bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling qualitative conditional preferencequeries in SPARQL: Possibilistic logic approach
Authors: TOUAZI Faycal , BOUSTIL Amel
Published: May 2023

Because of the rise in data volume of knowledge bases that are being published as a result of Open Data initiatives, new approaches are required to assist users in locating the items that most closely matches their preference criteria. In many approaches, the user is called to supply quantitative weights that may not be known in advance to manage the ranking of results.Contrary to the quantitative technique, preference criteria are sometimes more intuitive and can be conveyed more readily under the qualitative approach. We are interested in this paper to the problem of evaluating SPARQL qualitative preference queries over user preferences in SPARQL. Many approaches address this problem based on different frameworks as CP-net, skyline, fuzzy set and top-k. This article outlines a novel approach for dealing with SPARQL preference queries, where preferences are represented through symbolic weights using the possibilistic logic framework. It is possible to manage symbolic weights without using numerical values where a partial ordering is used instead. This approach is compared to numerous other approaches, including those based on skylines, fuzzy sets, and CP-nets.
Prospective analysis of pre and postoperative laboratory parameters associated with thrombosis in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Shim Hyoeun , Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Dong-Eun , Kwak Mi Hyang , Park Sang Yoon , Lim Myong Cheol , Kong Sun-Young
Published: May 2023

Background Patients with ovarian cancer have a high risk of developing thrombosis. We aimed to investigate laboratory parameters associated with thrombosis including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism in patients treated for ovarian cancer.Methods We collected pre and post operative blood samples from 133 patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer at National Cancer Center, Korea between December 2021 and August 2022. The measured parameters were white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin, platelets, monocytes, serum glucose, CA125, D-dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, plasminogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), homocysteine, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), thrombopoietin (TPO), soluble P-selectin and granulocyte stimulating factor (G-CSF). Body mass index (BMI) of patients were collected. Differences between patients who developed thrombosis and those without were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum test and we analyzed the continuous variables using logistic regression.Results Twenty-one (15.8%) patients developed thrombosis ranging from 6 to 146 days (median 15 days) after surgery. FIGO stage, age and BMI were not significantly different among the two groups. Pre operative values of homocysteine (p = 0.033) and IL-6 (p = 0.043) were significantly increased and post operative aPTT (p = 0.022) was prolonged and plasminogen (p = 0.041) was decreased in patients with thrombosis.Conclusions Pre operative homocysteine, IL-6 and post operative aPTT, plasminogen were associated with thrombosis in ovarian cancer patients.
Security Establishment Using Deep Convolutional Network Model in Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Meganathan R. , B Manjunath , Anand R. , Murugesh V. , Jaganathan Subash Chandra Bose , Suriyan Kannadasan
Published: May 2023

This study develops an active security control strategy for cyber-physical systems (CPSs) that are subject to attacks known as denial-of-service (DoS), which can target both channels from the controller to the actuator and from the controller to the sensor. Due to attack cost restrictions, the linked channels are subject to a limit on the number of continuous DoS attacks. A proactive security control method is then developed to combat two-channel DoS attacks, depending on a method for identifying IoT intrusions. Using the CICIDS dataset for attack detection, we examined the effectiveness of the Deep Convolutional Network Model (DCNM), a suggested deep learning model. The addressed CPS can be asymptotically stable against DoS assaults under the security controller's active security control technique without sacrificing control performance. Recent tests and simulations show how effective the security control strategy is active. The proposed model gives better trade-off compared to existing approaches like Deep Belief Networks (DBN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Supervised Neural Networks (SNN) and Feed Forward Neural Networks (FNN).
Towards automated dermatology triage: deep learning and knowledge-driven approaches
Authors: Wang Minhong , Kloczko Ewa , Altayeb Alla , Farrugia Michael , Gupta Girish , Wu Honghan , Hirani Nik
Published: May 2023

Background
The current triage process in the National Health Service (NHS) requires secondary care clinicians to manually read every General Practitioner’s (GP) referral letter, which makes the process time-consuming with associated high costs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms can be adopted to accelerate this process and reduce the required resources.
Objectives
To design AI models that can automatically stratify GP referrals to routine and non-routine categories, and to evaluate different AI algorithms against the current manual triage process.
Methods
We developed and evaluated multiple AI models to triage dermatology referrals into binary outcomes, i.e., routine or non-routine. The models ranged from a totally data-driven (deep learning) approach to different levels of knowledge-enriched approaches: 1) a transfer learning approach using a pre-trained large language model; 2) a deep learning model using Long Short-Term Memory architecture, enriched with key concepts from referral guidelines; and 3) a knowledge-driven model utilising the semantics of key concepts from clinical guidelines and customised clinicians’ dictionaries. Random oversampling and data augmentation were used for dealing with highly imbalanced triage classes. All referrals were individually triaged by two dermatologists and then compared against the results generated from AI-assisted triage models. Performances were evaluated using Precision-Recall Area Under Curve (PR-AUC) and Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under Curve (ROC-AUC).
Results
268 GP referrals to adult dermatology services were included. The knowledge-driven approach achieved the best performance (micro average PR-AUC of 0.907±0.006, ROC-AUC of 0.720 ± 0.010) compared to the baseline end-to-end deep learning model (micro average PR-AUC of 0.823±0.038, ROC-AUC of 0.616 ± 0.096) and the Long Short-Term Memory model (0.867±0.013, 0.600 ± 0.071). Imbalance preprocessing methods improved the model performance in some cases but not to a significant level. Combining all types of domain knowledge in AI models outperformed any subsets of these knowledge inputs.
Conclusions
The knowledge-enhanced AI approach showed promising results in achieving triage outcomes comparable to manual outcomes despite the limited data input from the referrals. AI-assisted triage has the potential to make the triaging process less time-consuming and more cost-effective, whilst retaining accuracy.
A Novel Surgical Strategy For Correcting Severe Angular Kyphosis Due To Pott’s Disease: Three Column Osteotomy In Non-lesioned Areas
Authors: Zhao Deng , Wang Fei , Hu Zhengjun , Zhong Rui , Huang Huaqiang , Zhang Zhong , Jiang Dengxu , Liang Yan , Liang Yijian
Published: May 2023

Severe sharp angular kyphosis due to Pott’s disease usually need surgical correction. Three column osteotomy performed in lesion area as well as apex area has been demonstrated useful to correct angular kyphosis. But the residual kyphosis may conspicuous and there is usually high rate of perioperative risk. To improve the correction effect and avoid high rate of risk, we designed a novel strategy that osteotomy in the non-lesioned vertebrae to correct severe angular kyphosis due to Pott’s disease.We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients who underwent the new surgical strategy that osteotomy in non-lesioned vertebra instead of lesioned areas in our hospital from 2016 to 2018. Radiographic parameters including angle of kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were recorded respectively at admission and final follow-up. Neurological improvement was measured according to the American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) classification. Operative time, blood loss, perioperative complications were also recorded. There were 6 male and 10 female patients. Their mean age was 30.7±11.41 years. The duration of follow-up ranged from 24 to 42 months. The mean operative time and blood loss were 492±127.3min and 1791±788.8 ml, respectively. Kyphosis angle was corrected from 97.6±14.6° to 28.8±18.70°. In two cases with lumbar lesions (L1-L5 and L2-S1，respectively), the lumbar lordosis was restored. The mean SVA was 6.7±3.58cm at admission, and 3.3±1.57cm at final follow-up. Neurological function improved in 6 cases, while it remained the same as before surgery in other 10 patients. The rate of complications including wound infection (1 case) and rod fracture (1 case at the 12 months after surgery) was approximately 11.8%. The new surgical strategy was effective and safe to correct severe angular kyphosis due to Pott’s disease. However, the surgical team should be experienced.
Plasma treated AR-glass fibres in experimental reinforced composites with three silanes: a study on mechanical properties
Authors: Yon Madeline J. Y. , Matinlinna Jukka P. , Tsoi James K. H. , Vallittu Pekka K. , Lassila Lippo V. J.
Published: May 2023

Purpose To compare and contrast mechanical properties of experimental alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs) silanised with one of three functional trialkoxy silanes: 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPS), 8-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (8-MOS) and 3-acryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APS). The experimental AR-FRCs were silanised with or without plasma pretreatment.
Materials and methods Continuous unidirectional AR-glass fibres (ARcoteX® 5326 2400tex, Owen Corning) were cleaned ultrasonically, treated either with or without cold plasma (Piezobrush® PZ2, Relyon Plasma, Germany), then silanised by immersion for 10 min in activated, hydrolysed silane solution containing either 3-MPS, 8-MOS or 3-APS. The fibre bundles were next air-dried (24 h), and dried in vacuum oven (80 °C, 5 kPa, 2 h), producing 6 types of silanised AR-glass fibres.
Next, silanised AR-glass fibres were laminated with a resin matrix, bis-GMA:TEGDMA at 60:40 wt%, CQ at 0.7 wt%, DMAEMA at 0.7 wt%) for 10 min and paired randomly in rovings of two in stainless steel moulds (2 mm × 2 mm × 25 mm) to prepare an AR-FRC beam specimen (n = 16). All specimens were light-cured from the top and bottom directions for 60 s (Elipar S10, 3M ESPE). Half of the samples (n = 8) underwent accelerated artificial ageing by immersion in boiling water (100°C, 16 h). Finally, 12 experimental AR-FRC groups were produced.
All specimens were subjected to the three-point bending test with the upper surface (facing curing light) towards the cross-head. After testing, fibres, silanised and non-silanised, were inspected under scanning electron microscopy (SU1510, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan).
Statistical analysis was performed with three-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test at α = 0.05.
Results The flexural modulus, flexural strength and fracture work of the materials were significantly affected by silane type (p < 0.05) and artificial ageing (p < 0.001). Plasma treatment on AR-glass fibres significantly reduces flexural modulus of FRC (p<0.001) and slows the plasticising effect of artificial ageing on FRC.
Conclusion Long chain silanes impart higher flexural strength and lower flexural modulus to AR-FRCs. While artificial ageing halves flexural strength and plasticises them, plasma surface pre-treatment of AR-glass fibres before silanisation reduces the plasticising effect.
Different geographical environment can affect the fatty acid compositions of the Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) through the intestinal flora
Authors: Chen Ming , Su Shengyan , Zhang Chengfeng , zhu Jian , Feng Wenrong , Chen Huangen , Jiang Jingjing , Lu Zeyu , Liu Wenting , Gan Jingchang
Published: May 2023

Intestinal flora plays an important role in promoting digestion, metabolism and immunity. It is an important basis for assessing the health and nutritional content of Procambarus clarkii. Fatty acids are also important indicators for assessing the P.clarkii. They are strongly related to environmental and genetic factors. However, whether environmental factors or genetic factors have a greater impact on the health and nutrition of crayfish is currently a hot topic, and it is unclear whether there is a link between the intestinal flora and the distribution of fatty acid (FA) compositions of red swamp crayfish.This paper focuses on the influence of different environments on the fatty acids in muscles of crayfish and the possible existence between gut microbiota and fatty acids. Therefore, we compared and clustered fatty acid compositions of crayfish populations in five different geographical locations to determine the relationship between geographical location and fatty acid compositions. We also characterized the gut microbial communities of these crayfishes using 16S rRNA high-throughput gene sequencing. We found that there were significant differences in FA compositions of crayfish populations in different geographical locations. Similar trends were observed in the gut microbiome, which also varied significantly according to geographic phenotypes. In addition, the relationship between fatty acid compositions and intestinal microbes was revealed by alpha diversity analysis and cluster analysis. However, further studies of the interactions between the P.clarkii gut microbiome and biochemical composition are needed, which will ultimately reveal the complexity of microbial ecosystems with potential applications in aquaculture and species conservation.
Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride/black phosphorus quantum dots heterojunction photocatalyst for the removal of ARGs contamination
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Xu Xuan , Li Chenyu , Dai Lin , Hao Zhenxin , Yu Jie , He Haodong , Si Chuanling , Shen Zhiqiang , Qiu Zhigang , Wang Jingfeng
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes (ARGs) have become hot topics in the field of water purification. In this paper, graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were used as raw materials to fabricate a non-metallic heterojunction composite photocatalyst (H-g-C3N4/BPQDs) by hydrothermal impregnation, high-temperature calcination, and ice-assisted ultrasound. The H-g-C3N4/BPQDs was used to remove antibiotics and biological pollution from water under visible light irradiation. Based on the porous structure and high specific surface area of H-g-C3N4, the the obtained type II heterojunction structure promoted the absorption of visible light, accelerated the interfacial charge transfer, and inhibited the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Under visible light irradiation, the degrading efficiency of TC by H-g-C3N4 /BPQDs exceeded 91% in 30 min, and E. coli K12 M1655 can be completely inactivated in 4 h. In addition, the maximum inactivation rate of H-g-C3N4 /BPQDs for E. coli HB101(RP4) was 99.99% in 4 h, and the degradation efficiency of RP4 was more than 85%. This study provides not only a new idea for the design of green g-C3N4-based non-metallic heterojunction photocatalysts but also a broad prospect for the application of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for the removal of ARGs in water treatment.
Leveraging a diverse cell-death patterns-based signature to predict the prognosis of low- grade gliomas
Authors: Yang Wenyong , Lei Qingqiang , Pu Chunlan , Guo Yuanbiao , Lin Liangbin
Published: May 2023

BackgroundLow-grade glioma (LGG) is heterogeneous at biological and transcriptomic levels, and it is still controversial for the definition and typing of LGG. Therefore, there is an urgent need for specific and practical molecular signatures for accurate diagnosis, individualized therapy, and prognostic evaluation of LGG. Cell death is essential for maintaining homeostasis, developing and preventing hyperproliferative malignancies.MethodsBased on diverse programmed cell death (PCD) related genes and prognostic characteristics of LGG, this study constructed a model to explore the mechanism and treatment strategies for LGG cell metastasis and invasion. We screened 1161 genes associated with PCD and divided 512 LGG samples into C1 and C2 subtypes by consistent cluster analysis. We analyzed the two subtypes' differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed functional enrichment analysis. Using R packages such as ESTIMATE, CIBERSOTR, and MCPcounter, we assessed immune cell scores for both subtypes.ResultsCompared with C1, the C2 subtype has a poor prognosis and a higher immune score, and patients in the C2 subtype are more strongly associated with tumor progression. The C2 subtype generally having higher immune scores than the C1 subtype. LASSO and COX regression analysis screened four characteristic genes (CLU,FHL3,GIMAP2, andHVCN1). Using data sets from different platforms to validate the four-gene feature, we found that the expression and prognostic correlation of the four-gene feature had a high degree of stability, showing stable predictive effects.ConclusionThe four-gene feature constructed based on PCD-related genes provides valuable information for further study of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of LGG.
Design of a Multistage Feed-forward Operational Amplifier for High- Speed Continuous-Time ΣΔ ADCs
Authors: Zhang Qizheng , Chang Ke , Pu Yang , Wang Yan , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Guohe
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a high-gain, high-frequency, bandpass operational amplifier with feed-forward compensation. It is designed to meet the requirements of a continuous time (CT) bandpass sigma delta (Σ∆) modulator with multi-GHz sampling frequency. The circuit consists of a main path composed of four stages of transconductance amplifiers and two feed-forward paths, and a common-mode feedback circuit is added to each stage to stabilize the DC operating point. The feed-forward compensation solves the problem that Miller compensation fails at high frequencies. The position of zeros and poles is adjusted by two feed-forward paths to improve the in-band phase margin. Low frequency and in-band noise are suppressed by adjusting the transfer function, and power consumption is reduced by current multiplexing. With a parallel load of 2 pF and 500 Ω, the post netlist simulation shows that this design achieves a gain of more than 45 dB in the bandwidth range of 10 kHz to 400 MHz, a unit gain frequency of 16.48 GHz and a phase margin of 66 ° under the conditions of a 1.2 V supply voltage. The maximum input equivalent noise is 8.97 \({\mu }\text{V}/\sqrt{\text{H}\text{z}}\) with a quiescent power dissipation of 35.3 mW.
Functional enhancement of mesothelin-targeted TRuC-T cells by a PD1-CD28 chimeric switch receptor
Authors: McCarthy Derrick , Lofgren Michael , Watt Amy , Horton Holly , Kieffer-Kwon Philippe , Ding Jian , Kobold Sebastian , Baeuerle Patrick A. , Hofmeister Robert , Gutierrez Dario A. , Tighe Robert
Published: May 2023

T cells expressing a mesothelin (MSLN)-specific T cell receptor fusion construct (TRuC®), called TC-210, have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in preclinical models of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer. However, they are susceptible to suppression by the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PDL1) axis and lack intrinsic costimulatory signaling elements. To enhance the function of anti-MSLN TRuC-T cells, chimeric switch receptors (CSRs) have been designed to co-opt the immunosuppressive PD-1/PD-L1 axis and to deliver a CD28-mediated costimulatory signal. Here, we report that coexpression of the PD1-CD28 CSR in TRuC-T cells enhanced T cell receptor signaling, increased Th1 effector cytokines, decreased Th2/Th17 cytokines, and sustained effector function in the presence of PD-L1 when compared with TC-210. AntiMSLN TRuC-T cells engineered to coexpress PD1-CD28 CSRs comprising the ectodomain of PD-1 and the intracellular domain of CD28 linked by the transmembrane domain of PD-1 were selected for integration into an anti-MSLN TRuC-T cell therapy product called TC-510. In vitro, TC-510 showed significant improvements in persistence and resistance to exhaustion upon chronic stimulation by tumor cells expressing MSLN and PDL1 when compared with TC-210. In vivo, TC-510 showed a superior ability to provide durable protection following tumor rechallenge, versus TC-210. These data demonstrate that integration of a PD1-CD28 CSR into TRuC-T cells improves effector function, resistance to exhaustion, and prolongs persistence. Based on these findings, TC-510 is currently being evaluated in patients with MSLN-expressing solid tumors.
Slow gait speed as a potential indicator for common geriatric syndromes besides sarcopenia
Authors: He Xu , Li Yan , Chen Jun , Zhang Li , Quan Jing , Lu Sunrui , Ying Zhou , Huang Yan , Wang Kehua
Published: May 2023

Background Geriatric syndromes are posing increasing health threat in an aging population. The reliable indicator of geriatric syndromes is of great clinical value for early diagnosis and intervention.
Aims To investigate the potential application of slow gait speed as a signal for identifying common geriatric syndromes besides sarcopenia in the elderly.
Methods A total number of 985 elderly outpatients (457 men and 528 women) were recruited in the study. The subjects were classified into two groups according to the gait speed cut-off (1.0m/s), with the individuals being assigned as normal speed group (NSG) when the gait speed≥1.0m/s and the slow speed group (SSG) was defined as the gait speed <1.0m/s. CGA management system Simply Edition (CGA-SE) software was implemented to collect data, compare the demographic variations and assess the prevalence of functional decline in the two groups.
Results Compared to the NSG, SSG subjects were significantly older, shorter in height, lighter in weight and consumed more medicine. SSG subjects also showed a higher score in Edmonton symptom assessment, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and had a lower score in Barthel index of Activities of Daily Living (BADL) assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). There was a significantly higher prevalence of frailty, disability, depression, and dementia in SSG when compared to NSG. In addition, gait speed was an independent predictive factor associated with a higher risk of frailty, disability, dementia, and swallowing dysfunction.
Conclusions Slow gait speed could be used as an indicator for several common geriatric syndromes in elderly outpatients. We recommended the 6 meters walk test as a routine examination for the elderly in the geriatric department.
Circulating Epstein‒Barr virus microRNA BART8-3p as a potential biomarker for detection and prognostic prediction in early nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin Cheng , Chen Yuebing , Lin Xiandong , Lin Keyu , Huang Juan , Xiong Jiani , Lin Shaojun , Pan Jianji , Zong Jingfeng , Li Meifang
Published: May 2023

BackgroudTo evaluate the clinical significance of plasma Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV) BamHI A rightward transcript (BART)-encoded microRNA 8-3p (miR-BART8-3p) in patients with early nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsA total of 126 patients with stage I and II NPC were retrospectively analysed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to examine the diagnostic performance. Kaplan‒Meier analysis was applied to determine survival. Cox regression was used for univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) value of plasma miR-BART8-3p alone in the detection of early NPC were 69.0%, 97.2% and 0.826, respectively, and the corresponding rate was up to 88.9%, 94.4% and 0.931 when miR-BART8-3p was combined with EBV DNA. Compared to patients with low expression of miR-BART8-3p, patients with high expression of miR-BART8-3p had significantly shorter overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). High-risk patients (with both high miR-BART8-3p and high EBV DNA) had inferior OS, LRRFS and DMFS than low-risk patients (neither high EBV DNA nor high miR-BART8-3p) (P< 0.05). Multivariate analysis verified that the high-risk group was an unfavorable factor for OS (HR = 18.39; 95% CI 1.53-221.69;P= 0.022) and DMFS (HR = 21.06; 95% CI, 2.30-192.75;P= 0.007). A nomogram based on miR-BART8-3p could better predict patients' metastatic probability.ConclusionCirculating miR-BART8-3p is a potential biomarker for detection and prognostic prediction in early NPC. Future clinical trials are needed to confirm and develop personalized and precise strategies for those patients.
Metaheuristic Model of Gene Selection for Deep Learning Early Prediction of Cancer Disease Using Gene Expression Data
Authors: Joshi Amol Avinash , Aziz Rabia Musheer
Published: May 2023

Cancer prediction in the early stage is a topic of major interest in medicine since it allows accurate and efficient actions for successful medical treatments of cancer. Mostly cancer datasets contain various gene expression levels as features with less samples, so firstly there is a need to eliminate similar features to permit faster convergence rate of prediction algorithms. These features (genes) enable us to identify cancer disease, choose the best prescription to prevent cancer and discover deviations amid different techniques. To resolve this problem, proposed a hybrid novel technique CSSMO, based feature selection for cancer prediction. First, combine the use of Spider Monkey Optimization (SMO) along with Cuckoo search (CS) algorithm viz. CSSMO for feature selection, which helps to combine the benefit of both metaheuristic algorithms to discover a subset of genes which helps to predict a cancer disease in early stage. Further, to enhance the accuracy of the CSSMO algorithm, choose a cleaning process, minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) to lessen the gene expression of cancer datasets. Next, these subsets of genes are classified using Deep Learning (DL) to identify different groups or classes related to a particular cancer disease. Six different datasets have utilized to analyze the performance of the proposed approach in terms of cancer sample classification and prediction with Recall, Precision, F1-Score, and confusion matrix. Proposed gene selection method with DL achieves much better prediction accuracy than other existing Deep Learning (DL) and Machine learning models with a large gene expression datasets.
Mongolian HCC vs. Caucasian HCC: The Metabolic Reprogramming Process in Mongolian HCC is an Interesting Difference
Authors: huang rui , Zhang Zejuan , Ma Wei , Song Lei , Dong Kaizhong , Xie Xiaofeng , Yang Kun , Hai Xiangjun
Published: May 2023

Racial/ethnic and region disparities in incidence and mortality are obviously in liver cancer. Mongolia has the highest reported incidence and mortality of hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in the world, while the incidence of HCC is relatively low in the United States, but differences in their molecular characteristics remain largely elusive. Here we report differentially expressed genes(DEGs) in Mongolian hepatocellular carcinoma and in Caucasian HCC and their intersection DEGs, as well as their corresponding signaling pathways in Mongolian and Caucasian hepatocellular carcinoma patients based on the transcriptome sequences from GEO database. We got 908 up-regulated genes and 1946 down-regulated genes in Mongolian HCC, 1244 up-regulated genes and 1912 down-regulated genes in Caucasian HCC, 254 Co-upregulated genes and 1035 co-downregulated genes in Mongolian and Caucasian. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that most of the genes with altered expression levels in Mongolian HCC participate in biological processes that involve metabolic reprogramming of various substances, accounting for about one-third of all biological processes. In particular, multiple amino acid biosynthesis and metabolic processes appear to be specific in Mongolian HCC compared with Caucasian HCC. The biological processes they share include those in which most immune cells are involved and cell cycle-related biological processes. In addition, we also found the genes UPP2, PCK1, GLYAT, ASPDH, GNMT, ADH1B and HPD, encode for key metabolic enzymes, whose expression level up-regulated or down-regulated more than 5 times in Mongolian HCC and was dramatically correlated with survival in Mongolian HCC (p value < 0.01), More importantly, these molecules are potential targets for some metabolic antitumor drugs. This result may have important implications for the study of the pathogenic factors and molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma and the precise therapy of Mongolian HCC.
Association of IL-23R (rs11209026 A/G) polymorphism with susceptibility to common autoimmune diseases: a meta-analysis combined with trial sequence analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Tao , Xu Siwen , Yu Lingxiang , Ni Jianping , Peng Yongzhen , Chen Xuyang , Wang Guosheng , Sun Wanqi , Pan Faming
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body responds to the autoantigens and causes damage to its own tissues. We conducted this research to investigate whether interleukin-23R (IL-23R) gene polymorphisms (rs11209026 A/G) are related to the risk of several common autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriasis. We screened articles about rs11209026 A/G for autoimmune disease by China Knowledge Infrastructure Project (CNKI), Web of Science as well as PubMed databases. The correlation strength was expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval, and the trial sequential analysis (TSA) proved the reliability of the results. Generally, 33 studies were contained. There was a significant correlation between rs11209026 A/G polymorphism and the susceptibility of human autoimmune diseases (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65–0.94, p < 0.05). In addition, allele A was associated with AS (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.55–0.68, p < 0.05) and psoriasis (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.34–0.77, p < 0.05), but not RA (p > 0.05). In ethnic subgroup analysis, AA genotype could reduce the risk of AS in Caucasian people (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.25–0.87, p < 0.05), and in the results of dominant gene model analysis, AA + GA has statistical significance in reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56–0.84, p < 0.05). Meta-analysis showed that IL-23R gene polymorphism (rs11209026 A/G) is associated with AS, RA and Psoriasis and allele A is a protective factor, especially in Caucasian population.
The Evaluation of Quantitative Parameters of Dual-layer spectral detector CT for Discrimination of Differentiation grade, T Stage, and Lymph Node Metastasis stage of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Jinghua , Xie Ping , Qian Tingting , Huang Jian , Shi Yiqiu , Shen Yuwen , Xu Chi , Liu Kefu
Published: May 2023

Objectives To investigate the value of quantitative parameters of Dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) in the differentiation grade, T stage, and lymph node metastasis stage of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC).Methods 86 eligible CRAC patients were included in this study. The conventional CT values, 40 keV values, 100 keV values, effective atomic number (Zeff) values, iodine concentration (IC) values, normalized iodine concentration (NIC) and spectral curve slope (λ) during the arterial phase (AP) and venous phase (VP) of CRAC were compared according to the differentiation grade, T stage, and lymph node metastasis stage.Results The measured values of the spectral quantitative parameters of the CRAC were consistent within the observer (ICC range 0.791–0.979). The 100kev-AP, RT-VP, 40keV-VP, 100keV-VP, Zeff-VP, IC-VP, λ-VP had significant differences among different grades of CRAC differentiation (P < 0.05). ROC showed the AUCs were 0.620, 0.673, 0.680, 0.708, 0.672, 0.678, 0.682 for 100kev-AP, RT-VP, 40keV-VP, 100keV-VP, Zeff-VP, IC-VP, λ-VP differentiating the well differentiation from moderately and poorly differentiation. CT parameter values showed no statistical difference between T1-2 and T3-4 stage, as well as among lymph node metastasis stages of CRAC (P > 0.05).Conclusion The quantitative parameters of SDCT had good diagnostic efficacy in differentiating differentiation grades of CRAC, however did not show the value for identifying T stage and lymph node metastasis stage.
The propagation of inhomogeneous waves in an orthotropic viscoelastic medium
Authors: Xuan Tung Do
Published: May 2023

The present paper deals with the propagation of inhomogeneous waves in an orthotropic viscoelastic medium. For chosen directions of propagation and a real finite inhomogeneity parameter, a complex slowness vector is specified to define the propagation of inhomogeneous incident wave. Then the reflection , transmission of plane waves at a plane interface between two orthotropic viscoelastic halfspaces are discussed. In this incidence, horizontal slowness determines the slowness vectors for all reflected, transmitted waves. For each reflected, transmitted wave, the corresponding slowness vector is resolved to define its phase direction, phase velocity and attenuation angle. Appropriate boundary conditions on this wave-field determine the amplitude ratios for reflected, transmitted waves relative to the incident wave. The numerical examples are provided to show the effect of the inhomogeneity of incident wave on the propagation characteristic as well as the reflection and transmission coefficients of the reflected, transmitted waves.
Nanosecond Time-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy for the Study of Electron Transfer in Photosystem I
Authors: Mäusle Sarah M. , Agarwala Neva , Eichmann Viktor G. , Dau Holger , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Hastings Gary
Published: May 2023

Microsecond time-resolved step-scan FTIR difference spectroscopy was used to study photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus vestitus BP-1 (T. vestitus, formerly known as T. elongatus) at 77 K. Photoaccumulated (P700+ – P700) FTIR difference spectra were also obtained for PSI from T. vestitus at both 77 and 293 K. The FTIR difference spectra are presented here for the first time. To greatly extend upon these FTIR studies nanosecond time-resolved infrared difference spectroscopy was also used to study PSI from T. vestitus at 293 K. Nanosecond infrared spectroscopy has never been used to study PSI samples at physiological temperatures, and here it is shown that such an approach has great value as it allows a direct probe of electron transfer down both branches in PSI. In PSI at 293 K, the infrared flash-induced absorption changes indicate electron transfer down the A- and B-branches is characterized by time constants of 33 and 364 ns, respectively, in good agreement with visible spectroscopy studies. These time constants are associated with forward electron transfer from A1– to FX on the B- and A-branches, respectively. At several infrared wavelengths flash-induced absorption changes at 293 K recover in tens to hundreds of milliseconds. The dominant decay phase is characterized by a lifetime of 128 ms. These millisecond changes are assigned to radical pair recombination reactions, with the changes being associated primarily with P700+ rereduction. This conclusion follows from the observation that the millisecond infrared spectrum is very similar to the photoaccumulated (P700+ – P700) FTIR difference spectrum.
Approaching a sustainable vector model for environmental crisis management
Authors: Flori Maria
Published: May 2023

The major challenge facing human society in the 21st century is represented by the environmental crisis. In this context, the present article proposes a sustainable vector model for managing the environmental crisis. It focuses on social, economic, and ecological aspects, with the aim of providing a framework for analysis and adapted solutions. By integrating environmental factors into decision-making processes and public policies, this model aims to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable development. This study presents a comprehensive and cohesive framework for addressing environmental challenges by integrating the Context Triangle and Phenomenon Triangle to develop a sustainable vector model. This novel approach to crisis management aims to provide a holistic and adaptive response to the complex and evolving needs of society and the environment, acknowledging the interconnected nature of environmental issues. The proposed sustainable vector model seeks to understand the trade-offs and synergies between various dimensions of sustainability, ultimately facilitating the development and implementation of more robust and equitable strategies. By incorporating this vector-based approach, the integrated framework can be employed to examine the intricate relationships between different aspects of environmental challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of their interconnected nature and promoting more effective interventions. Moreover, potential advancements may involve fractalizing the integrated framework on multiple levels, allowing for a more elaborate and comprehensive sustainable management approach. By extending the system into a multi-level fractal structure, stakeholders can investigate the relationships between different aspects of environmental challenges, ultimately driving the development of innovative and adaptive strategies that can better address the ever-changing needs of our planet and its inhabitants.
Nanomolar range of FAM237B can activate receptor GPR83
Authors: Li Hao-Zheng , Wang Ya-Fen , Hu Wen-Feng , Liu Ya-Li , Xu Zeng-Guang , Guo Zhan-Yun
Published: May 2023

The orphan G protein-coupled receptor 83 (GPR83) is implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism and certain anxiety-related behaviors. Our recent study confirmed that family with sequence similarity 237 member A (FAM237A), also known as neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL), is an efficient agonist for GPR83, but did not support the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 inhibitor (PCSK1N, also known as proSAAS)-derived peptide PEN and the procholecystokinin-derived peptide proCCK56-63 as ligands of this receptor. FAM237B (also known as NPGM), a paralog of FAM237A, was previously reported as a weak agonist for GPR83 with approximately 100-fold lower activity in an inositol 1-phosphate accumulation assay. In the present study, we prepared mature human FAM237B via an intein-fusion approach and measured its activity towards human GPR83 via a NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT)-based ligand‒receptor binding assay and a NanoBiT-based b-arrestin recruitment assay. Mature FAM237B displayed moderately lower activity than its paralog FAM237A in these binding and activation assays, but could cause a significant activation effect at the nanomolar range (1‒10 nM). Thus, FAM237B appears to be another endogenous agonist for receptor GPR83.
Proportional Income Taxation from the Perspective of the Dynamic Model of Life Cycle Theory: brazilians case
Authors: MATOS DANIEL
Published: May 2023

The present research analyzes the possibility of changing the current progressive tax system on income due to its economic inefficiency, and worsening levels of inequality, as well as the historical aim of increasing tax burdens with income tax reforms with the aim of covering extraordinary expenses incurred by the State. Because of this, the core of the research investigates the possibility of applying the life cycle theory to taxation on the income of taxpayers residing in Brazil, suggesting a profound change in the current design of the progressive system of taxation on income for a proportional taxation system. on income that is based on the life cycle theory, consisting of a model that confers efficiency and may eventually be fair depending on the country's situation.
JEL classification H21 . H23 . H29
Title: Anaesthetic Concerns and Management of a Child with Michel’s Aplasia Undergoing Auditory Brainstem Implantation- A Case Report
Authors: Reddy Ashwini , Panda Nidhi , Ghai Babita , Panda Naresh , Kameswaran Mohan , Vasudevan M C
Published: May 2023

Hearing rehabilitation treatment is dictated by the nature and etiology of hearing loss. Patients with absent/destroyed cochlear nerves or complete labyrinthine aplasia (Michel’s aplasia) render peripheral cochlear stimulation ineffective and such patients benefit from an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). A coordinated multidisciplinary team approach is necessary for the safe conduct of this challenging surgery using electrophysiologic measures to confirm the accurate placement of the ABI array. The role of the anaesthesiologist ranges from preoperative assessment of syndromal associations, difficult airway assessment, building rapport with the child, and counseling the family. Adequate premedication, smooth induction, and facilitation of neurophysiological monitoring are essential. The anaesthetist also plays a crucial role in decreasing intracranial pressure and improving surgical access while avoiding excessive cerebellar retraction. Close monitoring of vitals, care of the lumbar drain, provision of adequate analgesia, and antiemesis are the main concerns postoperatively.
Training on HINTS exam: Results from a quasi - experimental study in Medicine Students
Authors: Castillo-Bustamante Melissa , García Alejandro , Madrigal Jorge
Published: May 2023

HINTS (head impulse, nystagmus, and test of skew) protocol is widely used at emergency rooms and outpatients’ settings to differentiate central from peripheral vertigo. Doctors usually get experience during their training on the basic concepts of the test. However, there is a lack of information about the current understanding of the test and its application by future practitioners, who will be the first responders to vertigo patients. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to assess the understanding, applicability, and comprehension of HINTS in medical students after a theory and practice session and follow-up 1-month after. Twenty-one students were evaluated with pre-test and post-tests. Comprehension (Δ40%), understanding (Δ60%) and applicability (Δ48%) were increased after the session. Head impulse (Δ 39%), nystagmus evaluation (Δ 10%) and test of skew (Δ 39%) showed a better understanding and comprehension even 1-month after. Findings have educational implications of this protocol in future healthcare professionals.
DVT Prophylaxis in head-injured patients: Current Concepts and Guidelines
Authors: Bakhsh Ahmed , Ali Hosam Shata Mohamed , Aljuzair. Ali Hassan , Ahmed Umair , Rauf Warda , Eldawoody Hany
Published: May 2023

Objective:
DVT prophylaxis is often delayed in head -injured patients because clinicians believe that the risk of bleeding from prophylaxis is more critical than the risk of venous thromboembolism.
Material & Methods:
All head injury admissions between September 2021 and September 2022 were selected for inclusion in this study. Patient data including age, sex, injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, were collected. Chemical prophylaxis, either heparin or enoxaparin, was started as soon as it was considered safe. Patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage were followed up with brain computed tomography to examine the safety of chemical DVT prophylaxis.
Results:
A cohort of 100 patients was studied during the one year study period. Their average GCS scores and Injury Severity Score scores were 11 and 14 respectively. Overall, 68% of patients suffered from mild to moderate head injuries. Fifty-nine percent of patients were poly-traumatized with different types of extracranial injuries. 60% were managed conservatively and 40% needed surgical intervention. Overall, 75% of patients received chemical DVT prophylaxis and 25% received mechanical prophylaxis. 50% received early chemoprophylaxis, that is within 72 hours, 25% received late prophylaxis, that is after 72 hours. The average delay in start of DVT prophylaxis was 2.9 days. 2.4% of patients developed DVT in spite of prophylaxis but no one developed any expansion of intracranial hemorrhage .
Conclusion:
This study concluded that early DVT prophylaxis in head-injured patients is safe and effective.
Cyclic loading tests on proppant in hydraulic fracture by discrete element method
Authors: Fang Tian , Liu Weiqun , Yang Rui , Qi Dachao , Liu Xuyang
Published: May 2023

In this paper, discrete element method (DEM) is used to generate randomly stacked proppant layer, and the particle size distribution, Young's modulus and initial stacking of proppant are considered. Based on these discrete stacking structures, cyclic uniaxial compression tests (ucts) were carried out, and mechanical and seepage analysis of the proppant layer was carried out. Larger particle size and larger Young's modulus will make the equivalent elastic modulus of particle combination larger. The particle distribution has a certain effect on the permeability coefficient of the whole combination in given condition.
Updated transient gene expression protocol and the development of a small-scale transient gene expression protocol -evaluated by testing of longevity molecules as potential protein expression enhancers
Authors: Rosa Andrés de la , Petrovic Alex , Godec Ana , Napoleone Antonino , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Hultqvist Greta
Published: May 2023

Transient gene expression (TGE) is commonly used to quickly produce protein-based drugs, such as antibodies, that require post-translational modifications. We have previously published a protocol for efficient and inexpensive TGE of multispecific and multivalent antibodies, which we have improved upon and described in the first part of this paper; by replacing the expensive Expi293 expression with BalanCD HEK293 medium, the medium cost was decreased by approximately 90%, and in addition, the harvesting procedure was shortened from 2.5 hours to 15 minutes by mixing the harvested cell media with the mineral compund diatomaceous earth that effectively absorbs and sequester cells and cell debris. The cell media can then be quickly filtered without the need to exchange obstructed filters and without the previously required 1-hour centrifugation step. In the second part of this paper, a small-scale TGE protocol was developed to surmount the cost limitation of testing many culture conditions. The small-scale TGE protocol uses 6-well plates which is the cheapest alternative for scaling down the protein expression, and consumes 83% less material compared to transfections done with the smallest available shaking flasks for cell culture. To test the small-scale TGE protocol we evaluated substances, belonging to a category called longevity molecules, as potential protein expression enhancers. Though the longevity molecules failed to increase protein expression in the conditions tested, our results corroborates the functionality of the small-scale TGE protocol and provides a simple methodology to expediently evaluate factors that can lead to improved protein production protocols in the future.