bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of botulinum toxin in the management of refractory de novo overactive bladder symptoms in women after midurethral sling placement (ADVANCE- Study)
Authors: Hijazi Sameh , Karapanos Leonidas , Halbe Luisa , Heidenreich Axel , Hasselhof Viktoria , Alkhalfa Amer , Barakat Bara
Published: May 2023

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxin A (onaBTX-A) intradetrusor injections in women with refractory de novo overactive bladder (OAB) following midurethral sling (MUS) placement.Methods A retrospective single-center study was conducted. We screened 372 women who underwent MUS surgery between August 2009 and January 2022. 54/372 women diagnosed with pharmacologically refractory de novo OAB following MUS were evaluated using cystoscopy and urodynamics, and after tape erosion and obstructive voiding were excluded, they received onaBTX-A therapy. Outcomes were the reduction of self-reported OAB symptoms and leakage episodes, improvement of validated OAB scores and adverse events of the procedure after a follow-up of 3, 6, and 12 months.Results Successful results were reported in 81%, 68%, and 43% at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Postoperatively, median voiding frequency and median nocturia episodes were significantly improved in 70% and 77% of women, respectively, with a decrease in daily number of voids (-4.1, p = 0.0001) and nocturia episodes (-2.2, p = 0.005). At 3 months, 80% of women reported an > 25% reduction in urgency severity and episodes following injection. The median number of pads used was significantly reduced after injection (-2 pads; p = 0.03). Repeat injections of onaBTX-A were performed in 61% of patients after a median of 11 months.Conclusions Intravesical onaBTX-A injections are clinically effective at 3- and 6-month follow-up for the treatment of refractory de novo OAB after MUS placement. Over 60% of the patients opted for retreatment with onaBTX-A due to a high level of satisfaction.
Bioinformatics and in vitro-based comprehensive analysis of EVI2A expression and its immunological and prognostic significance in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Sheng , Zheng Fucun , Xiong Situ , Yang Lin , Jiang Ming , Liu Jiahao , Liu Xiaoqiang , Xu Songhui , Zeng Jin , Fu Bin
Published: May 2023

Background
Previous studies have shown that the Ecotropic Viral Integration Site 2A (EVI2A) could serve as a meaningful marker in many diseases, yet its potential biological function and mechanism in kidney renal clear cell (KIRC) carcinoma have not been investigated.
Methods
TCGA and GEO databases were used for EVI2A gene expression and pan-cancer analysis. We used Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomogram to assess the clinical utility of EVI2A. In parallel, we evaluated the immune relevance of the gene by tumor microenvironment (TME), Tumor Immune Single-cell Hub (TISCH), immune checkpoint, and immunotherapy sensitivity analysis. Finally, the expression of this gene was verified in vitro assay and further verified the biological behavior in renal clear cell carcinoma by cell function experiments.
Results
EVI2A expression in KIRC were upregulated and associated with patients’ tumor grade, T /N/M stage. The diagnostic AUC of EVI2A was 0.906. Its high expression indicated poor overall survival and progression-free survival in KIRC patients. Both GO, and KEGG analysis indicated significant correlations between EVI2A expression and immunity. The higher the EVI2A expression, the higher the TME scores. Furthermore, EVI2A was positively correlated with Tfh cells, CD4 memory T cells and CD8 + T cells. Patients with high expression of EVI2A are more sensitive to PD-1/CTLA-4 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In vitro experiments showed that the knockdown of EVI2A reduced KIRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
Conclusion
Comprehensive analysis indicated that EVI2A may be a potential meaningful biomarker and novel target for KIRC intervention.
Frequent flowering but low sexual reproductive success of the dioecious seagrass Enhalus acoroides in Li’an Bay, China
Authors: Yu Shuo , Cui Lijun , Tussenbroek Brigitta I. van , Wu Yuchao , Zhu Fangchao , Gaitan-Espitia Juan Diego , Jiang Kai
Published: May 2023

Seagrasses are rapidly declining worldwide. To safeguard and restore their natural populations, it is fundamental to understand first the biological properties that influence seagrass ecological and demographic trends. Such characteristics are typically linked to the reproductive success of these flowering plants, modulating the genetic diversity and the adaptive potential of seagrass populations. Aiming to inform future restoration efforts, we investigated the reproductive phenology and fruit set of the dioecious tropical seagrass Enhalus acoroides in Li’an lagoon, Hainan Island, China. Although E. acoroides flowered year-round, the flowering intensity varied across seasons (highest in the summer and lowest in the winter), most likely mediated by sea surface temperatures and tides. Mature fruits occurred predominantly in fall and winter, but the frequency was low probably due to the influence of disturbance and algal blooms. Despite the high reproductive investment in terms of flower formation observed throughout the year in E. acoroides, there was limited sexual reproductive success evidenced by the low fruit formation. This study provides insight into the reproductive ecology of E. acoroides, which will be useful for the future conservation and restoration of this threatened seagrass.
Comprehensive analysis of AK4 as a potential biomarker and analysis and validation of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pan Qingyun , Zheng Jiayu , Zeng Qian , Liang Yuxian , Yan Lingxin , Chen Quanfan
Published: May 2023

Adenylate kinase 4 (AK4) is a member of the adenylate kinase family and has been implicated in carcinogenesis in several types of cancer. However, a systematic pan-cancer analysis of AK4 has not yet been conducted. In this study, we examined the expression and prognostic significance of AK4 in human cancers, focusing on its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We analyzed AK4 expression levels and prognosis in various cancers using online bioinformatics databases. Furthermore, we confirmed the biological characteristics of AK4 in LUAD through in vitro cell experiments. Our results suggest that AK4 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for various cancers, particularly LUAD. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that AK4 is associated with autophagy, cell apoptosis, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in LUAD. In cell experiments, we observed that knocking down AK4 in HCC827 cells inhibited growth, proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and EMT while promoting autophagy. In summary, our study suggests that AK4 may represent a promising prognostic factor and a novel biomarker for LUAD.
Description of three new Clavulina species from Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Xiaoxia , Chen Yi-Xin , Lin Zhi-Jun , Liang Ying-Shan , Qiu Li-Hong
Published: May 2023

Three new Clavulina species, C. baiyunensis, C. minor and C.lilaceorosea were described from specimens collected from Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou, China based on detain morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses of three gene fragments ITS, LSU and RPB2. C. baiyunensis is characterized by light brown to brown basidiomata with hyaline tramal hyphae. C. minor has diminutive, dull white to pale brown basidiomata with hyaline tramal hyphae. C. lilaceorosea has pale brown to ochre brown basidiomata with palmate branches, tramal hyphae walls light brown. Both three new species have abundant clamp connections, basidia with two cornuted sterigmata, postpartal septa common, and cystidia absent. A key of known Clavulinaspecies original from China is presence.
Nurse-led virtual prostate cancer clinic for survivorship care: Qualitative study of healthcare professional experiences and needs
Authors: Young Karen , Xiong Ting , Ng Denise , Jiao Tina , Lohani Raima , Pfisterer Kaylen , Nunn Caitlin , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , Rendon Ricardo , Berlin Alejandro , Bender Jacqueline , Brown Ian , Feifer Andrew , Gotto Geoffrey , Cafazzo Joseph , Pham Quynh
Published: May 2023

Background: Approximately one in eight Canadian males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Longer survivorship horizons and resource constraints are leading to increasing strain on current models of specialist-led follow-up care delivery. Nurse-led digital health innovations can reduce demand on specialists if co-designed with health care professionals (HCPs).
Methods: Using human-centred design, the purpose of this exploratory qualitative study with ten HCPs was to characterize their experiences with prostate cancer (PCa) follow-up and virtual care to optimally situate a nurse-led clinic within this ecosystem.
Results: HCPs highlight how current follow-up care can be fragmented, so the scope of a nurse-led clinic should focus on the management of care with referral as needed. Despite an ambivalence for telemedicine arising from its implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic, HCPs see potential for improved care through digital health but note several concerns. Burn-out, weakened patient-provider relationships, and creeping scope of responsibilities were identified as pain points. We provide a health ecosystem readiness checklist to improve odds of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility synthesized from six HCP-defined facilitators mapped onto Proctor’s outcomes. Facilitators include: functionality testing (acceptability), technical support and usability (adoption), expectation management (appropriateness), resource allocation (cost), staff readiness (feasibility), and staff training (penetration).
Conclusion: Intentional and empathetic co-design with HCPs during the development of digital health innovations, such as digital therapeutics, is necessary to ensure that HCPs can benefit from, instead of being burdened from, the rising tide of digital health in their clinical responsibilities.
Negative blood culture results are influenced by antibiotic treatment: A retrospective study at Malamulo Adventist Hospital, Thyolo, Malawi
Authors: Kamwendo Chikondi , Kumwenda Pizga
Published: May 2023

Background
Blood culture is a laboratory test designed to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood of patients suspected of blood stream infection. While speedy initiation of antibiotic treatment is a critical determinant of patient survival, it is recommended that sample for blood culture should be collected before initiation of antibiotic therapy. The present study assessed the effects of antibiotic treatment on blood culture negativity.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted to review blood culture results from June 2021 to December 2022. Blood culture results from patients aged 0 to 60 years were examined. Blood culture results whose samples were obtained prior to antibiotic treatment were analysed in comparison to those obtained during antibiotic treatment. Altogether a total of 165 results from various wards were analysed.
Results
Out of 94 blood cultures tested prior to antibiotic treatment, 54 were negative reflecting a negativity rate of 57%. Furthermore, from 71 blood cultures analysed after initiating antibiotic treatment, 56 were negative, representing a negativity rate of 79% (56/71). Thus, blood samples collected post antibiotic treatment exhibited a higher blood culture negativity rate in comparison to blood samples collected before the onset of antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions
This study revealed that collecting blood culture samples after the start of antibiotic treatment promotes blood culture negativity. While prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy is vital for patient recovery and survival in sepsis or bacteraemia, we encourage the practice of collecting blood culture samples prior to the commencement of treatment.
A Transfer Learning based Intrusion detection system for Internet of Things
Authors: Vishwakarma Monika , Kesswani Nishtha
Published: May 2023

There will be billions of gadgets emerging in the future. A few years ago, experts predicted that the Internet of Things (IoT) might soon be renamed the Internet of Everything (IoE) due to the widespread use of computing technologies in modern days. However, what happens if security issues are not addressed in today's IoT devices? Because of cyber security breaches, consumers and manufacturers of connected devices are at risk. Consequently, the number of cyber-attacks has skyrocketed across the networks. Machine learning-based techniques, particularly deep learning, have shown considerable promise in attack detection techniques. This article proposes a 1D Convolution Neural Network (CNN) based model to address anomaly detection in IoT environment. We looked at the capabilities of CNN to identify and categorize abnormalities in IoT networks. The ability of CNN to identify and categorize abnormalities in IoT networks using multiclass and binary classification via transfer learning was also assessed. The performance of the 1D CNN model is assessed using the Netflow-based NF-ToNIoT, NF-BoTIoT, NF-CSE-CICIDS2018, NF-UNSW-NB15, NF-UQ-NIDS, and CIC flowmeter-based IoT DS2, IoT Network Intrusion, MQTT-IoTIDS2020, CIC-ToNIoT datasets. The reason for selecting transfer learning is to reduce classification and run-time complexity. The training and testing times needed for classification are significantly decreased using the transfer learning approach. The proposed model successfully identifies 20 different attacks with an accuracy of 93.75\% on the NF-UQ NIDS dataset. Additionally, we have verified our proposed model in real-time on an edge device with limited resources.
Success factors of telemedicine startup in Vietnam: the roadmap to transform healthcare customer behavior
Authors: Long Hoang Cuu , Thuan Do Le Duc
Published: May 2023

Telemedicine has become a breakthrough solution in improving access to healthcare services. In Vietnam, telemedicine is the key national program which was motivated to develop by the ministry of health and the government. However, the implementation process encountered many challenges and the number of successful businesses in this field was still limited. This study integrated the technology acceptance model and the extended valance framework to develop an efficient behavioral model for investigating the relationship among trust in provider, perceived ease of use, perceived benefit, perceived risk on usage intention. The proposed framework was verified by in depth interview with three experts in Vietnam health technology market and was tested by 246 participants via web-based survey. Generally, the findings showed that perceived ease of use, perceived benefit positively and significantly affected the usage intention, while perceived risk negatively and significantly influenced the usage intention. Trust in provider positively and significantly influenced the usage intention and perceived benefit, but negatively influenced perceived risk (β = -0.677, p = 0.000). Perceived ease of use significantly and positively affected perceived benefit, while the effect of perceived ease of use on perceived risk was not statistically significant (p = 0.128). The proposed hypothetical model offered empirical insights to healthcare professionals, service providers and authorities. Moreover, it could serve as a theoretical basis for future researches.
The Role of Prevertebral Soft Tissue Swelling in Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Fusion: Change Trends and Risk Factors
Authors: ma yanyan , Sang Peiming , Chen Binhui , Li Jie , Bei Dikai
Published: May 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to analyze the change trends of prevertebral soft tissue swelling(PSTS) for anterior cervical corpectomy fusion(ACCF) and to evaluate the risk factors of PSTS for postoperative dysphagia.
Methods
There were 309 patients with degenerative cervical diseases who were treated with ACCF from November 2015 and September 2019 in our hospital. According to the symptom of swallowing function after ACCF, those were divided into the dysphagia group and the normal-swallowing function group. Cervical CT was analyzed, and radiological evaluation of the prevertebral soft tissue was measured between the anterior surface of each vertebral body and the air shadow of the airway through CT mid-sagittal slice images before operation and after operation(one week, one month, eight months and twelve months).
Results
The incidence of dysphagia after ACCF was 41.1%. 120 of 127(94.5%) patients had dysphagia disappeared at the 8 months after ACCF, and all disappeared at the 12 months. In both groups, PSTS would be biggest at 1 week postoperatively comparing to the preoperative, and then get smaller from 1 week to 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). After 12 months of operation, the PSTS of all cervical spinal levels would get equal to the preoperative size in the normal-swallowing function group, while the PSTS in dysphagia group would get equal only in C5-7. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level were more closely related to the present of postoperative dysphagia (OR: 9.403, 95%CI: 2.344–37.719, OR: 3.187, 95%CI: 1.78–5.705). It was more important in predicting postoperative dysphagia using the value of PSTS at preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level, with the cutoff threshold for the PSTS of preoperative C6 level ≦ 1.51cm and postoperative C2 level ≦ 1.3915cm, which could get sensitivity & specificity 66.929% and 61.54%, 77.17% and 64.29%, respectively.
Conclusion
Our study showed that the increasing of the PSTS after ACCF should be considered as a risk factor of dysphagia after surgery. With the recovery of PSTS over time, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia decreases. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and and postoperative C2 level should play an important part in predicting the risk of postoperative dysphagia.
Research on Efficient Electrical Discharge Machining Trepanning Technology of TC4 Titanium Alloy Hole
Authors: Qiu Mingbo , Wu Entao , Guo Chuangchuang , Yao Zongxiu , Li Jingtao , Zhang Yimiao , Liu Zhidong
Published: May 2023

Owing to low machining efficiency, poor machining accuracy, and surface quality in traditional electrical discharge machining (EDM) of TC4 titanium alloy holes, an EDM trepanning method was developed using a deionized water medium and a flushing liquid in tube electrodes (denoted by EDM-TFD). Several experiments and research mechanisms were conducted on EDM-TFD. Compared with traditional EDM, ED milling, and EDM trepanning, EDM-TFD featured increased hole machining efficiency by more than 5 times, improved machining taper by more than 57%, and improved surface quality by more than 40%. The optimal processing technology was determined through process experiments using copper tube electrodes, a flushing liquid with a speed of 2 m/s, pulse width (Ton) of 150 μs, pulse interval (Toff) of 150 μs, and peak current (Ip) of 15 A. Under the optimized process, the hole exhibited a feed rate of 1.1 mm/min, machining efficiency of 38 mm3/min, machining taper of 40 μm, and surface roughness of 5.2 μm.
OCT-based deep-learning models for the identification of retinal key signs
Authors: Inferrera Leandro , Borsatti Lorenzo , Miladinović Aleksandar , Marangoni Dario , Giglio Rosa , Accardo Agostino , Tognetto Daniele
Published: May 2023

A new system based on binary Deep Learning (DL) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has been developed to recognize specific retinal abnormality signs on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images useful for clinical practice. Images from the local hospital database were retrospectively selected from 2017 to 2022. Images were labeled by two retinal specialists and included central fovea cross-section OCTs. Nine models were developed using the Visual Geometry Group 16 (VGG-16) architecture to distinguish healthy versus abnormal retinas and to identify eight different retinal abnormality signs. A total of 21500 OCT images were screened, and 10770 central fovea cross-section OCTs were included in the study. The system achieved high accuracy in identifying healthy retinas and specific pathological signs, ranging from 93–99%. Accurately detecting abnormal retinal signs from OCT images is crucial for patient care. This study aimed to identify specific signs related to retinal pathologies, aiding ophthalmologists in diagnosis. The high-accuracy system identified healthy retinas and pathological signs, making it a useful diagnostic aid. Labelled OCT images remain a challenge, but our approach reduces dataset creation time and shows DL models' potential to improve ocular pathology diagnosis and clinical decision-making.
The role of galectin-3 in patients with permanent and paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and echocardiographic parameters of left atrial fibrosis
Authors: Silveira Maria Mariana Barros Melo da , Cabral João Victor Batista , Xavier Amanda Tavares , Ó Kleyton Palmeira do , Junior Julio Francisco de Moura , de Carvalho Osmário Tavares , Filho Edivaldo Bezerra Mendes , Belmont Taciana Furtado de Mendonça , Castillo José Maria Del , Rêgo Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo , Vasconcelos Luydson Richardson da Silva , Filho Dário Celestino Sobral , de Oliveira Dinaldo Cavalcanti
Published: May 2023

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. Biochemical markers and imaging tests have been used with the aim of stratifying the risk and detecting atrial fibrosis. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is used for the detection of atrial fibrosis and Gal-3 provides an important prognostic value. The objective of the study was to assess the association between atrial fibrosis markers and serum levels, genetic polymorphisms and genic expression of galectin-3.
Methods: Two hundred and six patients with permanent AF and 70 patients with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. Real time PCR (TaqMan) system was used to study SNPs rs4652 and 4644 of the gene LGALS3. Serum levels of Gal-3 were determined by ELISA and STE was performed to assess fibrosis.
Results: Mean age of individuals with permanent AF was 66.56±12 years. As for the echocardiography results, those patients showed an increase in the following parameters: left atrial diameter (LAD) (p=0.007), LA volume (p=0.02) and volume indexed to the body surface area (p=0.04). And a decrease in values of peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (p=0.002) when compared to the same parameters from the paroxysmal AF group of patients. There was a correlation between serum levels of Gal-3 and PALS in the group of patients with permanent AF; the lower the levels of gal-3, the lower the LA strain (r=0.24; p=0.01).
Conclusions: Echocardiographic findings showed association with the groups, and with serum levels of Gal-3 in patients with permanent AF. The distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies, and of the haplotypes of polymorphism LGALS3 rs4652 and rs4644 did not present statistical variation, which suggests that those SNPs are not associated with the AF clinical forms (permanent and paroxysmal).
TFDSUNet: Time-Frequency Dual-Stream Uncertainty Network for Battery SOH/SOC Prediction
Authors: Xiao Wenzhe , Zhu Zeyu , Wang Qizhou , Pang Li , Shu Chengyong , Meng Deyu , Cao Xiangyong
Published: May 2023

Accurately estimating the state of health (SOH) and state of charge (SOC) of a battery is crucial for optimizing battery performance, ensuring battery safety, and extending battery life. Existing prediction methods fail to fully exploit the periodic information of battery data in the time domain and the prediction results always lack uncertainty descriptions. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel time-frequency dual-stream uncertainty network (TFDSUNet). Specifically, TFDSUNet can simultaneously extract the local context information in the time domain and global periodic information in the frequency domain from the battery data. Additionally, TFDSUNet can provide confidence intervals for each prediction by considering both data and model uncertainty. Extensive experiments verify that TFDSUNet can obtain more than 14% performance improvement on the battery benchmark datasets and has better generalization ability than other state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, TFDSUNet is much lighter, with about 1% parameter number of existing methods, making it more practical for deployment and implementation on battery health management devices.
Effect of external electric field on the electronic structure of MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction
Authors: Wang JiaXin , Liu GuiLi , Wei Lin , Zhang GuoYing
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the effects of the thermostability, band structure, and the external electric field on the electronic structure of MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction are calculated based on the density functional theory. The calculation results show that the MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction is a type-II heterojunction with a band gap of 0.89 eV. When MoSe2 and Arsenene combine by van der Waals force, the electrons are transferred from MoSe2 to Arsenene, the holes are transferred from Arsenene to MoSe2, with the direction of the internal electric field from MoSe2 to Arsenene. The MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction with valence band top and conduction band bottom contributed by Arsenene and MoSe2, respectively, show excellent thermostability at room temperature. The external electric field can effectively modulate the electronic structure of heterojunction. When the electric field is negative, electrons are transferred from MoSe2 to Arsenene and holes from Arsenene to MoSe2. The Fermi level of Arsenene moves down while that of MoSe2 moves up, with a decreased band gap of the MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction. When the electric field is positive, the direction of electron and hole transfer are opposite to that when the electric field is negative. The Fermi energy level of Arsenene and MoSe2 also move in the opposite direction, with a first increased then decreased band gap of MoSe2/Arsenene heterojunction. As the electric field increases, the heterojunction eventually transforms from type-II to type-III, achieving the transition from semiconductor to metal.
Detection and Classification of Neuro-degenerative Disease via EfficientNetB7
Authors: SATHISHKUMAR R , DHIVYASRI R , JOTHIKA P , SURYA G
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are all age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. The evaluation of AD and PD each is the onset of Dementia, which reasons memory impairment irreversibly, orientation, comprehension, gaining knowledge of any new things, and taking the judgment. A unifying feature of Alzheimer’s ailment (AD) and Parkinson’s ailment (PD) is the build-up and processing of mutant or damaged intra and extracellular proteins; this results in neuronal vulnerability and ailment with inside the brain. With high-overall performance computational gear and diverse deep learning (DL) strategies, those modalities have found thrilling opportunities for figuring out and diagnosing neurological disorders. The machine proposes deep learning (DL)-primarily based totally strategies to hit upon neurological disorders that specialize in Alzheimer’s ailment, Parkinson’s ailment from MRI data obtained the usage of exceptional modalities along with practical and structural MRI. The study makes use of predefined deep learning structures and fine tunes them to acquire the purpose of locating the ailment in patients with the accuracy of 99.07%, deep mastering is the subset of gadget mastering in which neural networks and numerous different forms of layers are merged collectively to shape a model to system a photograph and predict. The several DL architectures during distinctive troubles and imaging suggest the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) out performs exceptional techniques in detecting neurological disorders.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of prodrugs for nitroreductase based HSP90 inhibitor BIIB021as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Wu Zhengrong , Jing Peng , Deng Wei , He Dian
Published: May 2023

A series of prodrugs for nitroreductase (NTR) on the basis of BIIB021 as potential anticancer agents have been synthesized and tested in vitro for their cytotoxic effects.
The results indicated that compounds 1c and 2c displayed promising antitumor activity, with IC50 values of 0.72 and 1.12 μM, respectively. Moreover, the two compounds were also accompanied by lower toxicity to normal WI-38 cells in comparison with positive agent BIIB021(IC50=495.51 and 570.27μM vs 261 μM). Cell cycle analysis revealed that both the compounds induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase with a concomitant decrease in the population of G0/G1 phase in HeLa cells, which were accompanied by apoptosis. Together, the initial studies suggest that compounds 1c and 2c have the potential to be developed as promising lead compound for further optimization in structure and as well as for in vivo validation studies.
Generating Stock Market Data and Making Predictions Using GAN and Neural Networks
Authors: Shukla Raunak , N Poornima
Published: May 2023

Solving time series forecasting has always been a problematic task for computer scientists with always uncertainty among the stakeholders regarding the behaviour of the time series data. With the help of machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer scientists have provided a solution by developing deep learning models which can solve time series forecasting problems. Stock market prediction is an example of time series forecasting and deep learning models can predict the stock market and help the shareholders in making a better decision of either buying, selling, or holding the share. In recent years, researchers have found that deep learning models have been showing great results and are outperforming traditional machine learning models. Hence, in our study, we decided to use multi-layered neural networks. We will be using the recurrent neural network (RNN), the long-short term memory neural network (LSTM), and the gated recurrent units neural network (GRU) during the course of our study. In our study, we will use these neural networks to predict the closing price of a stock market share. Additionally, for the stock market data, we will also use a generative adversarial network (GAN) to generate fake data. We will then use this fake-generated data to make predictions using the above-mentioned neural networks. We will then evaluate these models on different evaluation metrics and critically analyse the predictions made by our neural networks.
Silencing the Chicken Seven Transmembrane (Ch-7TM) Receptor Leads to Apoptosis in Chicken Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Yang Jia-Ling , Lee Long-Huw , Wu Hsing-Chieh , Lin Jin-Ru , Wang Chia-Chi , Chen Yu-San , Chang Chia-Yi
Published: May 2023

Background
The seven-transmembrane (7TM) receptors are the largest superfamily of cell-surface receptors and are involved in various physiological processes of vertebrate species. In our previous study, a new chicken 7TM receptor (Ch-7TM) was discovered in mononuclear phagocytes (MNPs) derived from chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). To explore the functions of Ch-7TM, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence the Ch-7TM messenger RNA (mRNA) of MNPs, using small interface RNA (siRNA) designed with BLOCK-iT™ RNAi Designer.
Results
Herein we demonstrated that silencing of the Ch-7TM mRNA induced apoptosis of MNPs, suggesting that Ch-7TM contributed to the survival of MNPs. Moreover, chicken sera could inhibit the Ch-7TM-silencing-induced apoptosis in MNPs. The survival factor presented in fraction 16 (F16) of chicken sera was highly protective against the Ch-7TM-silencing-induced apoptosis in MNPs. The proteins from fraction 16 (F16) were identified as vitamin D-binding protein and apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV), which might be potential candidates for survival factors.
Conclusions
The protective effect of vitamin D and ApoA-IV indicated that Ch-7TM might involve the intracellular oxidation–reduction balance, although more evidence is needed to confirm this function. The siRNA screening serves as an excellent model for studying the functions of chicken MNPs receptors.
The Causal Relationship Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and mechanical complications of prosthesis after arthroplasty: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Duan Xudong , Zhao Yiwei , Zhang Jiewen , Cao Ruomu , Guan Huanshuai , Kong Ning , Li Yiyang , Xing Fangze , Lei Yutian , Li Heng , Tian Run , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei
Published: May 2023

Background： The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and mechanical complications of prosthesis after arthroplasty has garnered increasing attention in the medical community. However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. We conducted a novel study utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the relationship between these two diseases.
Methods: In this study, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with AS and mechanical complications of prosthesis from summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). AS was used as exposure and SNPs as instrumental variables (IVs). The causality was assessed using inverse variance weighted method, and the results were presented as odds ratios (OR). In addition, we conducted heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, and sensitivity analysis to investigate the potential existence of any bias that may impact the causal relationship.
Results: Our results indicate that AS has a causal effect that promotes mechanical complications of prosthesis, as assessed by the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method (OR= 1.037, 95% CI = 1.011, 1.062; P = 0.00366). Although the results of other methods such as MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode， and weighted mode showed no significant causal relationship between the two diseases (P > 0.05), the IVW results should be considered the primary criterion of causality, indicating that AS is a facilitator of mechanical complications of prosthesis. Heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, and sensitivity analysis showed that these results are reliable and stable.
Conclusion: In a word, the results of this Mendelian randomized study suggest that ankylosing spondylitis is associated with an increased risk of mechanical complications of prosthesis after arthroplasty. Therefore, it is recommended that AS patients undergo careful assessment and monitoring during the surgical process to minimize the risk of such complications.
Does misinformation impact the perception of patients undergoing sexual health and other urological procedures: A cross sectional study
Authors: Panchendrabose Kapilan , Bal Dhiraj , Iderstine Micah Grubert Van , Patel Premal , Patel Premal
Published: May 2023

Misinformation, particularly in sexual medicine and urology, is a rising concern for providers and patients alike. We aimed to assess where patients acquire information prior to their urologic consultation/procedure and assess patients’ perception as to the reliability of this information. A cross-sectional study at an outpatient men's health clinic included 314 consenting adult patients who independently completed the questionnaire (mean age: 51.2 ± 17.2). Overall, 55.1% of patients indicated they searched up their condition online. However, 39.2% and 27.7% of respondents agreed and strongly agreed respectively to misinformation being a big concern when searching for health information, p < 0.05. Only 59.9% of patients discussed with friends and those that did not, chose not wanting to (65.1%) as their top choice. However, 27.4% of respondents were embarrassed to do so. Similarly, 38.9% of respondents were embarrassed to do so. Finally, 38.2% and 12.4% of patients agreed and strongly agreed, that learning information prior to your doctor’s appointment affects their relationship with the physician, p < 0.05. These findings emphasize the need for urologists and sexual medicine specialists to be aware of where their patients are gathering health information and to address their concerns about misinformation.
Glass-like Cross-plane Thermal Conductivity of Kagome Metals RbV3Sb5 and CsV3Sb5
Authors: Liu Jinjin , Xiang Zeyu , Fan Xuanhui , Jie Zhu , Wang Zhiwei , Yao Yugui , Qian Xin , Yang Ronggui , Pang Yu
Published: May 2023

This work reports the thermal conductivity of RbV3Sb5 and CsV3Sb5 with three-dimensional charge density wave phase transitions from 80 K to 400 K measured by pump-probe thermoreflectance techniques. At room temperature, the in-plane (basal plane) thermal conductivities are found moderate, i.e., 12 W m-1 K-1 of RbV3Sb5 and 8.8 W m-1 K-1 of CsV3Sb5, and ultralow cross-plane (stacking direction) thermal conductivities are observed, with 0.72 W m-1 K-1 of RbV3Sb5 and 0.49 W m-1 K-1 of CsV3Sb5 at 300 K. A unique glass-like temperature dependence in the cross-plane thermal conductivity is discovered, which decreases monotonically even lower than the Cahill-Pohl limit as the temperature decreases below the phase transition point TCDW. This temperature dependence is found to obey the hopping transport picture. In addition, a peak in cross-plane thermal conductivity is observed at TCDW as a fingerprint of the modulated structural distortion along the stacking direction.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals CK19+ cancer stem cells and their specific SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophage niche in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Bang-De , Yang Cheng-Lei , Song Rui , Hu Jun-Wen , Huang Jun-Tao , Li Nan-Nan , Ni Hang-Hang , Li Yuan-Kuan , Zhang Jie , Lu Zhan , Zhou Min , Wang Jun-Duo , Li Min-Jun , Zhan Guo-Hua , Peng Tao , Yu Hong-Ping , Qi Lu-Nan , Wang Qiu-Yan
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Cytokeratin 19-positive cancer stem cells (CK9 + CSCs) and their tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have not been fully explored yet in the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Experimental Design: Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the viable cells obtained from 11 treatment-naïve HBV-associated HCC patients, including 8 CK19 + patients, to elucidate their transcriptomic landscape, CK19 + CSC heterogeneity, and immune microenvironment. Two in-house primary HCC cohorts (96 cases-related HBV and 89 cases with recurrence), multiple external cohorts, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to validate the results.
Results
A total of 64,581 single cells derived from the human HCC and adjacent normal tissues were sequenced, and 11 cell types were identified. The result showed that CK19 + CSCs were phenotypically and transcriptionally heterogeneous, co-expressed multiple hepatics CSC markers, and were positively correlated with worse prognosis. Moreover, the SPP1 + TAMs (TAM_SPP1) with strong M2-like features and worse prognosis were specifically enriched in the CK19 + HCC and promoted tumor invasion and metastasis by activating angiogenesis. Importantly, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) derived from TAM_SPP1, as the hub gene of CK19 + HCC, was activated by the VEGFA signal. The patients with low TAM_SPP1 enrichment might benefit from trans-arterial chemoembolization.
Conclusions
This study revealed the heterogeneity and stemness characteristics of CK19 + CSCs and specific immunosuppressive TAM_SPP1 in CK19 + HCC. The VEGFA signal can activate TAM_SPP1-derived MMP9 to promote the invasion and metastasis of CK19 + HCC tumors. This might provide novel insights into the clinical treatment of HCC patients.
Micro architectures of Barrett’s esophagus associated with DNA methylation status
Authors: Shijimaya Takuya , Tahara Tomomitsu , Yamazaki Jumpei , Kobayashi Sanshiro , Horitani Anna , Matsumoto Yasushi , Nakamura Naohiro , Okazaki Takashi , Takahashi Yu , Tomiyama Takashi , Honzawa Yusuke , Fukata Norimasa , Fukui Toshiro , Naganuma Makoto
Published: May 2023

Background:
DNA methylation is involved in early carcinogenesis in Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) arising from the Barrett's esophagus (BE), suggesting that DNA methylation might be associated with “field defect” in BE. Since morphologic characterization of “field defect” has important implications, we explored micro architectures of on-neoplastic BE associates with DNA methylation using the magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy.
Methods:
Using three different groups of biopsies obtained from non-neoplastic BE from patients without cancer (n=66; N group), with EAC (n=27; ADJ group) and EAC (n=22; T group). Methylation status of five candidate genes (N33, DPYS, SLC16A12, miR124a3, miR34bc) were examined by bisulfite pyrosequencing. The magnifying NBI endoscopic features of non-neoplastic BE was divided into three types: small round holes or slit like structures with uniform subepithelial capillary networks (n=40; Slit/hole, S/H); having dense vessels with ambiguous surface structures (n=15; Vessel, V); clearly demarcated oval or tubulovillous structures with coiled or wavy vessels (n=38; Ridge/Villous, R/V).
Results:
Methylation levels of all five genes were higher in ADJ and T groups compared to that in N group. In the non-neoplastic BE, V type and R/V type presented higher methylation levels in all five genes compared to S/H type. Multivariate analysis revealed that, the NBI features (V and R/V type) in the non-neoplastic BE was independently associated with higher mean Z score methylation of five genes (odds ratio: 7.61, 95% confidence interval: 2.12-27.3, P<0.0001).
Conclusions:
Micro architectures of BE visualized by the magnifying NBI endoscopy can predict DNA methylation status associated with “field defect”.
Revolutionizing Therapeutics: Synthesizing Substituted Biphenyls and Assessing Their Antimicrobial Properties, ADMET Properties, and Biofilm Inhibition Potential
Authors: Alghamdi Saad , Mohammed Yasser Hussein Issa , Shntaif ahmed Hassen
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern worldwide, necessitating the development of new antimicrobial agents. This study presents a novel approach to designing and evaluating potential antimicrobial agents through chemical synthesis and in silico techniques. Biaryl analogues were synthesized through Suzuki coupling reaction, and their antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant isolates of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans was evaluated. In silico toxicity assessments provided crucial insights into the safety profile of the synthesized compounds, while molecular docking analysis and crystal structure refinement were used to understand the molecular interactions and to design more effective compounds. The results demonstrated that the synthesized biaryl analogues exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against all three microorganisms tested, with compound 3f showing the highest efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The moderate MIC values observed for some of the other compounds also highlighted their potential as lead compounds for further development. Additionally, the study investigated the anti-biofilm activity of compound 3f, demonstrating its potential in the treatment of biofilm-associated infections. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the design and evaluation of potential antimicrobial agents, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques to identify promising compounds. The results of this study contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to develop new treatments for bacterial and fungal infections, highlighting the potential of biaryl analogues as lead compounds for the development of new antimicrobial agents. Further research and development are necessary to optimize the efficacy and safety of these compounds for clinical use, emphasizing the importance of continued research in this field to combat the ongoing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Ensuring leadership at the operational level of a health system in protracted crisis context. A cross-sectional qualitative study covering 8 health districts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bigirinama Rosine Nshobole , Makali Samuel Lwamushi , Mothupi Mamothena Carol , Chiribagula Christian Zalinga , Louis Patricia St , Mwene-Batu Pacifique Lyabayungu , Bisimwa Ghislain Balaluka , Mwembo Albert Tambwe , Porignon Denis Georges
Published: May 2023

Background
This study examines how leadership is provided at the operational level of a health system in a protracted crisis context. Despite advances in medical science and technology, health systems in low- and middle-income countries struggle to deliver quality care to all their citizens. The role of leadership in fostering resilience and positive transformation of a health system is established. However, there is little literature on this issue in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study describes leadership as experienced and perceived by health managers in crisis affected health districts in Eastern DRC.
Methods
A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in eight rural health districts (corresponding to health zones, in DRC’s health system organization), in 2021. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and non-participatory observations. Participants were key health actors in each district. The study deductively explored six themes related to leadership, using an adapted version of the Leadership Framework conceptual approach to leadership from the United Kingdom National Health Service’s Leadership Academy. From these themes, an inductive analysis extracted emerging subthemes.
Results
The study has revealed deficiencies regarding Management and Organisation of the health zones, Internal collaboration within their management teams as well as collaboration between these teams and the health zone’s external partners. Communication and clinical and managerial capacities were identified as key factors to be strengthened in improving leadership within the districts. The findings have also highlighted the detrimental influence of vertical interventions from external partners and hierarchical supervisors in health zones on planning, human resource management and decision-making autonomy of district leaders, weakening their leadership.
Conclusions
Despite their decentralized basic operating structure, which has withstood decades of crisis and insufficient government investment in healthcare, the districts still struggle to assert their leadership and autonomy. The authors suggest greater support for personal and professional development of the health workforce, coupled with increased government investment, to further strengthen health system capacities in these settings.
Detection for Melanoma Skin Cancer through ACCF, BPPF, and CLF Techniques with Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Kavitha P. , Ayyappan G. , Prabhu J , Kumar Sandeep , Mallik Saurav , Al-Rasheed Amal , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Soufiene Ben Othman
Published: May 2023

Intense sun exposure is a major risk factor for the development of melanoma, an abnormal proliferation of skin cells. Yet, this more prevalent type of skin cancer can also develop in less-exposed areas, such as those that are shaded. Melanoma is the sixth most common type of skin cancer. In recent years, computer-based methods for imaging and analysing biological systems have made considerable strides. By combining an ensemble model with Auto Correlogram Methods, an ensemble model with Binary Pyramid Patter Filter, and a Binary Pyramid Patter Filter, the authors of this work increase the accuracy of their detection of Melanoma skin cancer. These results suggest that the Color Layout Filter model of the Attribute Selection Classifier provides the best overall performance. Statistics for ROC, PRC, Kappa, F-Measure, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient were as follows: 90.96% accuracy, 0.91 precision, 0.91 recall, 0.95 ROC, 0.87 PRC, 0.87 Kappa, 0.91 F-Measure, and 0.82 Matthews Correlation Coefficient. In addition, its margins of error are the smallest. The research found that the Attribute Selection Classifier performed well when used in conjunction with the Color Layout Filter to improve image quality.