bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-wiring and gene expression changes of AC025034.1 and ATP2B1 play complex roles in early-to-late breast cancer progression
Authors: Khoshbakht Samane , Mokhtari Majid , Moravveji Sayyed Sajjad , Azimzadeh Jamalkandi Sadegh , Masoudi-Nejad Ali
Published: January 2022

Background

Elucidating the dynamic topological changes across different stages of breast cancer, called stage re-wiring, could lead to identifying key latent regulatory signatures involved in cancer progression. Such dynamic regulators and their functions are mostly unknown. Here, we reconstructed differential co-expression networks for four stages of breast cancer to assess the dynamic patterns of cancer progression. A new computational approach was applied to identify stage-specific subnetworks for each stage. Next, prognostic traits of genes and the efficiency of stage-related groups were evaluated and validated, using the Log-Rank test, SVM classifier, and sample clustering. Furthermore, by conducting the stepwise VIF-feature selection method, a Cox-PH model was developed to predict patients’ risk. Finally, the re-wiring network for prognostic signatures was reconstructed and assessed across stages to detect gain/loss, positive/negative interactions as well as rewired-hub nodes contributing to dynamic cancer progression.

Results

After having implemented our new approach, we could identify four stage-specific core biological pathways. We could also detect an essential non-coding RNA, AC025034.1, which is not the only antisense to ATP2B1 (cell proliferation regulator), but also revealed a statistically significant stage-descending pattern; Moreover, AC025034.1 revealed both a dynamic topological pattern across stages and prognostic trait. We also identified a high-performance Overall-Survival-Risk model, including 12 re-wired genes to predict patients’ risk (c-index = 0.89). Finally, breast cancer-specific prognostic biomarkers of LINC01612, AC092142.1, and AC008969.1 were identified.

Conclusions

In summary new scoring method highlighted stage-specific core pathways for early-to-late progressions. Moreover, detecting the significant re-wired hub nodes indicated stage-associated traits, which reflects the importance of such regulators from different perspectives.
Phenotypic and molecular characterization of a set of tropical maize inbred lines from a public breeding program in Brazil
Authors: de Faria Sirlene Viana , Zuffo Leandro Tonello , Rezende Wemerson Mendonça , Caixeta Diego Gonçalves , Pereira Hélcio Duarte , Azevedo Camila Ferreira , DeLima Rodrigo Oliveira
Published: January 2022

Background

The characterization of genetic diversity and population differentiation for maize inbred lines from breeding programs is of great value in assisting breeders in maintaining and potentially increasing the rate of genetic gain. In our study, we characterized a set of 187 tropical maize inbred lines from the public breeding program of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) in Brazil based on 18 agronomic traits and 3,083 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers to evaluate whether this set of inbred lines represents a panel of tropical maize inbred lines for association mapping analysis and investigate the population structure and patterns of relationships among the inbred lines from UFV for better exploitation in our maize breeding program.

Results

Our results showed that there was large phenotypic and genotypic variation in the set of tropical maize inbred lines from the UFV maize breeding program. We also found high genetic diversity (GD = 0.34) and low pairwise kinship coefficients among the maize inbred lines (only approximately 4.00 % of the pairwise relative kinship was above 0.50) in the set of inbred lines. The LD decay distance over all ten chromosomes in the entire set of maize lines with r2 = 0.1 was 276,237 kb. Concerning the population structure, our results from the model-based STRUCTURE and principal component analysis methods distinguished the inbred lines into three subpopulations, with high consistency maintained between both results. Additionally, the clustering analysis based on phenotypic and molecular data grouped the inbred lines into 14 and 22 genetic divergence clusters, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the set of tropical maize inbred lines from UFV maize breeding programs can comprise a panel of tropical maize inbred lines suitable for a genome-wide association study to dissect the variation of complex quantitative traits in maize, mainly in tropical environments. In addition, our results will be very useful for assisting us in the assignment of heterotic groups and the selection of the best parental combinations for new breeding crosses, mapping populations, mapping synthetic populations, guiding crosses that target highly heterotic and yielding hybrids, and predicting untested hybrids in the public breeding program UFV.
Comparison of the effects of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine on surgeon satisfaction with surgical field visualization and intraoperative bleeding during rhinoplasty
Authors: Jouybar Reza , Nemati Maryam , Asmarian Naeimehossadat
Published: January 2022

Objective

We aimed to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine with remifentanil on hemodynamic stability, surgical field quality, and surgeon satisfaction during rhinoplasty.

Methods and materials

In this double-blind randomized controlled-trial, 60 participants scheduled for rhinoplasty at the Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, was randomely divided into the dexmedetomidine group (IV infusion of 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine over 20 min before induction of anesthesia then 0.6 μg/kg/hr. dexmedetomidine from the time of induction until the end of the operation) or in the the remifentanil group (an infusion rate of 0.25 μg/kg/min from the time of anesthesia induction until the end of the operation). Bleeding volume, surgeon satisfaction, postoperative pain (visual analog scale (VAS)), Level of sedation (Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS)), Patient satisfaction, Vital signs & recovery, and the Aldrete Score (used to discharge the patients from recovery) were measured for all participants.

Results

The patients in the dexmedetomidine group had less bleeding (p = 0.047) and shorter time to return of respiration, extubation, and the postoperative recovery time (p < 0.001). The surgeon satisfaction was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). VAS scores, intaking paracetamol, and RASS score were significantly lower in the remifentanil group (p < 0.001). SBP, DBP, MAP, and heart rate were lower in dexmedetomidine group.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine was associated with relatively stable hemodynamics, leading to decreased intraoperative bleeding, recovery time, and greater surgeon satisfaction and the level of consciousness in the recovery ward. However, painlessness and patient satisfaction were greater with the use of remifentanil.

Trial registration

IRCT20141009019470N112.
Are there non-linear relationships between alcohol consumption and long-term health?: a systematic review of observational studies employing approaches to improve causal inference
Authors: Visontay Rachel , Sunderland Matthew , Slade Tim , Wilson Jack , Mewton Louise
Published: January 2022

Background

Research has long found ‘J-shaped’ relationships between alcohol consumption and certain health outcomes, indicating a protective effect of moderate consumption. However, methodological limitations in most studies hinder causal inference. This review aimed to identify all observational studies employing improved approaches to mitigate confounding in characterizing alcohol–long-term health relationships, and to qualitatively synthesize their findings.

Methods

Eligible studies met the above description, were longitudinal (with pre-defined exceptions), discretized alcohol consumption, and were conducted with human populations. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and SCOPUS were searched in May 2020, yielding 16 published manuscripts reporting on cancer, diabetes, dementia, mental health, cardiovascular health, mortality, HIV seroconversion, and musculoskeletal health. Risk of bias of cohort studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and a recently developed tool was used for Mendelian Randomization studies.

Results

A variety of functional forms were found, including reverse J/J-shaped relationships for prostate cancer and related mortality, dementia risk, mental health, and certain lipids. However, most outcomes were only evaluated by a single study, and few studies provided information on the role of alcohol consumption pattern.

Conclusions

More research employing enhanced causal inference methods is urgently required to accurately characterize alcohol–long-term health relationships. Those studies that have been conducted find a variety of linear and non-linear functional forms, with results tending to be discrepant even within specific health outcomes.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42020185861.
Developing a toolkit for increasing the participation of black, Asian and minority ethnic communities in health and social care research
Authors: Farooqi Azhar , Jutlla Karan , Raghavan Raghu , Wilson Andrew , Uddin Mohammud Shams , Akroyd Carol , Patel Naina , Campbell-Morris Pamela Peggy , Farooqi Aaisha Tasneem
Published: January 2022

Background

It is recognised that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations are generally underrepresented in research studies. The key objective of this work was to develop an evidence based, practical toolkit to help researchers maximise recruitment of BAME groups in research.

Methods

Development of the toolkit was an iterative process overseen by an expert steering group. Key steps included a detailed literature review, feedback from focus groups (including researchers and BAME community members) and further workshops and communication with participants to review the draft and final versions.

Results

Poor recruitment of BAME populations in research is due to complex reasons, these include factors such as inadequate attention to recruitment strategies and planning, poor engagement with communities and individuals due to issues such as cultural competency of researchers, historical poor experience of participating in research, and lack of links with community networks. Other factors include language issues, relevant expertise in research team and a lack of adequate resources that might be required in recruitment of BAME populations.

Conclusions

A toolkit was developed with key sections providing guidance on planning research and ensuring adequate engagement of communities and individuals. Together with sections suggesting how the research team can address training needs and adopt best practice. Researchers highlighted the issue of funding and how best to address BAME recruitment in grant applications, so a section on preparing a grant application was also included. The final toolkit document is practical, and includes examples of best practice and ‘top tips’ for researchers.
A proportional odds model of risk behaviors associated with recurrent road traffic crashes among young adults in Kuwait
Authors: Akhtar Saeed , Aldhafeeri Eisa , Alshammari Farah , Jafar Hana , Malhas Haya , Botras Marina , Alnasrallah Noor
Published: January 2022

Background

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to i) assess one-year period prevalence of one, two, three or more road traffic crashes (RTCs) as an ordinal outcome and ii) identify the drivers’ characteristics associated with this ordinal outcome among young adult drivers with propensity to recurrent RTCs in Kuwait.

Methods

During December 2016, 1465 students, 17 years old or older from 15 colleges of Kuwait University participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. One-year period prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI)) of one, two, three or more RTCs was computed. Multivariable proportional odds model was used to identify the drivers’ attributes associated with the ordinal outcome.

Results

One-year period prevalence (%) of one, two and three or more RTCs respectively was 23.1 (95% CI: 21.2, 25.6), 10.9 (95% CI: 9.4, 12.6), and 4.6 (95% CI: 3.6, 5.9). Participants were significantly (p < 0.05) more likely to be in higher RTCs count category than their current or lower RCTs count, if they habitually violated speed limit (adjusted proportional odds ratio (pORadjusted) = 1.40; 95% Cl: 1.13, 1.75), ran through red lights (pORadjusted = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.30, 2.06), frequently (≥ 3) received multiple (> 3) speeding tickets (pORadjusted = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.38), frequently (> 10 times) violated no-parking zone during the past year (pORadjusted = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.54) or being a patient with epilepsy (pORadjusted = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.63, 11.70).

Conclusion

High one-year period prevalence of one, two and three or more RTCs was recorded. Targeted education based on identified drivers’ attributes and stern enforcement of traffic laws may reduce the recurrent RTCs incidence in this and other similar populations in the region.
Are primary care and continuity of care associated with asthma-related acute outcomes amongst children? A retrospective population-based study
Authors: Cooper Sarah , Rahme Elham , Tse Sze Man , Grad Roland , Dorais Marc , Li Patricia
Published: January 2022

Background

Having a primary care provider and a continuous relationship may be important for asthma outcomes. In this study, we sought to determine the association between 1) having a usual provider of primary care (UPC) and asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization in Québec children with asthma and 2) UPC continuity of care and asthma outcomes.

Methods

Population-based retrospective cohort study using Québec provincial health administrative data, including children 2-16 years old with asthma (N = 39, 341). Exposures and outcomes were measured from 2010-2011 and 2012-2013, respectively. Primary exposure was UPC stratified by the main primary care models in Quebec (team-based Family Medicine Groups, family physicians not in Family Medicine Groups, pediatricians, or no assigned UPC). For those with an assigned UPC the secondary exposure was continuity of care, measured by the UPC Index (high, medium, low). Four multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between exposures and outcomes (ED visits and hospitalizations).

Results

Overall, 17.4% of children had no assigned UPC. Compared to no assigned UPC, having a UPC was associated with decreased asthma-related ED visits (pediatrician Odds Ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.73, 0.88]; Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.75,0.93]; non-Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.92, 95% CI [0.83, 1.02]) and hospital admissions (pediatrician OR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.58, 0.75]; Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.82, 95% CI [0.72, 0.93]; non-Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.76, 95% CI [0.67, 0.87]). Children followed by a pediatrician were more likely to have high continuity of care. Continuity of care was not significantly associated with asthma-related ED visits. Compared to low continuity, medium and high continuity of care decreased asthma-related hospital admissions, but none of these associations were significant.

Conclusion

Having a UPC was associated with reduced asthma-related ED visits and hospital admissions. However, continuity of care was not significantly associated with outcomes. The current study provides ongoing evidence for the importance of primary care in children with asthma.
Prevalence and factors affecting the utilization of antenatal care in rural areas of Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Assaye , Astatkie Tessema , Abebaw Solomon , Gebreamanule Bekele , Enbeyle Wegayehu
Published: January 2022

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is a health care intervention intended to ensure the safety of pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization, at least four ANC visits are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. However, whether this recommended number of visits was followed or not in the rural areas of Southwestern Ethiopia is not known. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and the associated factors of ANC utilization by pregnant women in the rural areas of Southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was used in three rural zones. The data were collected from n = 978 women through a structured questionnaire with face-to-face interview. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multiple binary logistic regression model.

Results

The results showed that 56% of women made the recommended minimum number of ANC visits and the remaining 44% of them underutilized the ANC service. The multiple binary logistic regression model identified zone, marital status of the woman, educational level of the husband, occupation of the husband, knowledge of danger signs of pregnancy, birth interval, source of information, timely visits, and transportation problem to be statistically significant factors affecting the prevalence of ANC visit utilization of women. Bench Maji zone had smaller odds ratio of ANC visit prevalence as compared to Kaffa zone. Women who lived in the rural area of Sheko zone are 2.67 times less likely to utilize ANC visit than those who lived in the rural area of Kaffa zone keeping other variables constant.

Conclusion

The study results highlight the need to increase the number of ANC visits, and the importance of using an appropriate model to determine the important socio-demographic factors that ANC service providers shall focus on to improve the health of the unborn baby and the mother during pregnancy.
Measuring personal recovery in a low-intensity community mental healthcare setting: validation of the Dutch version of the individual recovery outcomes counter (I.ROC)
Authors: Beckers Thijs , Koekkoek Bauke , Hutschemaekers Giel , Rudd Bridey , Tiemens Bea
Published: January 2022

Background

Measuring progress in treatment is essential for systematic evaluation by service users and their care providers. In low-intensity community mental healthcare, a questionnaire to measure progress in treatment should be aimed at personal recovery and should require little effort to complete.

Methods

The Individual Recovery Outcome Counter (I.ROC) was translated from English into Dutch, and psychometric evaluations were performed. Data were collected on personal recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale), quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life), and symptoms of mental illness and social functioning (Outcome Questionnaire, OQ-45) for assessing the validity of the I.ROC. Test–retest reliability was evaluated by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and internal consistency was evaluated by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine construct validity. To assess convergent validity, the I.ROC was compared to relevant questionnaires by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients. To evaluate discriminant validity, I.ROC scores of certain subgroups were compared using either a t-test or analysis of variance.

Results

There were 764 participants in this study who mostly completed more than one I.ROC (total n = 2,863). The I.ROC aimed to measure the concept of personal recovery as a whole, which was confirmed by a factor analysis. The test–retest reliability was satisfactory (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient is 0.856), as were the internal consistency (Cronbachs Alpha is 0.921) and the convergent validity. Sensitivity to change was small, but comparable to that of the OQ-45.

Conclusions

The Dutch version of the I.ROC appears to have satisfactory psychometric properties to warrant its use in daily practice. Discriminant validity and sensitivity to change need further research.
Vaccination, politics and COVID-19 impacts
Authors: Albrecht Don
Published: January 2022

The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines provides a clear path to bring the pandemic to an end. Vaccination rates, however, have been insufficient to prevent disease spread. A critical factor in so many people choosing not to be vaccinated is their political views. In this study, a path model is developed and tested to explore the impacts of political views on vaccination rates and COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 residents in U.S. counties. The data strongly supported the model. In counties with a high percentage of Republican voters, vaccination rates were significantly lower and COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 residents were much higher. Moving forward, it is critical to find ways to overcome political division and rebuild trust in science and health professionals.
Adverse childhood experiences and other risk factors associated with adolescent and young adult vaping over time: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fortier Janique , Taillieu Tamara , Salmon Samantha , Stewart-Tufescu Ashley , Davila Isabel Garcés , MacMillan Harriet L. , Sareen Jitender , Tonmyr Lil , Brownell Marni , Nickel Nathan C. , Afifi Tracie O.
Published: January 2022

Background

Vaping among adolescents and young adults is a significant public health concern worldwide. Understanding which risk factors are associated with vaping is important to help inform evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. There are several gaps in the current literature examining these associations such as limited longitudinal research. We examined the association between parental smoking/vaping, adolescent sex, mental disorders in adolescence, 13 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and a) any vaping and b) course of vaping across two time points among adolescents and young adults.

Methods

Data were from Waves 1 and 2 of the longitudinal Well-Being and Experiences Study (The WE Study) in Manitoba, Canada which collected data from a community sample of adolescents (14 to 17 years) and their parent/caregiver in Wave 1 in 2017–18 and the adolescents/young adults only in Wave 2 in 2019. A total of 752 adolescents/young adults (72.4% of the original cohort) completed both waves of the study. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to understand the relationship between the 16 risk factors and the two vaping outcomes.

Results

Vaping prevalence was 45.5% for any vaping, 2.7% for Wave 1 vaping only, 19.7% for new onset Wave 2 vaping, and 21.2% for vaping at both waves. After adjusting for covariates, the majority of risk factors examined were associated with any adolescent or young adult vaping, including: parental smoking or vaping, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, exposure to verbal intimate partner violence, household substance use, household mental illness, parental separation/divorce, parental problems with police, foster care or contact with a child protective organization, an unsafe neighbourhood, and peer victimization. The majority of these risk factors, as well as adolescent mental health and parental gambling, were associated with different courses of vaping across the two time points.

Conclusions

The findings emphasize the need for early vaping prevention and identified several ACEs and other factors that were associated with adolescent and young adult vaping and course of vaping. These identified ACEs and risk factors can help inform programs, strategies, and potential groups to target for vaping interventions.
Can minimal clinically important differences in patient reported outcome measures be predicted by machine learning in patients with total knee or hip arthroplasty? A systematic review
Authors: Langenberger Benedikt , Thoma Andreas , Vogt Verena
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To systematically review studies using machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict whether patients undergoing total knee or total hip arthroplasty achieve an improvement as high or higher than the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (classification problem).

Methods

Studies were eligible to be included in the review if they collected PROMs both pre- and postintervention, reported the method of MCID calculation and applied ML. ML was defined as a family of models which automatically learn from data when selecting features, identifying nonlinear relations or interactions. Predictive performance must have been assessed using common metrics. Studies were searched on MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. Study selection and risk of bias assessment (ROB) was conducted by two independent researchers.

Results

517 studies were eligible for title and abstract screening. After screening title and abstract, 18 studies qualified for full-text screening. Finally, six studies were included. The most commonly applied ML algorithms were random forest and gradient boosting. Overall, eleven different ML algorithms have been applied in all papers. All studies reported at least fair predictive performance, with two reporting excellent performance. Sample size varied widely across studies, with 587 to 34,110 individuals observed. PROMs also varied widely across studies, with sixteen applied to TKA and six applied to THA. There was no single PROM utilized commonly in all studies. All studies calculated MCIDs for PROMs based on anchor-based or distribution-based methods or referred to literature which did so. Five studies reported variable importance for their models. Two studies were at high risk of bias.

Discussion

No ML model was identified to perform best at the problem stated, nor can any PROM said to be best predictable. Reporting standards must be improved to reduce risk of bias and improve comparability to other studies.
Cost of integrating assisted partner services in HIV testing services in Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, Kenya: a microcosting study
Authors: Wamuti Beatrice , Sharma Monisha , Kariithi Edward , Lagat Harison , Otieno George , Bosire Rose , Masyuko Sarah , Mugambi Mary , Weiner Bryan J. , Katz David A. , Farquhar Carey , Levin Carol
Published: January 2022

Background

HIV assisted partner services (aPS), or provider notification and testing for sexual and injecting partners of people diagnosed with HIV, is shown to be safe, effective, and cost-effective and was scaled up within the national HIV testing services (HTS) program in Kenya in 2016. We estimated the costs of integrating aPS into routine HTS within an ongoing aPS scale-up project in western Kenya.

Methods

We conducted microcosting using the payer perspective in 14 facilities offering aPS. Although aPS was offered to both males and females testing HIV-positive (index clients), we only collected data on female index clients and their male sex partners (MSP). We used activity-based costing to identify key aPS activities, inputs, resources, and estimated financial and economic costs of goods and services. We analyzed costs by start-up (August 2018), and recurrent costs one-year after aPS implementation (Kisumu: August 2019; Homa Bay: January 2020) and conducted time-and-motion observations of aPS activities. We estimated the incremental costs of aPS, average cost per MSP traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy, cost shares, and costs disaggregated by facility.

Results

Overall, the number of MSPs traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy was 1027, 869, 370, and 272 respectively. Average unit costs per MSP traced, tested, testing HIV-positive, and on antiretroviral therapy were $34.54, $42.50, $108.71 and $152.28, respectively, which varied by county and facility client volume. The weighted average incremental cost of integrating aPS was $7,485.97 per facility per year, with recurrent costs accounting for approximately 90% of costs. The largest cost drivers were personnel (49%) and transport (13%). Providers spent approximately 25% of the HTS visit obtaining MSP contact information (HIV-negative clients: 13 out of 54 min; HIV-positive clients: 20 out of 96 min), while the median time spent per MSP traced on phone and in-person was 6 min and 2.5 hours, respectively.

Conclusion

Average facility costs will increase when integrating aPS to HTS with incremental costs largely driven by personnel and transport. Strategies to efficiently utilize healthcare personnel will be critical for effective, affordable, and sustainable aPS.
Comprehensive analysis of Twitter usage during a major medical conference held virtually versus in-person
Authors: Beste Nedim Christoph , Davis Xue , Kloeckner Roman , Celik Erkan , Korenkov Michael , Maintz David , Dratsch Thomas , Pinto dos Santos Daniel
Published: January 2022

Background

Twitter has become one of the most important social media platforms in science communication. During scientific conferences, Twitter can facilitate the communication between audience and speakers present at the venue and can extend the reach of a conference to participants following along from home. To examine whether Twitter activity can serve as a surrogate parameter for attendance at the RSNA conferences in 2019 and in 2020, and to characterize changes in topics discussed due to the virtual character of the 2020 RSNA conference.

Methods

The Twitter API and R Studio were used to analyze the absolute number and frequency of tweets, retweets, and conference-related hashtags during the 2019 and 2020 RSNA conference. Topics of discussion were compared across years by visualizing networks of co-occurring hashtags.

Results

There was a 46% decrease in total tweets and a 39% decrease in individual Twitter users in 2020, mirroring a 43% decrease in registered attendees during the virtual conference. Hashtags related to social initiatives in radiology (e.g., “#radxx” and “#womeninradiology” for promoting women’s empowerment in radiology or “#pinksocks,” “#weareradiology” and “#diversityisgenius” for diversity in general) were less frequently used in 2020 than in 2019.

Conclusion

Twitter and congress attendance were highly related and interpersonal topics underwent less discussion during the virtual meeting. Overall engagement during the virtual conference in 2020 was lower compared to the in-person conference in 2019.
Apolipoprotein B mRNA-Editing Catalytic Polypeptide-Like–Induced Protein Changes in Estrogen Receptor–Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Breast Cancer Throughout Disease Progression
Authors: Bos Manouk K. , Smid Marcel , Sleijfer Stefan , Martens John W. M.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Apolipoprotein B mRNA-Editing Catalytic Polypeptide-like (APOBEC) enzymes are mutagenic factors contributing to tumor progression and therapy resistance. However, the effects of APOBEC-induced protein changes have not been systematically assessed. Here, we describe the effects of APOBEC on the coding sequence in primary and metastatic estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2–) breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

We determined the enrichment of amino acid (AA) changes resulting from APOBEC mutagenesis in 323 primary BC tumors and 424 metastatic breast cancer (mBC) lesions via comparison with a simulated mutational genomic landscape not under selection pressure. We subsequently explored genes with recurrent APOBEC-associated AA changes and investigated the clonality of individual APOBEC-associated mutations. Using public sequencing data from an independent primary BC and mBC cohort, we further confirm our findings by reporting genes having these enriched AA changes in an APOBEC context.

RESULTS

Our analysis demonstrated that several APOBEC-derived AA changes are significantly enriched compared with a simulated AA change distribution drawn at random. Among the enriched AA changes, Glutamate(E)>Lysine(K) and Glutamate(E)>Glutamine(Q) were mostly found at hotspots in oncogenes, whereas termination codons (Glutamine[Q]>STOP[X] and Serine[S]>STOP[X]) occurred in tumor suppressor genes and, mostly, not at hotspot locations. These mutations are found in genes contributing to BC initiation, eg, introduction of termination codons in TP53, MAP3K1, and CDH1 (in lobular BC) and two oncogenic hotspots in PIK3CA (p.E542K and p.E545K). In endocrine-resistant BC, we observed APOBEC-induced termination codons at ER-modulating genes, KMT2C, ARID1A, NF1, and ZFHX3. Finally, in mBC, compared with single PIK3CA mutations, dual PIK3CA mutations occurred more frequently in an APOBEC context (Fisher's exact P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that APOBEC mutagenesis recurrently targets various known drivers of BC initiation, progression, and endocrine resistance.
Achieving High Dialysis Dose via Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in the Setting of Metformin Associated Lactic Acidosis. A Case Series
Authors: Reynolds Hannah V. , Pollock Hamish H. G. , Apte Yogesh V. , Tabah Alexis
Published: January 2022

Severe and life-threatening cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) are treated with renal replacement therapy. Intermittent hemodialysis is recommended, as it achieves rapid more elimination of metformin compared to continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). This case series describes 4 patients, 2 with acute metformin intoxications and 2 with insidious metformin toxicity. All were treated using a novel approach with dual CRRT to achieve rapid elimination of metformin. Three of the 4 patients survived to hospital discharge. Dual CRRT may be an effective alternative when dialysis is not readily available.
Racist Attachments: Dakko-chan, Black Kitsch, and Kawaii Culture
Authors: Kanesaka Erica
Published: January 2022

This article explores the ties between anti-Black racist kitsch and kawaii culture through the history of the Dakko-chan doll. In what came to be called the “Dakko-chan boom” of 1960, tens of thousands of Japanese people lined up to purchase an inflatable blackface doll with a circular red mouth, grass skirt, and winking hologram eyes. Dakko means “to hug,” and Dakko-chan's astronomical popularity resulted in part from the way the doll could be worn as an accessory, attached to the body by its hugging arms. This article asks what it meant for Japan, a nation still recovering from World War II and the American occupation, to quite literally embrace American blackface in the form of an embraceable doll. Rejecting the claim that blackface loses its significance in a Japanese context, this article argues that Dakko-chan cannot be considered devoid of racist meanings. Emerging amid the political turmoil surrounding the revision of the US-Japan Security Treaty, Dakko-chan came to express a wide range of contradictory feelings about race, sex, and nation, illustrating how affective attachments to racist forms have accrued rather than dissipated through their movement into new cultural contexts.
Distant Pituitary Adenoma Spread: A Systematic Review and Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Azizkhanian Ida , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Palmisciano Paolo , Abou-Mrad Zaki , Daoud Elena V. , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Connors Scott , Aoun Salah G. , Kim Jun , Hatanpaa Kimmo J. , Garzon-Muvdi Tomas , Barnett Samuel L. , Patel Toral , Raisanen Jack M. , Mickey Bruce E.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

Distant spread of pituitary adenoma outside the sellar/suprasellar region is classified as pituitary carcinoma. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–born spread of pituitary adenoma can occur after tumor cell spillage into the CSF space after surgery, irradiation, or apoplexy and is not necessarily related to intrinsic tumor biology.

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review the literature and describe the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of patients with pituitary carcinomas. We further present 2 cases from our institution.

METHODS:

A single-center retrospective review of patients with pituitary adenoma spread to distant intracranial locations between 2000 and 2020 was performed. Electronic databases were searched from their inception to May 25, 2021, and studies describing patients with pituitary spread to distant locations were included.

RESULTS:

Of 1210 pituitary adenoma cases reviewed, 2 (0.16%) showed tumor spread to distant locations. We found 134 additional cases (from 108 published articles) resulting in a total of 136 cases (61.9% were male). The time to tumor spread ranged between 0 and 516 months (median: 96 months). The follow-up duration ranged between 0 and 240 months (median: 11.5 months). All but 2 patients (98.5%) underwent surgical resection before adenoma spread. The 2 exceptions included a patient with evidence of an apoplectic event on autopsy and another patient with leptomeningeal pituitary spread but an unclear history of apoplexy. Elevated tumor markers were not linked to poor outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Distant spread of pituitary adenoma may occur after surgery, irradiation, or apoplexy. It is not necessarily associated with a malignant clinical course.
Droplet Size and Coalescence Stability of n-Hexadecane Emulsions Homogenized in Aqueous Solution of Proteins before and after High-Energy Processes
Authors: Kobayashi Emi , Yoneda Kohei , Masuda Takeshi , Fukada Kazuhiro
Published: January 2022

Properties of protein-based O/W emulsions are influenced by various factors including species and concentration of the protein, oil content, and employed homogenization technique, which make it difficult to establish suitable conditions to prepare stable emulsions. To address this issue, two proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ovalbumin (OVA), were used as emulsifiers in a wide concentration range to disperse n-hexadecane, and necessary conditions to prepare reasonably stable, submicron-size emulsions were explored. A two-step homogenization process, premixing with a rotor-stator mixer followed by either sonication or high-pressure homogenization, was employed, and volume-weighted average droplet diameter (d43), adsorption density of proteins (Γ), and coalescence stability of oil droplets were measured. For sonicated emulsions in the emulsifier-rich regime, d43 was ca. 1 µm for both BSA and OVA, and Γ was ca. 2–3 mg m−2 (over 15 mg m−2) for BSA (OVA). The high-pressure homogenization could reduce d43 down to 0.4 µm provided BSA (OVA) concentration was 5 g L−1 (15 g L−1) or higher. These submicron-size emulsions were stable for several days only for BSA emulsions with the concentration ≥ 15 g L−1, otherwise coalescence proceeded. These results suggested that the adsorbed OVA films are more easily broken than the BSA films.
Downsizing to 25-nm Reverse Polymeric Micelle Composed of AB3-type Polydepsipeptide with Comprising siRNA
Authors: Uji Hirotaka , Watabe Naoki , Komi Tatsuya , Sakaguchi Tomoki , Akamatsu Ryo , Mihara Kenta , Kimura Shunsaku
Published: January 2022

Amphiphilic block polydepsipeptides of AB-type and AB3-type (hydrophilic A block: poly(sarcosine), hydrophobic B block: poly(l-lactic acid)) were prepared, and the N-terminals were arranged by guanidium or guanidino-peptide nucleic acid for loading siRNA in a reverse polymeric micelle. The amphiphilic polymers were successfully dispersed and assembled into reverse micelles in triglyceride or diisopropyl adipate. With loading siRNA into the core of the polymeric micelles, the micelle size was reduced down to a diameter of 25 nm in the case of the guanidino-peptide nucleic acid used as the capturing site. This small-size reverse micelle may be available for a transdermal drug delivery system (DDS) for siRNA.
Synthesis of Glycopolymers Carrying 3′-Sialyllactose for Suppressing Inflammatory Reaction via Siglec-E
Authors: Ishida Takato , Nagao Masanori , Oh Takahiro , Mori Takeshi , Hoshino Yu , Miura Yoshiko
Published: January 2022

One of the new strategies to treat autoimmune diseases is to target Siglec, a membrane protein receptor with the ability to suppress immune responses. Herein, we synthesized glycopolymers carrying 3′-sialyllactose in various glycounit densities. RAW 264.7 macrophages transfected to express secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) were used to evaluate the immunosuppression ability of the glycopolymers. The inhibition of the signal transmission was dependent on the glycounit densities of the glycopolymers, and was maximized at the moderate density (70%).
Exercise/Physical Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Consensus Statement from the American College of Sports Medicine
Authors: KANALEY JILL A. , COLBERG SHERI R. , CORCORAN MATTHEW H. , MALIN STEVEN K. , RODRIGUEZ NANCY R. , CRESPO CARLOS J. , KIRWAN JOHN P. , ZIERATH JULEEN R.
Published: January 2022

This consensus statement is an update of the 2010 American College of Sports Medicine position stand on exercise and type 2 diabetes. Since then, a substantial amount of research on select topics in exercise in individuals of various ages with type 2 diabetes has been published while diabetes prevalence has continued to expand worldwide. This consensus statement provides a brief summary of the current evidence and extends and updates the prior recommendations. The document has been expanded to include physical activity, a broader, more comprehensive definition of human movement than planned exercise, and reducing sedentary time. Various types of physical activity enhance health and glycemic management in people with type 2 diabetes, including flexibility and balance exercise, and the importance of each recommended type or mode are discussed. In general, the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans apply to all individuals with type 2 diabetes, with a few exceptions and modifications. People with type 2 diabetes should engage in physical activity regularly and be encouraged to reduce sedentary time and break up sitting time with frequent activity breaks. Any activities undertaken with acute and chronic health complications related to diabetes may require accommodations to ensure safe and effective participation. Other topics addressed are exercise timing to maximize its glucose-lowering effects and barriers to and inequities in physical activity adoption and maintenance.
Διαχρονική ανάλυση της αστικής ανανέωσης στην Αθήνα
Authors: Στεργίου Μαργαρίτα
Published: January 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα περιλαμβάνει μια προσπάθεια προσέγγισης του εξευγενισμού ως μέρος της μοντέρνας αστικής ανανέωσης με πεδίο εφαρμογής την πόλη της Αθήνας τόσο σε κεντρικές γειτονιές της όσο και σε προαστιακές. Σκοπός της παρούσας διπλωματικής εργασίας αποτελεί η τυποποίηση της έννοιας του εξευγενισμού, η δημιουργία ενός μεθοδολογικού πρότυπου πλαισίου ανάλυσης και αξιολόγησης του αστικού αυτού φαινομένου. Τα βασικά ερευνητικά ερωτήματα είναι τα εξής: 1. Αν ο εξευγενισμός εμφανίζεται με το ίδιο τρόπο ή βαθμό τόσο σε κεντρικές περιοχές ή σε προαστιακά κέντρα. 2. Αν ο εξευγενισμός εφαρμόζεται θεωρητικά και πρακτικά στην Ελλάδα με τον ίδιο τρόπο που αναφέρεται στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία/πρότυπα. 2.1. Οι μεταβολές του θεωρητικού σχήματος που περιγράφει η διεθνής βιβλιογραφία για το φαινόμενο σε σχέση με το αντίστοιχο της Ελλάδας (σε ότι αφορά την μορφή, την ένταση και ιδιαιτερότητα του φαινομένου στην Ελλάδα σε σχέση με την εμπειρία και τα παραδείγματα του εξωτερικού). 2.2. Αν οι ελληνικές πόλεις εμφανίζουν σημαντικές ιδιαιτερότητες, που επιδρούν δημιουργώντας έναν αστικό εξευγενισμό που αποκλίνει από το πρότυπο. Ποιες είναι αυτές και πως το επηρεάζουν; Ποιοι είναι οι παράγοντες που διαμορφώνουν τον « ελληνικό εξευγενισμό»; 2.3. Υπάρχει μοναδικότητα στις εκφάνσεις του εξευγενισμού στο αθηναϊκό τοπίο; Με ποια αποτύπωση; 3. Μέτρηση του φαινομένου – κωδικοποίηση. Ο εντοπισμός της διαδικασίας του εξευγενισμού και ο έλεγχος της, αποτελούν τις μεγαλύτερες προκλήσεις για την επιτυχία των προγραμμάτων της αστικής ανανέωσης. 3.1.Ποια είναι η καταλληλότερη μεθοδολογία και ποια τα προσήκοντα εργαλεία μέτρησης και κατ` επέκταση ανάλυσης και διαχείρισης του; 3.2.Υπάρχουν μοντέλα πρόβλεψης του εξευγενισμού? Και αν ναι σε τι βαθμό μπορεί να εφαρμοστεί στην ελληνική πραγματικότητα; Για να απαντηθούν τα παραπάνω ερωτήματα η παρούσα εργασία διαμοιράζεται σε τρία μέρη, το θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο, τις τεχνικές και τα εργαλεία καταγραφής, ανάλυσης και μέτρησης του φαινομένου και η έρευνά με τα αποτελέσματα, ενώ προηγείται πάνω από όλα η μεθοδολογία της έρευνας που ακολουθήθηκε. Η παρούσα έρευνα είχε πρωτοτυπία στα ευρήματα της και δημιούργησε προοπτικές για περαιτέρω έρευνα στο σχετικό επιστημονικό πεδίο.
IMPROVING THE SPHERE OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SAINT PETERSBURG
Authors: Safonov Evgeny , Kirsanov Sergey , Palamarenko Galina
Published: January 2022

The problem of removing and neutralizing household waste is becoming more acute every year and occupies the main place for any city. This is explained by the fact that waste negatively affects the environment and the person who is the producer of this waste and causes great harm to the economy. On the other hand, the waste itself is the richest source of secondary resources, it is also a free energy carrier since household waste is a renewable energy raw material for fuel energy. The state of the environment on the territory of Russia is determined by a high technical load, as well as a long-term and sustained negative impact, including due to the formation and accumulation of production and consumption waste. Of all the garbage produced in Russia, the largest share falls on solid household waste - more than 25%. Only 3-5% of them are sent for recycling, and the rest - in a landfill. The situation in the field of waste management in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region and the presence of many unauthorized dumps causes serious public concern. The article formulates recommendations to improve the efficiency of organization and management of municipal waste management, addressed to the heads of state and municipal authorities and management.
The relationship of economic growth and carbon-dioxide emissions: an application on member countries of Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Authors: Kaya Muhammed Veysel , Yilmaz Suat Serhat , Özdemir Mehmet Gökhan
Published: January 2022

Motivation: Humanity has benefited from natural resources in production activities throughout history and this pressure on natural resources has increased even more with the efforts of industrialization. In this process, people benefited heavily from fossil fuels in their production and distribution activities, thereby damaging the environment and the atmosphere to a large extent. With the destruction of the environment, it has become important for the countries and the academic circles to measure environmental damage with the increase of economic activities in order to take various measures.

Aim: At this point, in this study, the relationship between economic growth and carbon-dioxide emissions was examined within the scope of 50 countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In this process, annual data of the countries concerned between 1995 and 2017 were used; Pedroni Cointegration Analysis, Granger Causality Analysis, Pooled Mean Group Estimator (PMGE) and Mean Group Estimator (MGE) methods were used to measure and estimate the relationship between these two variables. The causality analysis shows that the economic growth is the Granger cause of carbon-dioxide emissions in the country group studied. In addition, the coefficients obtained in PMGE and MGE analyzes were found as 0.43 and 0.33 and were statistically significant and positive. Then, with the help of Hausman Homogeneity Test, it was decided between the two estimators, and it concluded that PMGE Estimator is the more reliable estimator.

Results: The results obtained with the PMGE estimator indicate that the 1% increase in economic growth increased carbon dioxide emission by 0.43%.