bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FPGA Implementation of Gauss Gradient Edge Detectors for Medical Images
Authors: Sivasankari B , Ahilan A. , Kumar S. N.
Published: July 2022

Boundary recognition plays a vital role in real-world scenarios like medical imaging and surveillance. The classical edge detector fails to preserve minute details in the image. The abdominal CT images were first analyzed using two edge detection techniques based on gauss gradient are proposed here for real-time data processing. The performance of the edge detectors is validated by performance metrics and verified for benchmark dataset images. The results reveal that the gauss gradient edge detector was efficient for the boundary extraction in benchmark and medical images. The VLSI implementation of the proposed gauss gradient edge detectors is done using the Kintex 7-FPGA board, hardware implementation also generates efficient results with reduced execution time.
Image embeddings extracted from CNNs outperform other transfer learning approaches in chest radiographs’ classification
Authors: Gozzi Noemi , Giacomello Edoardo , Sollini Martina , Kirienko Margarita , Ammirabile Angela , Lanzi Pierluca , Loiacono Daniele , Chiti Arturo
Published: July 2022

Purpose
To identify the best transfer learning approach in the identification of the most frequent abnormalities on chest radiograph (CXR) using embeddings extracted from pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Explainable AI (XAI) model was applied to interpret black-box models’ predictions and assess its performance.
Methods and Materials:
Seven CNNs were trained on CheXpert. Three different transfer learning approaches were thereafter applied to a local dataset. Ensembling of the classification results was performed using simple and entropy-weighted averaging. Model performance was assessed by using the area under the curve (AUC). We applied Grad-CAM (an XAI model) to produce a saliency map, highlighting areas of the image relevant to the classification of the output class, both on single images and on a 200 CXRs sample. Grad-CAM maps were compared to regions of interest extracted manually. The training time was recorded.
Results
The best transfer learning model was the one that used image embeddings and Random Forest with simple averaging, whit an average AUC of 0.856. Grad-CAM maps showed that the models were focusing on specific features of each CXR. The training time was less than five minutes.
Conclusions
CNNs pre-trained on a large public dataset of medical images can be exploited as feature extractors for a task of interest. The extracted image embeddings contain relevant information to train an additional classifier with good performance on an independent dataset demonstrating to be the optimal transfer learning strategy, overcoming the need for large private datasets, high computational resources, and long training times.
Epidemiology and Prognosis factors of primary GI melanoma in the past decade: Results from the SEER database
Authors: Bangolo Ayrton , Fwelo Pierre , Sagireddy Sowmya , Shah Harin , Trivedi Chinmay , Patel Rutvij , Bharane Luke , Randhawa Manraj K. , Hashem Jennifer , Terefe Hannah , Kaur Gagan , Dinko Nicholas , Emiroglu Fatma Lina , Mohamed Ahmed , Fallorina Mark A. , Kosoy David , Waqar Danish , Shenoy Ankita , Ahmed Kareem , Nanavati Anvit , Singh Amritpal , Willie Anthony , Gonzalez Diego MC. , Mukherjee Deblina , sajja Jayadev , Proverbs-Singh Tracy , Elias Sameh , Weissman Simcha
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and independent prognostic factors of patients with primary GI melanoma in the past decade alone. Methods: A total of 399 patients diagnosed with Primary GI melanoma, between 2008 and 2017, were ultimately enrolled in our study by retrieving the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We analyzed demographics, clinical characteristics, and overall mortality (OM) as well as cancer-specific mortality (CSM) of primary GI melanoma. Variables with a p value < 0.1 in the univariate Cox regression were incorporated into the multivariate Cox model to determine the independent prognostic factors, with a hazard ratio (HR) of greater than 1 representing adverse prognostic factors. Results: Multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed higher OM in age group 80+ (HR = 5.653, 95% CI 2.212 - 14.445, p=0), stomach location of the tumor (HR = 2.821, 95% CI 1.265 - 6.292, p = 0.011), and distant metastases (HR= 4.491, 95% CI 3.115-6.476, p=0). Multivariate cox proportional hazard regression analyses of CSM also revealed higher mortality of the same groups. Conclusion: In this population-based retrospective cohort study using the SEER database, we found that age at diagnosis, the primary site of the disease, and advanced disease at diagnosis were independent factors predicting poor prognosis. Furthermore, even surgical resection and marital status did not significantly impact the overall mortality or the cancer-specific mortality.
The BE (2)-M17 cell line has a better dopaminergic phenotype than the traditionally used for Parkinson´s research SH-SY5Y, which is mostly serotonergic.
Authors: Carvajal-Oliveros Angel , Uriostegui-Arcos Maritere , Zurita Mario , Melchy-Perez Erika I. , Narváez-Padilla Verónica , Reynaud Enrique
Published: July 2022

SH-SY5Y is a cell line derived from human neuroblastoma. It is one of the most widely used in vitro models to study Parkinson’s disease. Surprisingly, it has been found that it does not develop a dopaminergic phenotype after differentiation, questioning its usefulness as a Parkinson’s model. There are other in vitro models with better dopaminergic characteristics. BE (2)-M17 is a human neuroblastoma cell line that differentiates when treated with retinoic acid. We compared the dopaminergic and serotonergic properties of both cell lines. BE (2)-M17 has higher basal levels of dopaminergic markers and acquires a serotonergic phenotype during differentiation while maintaining the dopaminergic phenotype. SH-SY5Y has higher basal levels of serotonergic markers but does not acquire a dopaminergic phenotype upon differentiation.
Palmitate and Western diet induce oxidative damage and impairment of mitophagy in hepatocytes - reversal by a neurotrophic factor
Authors: Mwangi Simon Musyoka , Li Ge , Balasubramaniam Arun , Merlin Didier , Dawson Paul A. , Jang Young C. , Hart C. Michael , Czaja Mark J. , Sriniva Shanthi
Published: July 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased oxidative stress that leads to hepatocyte and mitochondrial damage. In this study we investigated the mechanisms involved in the induction of oxidative stress and impairment of mitochondrial quality control and mitophagy in hepatocytes by the saturated fatty acid palmitate and Western diet feeding in mice and if their harmful effects could be reversed by the neurotrophic factor glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Western diet (WD)-feeding increased hepatic lipid peroxidation in control mice and, in vitro palmitate induced oxidative stress and impaired the mitophagic clearance of damaged mitochondria in hepatocytes. This was accompanied by reductions in hepatocyte sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) deacetylase activity, gene expression and protein levels as well as in superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. These reductions were reversed in the liver of Western diet fed GDNF transgenic mice and in hepatocytes exposed to palmitate in the presence of GDNF. We demonstrate an important role for Western diet and palmitate in inducing oxidative stress and impairing mitophagy in hepatocytes and an ability of GDNF to prevent this. These findings suggest that GDNF or its agonists may be a potential therapy for the prevention or treatment of NAFLD.
An investigation of photo_Electrical Properties of Silicon Nanoparticles/PSi/p-Si Hetero Structures
Authors: Dheyab amer B. , Azzawi Mohanad M , Dhaigham Ayad A.
Published: July 2022

In this work, two forms of nanocrystalline, were used (as-prepared macroPorous silicon and silicon nanoparticle) to synthesize hybrid structures for photodetectors applications. The fabrication pathway was carried out through two 2-steps processes. The 1-step was formation of as-prepared silicon nanoparticle (SiNPs), while and the 2-step was creation of low spam of macroPSi size substrate via electrochemical etching process in HF solutions. Specific features of SiNPs and low spam of macroPSi size substrate were explored using scanning electron microscopy SEM, energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy respectively. Dark and photo current characteristics and spectral responsively of photodetectors were investigated for the macPSi layer and the hybrid structure. The performance of the hybrid configuration shows an improvement in the sensitivity of about 0.75 A/W with appearance of new additional peak at 450nm as compared with the PSi photodetector of about 0.93 A/W. The achieved improvement is related with the appearance of double Heterojunction device between PSi/si and SiNPs/PSi. Also this improvement may be related with the reduction of the reflectd light from the hybrid structure due to the multiple reflection between SiNPs/PSi. The quantum efficiency η of the photodetector in the spectral range 450–700 nm was found to be 65%.
Study on the Biological Toxicity of Lead-zinc Mine Waste water on fresherwater fish about the winter
Authors: liu shunliang , Feng Yali , Li Haoran
Published: July 2022

The goal of this study was to examine if lead and zinc mining effluent affected the luminous bacterium Vibrio-qinghaiensis sp.Q67, Vibrio fischeri, and the fish Procypris merus. The results showed that there was a significant dose-effect relationship between the mine wastewater and the acute toxicity of the three tested organisms. When the receptor in different concentration of lead and zinc mine wastewater after 24 h stress, fish showed different degrees of antioxidant enzyme system of induction or inhibition phenomena, the gill tissue and GSH in liver pancreas presented "poison exciting effect", activities of the body by low concentration stress, under severe stress activity is reduced, and the fish antioxidant activity related to the physiological functions of organs and metabolism, T-AOC, CAT and GSH activity organize distribution specificity. All of the three organisms can be used to indicate the toxicity of the mine wastewater effectively, and among which the luminescent bacteria were more sensitive and rapid. For the reason that the Vibrio-qinghaiensis sp.Q67 had the minimum EC50 values and higher sensitivity, it can be used as a characterization of the risks associated with mining wastewater toxicity. GSH in gill tissue and hepatopancreas of cyprinus gramineus can also be used as biomarkers of pollutant stress in lead-zinc mine wastewater.
Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, improves cognitive dysfunction due to hypoglycemia: An association with reduced pericyte loss and blood-brain barrier leakage
Authors: Lin Lu , Chen Zhou , Huang Cuihua , Wu Yubin , Huang Lishan , Wang Lijing , Ke Sujie , Liu Libin
Published: July 2022

Hypoglycemia is associated with cognitive dysfunction, however, the exact mechanisms have not been elucidated. Our previous study found that severe hypoglycemia can lead to cognitive dysfunction in a type 1 diabetes (T1D) mouse model after severe hypoglycemia. Thus, the aim of this study was to further investigate whether the mechanism of severe hypoglycemia leading to cognitive dysfunction is related to oxidative stress-mediated pericyte loss and blood-brain barrier leakage. A streptozotocin T1D model, using male C57BL/6J mice, was used to induce hypoglycemia. The brain tissue was stained, ROS and ATP were determined, and cognitive function was tested using the Morris water maze. Also, an in vitro glucose deprivation model was constructed. The results show that blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage after hypoglycemia is associated with excessive activation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction due to glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Interventions using the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO in both in vivo and in vitro models reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress, decreased pericyte loss and apoptosis, and attenuated BBB leakage and neuronal damage, ultimately leading to improved cognitive function.
Δ9-THC Administration Reduces Microtubule Protein Network Dynamics and Impairs Memory Formation in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Mohammadkhani Mina , Jarah Mostafa , Gholami Dariush , Riazi Gholamhossein , Mirabzadeh Yasaman
Published: July 2022

Background
There is growing evidence of microtubule dynamics in memory formation and learning. Dynamic microtubules are involved in dendritic spine changes, synaptic plasticity, axonal transportation, and cell polarity. Besides, one of the well-studied effects of cannabis on human behavior is memory disability. As Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) is the most crucial ingredient of cannabis, we investigated the effect of ∆9-THC on memory function by treating rats and conveying a behavioral study.
Results
Our results show the poor performance of THC-treated animals in T-maze compared to the control group. Results of the turbidity assay demonstrate that ∆9-THC reduces microtubule polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. Circular Dichroism spectroscopy also studied structural changes of purified tubulin, which revealed the significant changes in the secondary structure of tubulin. Furthermore, in silico studies predicted one binding site for ∆9-THC on β-tubulin.
Conclusions
We concluded that ∆9-THC can reduce the stability of the microtubule, and this may conversely affect synaptic plasticity, thus learning and memory. We proposed that brain function is affected by microtubule dynamic changes caused by the secondary structural changes of tubulin and preventing tubulin-tubulin interaction.
Evaluation of anterior chamber morphology following scleral buckling with Pentacam
Authors: Zhu Kai , Li Xiaojun , Gu Yonghao
Published: July 2022

Background: This study was to evaluate anterior segment parameter changes following scleral buckling (SB) surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) using the Pentacam Scheimpflug system.Methods: Twenty-eight phakic eyes of 28 patients who underwent SB surgery for RDD were included. The anterior chamber volume (ACV), central anterior chamber depth (CACD), mean anterior chamber angle (ACA) and ACA in a specific position (buckle quadrant), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively by an anterior Pentacam Scheimpflug method. Results: The ACV parameters were significantly decreased compared with preoperative levels at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months after SB surgery (P<0.05). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 day was significantly higher than the preoperative level, but no subsequent significant difference was noted between the preoperative IOP and that at 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P>0.05). The CCT at 1 day after surgery increased significantly and subsequently returned to the normal level postoperatively at 1 week and remained stable until 3 months (P>0.05). The degree of postoperative CACD displayed no significant change in the different quadrants. There was a significant increase in the ACA of the buckle quadrants at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery (P<0.05), returning to the normal level at 3 months.Conclusion: The changes of anterior chamber parameters after SB can be demonstrated by Pentacam both objectively and quantitatively. The ACV and CCT changes were mild and resumed their preoperative parameters after 1week, while the increase of the ACA at the buckle quadrant returned to normal after 3 months.
Activated carbon derived from sugarcane and modified with natural zeolite for efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye: experimentally and theoretically approaches
Authors: Mohamed Fatma , Shaaban Mohamed , Zaki Shimaa Kotb , Abd-Elsamie Maysaa Sayed , Sayed Radwa , Zayed Mohamed , Khalid Nermein , Saad Sara , Omar Sara , Ahmed Ashour M. , Gerges Abanoub , El-Mageed H. R. Abd , Soliman N. K.
Published: July 2022

Activated carbon/natural zeolite (AC/NZ) was introduced as an effective and stable adsorbent for the enhancement of the adsorption of methylene blue (MB). The activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from sugarcane waste by calcination at different temperatures from 500 to 900 °C. The samples were characterized for confirming their structure and chemical composition by using many techniques. For activated carbon calcinated at 500 °C (AC500), the XRD patterns showed many broad peaks which confirm the amorphous phase of carbonization with disordered micro-graphite stacking. The SEM images of the AC500/NZ nanocomposite show that the zeolite surface is covert with the AC500 particles. The AC500/NZ nanocomposite showed light absorption capability in the visible region than activated carbon only. Batch experiments were performed to study the influence of various practical variables on adsorption processes. Dye adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also investigated. The effect of contact time, starting MB concentration, and pH were all measured. Adsorption of MB was reached to maximum removal (99.2 %) using 50 mg of AC500/NZ after 45 minutes. About 51 mg/g was found to be the maximum AC500/NZ adsorption capacity for MB dye with an initial concentration of 30 ppm, at 25 °C, pH 7, and an AC500/NZ mass of 50 mg. According to the kinetic tests, the best kinetic model for MB adsorption was pseudo-second-order. The adsorption isotherm of dye onto AC500/NZ almost agreed with the Temkin isotherm model. Adsorbed heat energy B value calculated according to Temkin model was less than 1.0 kcal/mol which indicates that the adsorption reaction of MB onto AC500/NZ occurs physically in the concentration studied. Additionally, the adsorption mechanism was also evaluated using Weber's intra-particle diffusion module. Finally, AC500/NZ adsorbent considers a good candidate for water remediation. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation studies indicated the adsorption of MB molecule on the AC/NZ nanocomposite surface in dry system (no solvent) following a parallel mode in most of all studied configurations, confirming the strong interactions between the MB molecule and surfaces atoms of AC/NZ nanocomposite. The molecular structure analysis of MB molecule on the AC/NZ nanocomposite surface indicated that the adsorption process related to Van der Waals dispersion force. Consequently, this helps to trap MB molecule on the AC/NZ nanocomposite surface (i.e., physical adsorption), which supports our experimental results.
A caparison between ultrasound-guided AIIS injection and radiography in diagnosis of subspine impingement in patients with FAI
Authors: He Zi-Yi , Liu Zi-Ming , Bi Gui-Juan , Zhang Xiao-Le , Wang Jian-Quan , Jiang Ling , Ju Xiao-Dong
Published: July 2022

Background
Subspine impingement (SSI) lacks effective diagnostic criteria, especially in patients combined with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The classification of AIIS morphology through three-dimensional CT was in doubt.
Purpose
To propose the method of ultrasound-guided anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) injection as a diagnostic idea for SSI and evaluate the accuracy of the radiography method including 3-D CT or MRI as well as intraoperative findings for diagnosis.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with FAI between September 2020 and December 2021 were evaluated. Those who met the criteria received ultrasound-guided AIIS injection test. It was recorded whether the pain were relieved after injection in the radiology report. Those patients who experienced a significant relief of the anterior groin pain (more than 50%) after AIIS injection were considered as positive responses and received a final diagnosis of SSI. The positive response was compared to the radiography materials including AIIS morphology measured by 3-D CT as well as the superior capsular edema on MRI. It was recorded whether there was congestion or bruise on the capsule side of labrum corresponding to AIIS during hip arthroscopy.
Results
A total of 73 patients with FAI received ultrasound-guided AIIS injection test. The prevalence of 13.70% (10/73), 58.90% (43/73), 23.29% (17/73) and 4.11% (3/73) were determined for Type I, Type IIA, Type IIB and Type III AIIS respectively. 36 patients had positive responses to injection and 37 patients had negative responses to injection. None patients of Type I AIIS, 23(53.49%) patients of Type IIA, 11(64.71%) patients of Type IIB and 2(66.7%) patients of Type III AIIS had positive responses to injection. A total of 57.14% patients with Type II or Type III AIIS had positive responses to injection. The positive ratio of superior capsular edema on MRI in patients with Type I, Type IIA, Type IIB, Type III was 0%, 30.23%, 29.41% and 0%. In non-type I AIIS patients, patients reported positive responses to injection had a higher incidence of superior capsular edema (38.89% vs 14.81%, P = 0.036), but they had no significant differences in the rate of congestion or bruise of labrum (47.22% vs 37.04%, P = 0.419). The results show that any two methods of ultrasound-guided injection, MRI, and intraoperative findings cannot obtain good consistency (κ = 0.222, κ = 0.098 and κ=-0.116, respectively).
Conclusions
This study propose to use the method of ultrasound-guided AIIS injection test to help diagnosing SSI. The methods of radiography including 3-D CT and MRI as well as the intraoperative findings of the labrum cannot be considered as accurate and reliable diagnosis and treatment basis for symptomatic SSI.
Level of Evidence:
IV, case series.
Analysis of prognostic model based on immunotherapy related genes in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Wenmiao , liu Lei , Li HouQiang , Sha XinYu , Wang Silin , Huang Zhanghao , Zhou Youlang , Shi Jiahai
Published: July 2022

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, and ranks high in the list of mortality due to cancers. Lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Despite progress in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, the prognosis of these patients remains dismal. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the predictors and treatment targets of lung cancer to provide appropriate treatments and improve patient prognosis. In this study, the gene modules related to immunotherapy were screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Using unsupervised clustering, patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were divided into three clusters based on the gene expression. Next, gene clustering was performed on the prognosis-related differential genes, and a six-gene prognosis model (comprising PLK1, HMMR, ANLN, SLC2A1, SFTPB, and CYP4B1) was constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Patients with LUAD were divided into two groups: high-risk and low-risk. Significant differences were found in the survival, immune cell infiltration,Tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune checkpoints, and immune microenvironment between the high- and low-risk groups. Finally, the accuracy of the prognostic model was verified in the Gene Expression Omnibus（GEO） dataset in patients with LUAD (GSE30219、GSE31210、GSE50081、GSE72094).
Ultra-mechanosensitive ion transport through bioinspired high-density elastomeric nanochannels
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Pengxiang , Zhi Yafang , Zhai Yi , Gao Longcheng , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2022

Mechanosensitive ion channels play crucial roles in physiological activities, where small mechanical stimuli induce the deformation of the ion channels, and are further transformed into significant electrochemical signals. Artificial ion channels with stiff modulus have been developed to mimic mechanosensory behaviors. However, fabricating flexible mechanosensitive channels that are capable of regulating ionic current upon dramatic deformation still has remained a challenge. Here, we demonstrate bioinspired high-density elastomeric channels self-assembled by polyisoprene-b-poly4-vinylpyridine (PI-b-P4VP), which exhibit ultra-mechanosensitive ion transport. The PI-formed continuous elastic matrix can transmit external force into internal tension. While P4VP forms transmembrane ion-selective channels which undergo dramatic deformation responded to mechanical stimuli. The integrated P4VP channels present an ultra-mechanosensitive electrochemical response, with five orders of magnitude more sensitive than biological mechanosensitive channels. The results deepen the comprehension of the mechanosensory mechanism in cells and provide a promising avenue for designing flexible and responsive channel membranes.
Cross-Sectional Area of the Longus Colli and Cervical Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Retrospective Review Evaluating this Anatomic Consideration
Authors: Tran Khoa S. , Mazmudar Aditya , Paziuk Taylor , Lambrechts Mark J. , Tecce Eric , Blaber Olivia , Okroj Kamil , Karamian Brian A. , Canseco Jose A. , Rihn Jeffrey A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Kepler Christopher K. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:
To determine if longus colli cross-sectional area (CSA) is associated with the severity preoperative cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Methods and Materials:
Patients undergoing elective anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylolisthesis between 2010–2021 were retrospectively identified. Longus colli cross-sectional areas (CSA) were measured from preoperative MRI images at the C5 level. Preoperative spondylolisthesis measurements were recorded with cervical radiographs. Patients were grouped by quartiles respectively according to longus colli CSAs. Statistical tests compared patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and surgical outcomes between groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to assess if longus colli CSA predicted cervical spondylolisthesis.
Results:
A total of 157 patients met inclusion criteria. Group 1 (first quartile) was the oldest (60.4 ± 12.0 years, p = 0.024) and was predominantly female (59.0%, p = 0.001). Group 1 also had the highest maximum spondylolisthesis (0.19mm, p = 0.031) and highest proportion of grade 2 spondylolisthesis (23.1%, p = 0.003). On regression analysis, lowest quartile of longus colli CSA was an independent predictor of larger measured maximum spondylolisthesis (β: 0.04, p = 0.012).
Conclusion:
Smaller longus colli CSA is independently associated with a higher grade and degree of preoperative cervical spondylolisthesis, but this finding does not result in adverse postsurgical outcomes.
Changes in expression of nuclear factor kappa B subunits in the ovine thymus during early pregnancy
Authors: Yang Ling , Cai Chunjiang , Fang Shengya , Hao Shaopeng , Zhang Taipeng , Zhang Leying
Published: July 2022

There is pregnant maternal immunological tolerance that protects the fetus and promotes its growth, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) family participates in the regulation of innate immune and adaptive immune responses. The thymus is related to establishing central tolerance, and early pregnancy has effects on expression of a good number of genes and proteins in the maternal thymus in sheep. However, it is unclear if early pregnancy changes expression of NF-κB subunits in the ovine thymus. In this study, the thymic samples were collected from day 16 of non-pregnant ewes, and days 13, 16 and 25 of pregnant ewes, and the expression of NF-κB members (NF-κB1, NF-κB2, RelA, RelB and c-Rel) were analyzed through real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that c-Rel mRNA and protein upregulated at day 25 of pregnancy, and NF-κB1 mRNA and proteins increased at days 16 and 25 of pregnancy, and RelB mRNA and proteins enhanced during early pregnancy. However, expression of NF-κB2 and RelA was decreased during early pregnancy, but upregulated from day 13 to 25 of pregnancy. In addition, the RelA protein was located in the epithelial reticular cells, capillaries and thymic corpuscles. This paper reported for the first time that early pregnancy induced expression of NF-κB1, RelB and c-Rel, but inhibited expression of NF-κB2 and RelA in the maternal thymus during early pregnancy, which is involved in the central immune tolerance, and helpful for successful pregnancy in sheep.
Assessment of the Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials(Norm) in Jos North, Nigeria. A Case Study of the Utan Artisanal Tin Mining Sites
Authors: Godwin Ini , Yakovleva Valentina , Noel Nyabai Ninyio
Published: July 2022

Tin mining and milling is an avenue for economic and technological development. Mining of this mineral contributes significantly to the distortion of the natural distribution of radioisotopes in the environment. This study assesses the concentration of natural radioactivity due to radioactive elements such as 40K, 238U and 232Th. Soil samples were taken from 20 distinct locations within the Utan mining sites, Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Potassium, radium, and thorium in soil samples from mining sites were determined by measuring their concentration activities using the gamma-ray spectroscopy method. Activity concentrations of potassium, radium and thorium were determined. In soil samples, activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were established. 40K 196.07 ± 4.91 to 608.07 ± 1.44 with an average of 386.48, 226Ra 0.71 ± 0.02 to 5.11 ± 0.07 with an average of 2.35 and 232Th 14.91 ± 0.74 to 63.71 ± 0.97 with average activity concentrations of 54.78. The average concentration activity of potassium and thorium was slightly above the world recommended average of 370.00 and 40.00 respectively, while radium was below the recommended average. The mines mean absorbed and annual effective dose rates were 14.27 nGy h − 1and 18.62 µSvy-1, respectively. This average calculated absorbed dose rate in the air was found to be much less than the global average of 57 nGy h − 1. The absorbed dose is considered low compared to the external natural radiation of about 2000 µSv.y-1, to which no harmful effect is expected directly. However, the mean measured dose rate and calculated dose parameters for the mine were higher than the regulatory limit for public exposure.
Clinical Factors Influencing Long-term Survival in a Real-life Cohort of Early Stage Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Torrente Maria , Sousa Pedro A. , Guerreiro Gracinda R. , Franco Fabio , Hernández Roberto , Parejo Consuelo , Sousa Alexandre , Campo-Cañaveral José Luis , Pimentão João , Provencio Mariano
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND
The impact of prognostic stratification of early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with poor prognosis after surgery is of considerable clinical relevance. The objective of this study was to identify clinical factors associated with long-term overall survival (OS) in early stage NSCLC patients and develop a prognostic model that identifies features associated with poor prognosis and stratifies patients by risk.
METHODS
This is a cohort study including 505 patients, diagnosed with stage I-II NSCLC, who underwent curative surgical procedures at a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain.
RESULTS
Median survival was 62.4 in patients submitted to surgery and 65 in patients submitted to surgery plus adjuvant treatment. From the univariate analysis we estimated that a female diagnosed with NSCLC has a 0.967 (95% CI 0.936–0.999) probability of survival one year after diagnosis and a 0.784 (95% CI 0.712–0.863) five years after diagnosis. For males, these probabilities drop to 0.904 (95% CI 0.875–0.934) and 0.613 (95% CI 0.566–0.665), respectively. Multivariable analysis shows that sex, age at diagnosis, type of treatment, ECOG-PS, and Stage are statistically significant variables (p < 0.10). According to the Cox regression model, age over 50, ECOG-PS 1 or 2, and stage ll are risk factors for survival (HR > 1) while adjuvant chemotherapy is a good prognostic variable (HR < 1).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with the best long-term OS in our patients. The prognostic model identified Age, Sex, Stage and ECOG-PS as significant factors to explain the probability of survival.
Burden, clinical presentation and risk factors of advanced HIV disease in pregnant Mozambican women
Authors: Nhampossa Tacilta , González Raquel , Nhacolo Arsenio , Garcia-Otero Laura , Quintó Llorenç , Mazuze Maura , Mendes Anete , Casellas Aina , Bambo Gizela , Couto Aleny , Sevene Esperança , Munguambe Khátia , Menendez Clara
Published: July 2022

Background: Information on the frequency and clinical features of advanced HIV disease (AHD) in pregnancy and its effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes is limited. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and clinical presentation of AHD in pregnancy, and to assess the impact of AHD in maternal and perinatal outcomes in Mozambican pregnant women.Methods: This is a prospective and retrospective cohort study including HIV-infected pregnant women who attended the antenatal care (ANC) clinic at the Manhiça District Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Women were followed up for 36 months. Levels of CD4+ cell count were determined to assess AHD immune-suppressive changes. Risk factors for AHD were analyzed and the immune-suppressive changes over time and the effect of AHD on pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 2458 HIV-infected pregnant women were enrolled. The prevalence of AHD at first ANC visit was 14.2% (349/2458). Among women with AHD at enrolment, 76.2% (260/341) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The proportion of women with AHD increased with age reaching 20.5% in those older than 35 years of age (p<0.001). Tuberculosis was the only opportunistic infection diagnosed in women with AHD [4.9% (17/349)]. There was a trend for increased CD4+ cell count in women with and without AHD during the follow up period; however, in women with AHD the CD4+ cell count remained below 200 cells/mm³ (p<0.001). Forty-two out of 2458 (1.7%) of the women were severely immunosuppressed (CD4+cell count<50 cells/mm3). Maternal mortality was higher in women with AHD [1.1% (4/349)] versus [0.5% (11/2109]. There were no differences between women with and without AHD in the frequency of prematurity, low birth weight and neonatal HIV infection. Conclusions: After more than two decades of roll out of ART in Mozambique, over 14% and nearly 2% of HIV-infected pregnant women present at first ANC clinic visit with AHD and severe immunosuppression, respectively. Prompt HIV diagnosis in women of childbearing age, effective linkage to HIV care and close monitoring after ART initiation may contribute to reduce this burden and improve maternal and child survival.
Body mass index increases uric acid in East Asian population: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ryu Mikyung , Lee Sun Yeop , Yoon Sanghyuk , Kim Nayoung , Lee Sol , Jee Sun Ha
Published: July 2022

Background: Previous observational and Mendelian randomization studies suggested that the increase in serum uric acid causes adiposity, not vice versa. However, most findings came from data on European ancestry. Among East Asian populations, both directions in the causal relationship between adiposity and uric acid have been suggested by observational studies and a few MR studies. In this study, we tested the hypothesis of the causal effect of body mass index (BMI) on serum uric acid in East Asian populations.Methods: Summary statistics from two large, publicly available biobanks from South Korea (72,299 participants in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study) and Japan (158,284 participants in the Biobank Japan) were utilized to conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.Results: We found that genetically determined BMI has a positive causal effect on serum uric acid in various Mendelian randomization methods (inverse-variance weighted: B [95% CI] = 0.029 [-0.006, 0.065]; simple mode: a [95% CI] = 0.053 [0.009, 0.097]); weighted mode: c [95% CI] = 0.036 [0.005, 0.067]); weighted median: k [95% CI] = 0.042 [0.019, 0.065]). Multiple robustness checks such as a funnel plot, leave-one-out analyses, and an MR-Egger regression did not suggest directional horizontal pleiotropy. Conclusions: Genetically determined BMI increases serum uric acid in East Asian populations. Our findings from the South Korean and Japanese populations are consistent with previous observations in the European population.
Gallic acid induces reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis in Leishmania donovani in vitro: Probable antileishmanial cellular mechanism
Authors: Jadhav Nutan , Prakash Divya Narayanan , Poduval T Balakrishna , Pai Kalpana
Published: July 2022

Leishmaniasis is one of the important neglected tropical diseases affecting more than 12 million worldwide with emergence of 3 million cases every year. Leishmaniasis manifests into different clinical outcomes and the most fatal being Visceral Leishmaniasis. Emerging cases of parasite resistance to the limited chemotherapeutic drugs necessitates novel strategies and drugs with antileishmanial potential which can replace the current drugs. Bioactive phytomolecules like polyphenols and tannins have been reported for their antileishmanial activities. Amongst such compounds, Gallic acid is a naturally occurring plant phenolic compound which is a well-known immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant was tested for anti-leishmanial activity on the Leishmania donovani Dd8 promastigotes, in vitro. The IC90 of Gallic acid (1mM) on Leishmania donovani promastigotes was evaluated by MTT assay and the treatment of Gallic acid to Leishmania promastigotes demonstrated cell shrinkage, cytotoxicity and triggered apoptosis like events - chromatin condensation, release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, showed DNA fragmentation, cell cycle arrest at the sub-G0/G1 phase (94.4%) and membrane permeability. After Gallic acid and MIL treatment, 89% and 63.78% promastigotes showed apoptotic death for 24 h respectively. After 6 h incubation with four-fold of IC90, only 12.94 ± 0.12% hemolysis was observed with gallic acid treatment indicating its non-toxic nature. Our data indicates Gallic acid to be a promising anti-leishmanial compound that mediates its activity on the promastigotes, in vitro; via a caspase 3 independent programmed cell death and accordingly, deserves consideration and further investigation as a therapeutic option for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Factors influencing the initiation of adjuvant endocrine therapy in patients with Estrogen receptor positive Ductal carcinoma in-situ – a single institution experience.
Authors: Levy Julia , Farag Fady , Cole John
Published: July 2022

Purpose This study evaluates whether race, socioeconomic status, insurance type, oncological provider type, and prior cancer treatment are associated with the suggestion and acceptance of hormonal therapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This study also assesses whether disparities exist pertaining to prescription of such medications. Methods This single-center retrospective study included 111 patients diagnosed with DCIS between 2020 and 2021. Data collected included race, type of insurance, prescribing providers, and socioeconomic status. We used zip codes to identify the poverty levels in these areas as published in the United States Census Bureau and stratified the patients into quartiles accordingly. Chi-Square statistics were used to calculate significance levels.Results There was no significant correlation between the intake of hormonal therapy and race (p=0.60), insurance (p=0.50), socioeconomic (p=0.58) or providers (P=0.99). 79.3% of women were offered endocrine therapy. Of those who were offered endocrine therapy, 70.8% accepted. Of patients not on hormonal therapy, 45.8% were not recommended the medications by their provider, and 54.2% declined treatment when offered. Conclusion In this study, patients’ demographics and providers were not associated with adjuvant hormonal therapy initiation in DCIS. Our results show that abstaining from endocrine therapy in DCIS patients is both due to lack of provider recommendation and patient rejection of these medications. The wide variation in hormonal therapy treatment among ER-positive DCIS patients suggests a need for improved provider-patient communication regarding the
Long-term Survival of Screen-Detected Synchronous and Metachronous Bilateral Non-Palpable Breast Cancer among Chinese women: A Hospital-Based Study (2003-2017)
Authors: Pan Bo , Xu Ying , Zhou Yidong , Yao Ru , Zhou Xingtong , Xu Yali , Ren Xinyu , Xiao Mengsu , Zhu Qingli , Kong Lingyan , Mao Feng , Lin Yan , Zhang Xiaohui , Shen Songjie , Sun Qiang
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Screen-detected unilateral non-palpable breast cancer (NPBC) shows favorable prognosis whereas bilateral breast cancer (BBC), especially synchronous BBC (SBBC) manifests worse survival than unilateral breast cancer (BC). It remains unclear whether screen-detected bilateral NPBC has compromised survival and requires intensified treatment or favorable prognosis and needs de-escalating therapy.Methods: From 2003 to 2017, data from 1,075 consecutive patients with screen-detected 1,107 NPBCs were retrospectively reviewed. There were 988 patients with unilateral NPBC (UniNPBC), and 87 patients with bilateral BC [(N+AnyContra) PBC], including 32 patients with bilateral NPBC (BiNPBC) and 55 patients with ipsilateral NPBC + contralateral palpable cancer [(N+Contra) PBC]. Follow-up time was 48-227 (median 91) months. Clinicopathological characteristics, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between UniNPBC and BBC and among synchronous or metachronous BBC subgroups. RFS and OS factors of BBC were identified.Results: Compared to UniNPBC, patients with screen-detected bilateral BC had more invasive, ER negative, PR negative, triple-negative BC as well as less breast conserving surgery, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy. In terms of 10-year RFS and OS rates, BiNPBC, synchronous (SynBiNPBC) and metachronous BiNPBC (MetaBiNPBC) showed similar good prognosis as UniNPBC. However, survival of (N+AnyContra) PBC, (N+Contra) PBC and synchronous (N+Contra) PBC were significantly compromised. RFS factors of BBC included pN3 (p=0.048), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.008) and existence of contralateral palpable interval BC (p=0.008) while the OS relevant factor was pN3 (p=0.018).Conclusion: Screen-detected bilateral NPBC including SynBiNPBC and MetaBiNPBC showed good prognosis as UniNPBC so that the therapy of BiNPBC could be de-escalated and optimized according to UniNPBC. Contrarily, screen-detected ipsilateral NPBC with contralateral palpable BC [(N+Contra) PBC] manifested unfavorable survival worse than UniNPBC (p<0.001) and synchronous (N+Contra) PBC had the worst survival among all subgroups (p<0.001), implying that these were actually bilateral interval BC and required intensified treatment.
Factors associated with prolonged postoperative length of hospital stay after laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Hong , Luo Tong-Feng , Zhang Nan-Rong , Zhang Li-Zhen , Huang Xia , Jin San-Qing
Published: July 2022

Background: The postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) is an important indicator of surgical quality. We identified perioperative factors that affect prolonged PLOS (PPLOS) after laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection, which is the preferred surgical approach for colorectal cancer (the third most common cancer).Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a randomized trial (PROtective Ventilation using Open Lung approach Or Not) that included 280 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. The primary outcome was PPLOS, defined as a PLOS that was longer than the median PLOS. Perioperative factors, including baseline characteristics, anesthesia, and surgical variables, were included in the univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors influencing PPLOS.Results: The median PLOS was 10 days, and 117 patients had PPLOS. We identified six influencing factors for PPLOS: preoperative pulse oxygen saturation <96% (odds ratio [OR], 3.09 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–6.92]; P = 0.006), tumor metastasis (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13–0.91]; P = 0.031), Mile’s operation and left hemicolectomy (OR, 4.51 [95% CI, 1.67–12.18]; P = 0.003), perioperative surgical events (OR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.25–4.76]; P = 0.009), postoperative albumin infusion (OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.14–4.19]; P = 0.018), and postoperative early ambulation (OR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.18–0.68]; P = 0.002). Further stratified analysis also showed that postoperative albumin infusion might be a risk factor for PPLOS, even in patients with a preoperative albumin level <40 g/L (OR, 2.29 [95% CI, 0.98–5.34]; P = 0.056) or duration of surgery ≥3 hours (OR, 2.52 [95% CI, 1.08–5.87]; P = 0.032).Conclusions: A low pulse oximetry reading, complex surgical approach, perioperative surgical events, and postoperative albumin infusion may be predictors of PPLOS after laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection, whereas tumor metastasis and postoperative early ambulation might be protective factors. The association between postoperative albumin infusion (a modifiable factor) and PLOS or clinical outcomes warrants further investigation.
Clinical value of serum sTREM-1 and HBP levels in combination with traditional inflammatory markers in diagnosing hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly
Authors: Wang Zhang , Chang Binbin , Zhang Yong , Chen Jieyu , Xie Fang , Xiang Ying , Liu Tingting , Li Ying
Published: July 2022

Background: The clinical presentation of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in older patients is often complex and non-specific, posing a diagnostic challenge. This study evaluates the value of serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and heparin-binding protein (HBP) in combination with traditional inflammatory markers procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing HAP in older patients.Methods: Thirty-eight elderly male patients with HAP (>80 years old) and 46 age-matched controls, who were hospitalized for other reasons than HAP, were enrolled. The serum sTREM-1, HBP, PCT and CRP levels were measured by ELISA on the first day after enrollment. In addition, routine blood test, blood gas, sputum analysis, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) assessment, and chest X-ray were performed, and the correlations with HAP were analyzed.Results: The serum sTREM-1 (n=38, 170.75±158.33 pg/ml), HBP (2.08±0.50), PCT (9.44±17.73) and CRP (79.63±71.37) were all significantly higher in the HAP group, when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the values were positively correlated with the CPIS. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC for sTREM-1 (0.667) and HBP (0.711) were lower, when compared to that for PCT (AUC=0.839) and CRP (AUC=0.840). The combination of PCT and CRP with sTREM-1 (AUC=0.927) or HBP (AUC=0.930) had the highest AUC values.Conclusion: Serum sTREM-1, HBP, PCT and CRP can all be used as diagnostic markers for HAP in the elderly. The combination of traditional inflammatory markers PCT and CRP with novel inflammatory marker sTREM-1 or HBP further improves the diagnostic performance.