bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Prognostic Relevance of Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Immune Gene Assembly in Breast Carcinoma Subtypes
Authors: Szeitz Beáta , Pipek Orsolya , Kulka Janina , Szundi Csilla , Rusz Orsolya , Tőkés Tímea , Szász Attila Marcell , Kovács Kristóf Attila , Pesti Adrián , Ben Arie Taya Beri , Gángó Ambrus , Fülöp Zsolt , Drágus Emőke , Vári-Kakas Stefan A. , Tőkés Anna Mária
Published: April 2022

We hypothesized that different BC subtypes are characterized by spatially distinct tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and that immune gene assembly of metastatic (Met) and non-metastatic (Ctrl) BCs vary across subtypes. Peritumoral, stromal and intratumoral TIL was assessed on 309 BC cases. Hot, cold and immune-excluded groups were defined, and the prognostic role of this classification was assessed. CD4+/CD8+ positivity was analyzed in 75 cases in four systematically predefined tumor regions. Immune gene expression of Met and Ctrl HER2-negative BCs was compared by using NanoString nCounter technology. The amount of TIL infiltration varied greatly within all BC subtypes. Two-third of the cases were cold tumors with no significant survival difference compared to hot tumors. A lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio at the stromal internal tumor region was significantly associated with longer distant metastasis-free survival. The differentially expressed immune genes between Met and Ctrl varied across the studied BC subtypes with TNBC showing distinct features from the luminal subtypes. The TIME is characterized by a considerable heterogeneity; however, low level of TILs does not equate to disease progression. The differences in immune gene expression observed between Met and Ctrl breast carcinomas call attention to the important role of altered immune function in BC progression.
Mechanobiology of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Brás Maria Manuela , Sousa Susana R. , Carneiro Fátima , Radmacher Manfred , Granja Pedro L.
Published: April 2022

In this review, the mechanobiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) are discussed. Mechanotransduction of CRC is addressed considering the relationship of several biophysical cues and biochemical pathways. Mechanobiology is focused on considering how it may influence epithelial cells in terms of motility, morphometric changes, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and metastization in CRC development. The roles of the tumor microenvironment, ECM, and stroma are also discussed, taking into account the influence of alterations and surface modifications on mechanical properties and their impact on epithelial cells and CRC progression. The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the impact of flow shear stress is addressed in terms of how it affects CRC metastization. Finally, some insights concerning how the knowledge of biophysical mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies and targeting molecules and how mechanical changes of the microenvironment play a role in CRC disease are presented.
Elevating SOX2 Downregulates MYC through a SOX2:MYC Signaling Axis and Induces a Slowly Cycling Proliferative State in Human Tumor Cells
Authors: Metz Ethan P. , Wilder Phillip J. , Popay Tessa M. , Wang Jing , Liu Qi , Kalluchi Achyuth , Rowley M. Jordan , Tansey William P. , Rizzino Angie
Published: April 2022

Slowly cycling/infrequently proliferating tumor cells present a clinical challenge due to their ability to evade treatment. Previous studies established that high levels of SOX2 in both fetal and tumor cells restrict cell proliferation and induce a slowly cycling state. However, the mechanisms through which elevated SOX2 levels inhibit tumor cell proliferation have not been identified. To identify common mechanisms through which SOX2 elevation restricts tumor cell proliferation, we initially performed RNA-seq using two diverse tumor cell types. SOX2 elevation in both cell types downregulated MYC target genes. Consistent with these findings, elevating SOX2 in five cell lines representing three different human cancer types decreased MYC expression. Importantly, the expression of a dominant-negative MYC variant, omomyc, recapitulated many of the effects of SOX2 on proliferation, cell cycle, gene expression, and biosynthetic activity. We also demonstrated that rescuing MYC activity in the context of elevated SOX2 induces cell death, indicating that the downregulation of MYC is a critical mechanistic step necessary to maintain survival in the slowly cycling state induced by elevated SOX2. Altogether, our findings uncover a novel SOX2:MYC signaling axis and provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms through which SOX2 elevation induces a slowly cycling proliferative state.
Evaluation of Browning Markers in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Newly Diagnosed Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients with and without Cachexia
Authors: Molfino Alessio , Belli Roberta , Imbimbo Giovanni , Carletti Raffaella , Amabile Maria Ida , Tambaro Federica , di Gioia Cira R. T. , Belloni Elena , Ferraro Elisabetta , Nigri Giuseppe , Muscaritoli Maurizio
Published: April 2022

We assessed the molecular phenotype of the browning of white adipose tissue in newly diagnosed cancer patients and controls undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal tumors and for non-malignant diseases, respectively. We collected subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) samples and using RT-PCR, we analyzed the expression of markers of browning and using Western blot the protein levels of UCP1 and PGC1α. The Ucp1 mRNA levels were lower in cancer patients vs. controls (p = 0.01), whereas Cidea and Tmem26 mRNA levels were higher in cancer patients. We found higher PGC1α protein levels in patients vs. controls, while no differences were seen for UCP1. The Ucp1 expression was lower in cachectic and non-cachectic patients vs. controls, whereas Cidea expression was higher in cachectic and non-cachectic patients vs. controls. Pgc1α mRNA levels were higher in cachectic vs. non-cachectic patients (p = 0.03) vs. controls (p = 0.016). According to type of tumors, we did not observe differences in Cidea expression, whereas Pgc1α was higher in pancreatic cancer vs. colorectal and vs. controls. We observed the lower expression of Ucp1 in pancreatic and colorectal cancer vs. controls. We documented higher UCP1 protein levels in pancreatic cancer patients vs. colorectal (p = 0.002) and vs. controls (p = 0.031). PGC1α protein levels were higher in pancreatic cancer patients vs. controls. Different markers of the browning of SAT are modulated, and pancreatic cancer showed changes in UCP1 and PGC1α; PGC1α was highly expressed in cachectic patients, with clinical implications that should be further clarified.
Highly Hydrophilic Ti−Beta Zeolite with Ti−Rich Exterior as Efficient Catalyst for Cyclohexene Epoxidation
Authors: Pan Huang , Peng Rusi , Zhu Zhiguo , Xu Hao , He Mingyuan , Wu Peng
Published: April 2022

Nanocrystalline Ti−Beta zeolite with high hydrophilicity and a Ti−rich exterior was successfully prepared via a dissolution–recrystallization method. With the post−treatment of tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) solution at elevated temperature, the Si and Ti species within the Ti−Beta matrix were partially dissolved and recrystallized on the outer surface of crystals, resulting in the Ti−rich exterior and higher hydrophilicity, which improved the accessibility of the active Ti sites and the enrichment of H2O2. Simultaneously, some of the closed Ti(OSi)4 species were transformed to more active open Ti(OSi)3OH or Ti(OSi)2(H2O)2(OH)2 species. The modified Ti−Beta zeolite exhibited greatly enhanced catalytic performance in the epoxidation of cyclohexene in comparison to the parent Ti−Beta.
Aquaporin-3 and Aquaporin-5 Facilitate Migration and Cell–Cell Adhesion in Pancreatic Cancer by Modulating Cell Biomechanical Properties
Authors: Silva Patrícia M. , da Silva Inês V. , Sarmento Maria J. , Silva Ítala C. , Carvalho Filomena A. , Soveral Graça , Santos Nuno C.
Published: April 2022

Background: Aquaporins are membrane channels responsible for the bidirectional transfer of water and small non-charged solutes across cell membranes. AQP3 and AQP5 are overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, playing key roles in cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. Here, we evaluated AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in cell biomechanical properties, cell–cell adhesion, and cell migration, following a loss-of-function strategy on BxPC-3 cells. Results: Silencing of AQP3 and AQP5 was functionally validated by reduced membrane permeability and had implications on cell migration, slowing wound recovery. Moreover, silenced AQP5 and AQP3/5 cells showed higher membrane fluidity. Biomechanical and morphological changes were assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), revealing AQP5 and AQP3/5 silenced cells with a lower stiffness than their control. Through cell–cell adhesion measurements, the work (energy) necessary to detach two cells was found to be lower for AQP-silenced cells than control, showing that these AQPs have implications on cell–cell adhesion. Conclusion: These findings highlight AQP3 and AQP5 involvement in the biophysical properties of cell membranes, whole cell biomechanical properties, and cell–cell adhesion, thus having potential implication in the settings of tumor development.
Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs): Formation, Chemistry, Classification, Receptors, and Diseases Related to AGEs
Authors: Twarda-Clapa Aleksandra , Olczak Aleksandra , Białkowska Aneta M. , Koziołkiewicz Maria
Published: April 2022

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) constitute a non-homogenous, chemically diverse group of compounds formed either exogeneously or endogeneously on the course of various pathways in the human body. In general, they are formed non-enzymatically by condensation between carbonyl groups of reducing sugars and free amine groups of nucleic acids, proteins, or lipids, followed by further rearrangements yielding stable, irreversible end-products. In the last decades, AGEs have aroused the interest of the scientific community due to the increasing evidence of their involvement in many pathophysiological processes and diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases, and even infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They are recognized by several cellular receptors and trigger many signaling pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Despite many experimental research outcomes published recently, the complexity of their engagement in human physiology and pathophysiological states requires further elucidation. This review focuses on the receptors of AGEs, especially on the structural aspects of receptor–ligand interaction, and the diseases in which AGEs are involved. It also aims to present AGE classification in subgroups and to describe the basic processes leading to both exogeneous and endogeneous AGE formation.
Optical System Design of a Planar Waveguide Spectrometer
Authors: Jin Shiqun , Li Zhiming , Feng Zhiwei , Gao Lin , Li Yanduo , Zhang Long , Shi Wenjie , Xia Guo
Published: April 2022

In this paper, an optical design for a hollow planar waveguide spectrometer with Czerny-Turner is proposed. To decrease the propagation loss of the spectrometer, the design strategy of designing the tangential plane and the sagittal plane separately is proposed, corresponding to resolution and energy, respectively. The Czerny–Turner optical path is designed on the tangential plane, and the sagittal design theory and method are analyzed in detail. The ray tracing results show that the resolution of the spectrometer is better than 4 nm on the tangential plane, while on the sagittal plane, the detector receives the highest energy when the detector pixel height matches the distance between the two mirrors.
Gut Microbial Shifts Indicate Melanoma Presence and Bacterial Interactions in a Murine Model
Authors: Rossi Marco , Aspromonte Salvatore M. , Kohlhapp Frederick J. , Newman Jenna H. , Lemenze Alex , Pepe Russell J. , DeFina Samuel M. , Herzog Nora L. , Donnelly Robert , Kuzel Timothy M. , Reiser Jochen , Guevara-Patino Jose A. , Zloza Andrew
Published: April 2022

Through a multitude of studies, the gut microbiota has been recognized as a significant influencer of both homeostasis and pathophysiology. Certain microbial taxa can even affect treatments such as cancer immunotherapies, including the immune checkpoint blockade. These taxa can impact such processes both individually as well as collectively through mechanisms from quorum sensing to metabolite production. Due to this overarching presence of the gut microbiota in many physiological processes distal to the GI tract, we hypothesized that mice bearing tumors at extraintestinal sites would display a distinct intestinal microbial signature from non-tumor-bearing mice, and that such a signature would involve taxa that collectively shift with tumor presence. Microbial OTUs were determined from 16S rRNA genes isolated from the fecal samples of C57BL/6 mice challenged with either B16-F10 melanoma cells or PBS control and analyzed using QIIME. Relative proportions of bacteria were determined for each mouse and, using machine-learning approaches, significantly altered taxa and co-occurrence patterns between tumor- and non-tumor-bearing mice were found. Mice with a tumor had elevated proportions of Ruminococcaceae, Peptococcaceae.g_rc4.4, and Christensenellaceae, as well as significant information gains and ReliefF weights for Bacteroidales.f__S24.7, Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales, and Erysipelotrichaceae. Bacteroidales.f__S24.7, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiales were also implicated through shifting co-occurrences and PCA values. Using these seven taxa as a melanoma signature, a neural network reached an 80% tumor detection accuracy in a 10-fold stratified random sampling validation. These results indicated gut microbial proportions as a biosensor for tumor detection, and that shifting co-occurrences could be used to reveal relevant taxa.
MR Imaging of Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Jaju Alok , Yeom Kristen W. , Ryan Maura E.
Published: April 2022

Primary brain tumors are the most common solid neoplasms in children and a leading cause of mortality in this population. MRI plays a central role in the diagnosis, characterization, treatment planning, and disease surveillance of intracranial tumors. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of imaging methodology, including conventional and advanced MRI techniques, and illustrate the MRI appearances of common pediatric brain tumors.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Congestion by Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Ultrasound and Biomarkers in Heart Failure
Authors: Ilieșiu Adriana Mihaela , Hodorogea Andreea Simona , Balahura Ana-Maria , Bădilă Elisabeta
Published: April 2022

Worsening chronic heart failure (HF) is responsible for recurrent hospitalization and increased mortality risk after discharge, irrespective to the ejection fraction. Symptoms and signs of pulmonary and systemic congestion are the most common cause for hospitalization of acute decompensated HF, as a consequence of increased cardiac filling pressures. The elevated cardiac filling pressures, also called hemodynamic congestion, may precede the occurrence of clinical congestion by days or weeks. Since HF patients often have comorbidities, dyspnoea, the main symptom of HF, may be also caused by respiratory or other illnesses. Recent studies underline the importance of the diagnosis and treatment of hemodynamic congestion before HF symptoms worsen, reducing hospitalization and improving prognosis. In this paper we review the role of integrated evaluation of biomarkers and imaging technics, i.e., echocardiography and pulmonary ultrasound, for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of congestion in HF patients.
A Schema-Based Instructional Design Model for Self-Paced Learning Environments
Authors: Jung Eulho , Lim Rachel , Kim Dongho
Published: April 2022

Although research on schema has been widely investigated for the past decades, little research has addressed the development of a systematic instructional design theory using schema principles and processes. This study proposes a systematic schema-based instructional design model, including general and schema analysis, schema-based design, and development processes and techniques for evaluating a learner’s acquired schema. By synthesizing empirical studies, this study comprehensively reviews literature on schema and foundational principles for learning. The goal of the study is to enrich the knowledge base of schema-based instructional design for different learning environments. Thus, the study is concluded by a discussion on how to utilize a schema-based instructional design for self-paced learning environments with additional implications and further recommendations.
Preservice Teachers’ Online Self-Regulated Learning: Does Digital Readiness Matter?
Authors: Fuchs Katharina , Pösse Lisa , Bedenlier Svenja , Gläser-Zikuda Michaela , Kammerl Rudolf , Kopp Bärbel , Ziegler Albert , Händel Marion
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Teaching in today’s schools asks teachers to foster self-regulated learning and digital competences in children and young people. In order to do so, teachers first need to acquire and use these competences themselves. (2) Methods: Based on a mixed-methods approach, the study investigates self-regulated learning in online courses of N = 129 preservice teachers at a German university. (3) Results and conclusions: Perceiving their digital readiness as generally high, preservice teachers appear to not overly self-regulate their learning in the online environment. Finally, preservice teachers’ digital readiness was related only weakly to their online self-regulated learning. A discussion is offered which shows teacher education as a broader phenomenon and implies the need for professional development for teacher educators. Additionally, it is argued to link research on self-regulated learning more closely to research on online learning environments in teacher education.
Applying Collective Intelligence in Health Recommender Systems for Smoking Cessation: A Comparison Trial
Authors: Hors-Fraile Santiago , Candel Math J. J. M. , Schneider Francine , Malwade Shwetambara , Nunez-Benjumea Francisco J. , Syed-Abdul Shabbir , Fernandez-Luque Luis , de Vries Hein
Published: April 2022

Background: Health recommender systems (HRSs) are intelligent systems that can be used to tailor digital health interventions. We compared two HRSs to assess their impact providing smoking cessation support messages. Methods: Smokers who downloaded a mobile app to support smoking abstinence were randomly assigned to two interventions. They received personalized, ratable motivational messages on the app. The first intervention had a knowledge-based HRS (n = 181): it selected random messages from a subset matching the users’ demographics and smoking habits. The second intervention had a hybrid HRS using collective intelligence (n = 190): it selected messages applying the knowledge-based filter first, and then chose the ones with higher ratings provided by other similar users in the system. Both interventions were compared on: (a) message appreciation, (b) engagement with the system, and (c) one’s own self-reported smoking cessation status, as indicated by the last seven-day point prevalence report in different time intervals during a period of six months. Results: Both interventions had similar message appreciation, number of rated messages, and abstinence results. The knowledge-based HRS achieved a significantly higher number of active days, number of abstinence reports, and better abstinence results. The hybrid algorithm led to more quitting attempts in participants who completed their user profiles.
RobustSTL and Machine-Learning Hybrid to Improve Time Series Prediction of Base Station Traffic
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsueh , Nuha Ulin
Published: April 2022

Green networking is currently becoming an urgent compulsion applied for cellular network architecture. One of the treatments that can be undertaken to fulfill such an objective is a traffic-aware scheme of a base station. This scheme can control the power consumption of the cellular network based on the number of demands. Then, it requires an understanding of estimated traffic in future demands. Various studies have undertaken experiments to obtain a network traffic prediction with good accuracy. However, dynamic patterns, burstiness, and various noises hamper the prediction model from learning the data traffic comprehensively. Furthermore, this paper proposes a prediction model using deep learning of one-dimensional deep convolutional neural network (1DCNN) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). Initially, this study decomposes the network traffic data by RobustSTL, instead of standard STL, to obtain the trend, seasonal, and residual components. Then, these components are fed into the 1DCNN-GRU as input data. Through the decomposition method using RobustSTL, the hybrid model of 1DCNN-GRU can completely capture the pattern and relationship of the traffic data. Based on the experimental results, the proposed model overall outperforms the counterpart models in MAPE, RMSE, and MAE metrics. The predicted data of the proposed model can follow the patterns of actual network traffic data.
Array Antenna for Wireless Access Points and Futuristic Healthcare Devices
Authors: Khattak Riqza Yasmin , Ahmed Qasim , Shoaib Sultan , Hafeez Maryam
Published: April 2022

A design of a low-profile and printed array antenna for wireless access points and futuristic healthcare devices is presented in this manuscript. The antenna design is derived from a printed dipole configuration and is optimized using an empirical design approach to achieve enhanced bandwidth, gain and efficiency performances. The antenna is printed on Rogers RT-5880 laminate with a permittivity of 2.2 and a thickness of 0.508 mm. The overall footprint of the design covers 27.5 × 39.1 mm2 on a substrate of 36 × 42 mm2. Results have shown that the design covers a wide bandwidth of more than 7 GHz, making it capable of covering 40.5–42.5 GHz, 42.5–43.5 GHz, 45.5–47 GHz and 47–47.2 GHz 5G bands as recommended in WRC-15. The design shows an average gain of 11.5 dB and an average efficiency of 84% over the entire bandwidth. The simulation and measurement results mostly agree, with minor disparities which might have been caused due to substrate tolerance and testing setup.
Compact Thirteen-Level Inverter for PV Applications
Authors: Prathaban Arumbu Venkadasamy , Dhandapani Karthikeyan , Soni Abubakar Ahamed Ibrahim
Published: April 2022

In renewable energy source applications, multilevel inverters with lower power components have become more popular in recent decades. This work exhibits a novel topology for high-quality output in PV applications, along with low-power switches and isolated dc sources. The core module of the suggested design may create a 13-level output waveform with two unequal voltage source values. The cascaded structure is intended to boost the voltage levels, and the related parameters are obtained analytically. The even and odd levels of voltage can be created natively without the usage of an additional H bridge circuit. Furthermore, the switches, gate driver circuits, dc sources, and standing voltage are fewer in number when compared to other recent topologies. Power losses and cost comparisons are calculated and given in monetary terms. This new research supports the idea that nearest level control (NLC) is used as a modulation scheme in the simulation modeling and experimental validation of the proposed topology.
Reclaiming Power Potential from Low Temperature Waste Heat by Thermomagnetic Heat Engines
Authors: Kim Yeongmin , Mehmood Muhammad Uzair , Han Hyun Joo , Kim Yu Jin , Oh Seung Jin , Lim Sang-Hoon
Published: April 2022

Thermomagnetic heat engines were designed, constructed, and tested, where numbers of gadolinium (Gd) blocks were used to exploit low temperature waste heat. Gadolinium is a rare earth material whose magnetic property changes with temperature, altering between ferromagnetic and paramagnetic. A motion develops in the thermomagnetic heat engine as Gd blocks are exposed to different temperatures causing changes in their magnetic property. A change in the magnetic property of any Gd block is directly related to the resultant torque driving the thermomagnetic heat engine for power production. Among heat engines studied to date, the cylindrical thermomagnetic heat engine was able to develop a maximum mechanical power of 1.1 W at a temperature difference of 45 °C between hot and cold thermal resources. Furthermore, depending on the effectiveness of an electromagnetic generator (EMG) combined with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the electric power output can be notably improved.
From 5G to 6G—Challenges, Technologies, and Applications
Authors: Salameh Ahmed I. , El Tarhuni Mohamed
Published: April 2022

As the deployment of 5G mobile radio networks gains momentum across the globe, the wireless research community is already planning the successor of 5G. In this paper, we highlight the shortcomings of 5G in meeting the needs of more data-intensive, low-latency, and ultra-high-reliability applications. We then discuss the salient characteristics of the 6G network following a hierarchical approach including the social, economic, and technological aspects. We also discuss some of the key technologies expected to support the move towards 6G. Finally, we quantify and summarize the research work related to beyond 5G and 6G networks through an extensive search of publications and research groups and present a possible timeline for 6G activities.
Predominant Founder Effect among Recurrent Pathogenic Variants for an X-Linked Disorder
Authors: Bender Chelsea , Woo Elizabeth Geena , Guan Bin , Ullah Ehsan , Feng Eric , Turriff Amy , Tumminia Santa J. , Sieving Paul A. , Cukras Catherine A. , Hufnagel Robert B.
Published: April 2022

For disorders with X-linked inheritance, variants may be transmitted through multiple generations of carrier females before an affected male is ascertained. Pathogenic RS1 variants exclusively cause X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS). While RS1 is constrained to variation, recurrent variants are frequently observed in unrelated probands. Here, we investigate recurrent pathogenic variants to determine the relative burden of mutational hotspot and founder allele events to this phenomenon. A cohort RS1 variant analysis and standardized classification, including variant enrichment in the XLRS cohort and in RS1 functional domains, were performed on 332 unrelated XLRS probands. A total of 108 unique RS1 variants were identified. A subset of 19 recurrently observed RS1 variants were evaluated in 190 probands by a haplotype analysis, using microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Fourteen variants had at least two probands with common variant-specific haplotypes over ~1.95 centimorgans (cM) flanking RS1. Overall, 99/190 of reportedly unrelated probands had 25 distinct shared haplotypes. Examination of this XLRS cohort for common RS1 haplotypes indicates that the founder effect plays a significant role in this disorder, including variants in mutational hotspots. This improves the accuracy of clinical variant classification and may be generalizable to other X-linked disorders.
Comparative Genomics Provides Insights into Adaptive Evolution in Tactile-Foraging Birds
Authors: Wang Li , Sun Li , Wan Qiu-Hong , Fang Sheng-Guo
Published: April 2022

Tactile-foraging birds have evolved an enlarged principal sensory nucleus (PrV) but smaller brain regions related to the visual system, which reflects the difference in sensory dependence. The “trade-off” may exist between different senses in tactile foragers, as well as between corresponding sensory-processing areas in the brain. We explored the mechanism underlying the adaptive evolution of sensory systems in three tactile foragers (kiwi, mallard, and crested ibis). The results showed that olfaction-related genes in kiwi and mallard and hearing-related genes in crested ibis were expanded, indicating they may also have sensitive olfaction or hearing, respectively. However, some genes required for visual development were positively selected or had convergent amino acid substitutions in all three tactile branches, and it seems to show the possibility of visual degradation. In addition, we may provide a new visual-degradation candidate gene PDLIM1 who suffered dense convergent amino acid substitutions within the ZM domain. At last, two genes responsible for regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells may play roles in determining the relative sizes of sensory areas in brain. This exploration offers insight into the relationship between specialized tactile-forging behavior and the evolution of sensory abilities and brain structures.
miR-129-5p Participates in Hair Follicle Growth by Targeting HOXC13 in Rabbit
Authors: Yao Fan , Zhao Bohao , Hu Shuaishuai , Bai Shaocheng , Jin Rongshuai , Zhang Chen , Chen Yang , Wu Xinsheng
Published: April 2022

Mammalian hair formation is critically determined by the growth of hair follicles (HF). MiRNAs are crucial in the periodic development of hair follicles; they maintain epidermal homeostasis by targeting genes and influencing the activity of signaling pathways and related regulators. Our study discovered miR-129-5p to be overexpressed in the skin of Angora rabbits during catagen, and was negatively correlated with HOXC13 expression (Pearson’s R = −0.313, p < 0.05). The dual-Luciferase reporter gene detection system and Western blotting confirmed that miR-129-5p targeted HOXC13. In addition, miR-129-5p overexpression was found to significantly inhibit the expression of hair follicle development-related genes (HFDRGs), such as BCL2, WNT2, CCND1, and LEF1 (p < 0.01), and promoted the expression of SFRP2, TGF-β1, and FGF2 (p < 0.01), which was the same as the knockdown of HOXC13. In contrast, the knockout of miR-129-5p was the opposite, and it demonstrated similar results to the overexpression of HOXC13. CCK8 and flow cytometry demonstrated that miR-129-5p mimics significantly promoted the apoptosis of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and inhibited proliferation (p < 0.01), while the inhibitor was found to reduce the apoptosis of DPCs and promote proliferation (p < 0.01). These results showed that miR-129-5p can participate in the periodic development of HF by targeting HOXC13, and it can induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of DPCs. These results will help to understand the role and mechanism of miR-129-5p in the periodic development of HF, and will provide support for subsequent studies, not only providing a theoretical basis for genetically improving the quality of hair in animals in the future, but also a new theory and method for diagnosing and treating hair loss in humans.
A Review of the Studies on CO2–Brine–Rock Interaction in Geological Storage Process
Authors: Peter Ameh , Yang Dongmin , Eshiet Kenneth Imo-Imo Israel , Sheng Yong
Published: April 2022

CO2–brine–rock interaction impacts the behavior and efficiency of CO2 geological storage; a thorough understanding of these impacts is important. A lot of research in the past has considered the nature and impact of CO2–brine–rock interaction and much has been learned. Given that the solubility and rate of mineralization of CO2 in brine under reservoir conditions is slow, free and mobile, CO2 will be contained in the reservoir for a long time until the phase of CO2 evolves. A review of independent research indicates that the phase of CO2 affects the nature of CO2–brine–rock interaction. It is important to understand how different phases of CO2 that can be present in a reservoir affects CO2–brine–rock interaction. However, the impact of the phase of CO2 in a CO2–brine–rock interaction has not been given proper attention. This paper is a systematic review of relevant research on the impact of the phase of CO2 on the behavior and efficiency of CO2 geological storage, extending to long-term changes in CO2, brine, and rock properties; it articulates new knowledge on the effect of the phase of CO2 on CO2–brine–rock behavior in geosequestration sites and highlights areas for further development.
Relationship between Drug Holidays of Antiresorptive Agents and Surgical Outcomes in Cancer Patients with Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Otsuru Mitsunobu , Soutome Sakiko , Omori Keisuke , Suyama Koki , Morishita Kota , Hayashida Saki , Murata Maho , Takagi Yukinori , Sasaki Miho , Sumi Misa , Kojima Yuka , Sawada Shunsuke , Sakamoto Yuki , Umeda Masahiro
Published: April 2022

It is controversial as to whether the withdrawal of antiresorptive (AR) agents is necessary while treating medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). In this study, we investigated whether a drug holiday promoted sequestrum separation and improved the surgical outcomes of MRONJ patients with malignant tumors, who were undergoing high-dose AR therapy. In total, we included 103 MRONJ patients with malignant tumors as their primary disease who underwent surgery at Nagasaki University Hospital or Kansai Medical University Hospital from January 2009 to December 2020. We recorded the patients’ age, sex, primary disease, MRONJ stage, type and administration period of the AR agent, presence of diabetes, corticosteroid use, drug holiday period, white blood cell count, serum albumin, serum creatinine, outcomes, and computed tomography findings. The relationships between a drug holiday and sequestrum separation, and between a drug holiday and outcome, were analyzed. Drug holidays of 60, 90, and 120 days were not significant factors of sequestrum separation and did not influence patients’ surgical outcomes as per the univariate and multivariate analyses. MRONJ patients with cancer as their primary disease should be operated upon immediately and without drug holidays if their general condition permits surgery.
Evaluating Changes in Health Risk from Drought over the Contiguous United States
Authors: Jalalzadeh Fard Babak , Puvvula Jagadeesh , Bell Jesse E.
Published: April 2022

The outcomes of drought can be difficult to assess due to the complexity of its effects. While most risk assessments of drought are developed for agriculture or water resources, the associations with human health are not well studied due to unclear and complex pathways. This study is the first to assess potential changes in health risk from droughts during the last decade in the contiguous United States. To assess the risk, we spatially superimposed vulnerability variables associated with drought on historical drought exposure over the last decade. Different variations in Local Moran’s I statistics were used to assess the spatial distribution of health vulnerability, risk of drought, and changes in the two five-year study periods (2010–2014 and 2015–2019). Our results show large clusters of the western United States had a significant increase in risk during the latter part of the study period due to increases in vulnerability and hazard. In addition, southern areas of the United States were consistently above the national average in drought risk. Since our vulnerability variables include agriculture, drinking water, and sociodemographic indicators, the results of this study can help various experts interested in drought preparedness efforts associated with human health.
Risk Assessment of Early Lung Cancer with LDCT and Health Examinations
Authors: Chang Hou-Tai , Wang Ping-Huai , Chen Wei-Fang , Lin Chen-Ju
Published: April 2022

Early detection of lung cancer has a higher likelihood of curative treatment and thus improves survival rate. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening has been shown to be effective for high-risk individuals in several clinical trials, but has high false positive rates. To evaluate the risk of stage I lung cancer in the general population not limited to smokers, a retrospective study of 133 subjects was conducted in a medical center in Taiwan. Regularized regression was used to build the risk prediction model by using LDCT and health examinations. The proposed model selected seven variables related to nodule morphology, counts and location, and ten variables related to blood tests and medical history, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.93. The higher the age, white blood cell count (WBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), diabetes, gout, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other cancers, and the presence of spiculation, ground-glass opacity (GGO), and part solid nodules, the higher the risk of lung cancer. Subjects with calcification, solid nodules, nodules in the middle lobes, more nodules, and diseases related to thyroid, liver, and digestive systems were at a lower risk. The selected variables did not indicate causation.
Cognitive Functioning and Nail Salon Occupational Exposure among Vietnamese Immigrant Women in Northern California
Authors: Nguyen Thuc-Nhi , Chen Shuai , Chan Keith , Nguyen Mai Tram , Hinton Ladson
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Vietnamese nail salon technicians are continuously exposed to neurotoxins linked to cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined the association of occupational exposure with cognitive function and depressive symptoms among Vietnamese nail salon technicians. Methods: The sample included 155 current or former Vietnamese female nail technicians and 145 control group participants. Measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: Average cognitive functioning was significantly higher for the control compared to the nail technician group (mean difference = 1.2, p < 0.05). No differences were observed for depression. Multivariate findings revealed that exposure was negatively associated with cognitive functioning (β = −0.29, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.05, p < 0.05). Discussion: Nail salon work and the extent of occupational exposure were associated with lower cognitive functioning among Vietnamese nail technicians. Longitudinal research can further examine the risk for cognitive decline and dementia for this vulnerable population.
The Exposure of Workers at a Busy Road Node to PM2.5: Occupational Risk Characterisation and Mitigation Measures
Authors: Ejohwomu Obuks A. , Oladokun Majeed , Oshodi Olalekan S. , Bukoye Oyegoke Teslim , Edwards David John , Emekwuru Nwabueze , Adenuga Olumide , Sotunbo Adegboyega , Uduku Ola , Balogun Mobolanle , Alani Rose
Published: April 2022

The link between air pollution and health burden in urban areas has been well researched. This has led to a plethora of effective policy-induced monitoring and interventions in the global south. However, the implication of pollutant species like PM2.5 in low middle income countries (LMIC) still remains a concern. By adopting a positivist philosophy and deductive reasoning, this research addresses the question, to what extent can we deliver effective interventions to improve air quality at a building structure located at a busy road node in a LMIC? This study assessed the temporal variability of pollutants around the university environment to provide a novel comparative evaluation of occupational shift patterns and the use of facemasks as risk control interventions. The findings indicate that the concentration of PM2.5, which can be as high as 300% compared to the WHO reference, was exacerbated by episodic events. With a notable decay period of approximately one-week, adequate protection and/or avoidance of hotspots are required for at-risk individuals within a busy road node. The use of masks with 80% efficiency provides sufficient mitigation against exposure risks to elevated PM2.5 concentrations without occupational shift, and 50% efficiency with at least ‘2 h ON, 2 h OFF’ occupational shift scenario.
An Epidemiological Study to Investigate Links between Atmospheric Pollution from Farming and SARS-CoV-2 Mortality
Authors: Contiero Paolo , Borgini Alessandro , Bertoldi Martina , Abita Anna , Cuffari Giuseppe , Tomao Paola , D’Ovidio Maria Concetta , Reale Stefano , Scibetta Silvia , Tagliabue Giovanna , Boffi Roberto , Krogh Vittorio , Tramuto Fabio , Maida Carmelo Massimo , Mazzucco Walter ,   on behalf of the “SARS-CoV-2 and Environment Working Group”
Published: April 2022

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide has been linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection and death. We hypothesized that long-term exposure to farming-related air pollutants might predispose to an increased risk of COVID-19-related death. To test this hypothesis, we performed an ecological study of five Italian Regions (Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna and Sicily), linking all-cause mortality by province (administrative entities within regions) to data on atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and ammonia (NH3), which are mainly produced by agricultural activities. The study outcome was change in all-cause mortality during March–April 2020 compared with March–April 2015–2019 (period). We estimated all-cause mortality rate ratios (MRRs) by multivariate negative binomial regression models adjusting for air temperature, humidity, international import-export, gross domestic product and population density. We documented a 6.9% excess in MRR (proxy for COVID-19 mortality) for each tonne/km2 increase in NH3 emissions, explained by the interaction of the period variable with NH3 exposure, considering all pollutants together. Despite the limitations of the ecological design of the study, following the precautionary principle, we recommend the implementation of public health measures to limit environmental NH3 exposure, particularly while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Future studies are needed to investigate any causal link between COVID-19 and farming-related pollution.
Modulatory Effect of Papaya Extract against Chlorpyrifos-Induced Oxidative Stress, Immune Suppression, Endocrine Disruption, and DNA Damage in Female Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Hamed Heba S. , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Mohamed Walid Fathy
Published: April 2022

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the widely used organophosphorus pesticides in agriculture activities and its presence in the aquatic environment has been broadly recorded. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CPF exposure on oxidative stress, innate immunity, sexual hormones, and DNA integrity of female African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in addition to the potential use of dietary supplementation of papaya, Carica papaya (CP), extract against CPF toxicity. Apparent healthy female catfish (300 ± 10 g) were divided into four groups with three replicates each. The first group served as the negative control (fed on a basal diet) and the other groups exposed to CPF (8.75 µg/L) with or without CP extract (250 mg/kg body weight) for six weeks. The results revealed that CPF exposure exhibited marked elevations in stress markers (glucose and cortisol), serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone level. Moreover, CPF increased the percentage of hepatic DNA damage. In addition, catfish exposed to CPF experienced significant decline in serum total protein, albumin, follicles stimulating hormone, estradiol hormone levels, AChE, immunoglobulin, and lysozyme activity. CPF induced significantly oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues. The dietary supplementation with CP extract at a level of 250 mg/kg body weight succeeded to alleviate the negative effects of CPF on the physiological, immunological, and antioxidant status of female catfish. In addition, CP extract alleviated the endocrine disruption and hepatic DNA damage and counteracted the subchronic CPF toxicity in female African catfish. Finally, the CP extract may be used as a feed additive in the aquatic diet.
Cognitive Bias and Diagnostic Errors among Physicians in Japan: A Self-Reflection Survey
Authors: Watari Takashi , Tokuda Yasuharu , Amano Yu , Onigata Kazumichi , Kanda Hideyuki
Published: April 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify how cognitive biases and situational factors related to diagnostic errors among physicians. A self-reflection questionnaire survey on physicians’ most memorable diagnostic error cases was conducted at seven conferences: one each in Okayama, Hiroshima, Matsue, Izumo City, and Osaka, and two in Tokyo. Among the 147 recruited participants, 130 completed and returned the questionnaires. We recruited primary care physicians working in various specialty areas and settings (e.g., clinics and hospitals). Results indicated that the emergency department was the most common setting (47.7%), and the highest frequency of errors occurred during night-time work. An average of 3.08 cognitive biases was attributed to each error. The participants reported anchoring bias (60.0%), premature closure (58.5%), availability bias (46.2%), and hassle bias (33.1%), with the first three being most frequent. Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis for cognitive bias showed that emergency room care can easily induce cognitive bias (adjusted odds ratio 3.96, 95% CI 1.16−13.6, p-value = 0.028). Although limited to a certain extent by its sample collection, due to the sensitive nature of information regarding physicians’ diagnostic errors, this study nonetheless shows correlations with environmental factors (emergency room care situations) that induce cognitive biases which, in turn, cause diagnostic errors.
Co-Design, Delivery, and Evaluation of Wellbeing Initiatives for NHS Staff: The HOW (Healthier Outcomes at Work) NHS Project
Authors: Ravalier Jermaine M.
Published: April 2022

Stress and mental health are leading causes of sickness absence in the UK, responsible for over 50% of sickness absence across the country. Healthcare sector workers play a vital role in the life of everyone across the country but have among the highest levels of sickness absence of any sector. The aim of this project, therefore, was to work with UK healthcare workers to co-develop, implement, and evaluate a series of mental health and wellbeing interventions delivered via a smartphone app and associated toolkit. A participatory action research methodology, consisting of individual interviews, focus group discussions, and oversight by an expert action learning group, was used to develop primary (i.e., those associated with the workplace) and secondary (improving individual resilience and coping) stress management interventions. Pre-post-intervention analysis demonstrated improvements in work engagement and working conditions, although significant improvements were only found in mean scoring on demands, control, managerial support, and peer support working condition measures. The project therefore demonstrates that co-produced initiatives which focus on improving either the organisation or resilience of the workforce may be useful in supporting employee health and wellbeing. Future studies should build upon these findings through a full RCT to determine utility of the interventions.