a case of anterior uveitis in a post-menopausal woman who presented with visual symptoms after receiving the first dose of zoledronic acid. This case report serves to educate and increase awareness of the risk of uveitis in patients who are given zoledronic acid. This is the first and only reported case of zoledronic acid, when used in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of breast cancer.
Uterine tumor resembling sex-cord tumors of the ovary (UTROSCT): a case of long-term response to pazopanib
Authors: Massa Giacomo , Tessari Anna , Damian Silvia , Duca Matteo , Tamborini Elena , Perrone Federica , Capone Iolanda , Paolini Biagio , Martinetti Antonia , Sottotetti Elisa , de Braud Filippo , Cresta Sara , Pircher Chiara
Published: December 2022

Background
uterine tumor resembling sex-cord tumors of the ovary (UTROSCT) is a rare form of mesenchymal uterine tumor of uncertain malignancy. Sporadic cases of advanced disease are reported, but little is known about its management in the metastatic setting. Pazopanib is a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and advanced soft tissue sarcomas, which affects several targets, including VEGFR1-2-3, PDGFRα-β and FGFR1-3.
Case Presentation
here we report a case of metastatic UTROSCT with strong and prolonged clinical response to pazopanib.
Conclusions
these findings suggest that this anti-angiogenic approach should be considered in planning future therapeutic strategies for this rare disease. Furthermore, we noted the importance of including patients with rare diseases in clinical trials and investigating molecular pathogenesis.
A new prognostic model for GBM based on coagulation-related genes
Authors: Zhou Min , Deng Yunbo , Fu Ya , Liang RiChu , Wang Bing , Liu Yang , Liao Quan
Published: December 2022

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has the highest aggressiveness and is the most common and lethal types of primary brain tumor. Multiple cancers have been associated with abnormalities in the coagulation system that facilitate tumor invasion and metastasis. In GBM, the prognostic value and underlying mechanism of coagulation-related genes (CRGs) have not been explored.
Methods: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and clinical information on GBM were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), respectively. Following the identification of differentially expressed CRGs (DECRGs) between BGM and control samples, the survival-related DECRGs were selected by the univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis to establish a prognostic signature. The prognostic performance and clinical utility of the prognostic signature were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the construction of nomogram. The signature genes-related underlying mechanisms were analyzed according to Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and single-cell analysis. Finally, the difference in immune cell infiltration, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score were compared between different risk groups.
Results: A five-gene prognostic signature (PLAUR, GP6, C5AR1, SERPINA5, F2RL2) was established for overall survival prediction of BGM patients. The predicted efficiency of the prognostic signature was confirmed in TGGA-BGM dataset and validated in CGGA-BGM dataset, revealing that it could differentiate BGM patients from controls well, and high risk score was accompanied with poor prognosis. Moreover, biological process and signaling pathway analyses showed that signature genes were mainly enriched in the functions of blood coagulation and tumor invasion and metastasis. Moreover, high-risk patients exhibited higher levels of immune cell infiltration, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score than low-risk patients.
Conclusion:An analysis of coagulation-related prognostic signatures was conducted in this study, as well as how signature genes may affect GBM progress, providing information that might provide new ideas for the development of GBM-related molecular targeted therapies.
Possibility of Incorrect Evaluation of Intraoperative Blood Loss During Open and Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Toya Keisuke , Tomimaru Yoshito , Kobayashi Shogo , Henmi Kazunari , Sasaki Kazuki , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Noda Takehiro , Takahashi Hidenori , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Decreasing intraoperative blood loss is one reported advantage of laparoscopic surgery compared with open surgery. However, several reports indicate that blood loss during laparoscopic surgery may be underestimated. No studies have evaluated this possibility in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). Here we evaluated estimated blood loss (e-BL) compared to actual intraoperative blood loss (i-BL) during distal pancreatectomy (DP).
Methods
This study included 114 patients undergoing DP in our institution during the study period. We examined the relationship between i-BL and e-BL. Based on these results, we further investigated the relationship with LDP.
Results
The laparoscopic approach was used in a significantly higher percentage of patients in e-BL > i-BL group compared to e-BL < i-BL group (55.9% vs. 10.9%, p < 0.0001). Within LDP group (n = 39), e-BL was significantly more than i-BL (388 ± 248 mL vs. 127 ± 160 mL; p < 0.0001). Within open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) group (n = 75), e-BL was significantly less than i-BL (168 ± 324 mL vs. 281 ± 209 mL; p = 0.0017). The e-BL > i-BL trend in LDP group was consistent regardless of the indication for DP. In contrast, the finding of i-BL > e-BL in ODP group was limited to patients with pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion
During LDP, e-BL was significantly more than i-BL. During ODP, e-BL was significantly less than i-BL, only in patients with pancreatic cancer. These results suggested the possibility of i-BL underestimation during LDP, and overestimation during ODP in cases with pancreatic cancer.
Non-self Ćirić α+(θ, ϕ)-proximal contractions with best proximity point
Authors: Alam Khairul Habib , Rohen Yumnam
Published: December 2022

This study aims to provide a new class of Ćirić α+(θ, ϕ)-proximal contraction, a non-self generalized poximal contraction mapping on a non-empty closed subset of any metric space. Also we have proved that such contractions satisfying some conditions must have unique best proximity point if we take the base space as complete. For some particular values of the constants, that we have used to generalize the proximal contraction, we conclude different types of proximal contractions with proof, that all such type of contractions must have unique best proximity point.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 47H10, 54H25; Secondary 41A65, 46B20, 47H05, 47H09.
Nitrate leaching in Argiudoll soil under maize with different doses of fertilizer
Authors: Zamora Martín , Aparicio Virginia , Cerda Artemio , Costa José Luis
Published: December 2022

Nitrogen induced an increase in agriculture production and contributed to the growth of the world population. However, the overuse of nitrogen resulted in the pollution of water resources. The expansion of agriculture in Argentina is a good example of the abuse of nitrogen fertilization, but little is known about the damage induced in water quality. The objectives of this study were to (i) Adjust and validate the LEACH-W model simulations with data observed in the field, (ii) quantify nitrate concentrations in the drainage water, (iii) quantify N leaching from a corn-cropped soil, (iv) calculate a simplified soil-plant N balance. Treatments consisted of 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1 applied at planting in a RCBD with 4 replications. Ceramic suction cups, and the LEACH-W model were used to measure and model nitrate leaching, respectively. Nitrate leaching was related to drainage events, and nitrate levels in drainage water surpassed 10 mg L-1 of NO3--N in the fertilized treatments. Nitrate leaching was enhanced by the presence of high residual soil nitrate levels. Losses from the fertilized treatments represented 27 and 17% of the applied N for the 100 and 200 kg N ha rates, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization of maize is a threat of contamination of groundwater in the SE region of Buenos Aires, despite the fact that the doses of nitrogen fertilizer are lower than those used in other parts of the world.
Comprehensive study identifies ZNF692 as a potential immune-related biomarker for colorectal cancer
Authors: Gao Rui Qi , Wang Jing , Dong Dan Hong , Mo Zhen Chang , Yu Pengfei , Li Xiao Hua , Gang Ji
Published: December 2022

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy has evolved significantly in recent years, the prognosis for individuals with advanced cancer is still bad. The molecular mechanisms of this illness and its therapeutic interventions require more research. In recent years, the role of ZNF692 in other tumour development has been heavily investigated, with one study showing that ZNF692 has distinct RNA splicing events within various types of hepatocellular carcinoma. Another study showed that patients with Lung adenocarcinoma with elevated ZNF692 had a poorer prognosis. These results suggest a potential link between ZNF692 and tumourigenesis as well as anti-tumour immunity. This study, which mined and analysed data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, discovered that ZNF692 was increased in the tumour cancer cells and tissues of CRC patients, and that high ZNF692 expression was substantially connected with distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and tumour stage in CRC patients. Cell lines showed that ZNF692 was abnormally and abundantly expressed in colorectal cancer tumour cells. Overall, the findings point to the possibility of using ZNF692 as a predictive biomarker for CRC.
Invasive Adenoarcinoma Arising in Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm Communicating to Main Pancreatic Duct with Concurrent Pseudocyst: A Report of Very Rare Case
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Pottakkat Biju , Gnanasekaran Senthil , Raja Kalayarasan
Published: December 2022

Purpose: MCN communicating with pancreatic duct and co-existence of pancreatic pseudocyst with MCN are rare conditions. Malignant transformation in MCN is not uncommon but combination of these rare presentations is very rare and has not been reported previously.
Methods - A Case report of malignant transformation of MCN, which was communicating to MPD with concurrent pseudocyst of pancreas.
Results-Two communicating large cysts in relation of tail of pancreas and lesser sac were diagnosed in a 45-year-old woman who had symptoms of early satiety and postprandial fullness of abdomen with history of recurrent acute pancreatitis.On cross sectional imaging there were two cysts:one multiloculated cyst with internal enhancing septations and solid component, which was communicating to main pancreatic duct and other uniloculated cyst without solid component or sepatations.Preoperative diagnosis of an IPMN with co-existing pseudocyst was made. En-bloc resection of both cysts, distal pancreas-spleen, proximal stomach and left hemidiaphragm with lymphadenectomy was done owing to high risk of malignancy. Final diagnosis on histopathological examination was moderately differentiated grade 2, MCN with invasive adenocarcinoma with coexisting pseudocyst of pancreas.
Conclusion: We are reporting the 1st case of invasive adenocarcinoma arising in MCN, which was communicating to main pancreatic duct with chronic pancreatitis and co-existing pseudocyst of pancreas.This case provides unique opportunity to study spectrum of cystic lesions of pancreas in single case.
Isometric Projection with Autoencoder
Authors: Ran Ruisheng , Zeng Qianghui , Jiang Xiaopeng , Fang Bin
Published: December 2022

Isometric Projection (IsoP) is a linear dimensionality reduction method, which proviedes the best linear approximation to the true isometric embedding of data. However, IsoP and all its variants only consider the one-way mapping from high-dimensional space to low-dimensional space. The projected low-dimensional data may not “represent” the original sample accurately and effectively. In this paper, based on the structure of linear autoencoder, a new IsoP method called IsoP-AE (Isometric projection with autoencoder) has been proposed. In this method, the conventional projection of IsoP is viewed as the encoding stage, and the decoder is used to reconstruct the original high-dimensional data from the projected low-dimensional data. In this way, our algorithm makes the low-dimensional embedding data “represent” the original data more accurately and effectively. Experiment results on Handwritten Alphadigits, COIL-100, Olivetti Research Laboratory (ORL) and Georgia Tech face datasets show that the proposed IsoP-AE approach provides a better representation of the data and achieves much higher recognition accuracy.
The development of indigenous students' ethnic identity through a STEM curriculum based on Rukai TEK of water
Authors: Kuo Tzu Yu , Sukinarhimi Peresang , Shein Paichi Pat
Published: December 2022

The study took place in an indigenous Rukai community located in Pingtung, Taiwan. Participants included four male and four female upper-grade elementary students. The research uses a "community-based participatory research approach" that empowers local indigenous knowledge holders to formulate and develop education. With their help and guidance, the research team developed a year-long STEM curriculum centered on the Rukai's traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of water to promote the ethnic identity of indigenous students and to understand its development. The research team identified three stages of the development of ethnic identity: initial, moratorium and achieved stages. The nature of ethnic identity can be described in terms of its “internal construction” and “external manifestation,” which consisted of six dimensions, and findings confirmed that these students developed their internal construction and external manifestation of ethnic identity. The curriculum began with an exploration of the Rukai community and established values and beliefs regarding Rukai. Eventually, the students formed a high level of commitment and sense of belonging and positive evaluation and ethnic attitudes and ethnic behaviors related to the Rukai group. This study hopes to develop, through the course outlined here, a method for students to cultivate a deep understanding of Rukai culture and identity. This understanding plays a vital role in the future continuity of the language, culture and ecological knowledge of their hometown and ethnic group, and in realizing the vision of sustainable nature and culture.
Copernicus for Urban Resilience in Europe
Authors: Chrysoulakis Nektarios , Ludlow David , Mitraka Zina , Somarakis Giorgos , Khan Zaheer , Lauwaet Dirk , Hooyberghs Hans , Feliu Efrén , Navarro Daniel , Feigenwinter Christian , Holsten Anne , Soukup Tomas , Dohr Mario , Marconcini Mattia , Andersen Birgitte Holt
Published: December 2022

A major challenge for the urban community is the exploitation of Earth Observation intelligence in the multidimensional nature of urban sustainability, towards enhancing urban resilience, particularly in relation to the challenges of climate change. Here, we present the ways in which the Horizon2020 funded project CURE synergistically exploited Copernicus Core Services (CCS) to support urban resilience. CURE provides spatially disaggregated environmental intelligence at a local scale, as well as a proof-of-concept that urban planning and management strategies, enhancing the resilience of cities, can be supported by CCS. CURE has developed eleven cross-cutting applications between CCS, reflecting the main urban sustainability dimensions and are relevant to user needs, which were identified based on a strong stakeholders’ engagement. CURE is built on Data and Information Access Services, as a system integrating these cross-cutting applications, capable of supporting downstream services across Europe, enabling its incorporation into operational Copernicus products portfolio in the future.
Extended reality-based therapies for the treatment of anxiety disorders: clinical impact, perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals, and comparison of modalities - a systematic review
Authors: Dhunnoo Pranavsingh , Wetzlmair Lisa-Christin , O'Carroll Veronica
Published: December 2022

Background: Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions and have a rising prevalence. Patients with anxiety disorders can however be deterred from seeking treatment due to associated stigma and medication side effects. Evidence indicates that promising digital health solutions to address those concerns reside in the growing field of extended reality (XR). However, the literature is lacking in investigating how patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience and perceive XR therapies as well as in direct comparisons between XR modalities for anxiety disorder treatment.
Objectives: This systematic review sought to: a) review how XR-based therapies are utilised in clinical practice for anxiety disorder patients; b) investigate the perceptions and experiences of patients and HCPs employing XR-based anxiety disorders therapies; and c) compare the effectiveness of different XR approaches in anxiety disorder treatment.
Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using three databases (CINAHL, APA PsycNet and PubMed). Studies were screened and filtered based on a predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were appraised for their quality and risk of bias as appropriate.
Results: Four studies fulfilled the inclusion requirements. The majority investigated the use of XR tools for individual therapy and indicated that they can be as effective as traditional methods and assist HCPs in therapeutic tasks. Patients generally experience these modalities as immersive with minimal side effects. It remains unclear whether XR is appropriate in group therapy settings.
Conclusion: XR-based therapies have the potential to positively impact anxiety disorder treatment as potent drug-free alternatives or supplements to traditional therapy and could be considered for remote, individual care. While the XR setup for HCPs require improvement, these tools can be practical and assistive for them. The generalisability of the findings require further research into more conditions within the anxiety disorders group, as well as larger and more representative sample sizes. A potential gap has also been identified in the direct comparison of different XR modalities within the same study.
On the randomness of time ordered quantum measurements
Authors: Almlöf Jonas , Lettner Thomas , Gyger Samuel , Vall-llosera Gemma , Nilsson Tigge , Zwiller Valerie
Published: December 2022

A new method for efficient, high-quality randomness extraction is presented. The method relies on quantum processes such as the emission of single photons and their subsequent detection, where each detection event has an associated detection time. We show that, by utilising the number of possibilities to arrange a timed quantum measurement sequence, the efficiency can be increased many-fold compared to current methods. The method delivers fundamentally uniform randomness and therefore does not need any post processing or de-biasing.
A premature luteinizing hormone surge without elevated progesterone levels has no adverse effect on cumulative live birth rate in patient undergoing a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Xu Yang , Yu Jiao , Wang Xi , Xue Qing , Shang Jing , Yang Xiuli , Shan Xuemin
Published: December 2022

Background
A premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge refers to an endogenous LH peak that occurs before follicle maturation or human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the process of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The effect of premature LH surge on pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles is still controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a premature LH surge without elevated progesterone levels on the cumulative pregnancy rate (CPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) of patients during a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol.
Methods
A total of 428 infertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited for this retrospective study. Only women who either delivered a live infant or had no remaining frozen embryos after a single stimulation cycle were included in the analysis. During the study period, each patient underwent a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol. Women were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of a premature LH surge. The primary outcome measures were the CPR and CLBR per ovarian stimulation cycle. The secondary outcome measures were the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, good-quality embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy rate.
Results
Fifty-one women (11.92%) experienced a premature LH surge, and the other 377 (88.08%) women were assigned to the control group. The numbers of oocytes retrieved was significantly greater in the premature LH surge group than in the control group. There was no significant difference between groups in the fertilization rate, good-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate in the fresh embryo transfer cycle. The primary outcome measures, the CPR and CLBR per ovarian stimulation cycle, were not significantly different between the premature LH surge group and the control group. According to the analysis stratified by ovarian response (normal or high), there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between the groups with and without a premature LH surge.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that a transient premature LH surge without progesterone elevation had no adverse effect on the CLBR of patients on a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol. Therefore, a transient LH surge should not be an indicator for cycle cancellation.
Study on Brain Structure Network of Individuals with Different Space Navigation Ability
Authors: Wang Huihui , Yanhai Zhang , Chang Linli , Bai Wanqi , Chi Liyi
Published: December 2022

To explore the differences in brain structure network properties and related characteristic parameters among individuals with different spatial navigation abilities. In this study, we included 50 subjects (25 good navigators and 25 poor navigators) who underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination and Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) test. The T-threshold was the number of fibers (FN) between each pair of brain regions. The brain structure network was constructed using the deterministic fiber tracking algorithm and graph theory model. We calculated its small worldness (Sigma, σ), global efficiency (Eg), local efficiency (El), node efficiency, and Hub nodes with GRETNA. We found significant statistical differences between the two groups' spatial navigation abilities, Eg and El. The efficiency of the 16 nodes was statistically significant across all brain regions; the different nodes were found in the core network dominated by the middle temporal lobe and the dilated region consisting of the parietal lobe and frontal lobe. We did not find statistically significant differences in groups of Hub nodes at which information was exchanged and exchanged. Individual network structures with different spatial navigation capabilities have different properties. Based on this approach, we can screen for spatial navigation capabilities and monitor changes in spatial navigation capabilities with age.