bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Unilateral Cataract in Children With Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Authors: Yulia Dian Estu , Datya Kirana Intan , Ayesha Soeharto Diajeng
Published: August 2022

A congenital cataract is preventable blindness in children and is associated with intrauterine rubella infection known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), mostly found in developing countries. This study aims to describe the profile of unilateral cataracts in children with CRS, which are more difficult to manage than bilateral ones. As a retrospective study, we reviewed complete medical records of children with CRS and unilateral cataracts at Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital from 2017 to 2020. Fifteen patients were included, mostly male and from outside Jakarta.The mean age of onset was 2.9 months, while the average age at first presentation and surgery was 27.7 months and 29.1 months, respectively.No correlation was found between patients’ residential distance from the hospital towards duration between onset of symptoms and first presentation to the hospital. 100% and 66.7% of patients had leukocoria and microcornea as ocular manifestations. The majority of systemic manifestations are congenital heart disease.66.7% of children underwent cataract surgery without IOL implantation. Improvement of visual acuity postoperatively was observed in 13.3% of patients, and 66.7% of patients used contact lenses for visual rehabilitation. 60% of patients had posterior capsule opacity within six months of follow-up. The challenge of wearing contact lenses in children makes the risk of amblyopia even greater
RETN Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Profile on Triglyceride-Glucose Index as Insulin Resistance Proxy Among Cohort Population of Non-Communicable Diseases in Bogor
Authors: Dany Frans , Nikmah Uly Alfi , Rinendyaputri Ratih , Ernawati Fitrah , Kristanti Dewi , Retiaty Fifi
Published: August 2022

Genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are thought to contribute to the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) through insulin resistance.  SNPs in the RETN (resistin) gene encoding the resistin protein have been reported to play a role in causing abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid metabolism.  Still, studies related to this have rarely been explored in cohort population models.  This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of resistin gene SNPs to the trend of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) as a proxy for insulin resistance.  The data were obtained from the results of the biomedical laboratory examination among participants of a cohort study in the Kebon Kalapa subdistrict, Bogor, every odd year period between 2015-2021 and from RETN genotyping (rs3745367).  The generalized linear model (GLM) repeated measurement technique was used with the TyG index value as the dependent variable.  The results of the GLM analysis showed that although there was a significant difference in the trend of the TyG index between the observation periods [F(2,87, 1671,1)=41,10, p-value <0.001], that’s not the case for RETN gene SNP [F(5,73, 1671,1) = 1.09, p-value = 0.367]. However, the multivariate test results suggested the association of these SNPs with age and DM status [F(4, 583)=2.48, p-value = 0.043].  In conclusion, RETN gene SNPs may require interaction with other factors or genes to induce insulin resistance or act by indirect glucose–fatty acid metabolic cycle mechanisms.
Phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities and their regulation during dinoflagellate blooms under different external phosphate conditions
Authors: Huang K , Wang Z , Tan J , Wang D , Dai X , Cen J , Ou L , Lu S
Published: August 2022

Phosphatases play a crucial role in recycling organic phosphorus and determining primary production and phytoplankton communities in seawater, especially in phosphate-depleted coastal waters. The present study analyzed spatiotemporal variation in phosphomonoesterase (PMEase) activity (PMEA) and phosphodiesterase (PDEase) activity (PDEA) during 2 dinoflagellate blooms occurring in 2 coastal areas of Fujian Province, East China Sea, which differed in external phosphate conditions. Together with environmental variables and with a specific focus on the availability of different phosphorus forms in the seawater, the regulation of both phosphatases was studied. The results showed that dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) was the major phosphorus source during blooms, especially in phosphate-depleted environments. Labile DOP accounted for more than 50% of DOP, of which phosphomonoester (PME) and phosphodiester (PDE) accounted for 75-94% and 6-25%, respectively. PMEA and PDEA were highly correlated, both increasing during blooms with a fixed PMEA:PDEA ratio of 2.5 under external phosphate conditions at both sites. Both PMEA and PDEA were negatively correlated with dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) when phosphate was depleted, but positively correlated with DOP regardless of external phosphate conditions. During dinoflagellate blooms, temperature and phytoplankton biomass were the dominant variables determining both phosphatase activities under phosphate-depleted conditions, whereas the availability of DOP was the dominant variable determining both phosphatase activities under phosphate-replete conditions. This study suggests the importance of phosphatases in recycling DOP, and indicates similar regulation of PMEA and PDEA during dinoflagellate blooms.
ETHEREUM PRICE PREDICTION USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES – A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors:   RV College of Engineering, S Monish , Mohta Mridul , Rangaswamy Shanta ,   RV College of Engineering
Published: August 2022

In recent years, popularity and use of cryptocurrencies has been rising along with their prices and Ethereum is the second most famous cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain, which is a distributed and empowered technology that has the power to transform any banking systems. It has become an attractive investment for traders as well as individuals looking to invest. The price of Ethereum varies and is controlled by different factors, such as the crypto market in which it is sold, supply and demand. Ethereum is so valuable because it could be used as cash, we could also pay a portion or part of Ethereum to someone in exchange and it is easily guaranteed by the blockchain. Unlike stocks, Ethereum price is much more variable, as it has a trading time of 24-hours a day without any close time. The paper compares the results of three different models, namely Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTMs) and Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTMs). The dataset consists of the closing price for the last 2000 days that is used to predict both short-term (30 days) and long-term (90 days) Ethereum prices. These prices are being fetched from an API which is in JSON format and are updated every day.
PREDICTION OF CAR PERFORMANCE AND RESALE VALUE
Authors:   B V Raju Institute of Technology, Neelakantappa Dr , Sanath Kumar P , Vikas T , Agarwal Yashika , Kumar A. Shiva ,   B V Raju Institute of Technology
Published: August 2022

— Everybody owns a motorcar in the 21st century. As the number of motorcars on the road grows, so does the quantity of energy consumed and the cost of fuel. We should know how well it's suitable for travel before embarking on it. As a result, our technology forecasts the country miles per gallon (mpg), which indicates the motorcar's effectiveness. Higher the mpg, the more effective it is. Our system also predicts the motorcar's resale value. People currently aren't hesitant to buy a used motorcar. To avoid losses, both the dealer and the buyer must be apprehensive of the motorcar's resale value. The system takes colorful inputs grounded on which the model predicts an outgrowth. The performance analysis of the auto is grounded on the engine type, no of engine cylinders, fuel type, horsepower, etc. The resale value of the motorcar is predicated on power, kms traveled, model, enrollment time, etc.
LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY: A SURVEY
Authors:   Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr J.J. Magdum College of Engineering., Dadaso Desai Aditya , B.Desai Dr. Prof D ,   Shivaji University, Kolhapur Dr J.J. Magdum College of Engineering.
Published: August 2022

Construction industry faces lots of challenges with regard to problems associated with productivity. Productivity is one of the most important factors affecting the overall performance of any organization, whether large or small and the problems are usually associated with performance of Labour. The performance of labour is affected by many factors and is usually linked to the performance of time, cost, and quality. Productivity is still a fascinating topic and a hot topic in the construction industry, promising cost savings and resource efficiency. In both developed and developing countries, productivity is one of the most critical challenges. The developed world understands the relevance of economic development and social welfare. Developing countries that are dealing with unemployment, inflation, and resource scarcity try to make the best use of their resources in order to promote economic growth and better the lives of their population. The purpose of this thesis is to identify elements that affect labour productivity as well as to investigate reasons, such as labour problems on the job site and their impact on building projects.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT IN DAILY LIFE
Authors:   New Delhi, lohiya Aakriti
Published: August 2022

This literature review examines whether cognitive distortion and events in childhood have any relationship with psychological adjustment in adulthood or in daily life using various studies conducted in the area. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, which assessed retrospective accounts of childhood trauma; the Cognitive Distortions Scale, which measured internal attributions and perceptions of controllability; and the attachment style questionnaire, which assessed the attachment attribute of their daily life. Results supported the hypothesis that events and cognitive distortion are related constructs. In other words, events in past influenced cognitive distortion, which in turn influenced the expression of symptoms in adults reporting a history of childhood trauma. The implications for therapy were considered. Some therapy methods that are best suited for the given disorder were also suggested. A self-help model is also suggested with its limitations given. Key Words: - Cognitive distortion, childhood trauma, attachments, therapy.
Ceiling culture of human mature white adipocytes with a browning agent: A novel approach to induce transdifferentiation into beige adipocytes
Authors: He Yufei , Liang Zhuokai , Wang Jing , Tang Haojing , Li Jian , Cai Junrong , Liao Yunjun
Published: August 2022

Excess and dysfunctional adipose tissue plays an important role in metabolic diseases, including obesity, atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In mammals, adipose tissue is categorized into two types: white and brown. Adult brown tissue is mainly composed of beige adipocytes, which dispose of stored energy as heat and have become increasingly popular as a therapeutic target for obesity. However, there is still a paucity of cell models that allow transdifferentiation of mature white adipocytes into beige adipocytes, as seen in vivo. Here, we describe a novel, ceiling culture-based model of human mature white adipocytes, which transdifferentiate into beige adipocytes under the mechanical force and hypoxia of ceiling culture. We also show that the use of rosiglitazone and rapamycin can modulate transdifferentiation, up and down regulating expression of beige adipocyte-specific genes, respectively. Rosiglitazone additionally facilitated the upregulation of fatty acid lipolysis and oxidation genes. Finally, these beige adipocytes derived from dedifferentiated adipocytes exhibited a progenitor-specific phenotype, with higher expression of mature adipocyte-specific genes than adipocyte-derived stem cells. Overall, we report a novel approach to conveniently cultivate beige adipocytes from white adipocytes in vitro, suitable for mechanistic studies of adipose biology and development of cell and drug therapies in the future.
Multifunctional PEGylated Niosomal Nanoparticle-Loaded Herbal Drugs as a Novel Nano-Radiosensitizer and Stimuli-Sensitive Nanocarrier for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Afereydoon Saeid , Haghiralsadat Fateme , Hamzian Nima , Shams Ali , Hemati Mahdie , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Shabani Masoud , Zandieh-doulabi Behrouz , Tofighi Davood
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for breast cancer. In order to overcome the radioresistance of cancer cells, radio-sensitizing agents can be used combined with irradiation to increase the therapeutic efficiency. Curcumin can enhance the radiosensitivity of cancer cells and decrease their viability by the accumulation of these cells in the G2 phase. The encapsulation of curcumin in a nanoniosomal delivery system increases aqueous solubility and bioavailability, resulting in increased radio sensitivity. The present study aimed to enhance the radio-sensitizing effect of the curcumin-containing nanoniosome (Cur-Nio) when combined with irradiation. Thus, curcumin (0.5 mg ml−1) was loaded on a PEGylated nanoniosome containing Tween 60, cholesterol, DOTAP, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG) (at ratios of 70:30:10:5, respectively) by the thin-film hydration method. The particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug-release rate of formulated nanoniosomes were determined. In order to assess cytotoxicity and apoptosis, different doses of irradiation along with various concentrations of free curcumin and Cur-Nio (single or in combination with irradiation) were treated with breast cancer cells. The particle size and zeta potential of Cur-Nio were reported to be 117.5 nm and −15.1 mV, respectively. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) and loading capacities were 72.3% and 6.68%, respectively. The drug-release rate during 6 h was 65.9%. Cell survival in the presence of curcumin at doses of 1 and 3 Gy showed a significant reduction compared with cells irradiated at 48 h and 72 h (p < 0.000). Also, the rate of cytotoxicity and apoptosis was significantly higher in cells treated with the combination of curcumin-containing nanoniosomes and irradiation in comparison with those treated with free curcumin. These findings indicate that the efficacy of pre-treatment with Cur-Nio as a radiosensitizer during radiotherapy enhances irradiation-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis and is a useful strategy to increase the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy.
Construction of a combined hypoxia and EMT index for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Jun , He Lei , Zhang Fengrui , Meng Qingzhe , Huang Junhong , Li Yahui , Liu Rong , Yang Xinjie , Wei Jianhua
Published: August 2022

Objectives: In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the interaction between epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and hypoxia has been confirmed, and corresponding treatment methods have been investigated. Few studies have examined its combined effects and its potential clinical use, however. As a result, we developed a new scoring system based on EMT and hypoxia.

Methods: We combined 200 hypoxia-related genes with 1184 EMT-related genes and finally constructed a score risk model containing 14 characteristic factors named the comprehensive index of EMT and hypoxia (CIEH) by the Lasso-Cox regression and univariate Cox regression method, which is used to predict prognosis and to guide treatment planning in HNSCC patients. Furthermore, we examined HNSCC expression of CIEH-related genes using the human protein atlas database.

Results: Based on survival analysis results, CIEH value had a high prognostic value in HNSCC patients, a high CIEH value carries a poor prognostic significance in HNSCC. It is noteworthy that the CIEH value was correlated with tumor immune infiltration. Moreover, the CIEH had significant differences in age, stage, N, laterality, and peripheral nerve invasion, and that the CIEH could be an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions: This study constructed a CIEH model containing 14 characteristic factors, including hypoxia-related genes and EMT genes, that may be able to serve as potential biomarkers for HNSCC. According to the 14 characteristic factors in the CIEH model, a diagnostic kit can be packaged in the future to evaluate the survival of patients before tumor surgery and guide the subsequent treatment plan.
Live functional assays reveal longitudinal maturation of transepithelial transport in kidney organoids
Authors: Rizki-Safitri Astia , Gupta Navin , Hiratsuka Ken , Kobayashi Kenichi , Zhang Chengcheng , Ida Kazumi , Satlin Lisa M. , Morizane Ryuji
Published: August 2022

Kidney organoids derived from hPSCs have opened new opportunities to develop kidney models for preclinical studies and immunocompatible kidney tissues for regeneration. Organoids resemble native nephrons that consist of filtration units and tubules, yet little is known about the functional capacity of these organoid structures. Transcriptomic analyses provide insight into maturation and transporter activities that represent kidney functions. However, functional assays in organoids are necessary to demonstrate the activity of these transport proteins in live tissues. The three-dimensional (3D) architecture adds complexity to real-time assays in kidney organoids. Here, we develop a functional assay using live imaging to assess transepithelial transport of rhodamine 123 (Rh123), a fluorescent substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), in organoids affixed to coverslip culture plates for accurate real-time observation. The identity of organoid structures was probed using Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin (LTL), which binds to glycoproteins present on the surface of proximal tubules. Within 20 min of the addition of Rh123 to culture media, Rh123 accumulated in the tubular lumen of organoids. Basolateral-to-apical accumulation of the dye/marker was reduced by pharmacologic inhibition of MDR1 or OCT2, and OCT2 inhibition reduced the Rh123 uptake. The magnitude of Rh123 transport was maturation-dependent, consistent with MDR1 expression levels assessed by RNA-seq and immunohistochemistry. Specifically, organoids on day 21 exhibit less accumulation of Rh123 in the lumen unlike later-stage organoids from day 30 of differentiation. Our work establishes a live functional assessment in 3D kidney organoids, enabling the functional phenotyping of organoids in health and disease.
Progress of isolation, chemical synthesis and biological activities of natural chalcones bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl group
Authors: Zhai Jiadai , Sun Bingxia , Sang Feng
Published: August 2022

Chalcones have a three-carbon α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system composed of two phenolic rings. Many chalcones have shown broad spectrum of biological activities with clinical potentials against various diseases. They are usually abundant in seeds, fruit skin, bark and flowers of most edible plants. Among them, chalcones bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl (HMB) group have been reported several times in the past few decades due to their novel scaffolds and numerous interesting biological activities. In this paper, we reviewed the isolation of twelve natural chalcones and a natural chalcone-type compound bearing 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl group discovered so far, and reviewed their synthesis methods and biological activities reported in the literature. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research of natural chalcones.
Assessing Concurrent Adherence to Combined Essential Medication and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome. A Population-Based, Real-World Study Using Group-Based Trajectory Models
Authors: Rodríguez-Bernal Clara L. , Sánchez-Saez Francisco , Bejarano-Quisoboni Daniel , Hurtado Isabel , García-Sempere Anibal , Peiró Salvador , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel
Published: August 2022

Graphical Abstract

Our paper at a glance: assessing concurrent adherence to combined essential medication and clinical outcomes in acute coronary syndrome patients. A population-based, real-world study using group-based trajectory models.
High-resolution magnetostratigraphic records of the pliocene sedimentary successions in Yengisar section, NW China, and its tectonic implications
Authors: Zhou Zaizheng , Pei Junling , Li Jianfeng , Cai Yuhang , Hou Lifu
Published: August 2022

The Neogene strata upward-coarsening sandstone and conglomerate sequences at the periphery of the Northeastern Pamir record the intense uplift of the paleosurface of the building mountains. To further improve our knowledge of source-sink processes, a detailed magnetostratigraphic investigation was carried out along the Yengisar section, which is located at the southwestern margin of the Tarim Basin. The new high-resolution magnetostratigraphic data revealed that the Artux Formation was deposited from 4.9 Ma to 1.9 Ma with three sedimentation rates changes. The variations in sedimentation rate may be due to the pulsating exhumation of the Western Kunlun Mountain, caused by the northward motion of the Pamir salient. By integrating the evidences from the seismic reflection profile and other magnetostratigraphic investigations in this region, the basal age of the Xiyu Formation and the early stages of growth strata deposition were estimated at ∼1.9 and 1.45 Ma, respectively. Based on the data, we propose that the progradation of the Xiyu Formation and the migration of the deformation front are the two independent responses of the sink region to the uplift events of the source region.
English language learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Hong Kong English as a Second Language students’ perceptions of Badaboom!
Authors: Har Frankie
Published: August 2022

In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, many university courses delivered in English are conducted entirely online. However, if we continue using traditional teaching strategies and the same set of teaching materials, it would be extremely difficult for students, regardless of age, to focus in a 2- or 3-h synchronous online class. As such, many researchers and educators are exploring different ways to engage students in today’s digitally connected world. This article explores how English as a Second Language (ESL) undergraduate students come up with emergency remote learning at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using exploratory research design, one hundred university students from five English for Academic Purpose (EAP) classes who experienced blended learning using Badaboom!, a Game-based Student Response System (GSRS), for one semester were recruited to participate in the research. 30 students were interviewed to collect the data. The interview aimed to detail their responses so their strategies can be mapped clearly. The data reveal that the tertiary-level learners of this study feel that game-based classroom response system is useful for assisting them in overcoming ESL academic writing difficulties. The study reflects that, most students favour the interactivity and engagement afforded by Badaboom! due to the strong instructor-student and student-student interaction as well as students’ increased engagement.
14-weeks combined exercise epigenetically modulated 118 genes of menopausal women with prediabetes
Authors: Yumi Noronha Natália , da Silva Rodrigues Guilherme , Harumi Yonehara Noma Isabella , Fernanda Cunha Brandao Camila , Pereira Rodrigues Karine , Colello Bruno Alexandre , Sae-Lee Chanachai , Moriguchi Watanabe Lígia , Augusta de Souza Pinhel Marcela , Mello Schineider Isabelle , Luciano de Almeida Mariana , Barbosa Júnior Fernando , Araújo Morais Déborah , Tavares de Sousa Júnior Wellington , Plösch Torsten , Roberto Bueno Junior Carlos , Barbosa Nonino Carla
Published: August 2022

Background

Pre-diabetes precedes Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disease and is a critical period for hyperglycemia treatment, especially for menopausal women, considering all metabolic alterations due to hormonal changes. Recently, the literature has demonstrated the role of physical exercise in epigenetic reprogramming to modulate the gene expression patterns of metabolic conditions, such as hyperglycemia, and prevent DM development. In the present study, we hypothesized that physical exercise training could modify the epigenetic patterns of women with poor glycemic control.

Methods

48 post-menopause women aged 60.3 ± 4.5 years were divided according to their fasting blood glucose levels into two groups: Prediabetes Group, PG (n=24), and Normal Glucose Group, NGG (n=24). All participants performed 14 weeks of physical exercise three times a week. The Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip measured the participants’ Different Methylated Regions (DMRs).

Results

Before the intervention, the PG group had 12 DMRs compared to NGG. After the intervention, five DMRs remained different. Interestingly, when comparing the PG group before and after training, 118 DMRs were found. The enrichment analysis revealed that the genes were related to different biological functions such as energy metabolism, cell differentiation, and tumor suppression.

Conclusion

Physical exercise is a relevant alternative in treating hyperglycemia and preventing DM in post-menopause women with poor glycemic control.
Identification of novel tumor microenvironment-associated genes in gastric cancer based on single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets
Authors: Wei Xujin , Liu Jie , Hong Zhijun , Chen Xin , Wang Kang , Cai Jianchun
Published: August 2022

Tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity play vital roles in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). In the past decade, a considerable amount of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies have been published in the fields of oncology and immunology, which improve our knowledge of the GC immune microenvironment. However, much uncertainty still exists about the relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic data in transcriptomics. In the current study, we made full use of scRNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE134520) to identify 25 cell subsets, including 11 microenvironment-related cell types. The MIF signaling pathway network was obtained upon analysis of receptor–ligand pairs and cell–cell interactions. By comparing the gene expression in a wide variety of cells between intestinal metaplasia and early gastric cancer, we identified 64 differentially expressed genes annotated as immune response and cellular communication. Subsequently, we screened these genes for prognostic clinical value based on the patients’ follow-up data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. TMPRSS15, VIM, APOA1, and RNASE1 were then selected for the construction of LASSO risk scores, and a nomogram model incorporating another five clinical risk factors was successfully created. The effectiveness of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator risk scores was validated using gene set enrichment analysis and levels of immune cell infiltration. These findings will drive the development of prognostic evaluations affected by the immune tumor microenvironment in GC.
Multi-omics analysis reveals prognostic and therapeutic value of cuproptosis-related lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Zhou Wenbin , Zhu Chang , Liu Jiechen , Ming Zedong , Ma Cong , Li Qing
Published: August 2022

Background: Extensive research revealed copper and lncRNA can regulate tumor progression. Additionally, cuproptosis has been proven can cause cell death that may affect the development of tumor. However, there is little research focused on the potential prognostic and therapeutic role of cuproptosis-related lncRNA in OSCC patients.

Methods: Data used were for bioinformatics analyses were downloaded from both the TCGA database and GEO database. The R software were used for statistical analysis. Mapping was done using the tool of FigureYa.

Results: The signature consist of 7 cuproptosis-related lncRNA was identified through lasso and Cox regression analysis and a nomogram was developed. In addition, we performed genomic analyses including pathway enrichment analysis and mutation analysis between two groups. It was found that OSCC patients were prone to TP53, TTN, FAT1 and NOTCH1 mutations and a difference of mutation analysis between the two groups was significant. Results of TIDE analysis indicating that patients in low risk group were more susceptible to immunotherapy. Accordingly, results of subclass mapping analysis confirmed our findings, which revealed that patients with low riskscore were more likely to respond to immunotherapy.

Conclusion: We have successfully identified and validated a novel prognostic signature with a strong independent predictive capacity. And we have found that patients with low riskscore were more susceptible to immunotherapy, especially PD-1 inhibitor therapy.
Comparison between talazoparib and conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Ning , Yu Xiaopeng
Published: August 2022

Background

The benefits of talazoparib compared with conventional chemotherapy in HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (ABC) remain unclear.

Methods

Patients older than 18 years, with a deleterious germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2) mutated, metastatic, or locally advanced and HER2-positive breast cancer were enrolled. Patient data including age, menostatus, tumor grade, pathologic tumor size, lymph node status, and whether they had received adjuvant radiation or chemotherapy was collected. The primary outcomes of the study were disease-free survival (DFS), which was defined as the time from randomization to death or recurrence due to any reason, and overall survival (OS), which was defined as the time from randomization to death due to any reason. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

A total of 136 patients were finally enrolled in the present retrospective study, including 62 patients in the talazoparib group (group A) and 74 in the conventional chemotherapy group (group B). After a median follow-up of 70.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.3–78.5], both DFS and OS did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.658 and P=0.690, respectively). The exploratory subgroup analyses further validated the robustness of the primary results across the subgroups.

Conclusions

Talazoparib was not better than conventional chemotherapy in terms of DFS and OS for the treatment of gBRCA1/2 mutated HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
Identification of a novel cuproptosis-related gene signature and integrative analyses in patients with lower-grade gliomas
Authors: Bao Jia-hao , Lu Wei-cheng , Duan Hao , Ye Ya-qi , Li Jiang-bo , Liao Wen-ting , Li Yong-chun , Sun Yang-peng
Published: August 2022

Background

Cuproptosis is a newly discovered unique non-apoptotic programmed cell death distinguished from known death mechanisms like ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. However, the prognostic value of cuproptosis and the correlation between cuproptosis and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) remain unknown.

Methods

In this study, we systematically investigated the genetic and transcriptional variation, prognostic value, and expression patterns of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs). The CRG score was applied to quantify the cuproptosis subtypes. We then evaluated their values in the TME, prognostic prediction, and therapeutic responses in LGG. Lastly, we collected five paired LGG and matched normal adjacent tissue samples from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) to verify the expression of signature genes by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB).

Results

Two distinct cuproptosis-related clusters were identified using consensus unsupervised clustering analysis. The correlation between multilayer CRG alterations with clinical characteristics, prognosis, and TME cell infiltration were observed. Then, a well-performed cuproptosis-related risk model (CRG score) was developed to predict LGG patients’ prognosis, which was evaluated and validated in two external cohorts. We classified patients into high- and low-risk groups according to the CRG score and found that patients in the low-risk group showed significantly higher survival possibilities than those in the high-risk group (P<0.001). A high CRG score implies higher TME scores, more significant TME cell infiltration, and increased mutation burden. Meanwhile, the CRG score was significantly correlated with the cancer stem cell index, chemoradiotherapy sensitivity–related genes and immune checkpoint genes, and chemotherapeutic sensitivity, indicating the association with CRGs and treatment responses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the CRG score was an independent prognostic predictor for LGG patients. Subsequently, a highly accurate predictive model was established for facilitating the clinical application of the CRG score, showing good predictive ability and calibration. Additionally, crucial CRGs were further validated by qRT-PCR and WB.

Conclusion

Collectively, we demonstrated a comprehensive overview of CRG profiles in LGG and established a novel risk model for LGG patients’ therapy status and prognosis. Our findings highlight the potential clinical implications of CRGs, suggesting that cuproptosis may be the potential therapeutic target for patients with LGG.
CD69 and SBK1 as potential predictors of responses to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade cancer immunotherapy in lung cancer and melanoma
Authors: Hu Zhang-Wei , Sun Wei , Wen Yi-Hui , Ma Ren-Qiang , Chen Lin , Chen Wen-Qing , Lei Wen-Bin , Wen Wei-Ping
Published: August 2022

Background

PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy with the potential to improve the outcomes of various cancers. However, there is a critically unmet need for effective biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

Materials and methods

Potential biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade were obtained from the Cancer Treatment Response gene signature Database (CTR-DB). A comprehensive pan-cancer analysis was done on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets. Correlations between gene expression and infiltration by immune cells were assessed using TIMER, EPIC, MCPcounter, xCell, CIBERSORT, and quanTIseq. Immunophenoscore (IPS) was used to assess the potential application of the biomarkers to all TCGA tumors.

Results

Analysis of CTR-DB data identified CD69 and SBK1 as potential biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. Correlation analysis revealed that in various TCGA cancer datasets, CD69 expression level correlated positively with most immune checkpoints and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, while SBK1 expression level correlated negatively with infiltrating immune cells. IPS analysis demonstrated the ability of CD69 and SBK1 to predict PD-1/PD-L1 blockade responses in various cancers.

Conclusion

CD69 and SBK1 are potential predictors of response to cancer immunotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. These biomarkers may guide treatment decisions, leading to precise treatment and minimizing the waste of medical resources.
Long-term changes in zooplankton in the Changjiang estuary from the 1960s to 2020
Authors: Du Ping , Ye Wen-Jian , Deng Bang-Ping , Mao Ming , Zhu Yuan-Li , Cheng Fang-Ping , Jiang Zhi-Bing , Shou Lu , Chen Quan-Zhen
Published: August 2022

The Changjiang estuary (CJE) is a large estuary that is affected by multiple anthropogenic stressors and climate change. The long-term trend of zooplankton in the CJE is an important indicator of the ecological response to stressors. We applied the Mann–Kendall trend analysis and Pettitt test to detect the trend and breakpoints of the biomass of the large mesozooplankton (LMZ; 505–20 000 μm) in four seasons, abundance of main LMZ taxa in summer from the 1960s to 2020, and abundance of dominant species in summer from 2000 to 2020 in the CJE. Results showed that LMZ biomass increased significantly during spring and summer, and the breakpoints both occurred in the 1980s. After the breakpoint, the mean biomass increased from 142.88 to 429.42 mg/m3 in spring and from 296.28 to 723.92 mg/m3 in summer. After 2000, the abundance of Copepoda in summer increased by more than 10 times compared to the 1960s. Under the conditions of warming and increased dinoflagellate abundance in the CJE, the abundance of the warm-water and omnivorous small calanoid copepod Paracalanus aculeatus increased significantly. Meanwhile, the significant decrease in the abundance of the temperate brackish species Labidocera euchaeta was probably mainly related to warming. The rapid changes in LMZ biomass during the late 1980s and mid-1990s is probably the result of a combination of enhanced bottom–up support, reduced top–down pressure, and promotion of temperature. This study provides scientific evidence and insights into the adaptive management of the Changjiang Basin.
Lifetime reliability analysis of concrete columns damaged by reinforcement corrosion
Authors: Chen Hua-Peng , Jiang Yu , Xiao Linfa , Liu Jiahua
Published: August 2022

Rebar corrosion caused by chloride ion ingression is a critical factor leading to performance deterioration of in-service reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to aggressive environments. This paper presents a new method to evaluate the concrete crack growth, the bearing capacity degradation and the lifetime performance deterioration for the corroded RC columns under small eccentric compression. By analyzing the material degradation mechanism of the corroded RC structures, an effective method is proposed to predict the concrete crack growth and to estimate the residual bearing capacity of the corroding eccentrically loaded RC columns. Then, the concrete crack width and the load-bearing capacity deterioration rate are selected as structural performance indicators to assess the lifetime performance of the corroding RC columns. The stochastic gamma process is adopted for simulating the evolution of structural performance indicators and estimating lifetime failure probability and the remaining useful life of the corroding structures. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods for the lifetime performance assessment of the corroding columns. The obtained results show that the residual bearing capacity and the lifetime performance of the corroding RC columns can be significantly affected by rebar corrosion level, load condition and in-service environments.
Drugs associated with cataract formation represent an unmet need in cataract research
Authors: Carlson Jack , McBride Kate , O’Connor Michael
Published: August 2022

Decreased light transmittance through the ocular lens, termed cataract, is a leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. Cataract causes significantly decreased quality of life, particularly in the elderly. Environmental risk factors, including aging, UV exposure, diabetes, smoking and some prescription drugs, are all contributors to cataract formation. In particular, drug-induced cataract represents a poorly-addressed source of cataract. To better understand the potential impact of prescription drugs on cataract, we analyzed publicly-available drug prescriptions data from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The data was analyzed for the 5-year period from July 2014 to June 2019. Analyses included the number of prescriptions for each drug, as well as the associated government and total prescription costs. The drugs chosen for analysis belonged to any of four broad categories—those with known, probable, possible or uncertain association with cataract in patients. The analyses revealed high prescription rates and costs for drugs in the Known category (e.g., steroids) and Possible category (e.g., psychotropic drugs). Collectively, these data provide valuable insights into specific prescription drugs that likely contribute to the increasing annual burden of new cataract cases. These data highlight the need—as well as new, stem cell-based opportunities—to elucidate molecular mechanisms of drug-induced cataract formation.
Advances in Takayasu arteritis: An Asia Pacific perspective
Authors: Danda Debashish , Manikuppam Prathyusha , Tian Xinping , Harigai Masayoshi
Published: August 2022

Takayasu Arteritis (TA) is a rare form of chronic granulomatous large vessel vasculitis that is more common in Asia compared to other parts of the world. There have been several developments in the field of Takayasu arteritis in relation to genetics, classification, clinical features, imaging, disease activity assessment and management and much of these works have been done in the Asia Pacific region. We will be discussing selected few in the current review.
Efficacy of PECS block in addition to multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Uribe Alberto A. , Weaver Tristan E. , Echeverria-Villalobos Marco , Periel Luis , Pasek Joshua , Fiorda-Diaz Juan , Palettas Marilly , Skoracki Roman J. , Poteet Stephen J. , Heard Jarrett A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Pectoralis nerve blocks (PECS) have been shown in numerous studies to be a safe and effective method to treat postoperative pain and reduce postoperative opioid consumption after breast surgery. However, there are few publications evaluating the PECS block effectiveness in conjunction with multimodal analgesia (MMA) in outpatient breast surgery. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PECS's blocks on perioperative pain management and opioid consumption.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the efficacy of preoperative PECS block in addition to preoperative MMA (oral acetaminophen and/or gabapentin) in reducing opioid consumption in adult female subjects undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery between 2015 and 2020. A total of 228 subjects were included in the study and divided in two groups: PECS block group (received PECS block + MMA) and control Group (received only MMA). The primary outcome was to compare postoperative opioid consumption between both groups. The secondary outcome was intergroup comparisons of the following: postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), incidence of rescue antiemetic medication, PACU non-opioid analgesic medication required, length of PACU stay and the incidence of 30-day postoperative complications between both groups.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-eight subjects (n = 228) were included in the study. A total of 174 subjects were allocated in the control group and 54 subjects were allocated in the PECS block group. Breast reduction and mastectomy/lumpectomy surgeries were the most commonly performed procedures (48% and 28%, respectively). The total amount of perioperative (intraoperative and PACU) MME was 27 [19, 38] in the control group and 28.5 [22, 38] in the PECS groups (p = 0.21). PACU opioid consumption was 14.3 [7, 24.5] MME for the control group and 17 [8, 23] MME (p = 0.732) for the PECS group. Lastly, the mean overall incidence of postsurgical complications at 30 days was 3% (N = 5), being wound infection, the only complication observed in the PECS groups (N = 2), and hematoma (N = 2) and wound dehiscence (N = 1) in the control group.

Conclusion

PECS block combined with MMA may not reduce intraoperative and/or PACU opioid consumption in patients undergoing outpatient elective breast surgery.
Analysis of microbial diversity and community structure of rhizosphere soil of Cistanche salsa from different host plants
Authors: Liu Ailing , Li Yuxia , Wang Qiqi , Zhang Xinrui , Xiong Jie , Li Yang , Lei Yonghui , Sun Yanfei
Published: August 2022

Host plants influence rhizosphere microorganism composition through root secretions, and rhizosphere associated microorganisms influence Cistanche seeds germination. At present, little is known about effects of different host plants on soil bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere of Cistanche salsa. High-throughput sequencing was used here to reveal the similarities and differences in the structural composition of the soil microbial community of C. salsa from six host plants (i.e., Halocnemum strobilaceum, Atriplex patens, Kalidium foliatum, Caroxylon passerinum, Anabasis aphylla, Krascheninnikovia ceratoides). We discovered that Krascheninnikovia ceratoides-parasitizing C. salsa (YRCR6) had the highest diversity of rhizosphere bacterial communities, and Anabasis aphylla -parasitizing C. salsa (YRCR5) had the highest diversity of rhizosphere fungal communities. Fungal communities were more influenced by the host plant than bacterial communities. In addition, we discovered certain rhizosphere microorganisms that may be associated with Cistanche seeds germination, including Mortierella, Aspergillus alliaceus, and Cladosporium, which are account for a relatively high proportion in Halocnemum strobilaceum, Atriplex patens and Anabasis aphylla -parasitizing C. salsa. Redundancy analysis results also revealed that AP, HCO3–, pH, Ca2+, SO42–, and K+ had a highly significant impact on the bacterial community structure (P < 0.01), while pH and SO42– had a significant impact on the fungal community structure (P < 0.05). Conclusively, differences were noted in the structure of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities of C. salsa parasitizing different plants in the same habit and the difference may be related to the host plant. This result can provide a new ideas for the selection of host plants and the cultivation of C. salsa.
Positive biofilms to control surface-associated microbial communities in a broiler chicken production system - a field study
Authors: Guéneau Virgile , Rodiles Ana , Frayssinet Bastien , Piard Jean-Christophe , Castex Mathieu , Plateau-Gonthier Julia , Briandet Romain
Published: August 2022

In the One Health concept, the use of beneficial bacteria to form positive biofilms that prevent the settlement of undesirable bacteria is a promising solution to limit the use of antimicrobials on farms. However, there is a lack of field studies reporting the onset of these beneficial bacteria after application and the effects on autochthonous surface microbiota. In the study reported here, the inner surfaces of commercial broiler chicken houses were treated or not with a bacterial consortium composed of Bacillus spp. and Pediococcus spp. strains, able to form covering biofilms in different laboratory models. Preinstalled coupons were sampled over time to capture microbial biofilm dynamics on-farm surfaces. The results showed that the bacterial consortium can establish on the farm surfaces, modulate microbial communities, and limit the implantation of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae, two families containing potential pathogens.