bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscalar electrical spiking in Schizophyllum commune
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Schunselaar Ella , Wösten Han A. B. , Ayres Phil
Published: May 2023

Growing colonies of the split-gill fungus Schizophyllum commune show action potential-like spikes of extracellular electrical potential. We analysed several days of electrical activity recording of the fungus and discovered three families of oscillatory patterns. Very slow activity at a scale of hours, slow activity at a scale of tens minutes and very fast activity at scale of half-minute. We simulated the spiking behaviour using FitzHugh-Nagume model, uncovered mechanisms of spike shaping. We speculated that spikes of electrical potential might be associated with transportation of nutrients and metabolites.
Comparison of SP142 and 22C3 PD-L1 assays in a population-based cohort of triple-negative breast cancer patients in the context of their clinically established scoring algorithms
Authors: Sigurjonsdottir Gudbjörg , De Marchi Tommaso , Ehinger Anna , Hartman Johan , Campos Ana Bosch , Staaf Johan , Killander Fredrika , Niméus Emma
Published: May 2023

Background Immunohistochemical (IHC) PD-L1 expression is commonly employed as predictive biomarker for checkpoint inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, IHC evaluation methods are non-uniform and further studies are needed to optimize clinical utility.
Methods We compared the concordance, prognostic value and gene expression between PD-L1 IHC expression by SP142 immune cell (IC) score and 22C3 combined positive score (CPS; companion IHC diagnostic assays for atezolizumab and pembrolizumab, respectively) in a population-based cohort of 232 early-stage TNBC patients.
Results The expression rates of PD-L1 for SP142 IC ≥1%, 22C3 CPS ≥10, 22C3 CPS ≥1 and 22C3 IC ≥1% were 50.9%, 27.2%, 53.9% and 41.8%, respectively. The analytical concordance (kappa values) between SP142 IC+ and these three different 22C3 scorings were 73.7% (0.48, weak agreement), 81.5% (0.63) and 86.6% (0.73) respectively. The SP142 assay was better at identifying 22C3 positive tumors than the 22C3 assay was at detecting SP142 positive tumors. PD-L1 (CD274) gene expression (mRNA) showed a strong positive association with all two-categorical IHC scorings of the PD-L1 expression, irrespective of antibody and cut-off (Spearman Rho ranged from 0.59 to 0.62; all p-values <0.001). PD-L1 IHC positivity and abundance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were of positive prognostic value in univariable regression analyses in patients treated with (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, where it was strongest for 22C3 CPS ≥10 and distant relapse-free interval (HR=0.18, p=0.019). However, PD-L1 status was not independently prognostic when adjusting for abundance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in multivariable analyses.
Conclusion Our findings support that the SP142 and 22C3 IHC assays, with their respective clinically applied scoring algorithms, are not analytically equivalent where they identify partially non-overlapping subpopulations of TNBC patients and cannot be substituted with one another regarding PD-L1 detection.
Trial Registration The Swedish Cancerome Analysis Network – Breast (SCAN-B) study, retrospectively registered 2nd Dec 2014 at ClinicalTrials.gov; ID NCT02306096.
Application of artificial intelligence in endoscopic image analysis for the diagnosis of a gastric cancer pathogen -Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsueh , Hsu Ping-I , Tseng Chin-Dar , Chao Pei-Ju , Wu I-Ting , Ghose Supratip , Shih Chih-An , Lee Shen-Hao , Ren Jia-Hong , Shie Chang-Bih , Lee Tsair-Fwu
Published: May 2023

Helicobacter pylori infection is the principal cause of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. In clinical practice, diagnosis of H. pylori infection by a gastroenterologists’ impression of endoscopic images is inaccurate and cannot be used for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence classification system for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection by pre-processing endoscopic images and machine learning methods. Endoscopic images of the gastric body and antrum from 302 patients receiving endoscopy with confirmation of H. pylori status by a rapid urease test at An Nan Hospital were obtained for the derivation of an artificial intelligence classification system. The H. pylori status was interpreted as positive or negative by CNN and Concurrent Spatial and Channel Squeeze and Excitation (scSE), combined with different classification models for deep learning of gastric images. The comprehensive assessment for H. pylori status by scSE-CatBoost classification models for both body and antrum images achieved an accuracy of 0.90, sensitivity of 1.00, specificity of 0.81, positive predictive value of 0.82, negative predicted value of 1.00, and area under the curve of 0.88. The data suggest that an artificial intelligence classification model using scSE’s deep learning for gastric endoscopic images can distinguish H. pylori status with good performance and is useful for the survey or diagnosis of H. pylori infection in clinical practice.
Promoter variations in a homeobox gene, BrLMI1, contribute to leaf lobe formation in Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis Makino
Authors: Li Pan , Su Tongbing , Li Hui , Wu Yudi , Wang Limin , Zhang Fenglan , Wang Zheng , Yu Shuancang
Published: May 2023

Leaves are the main consumed organ in leafy non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis Makino), and the shape of the leaves is an important economic trait. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying lobed-leaf trait in non-heading Chinese cabbage remains unclear. Here, we identified a stable incompletely dominant major locus qLLA10 for lobed leaves formation in non-heading Chinese cabbage. Based on map-based cloning strategies, BrLMI1, a LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY1 (LMI1)-like gene, was predicted as the candidate gene for qLLA10. Genotyping analysis showed that promoter variations of BrLMI1 in two parents are responsible for elevating the expression in the lobed-leaf parent and ultimately causing the alternation in leaf shape between the two parents, and the promoter activity of BrLMI1 was significantly affected by the promoter variations. BrLMI1 was exclusively localized in the nucleus and expressed mainly at the tips of each lobe. Leaf lobe development was perturbed in BrLMI1-silenced plants produced by virus-induced gene silencing assays, and ectopic overexpression of BrLMI1 in Arabidopsis led to deeply lobed leaves never seen in the wild type, which indicates that BrLMI1 is required for leaf lobe formation in non-heading Chinese cabbage. These findings suggested that BrLMI1 is a positive regulatory factor of leaf lobe formation in non-heading Chinese cabbage and that cis-regulatory variations lead to the phenotype of lobed or entire leaf margins, thus providing the theoretical basis for unraveling the molecular mechanism underlying lobed leaves phenotype in Brassica crops.
Comparative Study of Multi-Physics Generated Small Dipoles in Conducting Media
Authors: Zhou Sai , Pan George
Published: May 2023

We investigate dipoles generated by electric current line (TM), electric loop (TE), and mechanically spinning of electret and magnet. While far-zone |HE| of the TE and TM dipole are identical, their near-zone behaviors are drastically different. We present closed form expressions of the Ohmic loss in a spherical lossy shell (SLS) for the first time, which leads to accurate computations and discussions of the article. For electrically small dipole of normalized half dipole-length |ka| ≪1, analytic results show that the radiation efficiency ηr is proportional to |ka| 3 for TM dipole, and |ka| for TE dipole, respectively. Consequently, ηr of TE can be better than TM in two to three orders of magnitude for under seawater communication. The time-domain energy flow velocity (EFV) pattern shows that TM dipole in lossy media is cavity-dominating, while TE/TM in lossless and TE in lossy medium are all radiation-dominating. Numerical results reveal that mechanically spinning dipole is smaller in size and weight but it requires more operation power, compared to its electromagnetic counter-partners. Finally, design, tuning and impedance matching of low-profile TE dipole antenna are outlined.
Transcriptomic meta-analysis characterizes molecular commonalities between psoriasis and obesity
Authors: Vasilopoulos Yiannis , Evangelou Evangelos , Georgakilas George , Antonatos Charalabos
Published: May 2023

Despite the abundance of epidemiological evidence for the high comorbid rate between psoriasis and obesity, systematic approaches on common inflammatory mechanisms have not been adequately explored. We performed a meta-analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets to unveil putative mechanisms that are postulated to exacerbate both diseases, utilizing both late-stage, disease-specific meta-analyses and consensus gene co-expression network (cWGCNA). Single-gene meta-analyses reported several common inflammatory mechanisms fostered by the perturbed expression profile of pathogenic cell types. Assessment of gene overlaps between both diseases revealed significant overlaps between up- (n = 170, P-value = 6.07×10–65) and down-regulated (n = 49, P-value = 7.1×10− 7) genes, associated with increased T cell response and activated transcription factors. Our cWGCNA approach disentangled 48 consensus modules, associated with either the differentiation of leukocytes or metabolic pathways with similar correlation signals in both diseases. Notably, all our analyses confirmed the association of the perturbed T helper (Th)17 differentiation pathway in both diseases. Our novel findings through whole transcriptomic analyses characterize the inflammatory commonalities between psoriasis and obesity implying the assessment of several expression profiles that could serve as putative comorbid disease progression biomarkers and therapeutic interventions.
Anti PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies treatment in Elderly Patients – a Real-World Clinic Experience
Authors: Giladi Ela , Daud Waseem , Israel Roy , Gurevitz Chen , Atamna Alaa , Pereg David , Assali Abid , Elis Avishay
Published: May 2023

Background:
The use of anti PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) is emerging. However, real-world data is lacking for elderly patients.
Objective:
To define the characteristics of elderly patients treated with anti PCSK9 mAb and to evaluate their efficacy and tolerability compared with younger subjects.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of elderly patients (≥75 years at enrolment) treated with anti PCSK9 mAb. Data was retrieved for demographic and clinical characteristics, indication for treatment, agents and dosages, concomitant lipid lowering treatment, LDL-c levels at baseline, 6, 12 months and at the end of follow up, reaching LDL-c target levels and adverse effects.
Results:
The cohort included 91 elderly patients and 92 younger ones, mean age 75.2 + 3.76 and 58.9 + 7.4 years (p<0.0001). Most patients (82%, 80%) were at the high/very high-risk categories, in almost all of them (98%, 99%) the indication was statin intolerance, with anti PCSK9 mAb monotherapy the most prevalent regimen. Most patients received Alirocumab (65%, 60%), 42% and 38% were treated by the 150 mg dose. The average follow up was 38.1 + 20.5 and 30.9 + 15.8 months (p=0.0258). Within 6 months the LDL-clevels were reduced by 57% in the elderly group and by 59% in the control group (p=0.2371) and were stable during follow up. Only 53% and 57% reached their LDL-c target levels. No clinically significant adverse events were documented.
Conclusion:
In the real - world setting, anti PCSK9 mAbs have similar effects and tolerability among elderly patients as in the younger population.
Exploring primary care physician feedback following an integrative oncology consultation
Authors: Hauzer Michael , Grimberg Ran , Samuels Noah , Keshet Yael , Mordechai Alperin , Dagash Jamal , Ben-Arye Eran
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore responses from primary care physicians(PCPs) from an integrative physician (IP) consultation and recommended integrative oncology (IO) treatment program.
Methods: Chemotherapy-treated patients were referred by their oncology healthcare professional to an IP, a physician dually-trained in complementary medicine and supportive cancer care. The consultation summary and patient-centered IO treatment program was then sent to the patient’s PCP, with PCP-to-IP responses analyzed qualitatively using ATLAS.Ti software for systematic coding and content analysis. Trial Registration Number NCT01860365 published May 22, 2013.
Results: Of the 597 IP consultations conducted, 470 (78.7%) summaries were sent to patients’ PCPs, with only 69 (14.7%) PCP-to-IP responses returned. PCPs were more likely to respond if the patient was Hebrew-speaking (78.3% vs. 65.1%, P=0.032). Systematic coding identified four predominant themes among PCP narratives: addressing the patient’s medical condition and leading QoL-related concerns; patient-centered reflections; available resources providing support and promoting resilience; and PCP attitudes to the IO treatment program.
Conclusion: PCP-IP communication can provide valuable insight into the patient's bio-psycho-social care, addressing the patient’s health-belief model, emotional concerns, caregiver-related factors, preferences and barriers to adherence to IO care.
Practice implications: Healthcare services should consider promoting IP-PCP communication in order to facilitate better patient outcomes from an IO treatment program.
Exosome-delivered miR-153 from Trichinella spiralis promotes apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells by downregulating Bcl2
Authors: Wang Ruibiao , Lin Lihao , Han Yang , Li Zhixin , Zhen Jingbo , Zhang Yuheng , Sun Feng , Lu Yixin
Published: May 2023

Trichinellosis, a helminthic zoonosis, exhibits a cosmopolitan distribution and is a public health concern. In our previous studies, we reported that the exosomes secreted by Trichinella spiralis larvae (TsExos) largely affected cell life activities. The miRNAs, as exosome-delivered cargoes, affect the life activities of the host by targeting genes. The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which miRNAs interacted with intestinal epithelial cells. First, we constructed a miRNA library of TsExos; then, based on high-throughput miRNA sequencing results, miR-153 and its predicted target genes, namely Agap2, Bcl2 and Pten, were selected for follow-up studies. The dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-153 directly targeted Bcl2 and Pten. Further, real time qPCR and the Western blotting revealed that only Bcl2 was downregulated by TsExos-delivered miR-153 in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Bcl2, an important antiapoptotic protein, plays an essential role in cell apoptosis as a common intersection molecule of various signal transduction pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that miR-153 derived from TsExos causes cell apoptosis by targeting Bcl2. The results suggested that miR-153 could induce apoptosis, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, affect cell proliferation, and cause damage and substantial oxidative stress. Furthermore, miR-153 co-incubated with IPEC-J2 cells stimulated the accumulation of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bad, which belong to the Bcl2 family proteins and apoptosis-implementing proteins Caspase9 and Caspase3. Moreover, we confirmed that miR-153 could promote apoptosis by regulating the MAPK and p53 signaling pathways involved in apoptosis. Taken together, exosome-mediated miR-153 delivery secreted by T. spiralis could induce the occurrence of apoptosis and affected the MAPK and p53 signaling pathways by downregulating Bcl2 in IPEC-J2 cells. Our study highlights the mechanisms underlying the invasion of T. spiralis larva.
HiPIMS prepared ultrathin gold film for plasmonic biosensor application
Authors: Huang Sheng-Yang , Hsieh Ping-Yen , Chung Chi-Jen , Chou Chia-Man , He Ju-Liang
Published: May 2023

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has come to a different stage worldwide. Until now, the common flu-like outbreaks have led to increasing demand for screening tests with high sensitivity and specificity. Among biosensors, the noble metal nano-optical sensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) has great potential due to its simple design, feasible manufacturing, and fast response. To develop an efficient and economic examination, this study utilizes high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) to prepare ultrathin gold film (UTGF) on glass substrate. The experimental results show that with an increase in the deposition time from 3 s to 144 s, the UTGF forms from an island-like morphology, a network structure, to ultimately a smooth UTGF layer on glass. When the UTGF sample is conjugated with human serum albumin (HSA) at 5×10− 4 M as a pretest analyte, a significant peak shift of 25.6 nm was detected for the UTGF deposited at 12 s. Based on the UV-Vis measurement, the plasmonic loss peak of the UTGF sample with deposition times of 6 s, 12 s, and 24 s are 537.1 nm, 601.9 nm, and 665.8 nm, respectively, whereas the deposition time of 12 s prepared UTGF sample revealed the strongest LSPR effect. With a prolonged deposition time over the percolation time (48 s), those UTGF samples gave no LSPR response. To further detect viral antigen, recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein, the UTGF were functionalized with mouse anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The HiPIMS prepared UTGF sample feasible for SARS-CoV-2 detection is demonstrated, giving potential application on rapid and ultrasensitive biomolecules sensor.
An appraisal to hydrochemical characterization, source identification and potential health risks of sulphate and nitrate in groundwater of Bemetara district, Central India
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Sharma Mukesh Kumar , Malik Devendra Singh
Published: May 2023

Gypsum enriched aquifers (GEA) along with intensive agriculture regions (IAR) in semi-arid regions are responsible for very high amount of sulphate and nitrate in many groundwater systems of the world, respectively. However, in such regions, the problem of nitrate pollution and its associated health risk has been increasing and emerging as a global issue. But along with nitrate, sulphate contamination and its potential health risks are often neglected throughout the world in these regions. Therefore, considering sulphate along with nitrate as major threat to water quality in such regions, this study aimed to characterize hydrochemistry, factors controlling groundwater quality and assessment of risk to human health. To accomplish this objective, 116 groundwater samples were collected over pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) (2019) seasons in Bemetara district. As per Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) for drinking, SO42− (28 and 19%) and NO3− (7 and 35%) exceeded the permissible limits in PRM and POM seasons respectively; thereby groundwater was not suitable for drinking. SO42− and NO3− pollution sources were identified and mainly attributed to gypsum dissolution and agricultural activities as well as domestic sewage discharge, respectively. In addition, SO42− and NO3− risk assessment results shows that total 20–46% of all samples surpassed the permissible limit (HQ = 1) risk to children and adult, over both seasons. To ensure drinking water security in this region, sustainable management of agricultural activities and treatment should be done to reduce the potential health risks due to SO42− and NO3− .
Expectant management for umbilical artery thrombosis in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Qilin , Zhang Yanping , Zhou Rong
Published: May 2023

Background
Thrombosis of one of the umbilical arteries is a rare complication of pregnancy and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and intrauterine growth restriction. Although extremely rare, umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) in monochorionic diamniotic twins is difficult to diagnose prenatally and manage. UAT has a poor prognosis and is associated with an increased perinatal mortality rate. In most previous cases, emergency cesarean section was performed or intrauterine fetal death occurred at the time of UAT diagnosis.
Case presentation: Herein, we report an extremely rare case of sequential UAT in monochorionic diamniotic twins diagnosed via ultrasound at 29+ 5 weeks of gestation in a 34-year-old woman. Following expectant management with intensive monitoring for 16 days, two healthy infants were delivered through an emergency cesarean section. UAT in both fetuses was confirmed by pathological examination. The mother and twins described in this case underwent long-term follow-up and are currently in good health without any complications.
Conclusions
Based on our experience, we suggest that expectant management should be undertaken as long as the mother and infants are stable on ultrasonographic scans and are closely monitored. When UAT is suspected, we believe that the best delivery time should be determined by considering complaints of unusual fetal movements, non-stress test evidence, gestational age, amniotic fluid volume, and blood flow of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus. Obstetricians should ensure that the patients and their families are clearly informed about all potential risks of expectant management for UAT.
On application of the new mapping method to magneto-optic waveguides having Kudryashov’s law of refractive index
Authors: Zayed Elsayed. M. E. , Alurrfi Khaled A. E. , Alshbear Rabeaa A.
Published: May 2023

This paper obtains solitons and other exact travling wave solutions to magneto-optic waveguides that maintains Kudryashov’s law of refractive index using the new mapping method and computer algebraic syatem (CAS) such as Maple or Mathematica. Combo soli-ton solutions, dark solitons, bright solitons, bright-dark solitons, singular soliton solutions and periodic solutions are obtained. Further, some 2D and 3D graphs of the obtained exact travling wave solutions are shown. Finally, comparison between our new results and the well-known results is made.
Cases of Yolk sac tumor associated with gynecological malignant tumor
Authors: Wang Shenchao , Chen Kelie , Chen Qin , Huang Shuai , Lv Weiguo
Published: May 2023

Background:
Yolk sac tumour (YST) is the second most common ovarian germ cell tumour and usually presentsin children and young women. However, tumours rarely occur as malignant gynaecological tumourswith YST components.
Case presentation:
We present one case of endometrioid carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma with YST components and two other cases of YSTs associated with high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary in females. After surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient withendometrioid carcinoma had progressive disease and died 20 months later,and the other two were still alive at thelast follow-up.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, these mixed neoplasm associations areunusual,and these cases illustrate the diagnosis and prognosis of YST associated with malignant gynaecological tumours, emphasizing early recognition and aggressive treatment.
Research on automatic analysis and layout system of the stamping process for automotive panels and its key technologies
Authors: Kong Chuipin , Lei Jialin , Chao Jiale , Zhou Xiong Hui
Published: May 2023

The stamping process analysis and layout of automotive panels are extremely complex and time-consuming, which directly affects the quality and cycle of product development. Based on the CAGD theory of complex curves and surfaces, process design knowledge, and multidisciplinary optimization techniques, an intelligent automatic process analysis and layout system has been developed. The process feature analysis method based on discretization and merging idea has been proposed to accurately and automatically identify process features such as piercing, trimming, flanging and restricting. The process feature dispersion method based on curvature and normal variation of the forming surface is proposed to ensure the accuracy of feature dispersion. The combinatorial optimization algorithm is proposed to merge the discrete features according to the stamping direction and the geometric parameters of the features to reduce the number of process steps as much as possible. Moreover, a process constraint diagram with combined features is constructed, which is used as the initial solution and sequence constraint conditions for the process layout to effectively ensure the rationality of the process layout. Based on the die design rules, the simplified tools of the process features are created, and the rapid interference detection algorithm of the tools is proposed to realize the automatic layout and optimization of the stamping process. Finally, the aforementioned algorithms are seamlessly integrated into the NX software to develop an automatic analysis and layout system for the automotive panel stamping process. The feasibility, accuracy and efficiency of the system have been demonstrated through the example of the wing panel and the system has been successfully applied in enterprises.
Association between illicit drug overdose and encephalopathy in British Columbia, Canada: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Xavier Chloé G. , Kuo Margot , Desai Roshni , Palis Heather , Regan Gemma , Zhao Bin , Moe Jessica , Scheuermeyer Frank X. , Gan Wen Qi , Sabeti Soha , Meilleur Louise , Buxton Jane A. , Slaunwhite Amanda K.
Published: May 2023

Background In the context of the drug poisoning (overdose) crisis in British Columbia (BC), Canada, measuring the co-occurrence of encephalopathy and overdose is challenging due to lack of standardized screening. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of encephalopathy among people who experienced a drug poisoning event and examine the association between drug poisoning and encephalopathy.Methods Using a 20% random sample of BC residents from administrative health data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis. Drug poisoning events were identified using the Provincial Overdose Cohort definition and encephalopathy was identified using ICD codes from hospitalization, emergency department, and primary care records between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2019. Unadjusted and adjusted log-binomial regression models were employed to estimate the risk of encephalopathy among people who had a drug poisoning event compared to people who did not experience a drug poisoning event.Results Among people with encephalopathy, 14.6% (n = 54) had one or more drug poisoning events between 2015 and 2019. After adjusting for sex, age, and mental illness, people who experienced a drug poisoning were 15.3 times (95% CI = 11.3, 20.7) more likely to have encephalopathy compared to people who did not experience a drug poisoning event. People who were 40 years and older, male, and had a mental illness were at increased risk of encephalopathy.Conclusions There is a need for collaboration between health care providers, experts, and key stakeholders to develop a standardized approach to define, screen, and detect neurocognitive injury related to illicit drug poisoning.
TGF-beta1 stimulates lymphatic endothelial cells to produce IL-7 and IL-15, which act as chemotactic factors for breast cancer cells with EMT properties
Authors: Giotopoulou Nikolina , Parniewska Malgorzata Maria , Shi Wenyang , Sun Wenwen , Fuxe Jonas
Published: May 2023

The lymphatic system is a major gateway for tumor cell dissemination but the mechanisms of how tumor cells gain access to lymphatic vessels are not completely understood. Breast cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gain invasive and migratory properties. Overexpression of the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), a potent inducer of EMT, is frequently detected in the tumor microenvironment and correlates with invasion and lymph metastasis. Recently, we reported that TGF-β1 stimulated breast cancer cells with EMT properties migrate in a targeted fashion towards the lymphatic system via CCR7/CCL21-mediated chemotaxis, similar to dendritic cells during inflammation. Here, we aimed to identify additional chemotactic factors and receptors that could be involved in this. Through a combination of RNA sequencing analysis, database screening and invasion assays we identified IL-7/IL7R and IL-15/IL15R as pairs of chemokines and chemokine receptors with potential roles in promoting chemotactic migration of breast cancer cells with EMT properties towards the lymphatics. The results warrant studies to further explore their possible roles in lymph metastasis in breast cancer. Moreover, they demonstrate the capacity of TGF-β1 to orchestrate crosstalk between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells.
Scientific paradigm associated with consumption of non-alcoholic water-based beverages sold in Banda Zone, Kampala-Uganda
Authors: onen Patrick , Kissa Joel , Odokonyero Isaac , Esangu Emmanuel , Opio Boniface , Asiimwe Athony , Odongo Tonny , Jogunomi Temilola Basirat
Published: May 2023

Background In this study, it was aimed to analyze the caffeine content and acidity levels of different varieties of non-alcoholic water-based beverages consumed by the people in the vicinity of Banda, Uganda. The samples were sonicated and subjected for analysis by HPLC-UV method.Results The study showed that the highest concentration of caffeine was found in energy drink, ED; with 64.01 ± 0.07 mg/l as compared to soft drinks, SD1; 20.20 ± 0.02 mg/l, SD2; 23.14 ± 0.08 mg/l, and SD3; 29.88 ± 0.02 mg/l. All obtained values were below the permissible levels for caffeine (200 mg) intake by the US Food and Drug administration (FDA). The study also showed that all non-alcoholic beverages analyzed were acidic accept bottled water in the sequence; BW < ED < SD, in the categorical range with bottled water; BW2; 8.01 ± 0.03, BW1; 7.5 ± 0.10, BW3; 7.5 ± 0.11, BW4 6.85 ± 1.38, and Energy drink; ED; 3.17, and finally, Soft drinks; SD2; 2.82 ± 0.02, SD1; 2.61 ± 0.02, and SD3; 2.59 ± 0.05.Conclusions The results obtained in this study provide satisfactory information on the quantification of caffeine and acidity contents of the consumed non-alcoholic water-based beverages by the people in the vicinity of Banda, Kampala-Uganda. This in future could pose serious health risks, since some individuals consume multiple servings of the drinks in a short time, which could results in intoxication/overdose.
Potentials of computer simulation of lung tumors in comparison with 99mТс-MIBI SPECT/CT data
Authors: Denisova N. V. , Gurko M. A. , Minin S. M. , Anashbaev Zh. Zh. , Zheravin A. A. , Samoilova E. A. , Krasilnikov S. E.
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a software package (SP) for computer simulation of the procedure for examining patients with lung cancer by SPECT/CT and assessing the accuracy of reconstruction of tumor lesions.

Material and Methods. Lung scintigraphy for a patient with peripheral squamous cell carcinoma of the upper lobe of the right lung was performed using a two-detector gamma camera GE Discovery NM/CT 670 DR (USA) with high-resolution collimators for an energy of 140 KeV and a radiopharmaceutical (RP) 99mTc-Technetril (MIBI, Diamed, Moscow). The data obtained were subjected to computer processing using a specialized Xeleris 4.0 system from GE (USA). The SP included a program for generating a voxel phantom (“virtual patient”), a program for modeling the “raw” data acquisition (“virtual tomograph”) and an image reconstruction based on the OSEM algorithm (Ordered Subset Expectation Maximization). In order to validate the created SP, computer simulation of the above clinical case was performed. The semi-quantitative comparative image analysis was based on a tumor/background score.

Results. There was a good correlation between clinical “raw” data recorded from a real patient and projection data calculated by the Monte Carlo method from a “virtual patient”. The results of the comparative analysis showed that the tumor/background assessment was underestimated in the reconstructed images.

Conclusion. The problem of the accuracy of the tumor lesions reconstruction by using standard OSEM reconstruction algorithms has not been studied. This issue is important in the management of patients with tumor lesions of the lungs and requires study and systematization. The SP will be used in further studies to analyze errors and artifacts in images of tumor lesions, as well as to develop approaches to overcome them.
A rare case of thymus lipofbroadenoma
Authors: Shilov A. V. , Avdalyan A. M. , Shargin A. S. , Levitsky A. V. , Protsenko D. N.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the study: differential diagnosis of tumors arising from the mediastinum, as well as the analysis of the biological potential of the tumor, taking into account the relatively low incidence of these tumors among the population.

Material and Methods. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the surgical specimen were performed using routine H&E staining. Immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tissue sections was performed using a Roche Ventana BenchMark Ultra system. The results obtained were evaluated taking into account the available literature data published on this nosology.

Description. We present a rare case of a benign neoplasm of the thymus, lipofibroadenoma (LFA), which was localized in the left pleural cavity and originated from the anterior mediastinum with partial compression of the lower lobe of the left lung in a 59-year-old man. The tumor was revealed during a routine medical examination. The patient underwent left-sided thoracotomy with complete excision of the tumor and anterior mediastinal lymph node dissection. Macroscopic examination reveled that the tumor was predominantly composed of adipose tissue with fibrous layers. Histological examination showed a tumor composed of mature adipocytes of various sizes, among which remnants of the thymus with Hassal’s bodies and small number of lymphocytes and calcifications were found. Areas of fibrous stroma predominated over narrow strands of anastomosing epithelial cells with clear nuclei. Epitheliocytes formed slit-like structures infiltrated with lymphocytes, resembling the structure of breast fibroadenoma. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that epithelial cells were positive for PanKeratin and CK19, lymphocytes were positive for CD3 and CD20, and thymic cells expressed TdT. In this case, the neoplasm was almost asymptomatic, in contrast to previously published observations, which described an association with erythrocyte aplasia.

Conclusion. Considering the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical data, it was feasible to make a differential diagnosis of the neoplasm and determine the histological type of the tumor as lipofibroadenoma.
The immune system contributes to the effectiveness of vaccine therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Mikhaylova I. N. , Stakheyeva M. N. , Shubina I. Zh. , Chkadua G. Z. , Borunova A. A. , Zukov R. A. , Bogdashin I. V. , Choynzonov E. L. , Cherdyntseva N. V.
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to identify differences in the immune system parameters between metastatic melanoma patients who responded and did not respond to dendritic cell vaccination.

Material and Methods. The study group included 20 patients with stage III–IV metastatic melanoma, who received vaccine therapy with dendritic cells (DC) in a prophylactic mode. The control groups included 13 patients who had symptoms of disease progression at the time of starting vaccine therapy, and 5 healthy donors. The DC-vaccine was prepared in the form of a suspension of the patient’s autologous dendritic cells loaded with tumor antigens in vitro. A single dose had 2 million dendritic cells in 1 ml of phosphate buffer solution, which was administered intradermally in the nearest site to the regional lymphatic collectors. The immune system status was assessed before starting vaccination. The immune system status was evaluated according to the indices of 25 peripheral blood cell populations using multicolor flow cytometry and integral characteristic in the form of the visual image generated by the visualization method of multidimensional data (NovoSpark, Canada).

Results. The immune status in patients with metastatic melanoma at the start of DC-vaccination differed and was associated with the effectiveness of subsequent vaccine therapy. The response to vaccination was observed in patients whose immune system status was similar to that of healthy individuals. Low efficacy of DC-vaccine therapy was shown in patients whose immune system status corresponded to that of patients with disease progression. Alterations of the immune system in patients with metastatic melanoma were registered both at the level of individual immunological parameters and at the level of visualized integral characteristics. The integral characteristics of the immune system associated with the patient’s immunocompromised status can be considered as a criterion for stratification of patients with metastatic melanoma for the effective DC-vaccine therapy.

Conclusion. The effectiveness of vaccine therapy with dendritic cells in patients with metastatic melanoma is associated with the immune system state before starting this therapy.
Evaluation and modifcation of lung immune prognostic index in patients with metastatic NSCLC treated by immunotherapy
Authors: Yudin D. I. , Laktionov K. K. , Sarantseva K. A. , Barbolina T. D. , Djanyan I. A.
Published: May 2023

Aim of the study: to evaluate prognostic value of baseline lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) and its modification (mLIPI) for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).

Material and methods. Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, hemoglobin, platelets, and fibrinogen level were collected from 133 patients treated with ICI in monotherapy or combination between July 2015 and July 2022 in N.N. Blokhin NMRCO. According to evaluating factors patients were divided into three groups of “good” (LIPI 0/mLIPI 0–1), “intermediate” (LIPI 1/mLIPI 2–3) and “poor” prognosis (LIPI 2/mLIPI 4–5). The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS).

Results. The median PFS for the LIPI groups were 9.7 months (1.4–17.9; 95 % CI), 7.9 months (5.9–9.9; CI 95 %) and 6.0 months (4.07–7.93; 95 % CI) in the “good”, “intermediate” and “poor” prognosis groups, respectively; the hazard ratio (HR) for patients in the “poor” prognosis group (17 patients) was 2.02 (1.06–3.84; 95 % CI) compared with the “good” LIPI group (p=0.03). The median PFS for mLIPI groups were 9.0 months (4.53–13.47; 95 % CI), 8.0 months (5.4–10.6; CI 95 %) and 2.0 months. (1.33–2.67; 95 % CI) in the “good”, “intermediate” and “poor” prognosis groups, respectively. The HR for patients in the “poor” prognosis group (n=12) was 3.12 (1.51–6.46; 95 % CI) compared with the “good” mLIPI group (p=0.002).

Conclusion. Baseline LIPI and mLIPI predicts potential resistance to ICI treatment in mNSCLC patients.
Microwave response of type-II superconductors at weak pinning
Authors: Pashinsky B. V. , Feigel'man Mikhail V. , Andreev Anton V.
Published: May 2023

Theory of linear microwave response of thin films of type-II superconductors in the mixed state is developed taking into account random spatial fluctuations of the parameters of the system, such as the order parameter, diffusion coefficient, or film thickness. In the regime of collective pinning the microwave response of the system exhibits strong frequency dispersion, arising from nonequilibrium vortex core quasiparticles. The corresponding contribution to the ac conductivity is controlled by the inelastic relaxation time, and may exceed the usual Bardeen-Stephen conductivity. It is caused by the Debye-type inelastic relaxation. Debye mechanism of microwave losses may be responsible for strong effects of electromagnetic noise upon dc conductivity in the mixed state at low temperatures.
Inclusion of debt claims in asset pricing models: Evidence from the CDS Index
Authors: Du Lijing , M. V. Flaherty Susan
Published: May 2023

Asset pricing theory suggests that the correct proxy for the market portfolio should contain both the debt and equity claims of the economy, whereas prevailing empirical studies fail to include the debt claim. Motived by the discrepancy between the theoretical and empirical models and the difficulty in constructing proxies, the study uses the Credit Default Swaps (CDS) market index as a proxy for the debt market and empirically tests its explanatory power in explaining stock return variations. Employing panel regression and Fama-MacBeth regression of all publicly traded U.S. companies from 2005 to 2020, the study finds a negative relationship between CDS index returns and stock returns. On average, a one standard deviation increase in CDS index return is associated with a 0.02% decrease in daily stock returns. Results of two-stage regressions show that the estimated systematic credit risk is positively priced in stock returns with similar economic magnitude as the well-documented beta risk. These results support asset pricing theories in the inclusion of debt claim and the risk-return tradeoff, while contradicting the credit risk puzzle documented in prior studies.
On classification approaches, terminology and modern principles of treatment of pathologies associated with high myopia. Part 1. Criteria for high myopia and pathological myopia
Authors: Neroev V. V. , Zaytseva O. V. , Tarutta E. P. , Bobykin E. V. , Kovalevskaya M. A. , Fayzrakhmanov R. R. , Nechiporenko P. A.
Published: May 2023

Myopic refraction is the most common ocular pathology, currently affecting about 1.5 billion people worldwide. Recent decades have seen a trend towards a significant increase in myopia prevalence, which is likely to continue in the near future. Therefore, we observe some kind of an epidemic of myopia. The greatest concern is caused by cases of uncorrectable visual impairment associated with myopia, which make pathological (degenerative) myopia one of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in many countries. At the same time, there is still no uniform interpretation of such important concepts as “high myopia” and “pathological myopia”, which can negatively affect various aspects of clinical and scientific interaction among ophthalmologists. The article provides an overview of modern work on the above issues and proposes definitions of terms to be used in the healthcare system of the Russian Federation
Operation safety evaluation system of ship lock based on extension evaluation and combination weighting method
Authors: Li Junman , Hu Yaan , Wang Xin , Diao Mingjun
Published: May 2023

Ship locks are the most widely used, promising, and important type of navigation structure in the world at present. It is, therefore, crucial to evaluate the operation safety of a ship lock in service. However, the determination of indicator thresholds is challenging. Accordingly, this paper describes the systematic study of the evaluation system of ship lock operation safety. First, the safety accidents of ship locks are counted. According to the rhombic thinking mode (that is, the thinking mode of ‘first divergence and then convergence’), with the help of extenics, a multi-indicator hierarchical indicator system including 5 first-class indicators and 47 second-class indicators for the safety evaluation of ship lock operation is established, and 4 safety evaluation grades are classified: normal, deterioration, early warning, and shutdown. The threshold range of each indicator at each grade is determined individually. Second, based on the idea of multi-factor optimization and integration, the process and the matter-element model of ship lock operation safety evaluation based on extension theory are proposed. Then the weight of the safety indicator is determined by the combination weighting method. The evaluation result is consistent with the actual situation.
Climate projections and the parallel energy availability in the case of Kombolcha town, South Wollo Ethiopia
Authors: Gobie Birhan Gessese , Guadie Ejigu Alemu
Published: May 2023

This paper focused on climate projection on energy availability in Kombolcha town, central north Ethiopia, which is one of the most industry-occupied places in the country. Marksim climate data generator model with all ensemble models and representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario is used. The climate projection outputs are drawn from the model based on the given input latitude, longitude, and climate parameters (maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation). The result showed that the mean monthly maximum temperature, mean monthly minimum temperature, and mean monthly precipitation have an increased pattern over the study area with a rate of change of 8.4, 14.85, and 6.6%, respectively, over the past 4.5 decades. The mean monthly minimum temperature showed the highest rate of change (14.85%). As a result, the change in temperature causes a change in energy. Since temperature cause motions of particles over the area, the parallel energy availability will increase. Therefore, the energy rate of change for the 4.5 decades is 8.36%. Since the research is based on online data from the model and more industries are established in the study area, industry-related research with baseline climate data should be conducted to reduce climate-related hazards in the study area.
Analysis on flow structure in a vortex pump under all flow rates
Authors: Tan Minggao , Zhao Kaiyao , Wu Xianfang , Liu Houlin , Shao Chen , Pan Bo
Published: May 2023

Vortex pumps are usually designed based on its inner flow model. Currently, the flow models of vortex pump just consider flow rate at the design condition, which results in low efficiency under off-design flow rates in practical engineering. Therefore, the main objective of this article is to build a flow model that takes into account the impact of flow rates. To reveal the flow mechanism of vortex pump, we provide refined flow field simulations for a vortex pump. Performance experiments were conducted to validate the numerical simulation method. The study found that the vortex structure in the non-blade cavity can be regarded as a Rankine-like vortex. The inflow range is limited to the hub diameter (45 mm), smaller than the volute inlet diameter (85 mm). The action radius of the forced vortex gradually decreases from the impeller side to the inlet side. The maximum radius of the forced vortex on the impeller side is determined by the impeller diameter. As the flow rate increases, the action radius of the forced vortex on the inlet side gradually increases, while the axial length of the vortex in the inlet pipe gradually decreases. Based on the study of internal flow, a new flow model is proposed.
Timbre n.1 de Edmundo Villani-Côrtes
Authors: Araujo Alfeu
Published: May 2023

A temática deste artigo está em apresentar um material analítico sobre o Timbre n.1 de Edmundo Villani-Côrtes, cujo objetivo está em colocar o intérprete na posição ativa de suas escolhas interpretativas, baseadas na reflexão e associação de elementos direcionados para a performance musical. A investigação ocorre através de uma abordagem qualitativa baseada nas referências bibliográficas, entrevista semiestruturada com o compositor e os postulados de Ian Bent (1938). Dentro dos resultados temos: reflexões acerca da importância da construção do conhecimento para o processo de ensino/aprendizado; considerações e reconsiderações do compositor; reflexões sobre a área das práticas interpretativas e análise descritiva dos elementos empregados pelo compositor como ferramenta de descoberta e ensino para o intérprete. Considera-se que o conjunto de dados auxilie o equilíbrio entre a ação objetiva e subjetiva da interpretação musical, fortalecendo o intérprete no cenário da pesquisa acadêmica na área das práticas interpretativas.