bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new feature selection method based on frequent and associated itemsets for text classification
Authors: Mamdouh Farghaly Heba , Abd El‐Hafeez Tarek
Published: August 2022

Feature selection is one of the major issues in pattern recognition. The quality of selected features is important for classification as the low‐quality data can degrade the model construction performance. Due to the difficulty of dealing with the problem that selected features always contain redundant information, this article focuses on the association analysis theory in data mining to select important features. In this study, a novel feature selection method based on frequent and associated itemsets (FS‐FAI) for text classification is proposed. FS‐FAI seeks to find relevant features and also takes feature interaction into account. Moreover, it uses association as a metric to evaluate the relativity between the target concept and feature(s). To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed method, several experiments were conducted on a BBC dataset from the BBC news website and SMS spam collection dataset from the UCI machine learning repository. The obtained results were compared to well‐known feature selection methods. The reported results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed feature selection method in selecting high‐quality features and in handling redundant information in text classification.
Robust ratio‐type estimators for finite population mean in simple random sampling: A simulation study
Authors: Zaman Tolga , Bulut Hasan , Yadav Subhash Kumar
Published: August 2022

In this study, ratio estimators are proposed by utilizing some robust techniques to get the maximum benefit of the auxiliary variable for the estimation of the population mean in simple random sampling. The expressions for mean squared error are derived for the first degree of approximation. Theoretical comparisons demonstrate that the suggested estimators having robust regression estimates perform better than the existing estimators under certain conditions. Theoretical findings are supported with the aid of the original dataset in an application. In addition, a simulation study is also conducted to evaluate the performance of the suggested estimators.
Noise processing and multitask learning for far‐field dialect classification
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Yan , Ma Yuhui , Qin Chenguang , Zhang Kan , Gao Ling , Ren Jie
Published: August 2022

Deep learning has made great achievements in the field of speech recognition. With the popularization of embedded devices such as intelligent speaker and the demand for dialect interaction scenes, it poses great challenges to far‐field speech recognition and dialect language recognition. In order to solve the dialect language recognition of embedded devices in far‐field speech recognition, we propose a deep learning neural network model with multitask learning. First, the audio is passed through the end‐to‐end noise reduction model to improve the effect of audio recognition. Then we define dialect recognition as the main task and dialect area as the auxiliary task, using the multitask learning method to improve the accuracy of dialect classification. The experimental results show that the end‐to‐end noise reduction model can improve the accuracy of audio recognition, and the best effect can be 7.54% higher than the baseline, and the accuracy of dialect language recognition can be improved by about 5% through multi task learning model.
A secure finger vein verification and authentication scheme for banking network
Authors: D Jebakumar Immanuel , R Dhanapal
Published: August 2022

The development of electronic exchanges has created a more important interest in fast and accurate customer IDs and verification. Structures, bank records, and PC framework often use personally identifiable access code IDs and test numbers (PINs) for reliable status. Biometric verification requires a level of security, unchanged structure, spoofing, and reliability. In this research work, a biometric authentication system was developed to provide security for access to the ATM network. Honest technology used for security purposes to provide efficient ATM network security is a finger vein. This method undergoes image processing technology such as preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification to locate the finger vein region for accessing the ATM network. Finally, the cascade neural network acts as a classifier method to differentiate registered and unregistered user. The performance analysis of this method is simulated by MATLAB and the process is evaluated to measure the efficient security of the network. The dataset is segregated into two stages; one for training and other for testing. The features extracted with the help of hidden layers with neurons. The matched finger vein is compared to check the accuracy.
Benzodithiophene‐Based, Donor–Acceptor–π–Donor–Acceptor Systems as Hole Transporting Materials for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Manda Kishore , Kore Ranjith , Ambapuram Meenakshamma , Chetti Prabhakar , Roy Subhrangsu , Jadhav Vinod D. , Babu S. Narendra , Gundla Rambabu , Mitty Raghavender , Pola Someshwar
Published: August 2022

Four new donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–accepter–donor hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) were developed based on the 2,2′‐(4,8‐bis(octyloxy)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (OBDT) core moiety functionalised with two diphenylamine‐based donor units as outlying moieties. The compounds were designed, synthesised and used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Each HTM was thoroughly characterized with various spectroscopic techniques, and the surface and cross‐sectional morphologies of the thin‐film topmost layer, steady‐state photoluminescence, hole mobility and PSC efficiency were estimated and correlated with a standard Spiro‐OMeTAD HTM. The stabilized photocurrent and power conversion efficiency (PCE) measurements at maximum power point tracking, and J‐Voc curves under forward, and reverse bias, were studied. The film of the methyl‐substituted derivative provided a very consistent and compact protected layer to the whole perovskite layer, which is the key to the enhancement of the Voc and fill factor (FF). The PSC device based on the methyl derivative as HTM showed a high PCE of 19.07 % (active area 0.42 cm2) which is compared to the SpiroOMeTAD control device (17.90 %; active area 0.42 cm2). Optimized devices retained about 90 % PCE for 60 days, suggesting the reported HTM framework as a promising material for PSC application, considering also that they are tuneable and can be synthesized on a large scale.
Molecular testing in fine‐needle aspiration of thyroid nodules
Authors: McMurtry Valarie , Canberk Sule , Deftereos Georgios
Published: August 2022

Background

Thyroid nodules are commonly faced by clinicians as palpable nodules or incidentally identified on imaging. Nodules that are found to be suspicious by imaging can be biopsied by fine needle aspiration, which can yield material for molecular testing to refine the diagnosis.

Methods

The current literature concerning molecular testing in thyroid nodules including available commercial assays was reviewed and summarized.

Results/Conclusions

Commonly encountered alterations include mutations in RAS, BRAF, TERT promoter, PTEN, and DICER1 as well as fusions of RET, ALK, PAX8‐PPARγ, and NTRK. This article provides a summary of these molecular alterations, commercially available molecular assays, and general considerations for thyroid epithelial malignancies and benign thyroid nodules.
Ultrathin NiO/Ni3S2 Heterostructure as Electrocatalyst for Accelerated Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Jin Chunqiao , Zhai Pengbo , Tang Jianli , Huo Liuxiang , He Qianqian , Ye Yan , Qiu Lingxi , Jiang Kai , Shang Liyan , Li Yawei , Gong Yongji , Hu Zhigao , Chu Junhao
Published: August 2022

The practical application of Lithium–Sulfur batteries largely depends on highly efficient utilization and conversion of sulfur under the realistic condition of high‐sulfur content and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio. Rational design of heterostructure electrocatalysts with abundant active sites and strong interfacial electronic interactions is a promising but still challenging strategy for preventing shuttling of polysulfides in lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, ultrathin nonlayered NiO/Ni3S2 heterostructure nanosheets are developed through topochemical transformation of layered Ni(OH)2 templates to improve the utilization of sulfur and facilitate stable cycling of batteries. As a multifunction catalyst, NiO/Ni3S2 not only enhances the adsorption of polysulfides and shorten the transport path of Li ions and electrons but also promotes the Li2S formation and transformation, which are verified by both in‐situ Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical investigations. Thus, the cell with NiO/Ni3S2 as electrocatalyst delivers an area capacity of 4.8 mAh cm−2 under the high sulfur loading (6 mg cm−2) and low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (4.3 μL mg−1). The strategy can be extended to 2D Ni foil, demonstrating its prospects in the construction of electrodes with high gravimetric/volumetric energy densities. The designed electrocatalyst of ultrathin nonlayered heterostructure will shed light on achieving high energy density lithium–sulfur batteries.
Excess Activity Tuned by Distorted Tetrahedron in CoMoO4 for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Xiao Hengbo , Chi Kai , Yin Hongxia , Zhou Xiangji , Lei Pengxiang , Liu Peizhi , Fang Jiakun , Li Xiuhong , Yuan Songliu , Zhang Zhen , Su Yaqiong , Guo Junjie , Qian Lihua
Published: August 2022

Oxygen vacancies enable modulating surface reconstruction of transition metal oxides containing metal–oxygen polyhedrons into metallic oxyhydroxide for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), while revealing reconstructing mechanism is stuck by the requirement to precisely control exact sites of these vacancies. Herein, oxygen vacancies are localized only within MoO4 tetrahedrons rather than CoO6 octahedrons in CoMoO4 catalyst, guaranteeing coherent reconstruction of CoO6 octahedrons into pure CoOOH with tunable activities for OER. Meanwhile, distorted tetrahedron accelerates the dissolution of Mo atoms into alkaline electrolyte, triggering spontaneous transition of partial CoMoO4 into Co(OH)2. CoO6 octahedrons in both CoMoO4 and Co(OH)2 can transform pure CoOOH completely at lower potential, resulting in excess intrinsic activity whose summit is identified by overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 with 22.9% reduction and Tafel slope with 65.3% reduction. Well‐defined manipulation over the distorted polyhedrons offers one versatile knob to precisely modulate electronic structure of oxide catalysts with outstanding OER performance.
Prognostic value of right atrial pressure‐corrected cardiac power index in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Baldetti Luca , Pagnesi Matteo , Gallone Guglielmo , Barone Giuseppe , Fierro Nicolai , Calvo Francesco , Gramegna Mario , Pazzanese Vittorio , Venuti Angela , Sacchi Stefania , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Burkhoff Daniel , Lim Hoong Sern , Cappelletti Alberto Maria
Published: August 2022

Aim

The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC)‐derived cardiac power index (CPI) has been found of prognostic value in cardiogenic shock (CS) patients. The original CPI equation included the right atrial pressure (RAP), accounting for heart filling pressure as a determinant of systolic myocardial work, but this term was subsequently omitted. We hypothesized that the original CPI formula (CPIRAP) is superior to current CPI for risk stratification in CS.

Methods and results

A single‐centre cohort of 80 consecutive Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) B‐D CS patients with available PAC records was included. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 21.3%. Results showed CPIRAP to be the strongest haemodynamic predictor of in‐hospital death (padj = 0.038), outperforming CPI [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves: 0.726 and 0.673, P‐for‐difference = 0.025]. When the population was stratified according to the identified CPIRAP (0.28 W/m2) and accepted CPI (0.32 W/m2) thresholds, the cohort with discordant indexes (low CPIRAP and high CPI) comprised a group of 13 patients featuring a congested phenotype with frequent right ventricle or biventricular involvement. In this group, in‐hospital mortality was high (30.8%) similar to those with concordant low CPI and CPIRAP.

Conclusion

Incorporating RAP in CPI calculation (CPIRAP) improves the prognostic yield in patients with CS SCAI B‐D. A cut‐off of 0.28 W/m2 identifies patients at higher risk of in‐hospital mortality. The improved prognostic value of CPIRAP may derive from identification of patients with more intravascular congestion who may experience substantial in‐hospital mortality, uncaptured by the commonly used CPI equation.
Dapagliflozin and New York Heart Association functional class in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction: the DELIVER trial
Authors: Ostrominski John W. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Claggett Brian L. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Desai Akshay S. , Dobreanu Dan , Hernandez Adrian F. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Kosiborod Mikhail , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Langkilde Anna M. , Lindholm Daniel , Martinez Felipe A. , O'Meara Eileen , Petersson Magnus , Shah Sanjiv J. , Thierer Jorge , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: August 2022

Aims

This pre‐specified analysis of the DELIVER trial examined whether clinical benefits of dapagliflozin in heart failure (HF) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40% varied by baseline New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and examined the treatment effects on NYHA class over time.

Methods and results

Treatment effects of dapagliflozin by baseline NYHA class II (n = 4713) versus III/IV (n = 1549) were examined on the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death or worsening HF event) and key secondary endpoints. Effects of dapagliflozin on change in NYHA class at 4, 16, and 32 weeks were also evaluated. Higher baseline NYHA class was associated with older age, female sex, greater comorbidity burden, lower LVEF, and higher natriuretic peptide levels. Participants with baseline NYHA class III/IV, as compared with II, were independently more likely to experience the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.33]) and all‐cause death (adjusted HR 1.22 [1.06–1.40]). Dapagliflozin consistently reduced the risk of the primary endpoint compared with placebo, irrespective of baseline NYHA class (HR 0.81 [0.70–0.94] for NYHA class II vs. HR 0.80 [0.65–0.98] for NYHA class III/IV; pinteraction = 0.921). Participants with NYHA class III/IV had greater improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom scores between baseline and 32 weeks (+4.8 [2.5–7.1]) versus NYHA class II (+1.8 [0.7–2.9]; pinteraction = 0.011). Dapagliflozin was associated with higher odds of any improvement in NYHA class (odds ratio [OR] 1.32 [1.16–1.51]), as well as improvement to NYHA class I (OR 1.43 [1.17–1.75]), versus placebo at 32 weeks, with benefits seen as early as 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Among symptomatic patients with HF and LVEF >40%, treatment with dapagliflozin provided clinical benefit irrespective of baseline NYHA class and was associated with early and sustained improvements in NYHA class over time.
Effects of family functioning on eating pathology and psychosocial quality of life: The mediating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Theodoropoulou Olga , Gardner Kathryn Jane , Caswell Noreen , Holyoak Lynda , Gonidakis Fragiskos
Published: August 2022

Objective

Family dysfunction and self‐esteem play an important role in the development of eating disorders (EDs), but this role has not been sufficiently examined regarding eating pathology and psychosocial quality of life (QoL), which often remains unchanged even after ED symptoms reduce. The purpose of this study was to therefore assess the mediating role of self‐esteem between family dysfunction and both eating pathology and psychosocial QoL in ED patients and controls.

Method

One hundred and fifty four female adult ED patients and 154 female healthy adult controls were recruited from Athens, Greece, and self‐reported measures were used to assess family dysfunction, eating pathology, self‐esteem, and psychosocial QoL. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test the mediation hypotheses.

Results

For both the ED and control groups, family dysfunction levels did impact eating pathology, but only through self‐esteem. Family dysfunction, self‐esteem, and eating pathology had a direct effect on both groups' psychosocial QoL.

Conclusion

Self‐esteem's important role in EDs was confirmed in both groups, along with its sensitivity to family dysfunction. We propose a parsimonious yet comprehensive theoretical model of the role of family dysfunction and self‐esteem in EDs which future studies should further investigate longitudinally and in other population groups.
AGAP3: A novel BRAF fusion partner in pediatric pancreatic‐type acinar cell carcinoma
Authors: Paoli Charlotte , Burel‐Vandenbos Fanny , Coulomb‐l'Hermine Aurore , Cros Jérôme , Pondrom Morgane , Kubiniek Valérie , Pedeutour Florence , Dadone‐Montaudié Bérengère
Published: August 2022

Most available molecular data on pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) are provided by studies of adult cases. BRAF, RAF1, or RET rearrangements have been described in approximately 30% of cases. To the best of our knowledge, only seven cases with molecular data have been reported in pediatric PACC. We report here the comprehensive study of a pancreatic‐type ACC from a 6‐year‐old patient. We detected an AGAP3::BRAF fusion. This result showing a BRAF rearrangement demonstrates a molecular link between adult and pediatric PACC. Moreover, it identifies AGAP3, a gene located at 7q36.1 that encodes a major component of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling complex, as a partner gene of BRAF. The variability of BRAF partners is consistent with a driver role of BRAF alterations in PACC. The identification of such alterations is noteworthy for considering the use of MEK inhibitors in metastatic cases. We did not detect associated genomic instability. The better outcome of pediatric cases might be related to their stable genomic background.
Investigation of the functional pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment by localisation‐based locus coeruleus resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Liebe Thomas , Dordevic Milos , Kaufmann Jörn , Avetisyan Araks , Skalej Martin , Müller Notger
Published: August 2022

Dementia as one of the most prevalent diseases urges for a better understanding of the central mechanisms responsible for clinical symptoms, and necessitates improvement of actual diagnostic capabilities. The brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is a promising target for early diagnosis because of its early structural alterations and its relationship to the functional disturbances in the patients. In this study, we applied our improved method of localisation‐based LC resting‐state fMRI to investigate the differences in central sensory signal processing when comparing functional connectivity (fc) of a patient group with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 28) and an age‐matched healthy control group (n = 29). MCI and control participants could be differentiated in their Mini‐Mental‐State‐Examination (MMSE) scores (p < .001) and LC intensity ratio (p = .010). In the fMRI, LC fc to anterior cingulate cortex (FDR p < .001) and left anterior insula (FDR p = .012) was elevated, and LC fc to right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ, FDR p = .012) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC, FDR p = .021) was decreased in the patient group. Importantly, LC to rTPJ connectivity was also positively correlated to MMSE scores in MCI patients (p = .017). Furthermore, we found a hyperactivation of the left‐insula salience network in the MCI patients. Our results and our proposed disease model shed new light on the functional pathogenesis of MCI by directing to attentional network disturbances, which could aid new therapeutic strategies and provide a marker for diagnosis and prediction of disease progression.
Early‐stage vocal cord cancer treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy to the larynx with or without concurrent chemotherapy
Authors: de Leo Alexandra N. , Dagan Roi , Morris Christopher G. , Holtzman Adam L. , Hitchcock Kathryn E. , Bryant Curtis M. , Amdur Robert J. , Mendenhall William M.
Published: August 2022

Background

We report outcomes among patients with T2 and select T3 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with radiotherapy.

Methods

We reviewed T2 and T3 (only paraglottic space invasion) N0 M0 glottic SCC patients treated with curative‐intent hypofractionated larynx radiotherapy, with or without concurrent systemic therapy.

Results

Of 71 patients, those who received concurrent chemotherapy (23/71; 32%) had worse prognostic factors, including impaired cord mobility (70% vs. 40%,p = 0.02) and larger median gross tumor volume (3.0 vs. 1.6 cm3,p = 0.003). Over a median follow‐up of 3.8 years, 2‐year local control among patients with impaired cord mobility appeared higher for those who received chemotherapy (88% vs. 61%,p = 0.12), but the difference was not statistically significant. Acute and late toxicity rates were not higher among patients who received chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The addition of concurrent platinum‐based chemotherapy to hypofractionated larynx radiotherapy among patients with early‐stage glottic SCC with impaired cord mobility appears safe and worthy of additional investigation.
The state of abortion rights in the US
Authors: Davis Martha F.
Published: August 2022

In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), the US Supreme Court reversed longstanding court precedents that protected abortion as a fundamental right. Without that federal baseline, many states are passing restrictive laws that threaten providers and complicate patient care. The legal issues raised by these state restrictions are complex, including questions such as the exterritorial application of state restrictions and federal authority to regulate access to medication abortion. Meanwhile, providers who risk criminal or civil penalties for violating these laws may be deterred from providing services to those seeking care, including for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages. State variations are dramatic, with some states taking steps to strengthen their abortion protections while others are eliminating abortion access even in situations of rape or incest. As dire as these developments are, it is hoped that they can serve as a wake‐up call heard worldwide, to avoid complacency and maintain vigilance to protect abortion rights.
Greenhouse gas emission of sugarcane irrigated with treated domestic sewage by subsurface drip in Southeast Brazil1
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Augusto Agnellos , Gonçalves Ivo Zution , dos Santos Leonardo Nazário Silva , Nazário Aline Azevedo , Feitosa Daniel Rodrigues Cavalcante , do Carmo Janaína Braga , Matsura Edson Eiji
Published: August 2022

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reclaiming water for irrigation, and obtaining high agricultural yields are among the main agricultural challenges; therefore, this study aimed to analyse greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emissions, in sugarcane irrigated with treated domestic sewage and with surface water, both with and without nutritional supplementation via fertigation, and in a nonirrigated control. Regarding the nonirrigated control with topdressing fertilization, nitrogen fertilization carried out by sewage or mineral sources decreased N‐N2O emissions by nearly 38% and 66%, respectively. C‐CH4 influx was found in all treatments with a nonsignificant contribution to the total emissions, representing average values between treatments near −54.56 g C‐CH4 ha−1. The crop irrigated with treated domestic sewage plus N minerals shows significantly the highest C‐CO2 equivalent emissions (15.12 Mg CO2eq ha−1), and the treatment irrigated with sewage without N minerals showed the highest relation between the yield of theoretical recoverable sugar and C‐CO2 equivalent emissions (2.63 Mg recoverable sugar Mg−1 CO2eq ha−1). The treatments using sewage or with surface water irrigation, both fertigated, increased the stalk biomass and sugar yield, with a higher yield of theoretical recoverable sugar.
Electrospun polylactic acid scaffolds with strontium‐ and cobalt‐doped bioglass for potential use in bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: de Souza Joyce Rodrigues , Kukulka Elisa Camargo , Araújo Juliani Caroline Ribeiro , Campos Tiago Moreira Bastos , do Prado Renata Falchete , de Vasconcellos Luana Marotta Reis , Thin Gilmar Patrocínio , Borges Alexandre Luiz Souto
Published: August 2022

The development of nanoscale biomaterials associated with polymers has been growing over the years, due to their important structural characteristics for applications in biological systems. The present study aimed to produce and test polymeric scaffolds composed of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers associated with a 58S bioglass doped with therapeutic ions for use in tissue engineering. Three 58S Bioglass was obtained by the sol–gel route, pure and doped with 5% strontium and cobalt ions. Solutions of 7% PLA was used as control and added the three different bioglass, 4% of 58S bioglass (PLA‐BG), 4% bioglass‐doped strontium (PLA‐BGSr) and 4% bioglass‐doped cobalt (PLA‐BGCo). Scaffolds were produced through electrospinning process, and was characterized chemical and morphologically. The in vitro tests were performed using mesenchymal cells cultures from femurs of nine rats, grown in osteogenic supplemented total culture medium. After osteoblastic differentiation induction cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content quantification, and visualization of mineralization nodule tests were performed. Analysis of normal distribution used the Shapiro–Wilk test (nanofibers diameter and biological assay). Data were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test (p = 0.05). The bioglasses produced proved to be free of nitrate, chlorinated and nano‐sized, with effective incorporation of therapeutic ions in their structure. All materials showed cell viability (>70%), total protein production, and alkaline phosphatase activity. It was possible to develop polylactic acid scaffolds associated with 58S bioglass doped with therapeutic ions without cytotoxicity. Scaffolds characteristics appear to sustain its application in bone tissue engineering.
Effect of artificial skin membrane on the expression of miR‐155 and miR‐506‐3p in patients with second‐degree burns
Authors: Li Fei , Wan Dong Wu , Hu Jun , Qin Runhe
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the effect of artificial skin on the expression of miR‐155 and miR‐506‐3p in patients with second‐degree burns.

Methods

The study subjects included 50 patients with second‐degree burns treated from July 2019 to July 2021. The control group received routine nursing, while the research group received both routine and artificial skin intervention simultaneously. The changes in wound tissue fibrosis and prognosis were observed. The expression levels of miR‐155 and miR‐506‐3p and their downstream regulatory factors were detected and correlated with the rehabilitation of patients after artificial skin treatment.

Results

After treating second‐degree burns with artificial skin membranes, the patient's wound tissue fibrosis and inflammation level improved. At the same time, the expression levels of miR‐155 and miR‐506‐3p in related tests were higher than those in patients with available treatment.

Conclusion

The effect of artificial skin membrane on the wound healing of second‐degree burn patients may be realized by influencing the expression levels of miR‐155 and miR‐506‐3p and their related signaling pathways.
Misdiagnosis of a patient with congenital dysfibrinogenemia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Xinyan , Yan Jie , Xiang Liqun , Lin Faquan
Published: August 2022

Background

We reported a patient with congenital dysfibrinogenemia who was misdiagnosed and reviewed relevant literature, in order to discuss the methods to reduce misdiagnosis.

Methods

A 23‐year‐old pregnant woman was found to be with low fibrinogen in antenatal examination at another province teaching hospital, who was misdiagnosed to have hypofibrinogenemia. Fibrinogen infusion or cryoprecipitation was recommended if necessary. The patient came to our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment considering the safety of herself and the fetus. We examined the coagulation function and gene sequencing of the pregnant woman and her family members.

Results

Fibrinogen (Clauss method) was significantly reduced in the patient and her mother, while the level of fibrinogen (PT‐derived method) was normal. Thrombin time was prolonged. Heterozygous mutation site was found in exon 2 of the FGA gene, c.104G > A(p.Arg35His).

Conclusion

When the fibrinogen (Clauss method) is significantly reduced and the thrombin time is prolonged, PT‐derived method and the investigation of family coagulation function should be added, which can be used to diagnose and distinguish congenital dysfibrinogenemia from hypofibrinogenemia.
Associations between ATG16L1 gene polymorphism and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis in the Chinese Guangxi population: A case–control study
Authors: Feng Bing‐Mei , Xue Chao , Huang Hai‐Zheng , Lu Yu‐gan , Feng Tao , Huang Xue‐Yi , Li Wei
Published: August 2022

Background

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease often accompanied by rapidly progressive renal failure, and the genetic background is still unknown. Our study was performed to test whether autophagy‐related 16 like 1 (ATG16L1) rs4663402 and rs4663396 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with AAV in the Chinese Guangxi population.

Methods

One hundred seventy seven unrelated AAV patients and 216 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction combined with high‐throughput sequencing was used for typing, and SNPStats and SHEsis were used for association analysis, pairwise linkage disequilibrium, and haplotype analysis.

Results

rs4663402 and rs4663396 were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in AAV and control groups. The frequencies of rs4663402 AA, AT, and TT genotypes were 82.5%, 16.9%, and 0.6%, respectively, in patients with AAV, and 83.5%, 16.2%, and 0.5%, respectively, in controls. The frequencies of rs4663396 CC, CT, and TT genotypes were 63.8%, 33.9%, and 2.3%, respectively, in patients with AAV, and 69.2%, 26.6%, and 4.2%, respectively, in controls. Haplotype analysis revealed two SNPs in a single haplotype block (D′ = 1.0). Our logistic regression adjusted for sex and age showed no association between rs4663402 and rs4663396 and the risk for AAV in genetic models (p > 0.05). However, ATG16L1 rs4663396 CC and CT + TT genotypes exhibited statistically significant differences in the incidence of arthralgia (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that ATG16L1 rs4663402 and rs4663396 polymorphisms were not associated with AAV in the Chinese Guangxi population. ATG16L1 rs4663396 CT + TT genotype may be associated with arthralgia.
Functional analysis of HECA variants identified in congenital heart disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Li Ting , Wu Yao , Chen Wei‐Cheng , Xue Xing , Suo Mei‐Jiao , Li Ping , Sheng Wei , Huang Guo‐Ying
Published: August 2022

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a class of cardiovascular defects that includes septal defects, outflow tract abnormalities, and valve defects. Human homolog of Drosophila headcase (HECA) is a novel cell cycle regulator whose role in CHD has not been elucidated. This is the first study to determine the frequency of HECA mutations in patients with CHD and the association between HECA variants and CHD.

Methods

In this study, we identified a candidate gene, HECA, by whole‐exome sequencing of an atrial septal defect family. To investigate the association between HECA variants and CHD risk, targeted exon sequencing was conducted in 689 individuals with sporadic CHD. We further analyzed the effect of HECA gene abnormalities on cardiomyocyte phenotype behavior and related signaling pathways by Western blotting, reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and scratch assay.

Results

We found a novel de novo mutation, c.409_410insA (p. W137fs), in the HECA gene and identified five rare deleterious variants that met the filtering criteria in 689 individuals with sporadic CHD. Fisher's exact test revealed a significant association between HECA variations and CHD compared with those in gnomADv2‐East Asians(p = 0.0027). Further functional analysis suggested that the variant p. W137fs resulted in a deficiency of the normal HECA protein, and HECA deficiency altered AC16 cell cycle progression, increased cell proliferation, and migration, and promoted the activation of the PDGF‐BB/PDGFRB/AKT pathway.

Conclusions

Our study identified HECA and its six rare variants, expanding the spectrum of genes associated with CHD pathogenesis in the Chinese population.
Antibiotic resistance: The challenges and some emerging strategies for tackling a global menace
Authors: Chinemerem Nwobodo David , Ugwu Malachy Chigozie , Oliseloke Anie Clement , Al‐Ouqaili Mushtak T. S. , Chinedu Ikem Joseph , Victor Chigozie Uchenna , Saki Morteza
Published: August 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance is currently the most serious global threat to the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance has been established to adversely affect both clinical and therapeutic outcomes, with consequences ranging from treatment failures and the need for expensive and safer alternative drugs to the cost of higher rates of morbidity and mortality, longer hospitalization, and high‐healthcare costs. The search for new antibiotics and other antimicrobials continues to be a pressing need in humanity's battle against bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance appears inevitable, and there is a continuous lack of interest in investing in new antibiotic research by pharmaceutical industries. This review summarized some new strategies for tackling antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Methods

To provide an overview of the recent research, we look at some new strategies for preventing resistance and/or reviving bacteria's susceptibility to already existing antibiotics.

Results

Substantial pieces of evidence suggest that antimicrobials interact with host immunity, leading to potent indirect effects that improve antibacterial activities and may result in more swift and complete bactericidal effects. A new class of antibiotics referred to as immuno‐antibiotics and the targeting of some biochemical resistance pathway components including inhibition of SOS response and hydrogen sulfide as biochemical underlying networks of bacteria can be considered as new emerging strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Conclusion

This review highlighted and discussed immuno‐antibiotics and inhibition of SOS response and hydrogen sulfide as biochemical underlying networks of bacteria as new weapons against antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Impact of muscle mass on survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation beyond the Milan criteria
Authors: Beumer Berend R. , van Vugt Jeroen L.A. , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Yoon Peter , Bongini Marco , Lu Di , Xu Xiao , De Simone Paolo , Pintore Lorenzo , Golse Nicolas , Nowosad Malgorzata , Bennet William , Tsochatzis Emmanouil , Koutli Evangelia , Abbassi Fariba , Claasen Marco P.A.W. , Merli Manuela , O'Rourke Joanne , Gambato Martina , Benito Alberto , Majumdar Avik , Tan Ek Khoon , Ebadi Maryam , Montano‐Loza Aldo J. , Berenguer Marina , Metselaar Herold J. , Polak Wojciech G. , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , IJzermans Jan N.M. ,   Collaborators
Published: August 2022

Background

Access to the liver transplant waitlist for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depends on tumour presentation, biology, and response to treatments. The Milan Criteria (MC) represent the benchmark for expanded criteria that incorporate additional prognostic factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the added value of skeletal muscle index (SMI) in HCC patients beyond the MC.

Method

Patients with HCC that were transplanted beyond the MC were included in this retrospective multicentre study. SMI was quantified using the Computed Tomography (CT) within 3 months prior to transplantation. Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of overall survival (OS). The discriminative performance of SMI extended Metroticket 2.0 and AFP models was also assessed.

Results

Out of 889 patients transplanted outside the MC, 528 had a CT scan within 3 months prior to liver transplantation (LT), of whom 176 (33%) were classified as sarcopenic. The median time between assessment of the SMI and LT was 1.8 months (IQR: 0.77–2.67). The median follow‐up period was 5.1 95% CI [4.7–5.5] years, with a total of 177 recorded deaths from any cause. In a linear regression model with SMI as the dependent variable, only male gender (8.55 95% CI [6.51–10.59], P < 0.001) and body mass index (0.74 95% CI [0.59–0.89], P < 0.001) were significant. Univariable survival analysis of patients with sarcopenia versus patients without sarcopenia showed a significant difference in OS (HR 1.44 95% CI [1.07 − 1.94], P = 0.018). Also the SMI was significant (HR 0.98 95% CI [0.96–0.99], P = 0.014). The survival difference between the lowest SMI quartile versus the highest SMI quartile was significant (log‐rank: P = 0.005) with 5 year OS of 57% and 71%, respectively. Data from 423 patients, describing 139 deaths, was used for multivariate analysis. Both sarcopenia (HR 1.45 95% CI [1.02 − 2.05], P = 0.036) and SMI were (HR 0.98 95% CI [0.95–0.99], P = 0.035) significant. On the survival scale this translates to a 5 year OS difference of 11% between sarcopenia and no sarcopenia. Whereas for SMI, this translates to a survival difference of 8% between first and third quartiles for both genders.

Conclusions

Overall, we can conclude that higher muscle mass contributes to a better long‐term survival. However, for individual patients, low muscle mass should not be considered an absolute contra‐indication for LT as its discriminatory performance was limited.
Patella height influences patellofemoral contact and kinematics following cruciate‐retaining total knee replacement
Authors: Tischer Thomas , Geier Andreas , Lutter Christoph , Enz Andreas , Bader Rainer , Kebbach Maeruan
Published: August 2022

The role of patella height is discussed controversially in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, this computational study aims to systematically analyze the biomechanical effect of different patella heights on patellofemoral (PF) forces and kinematics after cruciate‐retaining (CR) TKA. We implemented a CR bicondylar TKA with a dome patellar button in a validated dynamic musculoskeletal multibody model of a male human knee joint. Retropatellar dynamics (contact force [N], shear force [N], patellar shift [mm], tilt [°], and rotation [°]) were evaluated during dual‐limb squat motion (flexion from 0° to 90°) with simulated active muscle forces and the effects of different patella heights (Blackburne‐Peel [BP] ratio of 0.39, 0.49, 0.65, 0.85, 1.01, and 1.1 were systematically examined). As active knee flexion increased, PF contact force also increased. Patella alta (BP = 1.1) resulted in higher PF contact forces compared to normal patella height (BP = 0.65) by up to 16%. Contrarily, patella baja was associated with decreased PF forces by 7%. Compared to patella baja (BP = 0.39), patella alta (BP = 1.1) considerably increased the contact force by up to 25%. Different patellar heights mainly affected PF shear forces during early knee flexion. Concerning PF kinematics, patella alta (BP = 1.1) yielded a greater lateral tilt of more than 4° and higher patellar rotation by up to 3° during deep knee flexion, compared to normal patella height (BP = 0.65). Our computational study indicates that patella alta is associated with the highest PF contact and shear force after the implantation of a CR bicondylar TKA. This should be considered in PF disorders following TKA.
Greater hip abductor size in prearthritic patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip versus femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Payne Emma R. , Harris Michael D. , Harris‐Hayes Marcie , Nahal Chadi , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Clohisy John C. , Pascual‐Garrido Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are common hip pathologies and important risk factors for osteoarthritis, yet the disease mechanisms differ. DDH involves deficient femoral head coverage and a shortened abductor moment arm, so this study hypothesized that the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the gluteus medius/minimus muscle complex and the stabilizing iliocapsularis muscle would be larger in DDH versus FAI, without increased fatty infiltration. A longitudinal cohort identified prearthritic patients with DDH or FAI who underwent imaging before surgery. Patients with DDH and FAI (Cam, Pincer, or Mixed) were 1:1 matched based on age, sex, and body mass index. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the gluteus medius/minimus complex and iliocapsularis in two transverse planes. Amira software was used to quantify muscle and noncontractile tissue. Paired samples t‐tests were performed to compare muscle size and composition (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the iliocapsularis muscle. Patients with DDH had significantly larger CSA of the gluteus medius/minimus complex at both transverse planes, and the noncontractile tissue proportion did not differ. The mean difference in overall muscle CSA at the anterior inferior iliac spine was 4.07 ± 7.4 cm2 (p = 0.005), with an average difference of 12.1%, and at the femoral head this was 2.40 ± 4.37 cm2 (p = 0.004), with an average difference of 20.2%. This study reports a larger CSA of the gluteus medius/minimus muscle complex in DDH compared to FAI, without a difference in noncontractile tissue, indicating increased healthy muscle in DDH.
Raman study of quench products of alkaline carbonate melt at 3 and 6 GPa: Link to the pressure of origin
Authors: Arefiev Anton , Shatskiy Anton , Bekhtenova Altyna , Litasov Konstantin
Published: August 2022

Inclusions of former alkaline carbonate melts occur in igneous minerals, mantle xenoliths, and diamonds from kimberlites and lamproites. However, the identification of most daughter phases remains undetermined owing to the lack of their Raman spectra. Yet, the phase compositions of the alkali carbonate melt at different pressure are interesting to know because Na‐Ca, Na‐Mg, K‐Ca, and K‐Mg double carbonates have a number of pressure‐induced phase transitions. Here, we studied the quench products of K‐Ca, K‐Mg, and Na‐Ca carbonate melts obtained at 3 and 6 GPa. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy with silicon drift detector (EDS‐SDD) and Raman spectroscopy were employed for phase characterization. The following carbonates were detected among the quench products: γ‐Na2CO3, Na4Ca(CO3)3 (Ia3d), Na2Ca3(CO3)3 (P1n1), K2Ca(CO3)2 (
) bütschliite, disordered K2Ca3(CO3)4 (Pnam), K2Mg(CO3)2 (
), aragonite, magnesite at 6 GPa; and CaCO3‐bearing K2CO3, K2Ca(CO3)2 (
) bütschliite, K2Ca2(CO3)3 (R3), and ordered K2Ca3(CO3)4 (P212121) at 3 GPa. The results indicate that the quench products of carbonate melt consist of carbonates thermodynamically stable at the pressure of quenching. Thus, the daughter phases in carbonatitic inclusions could be identified by obtained Raman spectra and reflect the pressure conditions of their entrapment.
Bayesian sparse modeling to identify high‐risk subgroups in meta‐analysis of safety data
Authors: Qi Xinyue , Zhou Shouhao , Wang Yucai , Peterson Christine
Published: August 2022

Meta‐analysis allows researchers to combine evidence from multiple studies, making it a powerful tool for synthesizing information on the safety profiles of new medical interventions. There is a critical need to identify subgroups at high risk of experiencing treatment‐related toxicities. However, this remains quite challenging from a statistical perspective as there are a variety of clinical risk factors that may be relevant for different types of adverse events, and adverse events of interest may be rare or incompletely reported. We frame this challenge as a variable selection problem and propose a Bayesian hierarchical model which incorporates a horseshoe prior on the interaction terms to identify high‐risk groups. Our proposed model is motivated by a meta‐analysis of adverse events in cancer immunotherapy, and our results uncover key factors driving the risk of specific types of treatment‐related adverse events.
Well‐posedness for the fourth‐order Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation in the class of Banach‐space‐valued Hölder‐continuous functions
Authors: Murillo‐Arcila Marina
Published: August 2022

In this work, we provide a full characterization of well‐posedness in vector‐valued Hölder continuous function spaces for a fourth‐order abstract evolution equation arising from the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with memory using operator‐valued
‐Fourier multipliers. We illustrate our results by providing an example based on the fourth order Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions of differential equations with respect to non‐additive measures
Authors: Singh Negi Shekhar , Torra Vicenç
Published: August 2022

By taking Sugeno‐derivative into account, first, we investigate the existence of solutions to the initial value problems (IVP) of first‐order differential equations with respect to non‐additive measure (more precisely, distorted Lebesgue measure). It particularly occurs in the mathematical modeling of biology. We begin by expressing the differential equation in terms of ordinary derivative and the derivative with respect to the distorted Lebesgue measure. Then, by using the fixed point theorem on cones, we construct an operator and prove the existence of positive non‐decreasing solutions on cones in semi‐order Banach spaces. In addition, we also use Picard–Lindelöf theorem to prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the equation.

Second, we investigate the existence of a solution to the boundary value problem (BVP) on cones with integral boundary conditions of a mix‐order differential equation with respect to non‐additive measures. Moreover, the Krasnoselskii fixed point theorem is also applied to both BVP and IVP and obtains at least one positive non‐decreasing solution. Examples with graphs are provided to validate the results.