bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection for infectivity profiles in slow and fast epidemics, and the rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Blanquart François , Hozé Nathanaël , Cowling Benjamin John , Débarre Florence , Cauchemez Simon
Published: May 2022

Evaluating the characteristics of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is essential to inform pandemic risk assessment. A variant may grow faster if it produces a larger number of secondary infections (“R advantage”) or if the timing of secondary infections (generation time) is better. So far, assessments have largely focused on deriving the R advantage assuming the generation time was unchanged. Yet, knowledge of both is needed to anticipate the impact. Here, we develop an analytical framework to investigate the contribution of both the R advantage and generation time to the growth advantage of a variant. It is known that selection on a variant with larger R increases with levels of transmission in the community. We additionally show that variants conferring earlier transmission are more strongly favored when the historical strains have fast epidemic growth, while variants conferring later transmission are more strongly favored when historical strains have slow or negative growth. We develop these conceptual insights into a new statistical framework to infer both the R advantage and generation time of a variant. On simulated data, our framework correctly estimates both parameters when it covers time periods characterized by different epidemiological contexts. Applied to data for the Alpha and Delta variants in England and in Europe, we find that Alpha confers a+54% [95% CI, 45–63%] R advantage compared to previous strains, and Delta +140% [98–182%] compared to Alpha, and mean generation times are similar to historical strains for both variants. This work helps interpret variant frequency dynamics and will strengthen risk assessment for future variants of concern.
Association of multiple tumor markers with newly diagnosed gastric cancer patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Li Sifeng , Zhang Zhenqi , Huang Dandan
Published: May 2022

Background

The purpose of this paper was to explore the correlation between multiple tumor markers and newly diagnosed gastric cancer.

Methods

We selected 268 newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer and 209 healthy subjects for correlation research. The detection of multiple tumor markers was based on protein chips and the results were statistically analyzed using SPSS.

Results

We concluded that gastric cancer was significantly related to gender, age, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242) positive levels (P < 0.001). After CA199 and CA242 were stratified by gender, the male odds ratio (OR) was 30.400 and 31.242, respectively, while the female OR was 3.424. After CA125 was stratified by age in patients over 54 years old with gastric cancer, the risk of occurrence in the CA125-positive population was 16.673 times that of the CA125-negative patients. Among patients 54 years old and younger, being CA125-positive was not a risk factor for gastric cancer (P = 0.082). AFP, CEA, CA125, CA199, and CA242 positive levels during the M1 stage were statistically significant when compared with the M0 stage and control group (P < 0.001), but the AFP (P = 0.045) and CA125 (P = 0.752) positive levels were not statistically significant when compared with the M0 stage and control group. The combined detection sensitivity of multiple tumor markers was 44.78%.

Conclusion

Our research shows that gastric cancer is associated with age, gender, and the positive levels of AFP, CEA, CA125, CA199, and CA242. The positive levels of AFP and CA125 were related to the distant metastasis of gastric cancer. To a certain extent, the combined detection sensitivity can be used for the initial screening of gastric cancer.
A Literature Survey of Complexity Metrics for Object-Oriented Programs
Authors: Maina Nevy Kimani , Muketha Geoffrey Muchiri , Wambugu Geoffrey Mariga
Published: May 2022

Software complexity refers to the factors that determine the complexity level of a software project. High complexity is caused by the many attributes used in the system and the complex logic relationships among these attributes and features. The increased complexity of software is undesirable and affects maintenance. Over the years, Software Engineering scholars recommended several metrics like Halstead metric, cyclomatic complexity, and line of code metrics to deal with the complexity. With the complexity increasing as time goes by, there is a need for better metrics that can evaluate software more effectively. This research aims to develop a metrics model to determine the features that cause high complexity in software design architectures and to implement the multi-language complexity evaluation model for software architectures. Although this is the case, the literature on complexity metrics that implement diagram-centric complexity measures are inadequate. This study presents the outcomes obtained from our survey on metrics utilized in object-oriented environments. The survey comprises a small set of the most common and frequently implemented software metrics, which could be adopted to a group of object-oriented metrics and object-oriented programming. After reviewing the literature, Findings indicate that metrics that employ diagram-centric complexity measures are lacking.
Morbidity and Mortality Patterns of Neonates Born to Multiple Pregnancies: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Meshram Rajkumar Motiram , Gajimwar Vishal S , Bansode Swapnali S , Sonak Harsha Y , Kadu Kalyani , Dudhbhate Satish , Chatnalkar Ranjeet
Published: May 2022

Introduction: In the last few decades, the prevalence of multiple pregnancies has increased, and it is associated with significantly higher maternal and neonatal mortality. Aim: To determine the morbidity and mortality patterns of neonates born to multiple pregnancies. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was undertaken on neonates who were born to a mother with multiple gestations. One hundred mother’s neonates with multiple pregnancies were consequently enrolled at a tertiary institute for six months. Morbidity and mortality patterns were analysed. The data regarding the numerical variables were summarised through percentage, average, median, and deviation patterns and comparisons of categorical data were carried out by using Pearson’s Chi-square test. Results: A total of 202 babies was delivered including two pairs of triplets. Among that two were still born and two were Intra Uterine Deaths (IUD). Most of the twin pregnancies were spontaneous and in the maternal age group of 21-25 years. The male to female ratio was almost equal and 148 (74.75 %) neonates were preterm. One hundred and seventeen (59.09%) neonates were Low Birth Weight (LBW) and 44 (22.22%) were Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW), including 85 (42.93%) Small for Gestational Age (SGA) and 43 (21.72%) were Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR). Ninety-eight (49.49%) neonates’ required Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission with lethargy and respiratory distress being the common clinical presentation. Respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and birth asphyxia was diagnosed in 44.9%, 24.5% and 5.1% neonates respectively while jaundice, intraventricular haemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity were the clinical diagnosis. Perinatal mortality rate was 163.34 per 1,000 pregnancies while the neonatal mortality rate was 146.46 per 1000 live born neonates. Respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and the intraventricular haemorrhage were the common causes of mortality. Conclusion: Prevention of prematurity and LBW neonates is the key to reduce mortality and it is the greatest challenge to paediatricians and obstetricians.
Effect of Acupuncture on Waveform Characteristics and Visual Acuity in Idiopathic Infantile Nystagmus: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Kumar Dhivya Ashok , Sharma Pradeep , Saxena Rohit
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Idiopathic Infantile Nystagmus or Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome (INS) is one of the known causes for congenital nystagmus. Though the exact aetiology is unknown, there have been studies related to its treatment using prisms and contact lens. However, there have been not many clinical studies using the alternative therapy like acupuncture is done to analyse the effect on nystagmus. Therefore, the rationale of the study was to know the effect of acupuncture in INS and identify the same by Videonystagmography (VNG). Aim: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on waveform characteristics and visual acuity in INS. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was performed at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India, during the period of March 2004 to March 2006. Institutional review board/ethical clearance was obtained and patients with INS of more than 18 years, who were co-operative, underwent acupuncture needle stimulation of sternocleidomastoid. The needles in sternocleidomastoid were stimulated every 5 minutes for 15 minutes for 10 sittings (5 days). Nystagmus parameters like slow phase velocity, amplitude, frequency were recorded by videonystagmograpy for 20 minutes. Changes in waveform and visual acuity (Snellen visual acuity charts) were examined on every visit on all five days and patients were followed-up for three months. Visual acuity, nystagmus intensity, amplitude, frequency and slow phase velocity were the parameters analysed. A repeated measure- Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and Freidman test was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 16.1) to analyse the data. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ten patients with INS underwent the procedure. Significant improvement in distant visual acuity was noted at three months (right eye p=0.039, left eye p=0.050). Significant decrease in frequency during treatment (p=0.046, p=0.014 at 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively) was noted. Dampening of nystagmus amplitude was seen during acupuncture therapy, which got enhanced by twirling of the needles. No permanent changes in waveform characteristics were seen after therapy in the follow-up for over three months. Conclusion: The afferent stimulation from neck muscles by acupuncture in infantile nystagmus does affect waveforms during therapy and visual acuity after the therapy on short-term.
In‐depth proteomics characterization of ∆Np73 effectors identifies key proteins with diagnostic potential implicated in lymphangiogenesis, vasculogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Garranzo‐Asensio María , Rodríguez‐Cobos Javier , San Millán Coral , Poves Carmen , Fernández‐Aceñero María Jesús , Pastor‐Morate Daniel , Viñal David , Montero‐Calle Ana , Solís‐Fernández Guillermo , Ceron María‐Ángeles , Gámez‐Chiachio Manuel , Rodríguez Nuria , Guzmán‐Aránguez Ana , Barderas Rodrigo , Domínguez Gemma
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Alterations in proteins of the p53‐family are a common event in CRC. ΔNp73, a p53‐family member, shows oncogenic properties and its effectors are largely unknown. We performed an in‐depth proteomics characterization of transcriptional control by ∆Np73 of the secretome of human colon cancer cells and validated its clinical potential. The secretome was analyzed using high‐density antibody microarrays and stable isotopic metabolic labeling. Validation was performed by semiquantitative PCR, ELISA, dot‐blot and western blot analysis. Evaluation of selected effectors was carried out using 60 plasma samples from CRC patients, individuals carrying premalignant colorectal lesions and colonoscopy‐negative controls. In total, 51 dysregulated proteins were observed showing at least 1.5‐foldchange in expression. We found an important association between the overexpression of ∆Np73 and effectors related to lymphangiogenesis, vasculogenesis and metastasis, such as brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the putative aminoacyl tRNA synthase complex‐interacting multifunctional protein 1 (EMAP‐II)–vascular endothelial growth factor C–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 axis. We further demonstrated the usefulness of BDNF as a potential CRC biomarker able to discriminate between CRC patients and premalignant individuals from controls with high sensitivity and specificity.
Efficient method for whole‐breast irradiation therapy using Halcyon linear accelerators
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Chun , Wang Chia‐Chun , Wang Chun‐Wei , Liang Hsiang‐Kung , Wang Shu‐Fan , Wu Chia‐Jung , Lin Chang‐Shiun
Published: May 2022

Background

The Halcyon is a linear accelerator‐based treatment machine designed for a high‐throughput simplified workflow. The machine features a compact jawless design, dual‐layer multileaf collimators, and a single 6‐MV flattening filter‐free (FFF) beam. However, the machine's 6‐MV FFF beam may restrict its applicability to conventional techniques, such as field‐in‐field (FiF) radiotherapy, for breast cancer treatment. This study developed a practical and efficient hybrid method for imaging, planning, and irradiation procedures for whole‐breast irradiation using Halcyon linear accelerators.

Materials and methods

The proposed method involves five major steps: (1) field arrangement, (2) planning target volume (PTV) generation and evaluation, (3) basal plan generation, (4) inverse planning intensity–modulated radiation therapy plan generation, and (5) plan evaluation and irradiation. The PTV is generated using isodose curves plotted on the basis of tangential fields, which are applied to create a basal plan. Subsequently, a basal‐dose‐compensation approach is applied to further optimize the treatment plan. This efficient workflow necessitates executing only one onboard cone‐beam computed tomography procedure. This study included 10 patients with early‐stage breast cancer who were treated at our center. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by comparing its corresponding irradiation time and dose statistics with those derived for a dynamically flattened beam‐based FiF (DFB‐FiF) method.

Results

All plans were normalized to ensure that 98% of the prescribed dose covered 95% of the PTV. On average, the global maximum doses in the proposed and DFB‐FiF methods were lower than 106%. The homogeneity index for right‐sided (left‐sided) breast cancer was 0.053 (0.056) in the proposed method and 0.073 (0.076) in the DFB‐FiF method. The dose statistics of normal tissues, including the contralateral breast, heart, and lungs, were comparable between the methods. However, the irradiation time per monitor unit in the proposed method was approximately five times faster than that in the DFB‐FiF method, but the planning time and complexity were similar between the methods.

Conclusions

This study developed and evaluated an efficient and practical hybrid method for whole‐breast irradiation using the Halcyon. This method can significantly reduce the irradiation time, while providing comparable dose statistics to the DFB‐FiF method.
Highly Reversible Moisture‐Induced Bright Self‐Trapped Exciton Emissions in a Copper‐Based Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Metal Halide
Authors: Fang Shaofan , Zhou Bo , Li Huixia , Hu Hanlin , Zhong Haizhe , Li Henan , Shi Yumeng
Published: May 2022

Metal halide perovskites are promising optoelectronic materials due to their unique luminescent properties. However, their practical application is limited by their poor chemical stability, especially in humid environments. Moisture can cause phase changes or chemical decomposition, resulting in significant fluorescence quenching. In this study, a copper‐based organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide (t‐BA)3Cu6I9 is synthesized (t‐BA+ is the tert‐butyl‐ammonium ion (C(CH3)3NH3+)). This material exhibits water‐induced luminescence, and its chemical stability in humid environments is being investigated. Tetragonal t‐BA3Cu6I9 is not luminescent, but it reacts quickly with water in the air. The resultant (t‐BA)2Cu2I4·H2O has a broad green emission peak at 520 nm, high photoluminescence quantum yield of 59.4%. Remarkably, (t‐BA)2Cu2I4·H2O is converted back to t‐BA3Cu6I9 at temperatures above 40 °C. This phase conversion is highly repeatable, and the luminescent intensity can be fully recovered after 50 transformation cycles. The mechanism of luminescence is investigated through temperature‐dependent photoluminescence spectra and theoretical calculation, which suggests that (t‐BA)2Cu2I4·H2O has a more localized charge distribution and sufficient polyhedral distortion, resulting in a bright and efficient emission from self‐trapped excitons. This is the first report of water‐induced luminescence in copper‐based metal halides, and it paves the way for stable luminescent materials that are responsive to humidity.
Bimetallic Intersection in PdFe@FeOx‐C Nanomaterial for Enhanced Water Splitting Electrocatalysis
Authors: Martinez Jordan , Mazarío Jaime , Olloqui‐Sariego José Luis , Calvente Juan José , Darawsheh Mohanad D. , Mínguez‐Espallargas Guillermo , E. Domine Marcelo , Oña‐Burgos Pascual
Published: May 2022

Supported Fe‐doped Pd‐nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared via soft transformation of a PdFe‐metal oraganic framework (MOF). The thus synthesized bimetallic PdFe‐NPs are supported on FeOx@C layers, which are essential for developing well‐defined and distributed small NPs, 2.3 nm with 35% metal loading. They are used as bifunctional nanocatalysts for the electrocatalytic water splitting process. They display superior mass activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), both in alkaline and acid media, compared with those obtained for benchmarking platinum HER catalyst, and ruthenium, and iridium oxide OER catalysts. PdFe‐NPs also exhibit outstanding stability against sintering that can be explained by the protecting role of graphitic carbon layers provided by the organic linker of the MOF. Additionally, the superior electrocatalytic performance of the bimetallic PdFe‐NPs compared with those of monometallic Pd/C NPs and FeOx points to a synergetic effect induced by Fe–Pd interactions that facilitates the water splitting reaction. This is supported by additional characterization of the PdFe‐NPs prior and post electrolysis by TEM, XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman revealing that dispersed PdFe NPs on FeOx@C promote interactions between Pd and Fe, most likely to be Pd–O–Fe active centers.
Crosslinked alginate‐xanthan gum blends as effective hydrogels for 3D bioprinting of biological tissues
Authors: Taniguchi Nagahara Mariana Harue , Caiado Decarli Monize , Inforçatti Neto Paulo , Lopes da Silva Jorge Vicente , Moraes Ângela Maria
Published: May 2022

3D bioprinting has a high potential for directly printing customized tissues and organs for surgical transplantation. However, adequate bioink formulations, in which cells can be combined with proper fluids for bioprinting structures with complex architectures, are still needed. In this work, we have combined alginate and xanthan gum in different proportions, aiming at producing an effective noncytotoxic, shear‐thinning, and easily sterilizable hydrogel, crosslinkable by the addition of low amounts of strontium ions, which would lead to stronger structures than those crosslinked with calcium. The results attained show that increases in xanthan gum concentration improve the rheological behavior of the material regarding printability and that heat‐sterilized formulations can show adequate rheological performance for bioprinting. Stable and noncytotoxic structures were obtained with a hydrogel consisting of 1% (w/v) alginate and 2.5% (w/v) xanthan gum in α‐MEM supplemented culture medium crosslinked by immersion in 50 mmol L−1 strontium chloride solution for 10 min postprinting. In conclusion, this new hydrogel formulation, optimized for bioink production, is designed to mimic the extracellular matrix with significant potential to be used for a wide plethora of applications, from the production of simple cellularized structures useful in drug screening and as microtissue models to complex organ bioprinting.
Toward heat resistant polylactide blend fibers via incorporation of low poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate] content
Authors: Shi Yamin , Huang Wei , Li Yi , Wang Wenling , Sui Miao , Yang Qiu , Tong Yi , Yang Kai , Chen Peng
Published: May 2022

Blending high content of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs ≥ 30 wt.%) with polylactide (PLA) provides an effective strategy to significantly improve heat resistance of PLA fibers. However, it has proven challenging to maintain good spinnability of the PLA/PHAs blends with the high content of PHAs. In this study, a series of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA)/poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate] (P34HB) blend fibers with low P34HB content (≤ 8 wt.%) is successfully fabricated with excellent spinnability. The incorporation of P34HB contributes to a substantially improved heat resistance of the PLLA/P34HB blend fibers, as evidenced by a notable reduction in boiling water shrinkage from ca. 80% to 9%. This exceptionally improved heat resistance is closely related to substantial increase in crystallinity of PLLA in the blend fibers. Specifically, the addition of low P34HB content remarkably enhances chain mobility of PLLA chains, as such reduces crystallization half‐times (t1/2) and accelerates crystallization of PLLA. In fact, the amorphous P34HB phase favors crystal growth of PLLA phase rather than heterogeneous nucleation inferred previously. These results provide a facile and effective method to produce PLLA/P34HB blend fibers with enhanced heat resistance and sound spinnability.
Multiresidue analysis and probabilistic dietary risk assessment of 241 pesticides in wheatgrass (Triticum sp.) using LC–MS/MS in combination with QuEChERS extraction
Authors: Goel Vikrant , Pandey Deepika , Shukla Sudeep
Published: May 2022

Wheatgrass is consumed as an important nutritious herbal food supplement across the globe; however, limited studies have been reported analyzing multiclass pesticides in this complex, nutrient‐rich natural product. An analytical method was developed for the estimation of 241 pesticides in random wheatgrass samples collected from Delhi Northern Capital Region (Delhi‐NCR). Extraction was performed by QuEChERS, cleaning was performed by dispersive solid‐phase extraction and the extracts were analyzed using triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The limit of quantification was 0.5 μg/kg, which is well below the European Union Maximum Residue Level. The coefficient of determination was >0.991 across a calibration range of 0.5–100 μg/kg. The relative standard deviation values for 231 pesticides based on 10 replicates of samples spiked at 10 μg/kg were <5%. Among random samples, 54% confirmed the presence of at least one pesticide. The results indicated the presence of eight different pesticides among 38% of the total population with metribuzin at 299.7 μg/kg and carfentrazone‐ethyl at 19.47 μg/kg exceeding the permissible limits among 6% of the total estimated population. The chronic and acute risk quotients as calculated were <1, indicating nonsignificant dietary risk to consumers. However, the presence of pesticides above the permissible limit is likely to result in adverse health effects to the consumers of herbal supplements from an urban population and incorporating measures would be useful to ensure the quality and safety of wheatgrass consumption.
UPLC‐Q‐Exactive/MS–based metabonomics revealed protective effect of Zingiberis rhizome and its processed product on deficiency‐cold and hemorrhagic syndrome rats
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhang Ying , Wang Lvhong , Cheng Pei , Sun Yue , Cao Hui , Wang Shumei , Wu Liang , Meng Jiang
Published: May 2022

Zingiberis rhizome carbonisata (ZRC) is the processed product of Zingiberis rhizome (ZR). ZR is mainly used for warming the spleen and stomach to dispel cold, whereas ZRC is commonly applied as a treatment for deficiency‐cold and hemorrhagic syndrome (DCHS). Although they have long been used to serve different clinical purposes, the specific action mechanism of the drugs and molecular changes underlying ZR processing are not clear. In this study, metabolomics study was carried out to analyze the alterations in endogenous metabolites in serum and urine samples of DCHS rat models using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐Exactive mass spectrometry technique and constructed principal component analysis score plots that showed that the ZRC group was completely separated from the DCHS and ZR groups but demonstrated a highly close plotting to the normal control group. The results revealed that both ZR and ZRC intervened in the metabolic pathways of DCHS models but to varying degrees and with different influencing factors. In addition, ZRC was found to function as a treatment for the metabolic disorders of DCHS through 15 pharmacodynamic biomarkers involving a series of pathways, such as glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic pathway, as well as arachidonic acid metabolic pathways. This study showed that metabolomics method based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐Exactive mass spectrometry could preliminarily illuminate the therapeutic mechanism of ZR and ZRC on DCHS and the changes in ZR processing from the molecular‐level perspective. The results also provided new insight into further research on DCHS treatment.
Maternal major depression disorder misclassification errors: Remedies for valid individual‐ and population‐level inference
Authors: Owora Arthur H.
Published: May 2022

Individual and population level inference about risk and burden of MDD, particularly maternal MDD, is often made using case‐finding tools that are imperfect and prone to misclassification error (i.e. false positives and negatives). These errors or biases are rarely accounted for and lead to inappropriate clinical decisions, inefficient allocation of scarce resources, and poor planning of maternal MDD prevention and treatment interventions. The argument that the use of existing maternal MDD case‐finding instruments results in misclassification errors is not new; in fact, it has been argued for decades, but by and large its implications and particularly how to correct for these errors for valid inference is unexplored. Correction of the estimates of maternal MDD prevalence, case‐finding tool sensitivity and specificity is possible and should be done to inform valid individual and population‐level inferences.
Prognosis prediction of stage IV colorectal cancer patients by mRNA transcriptional profile
Authors: Wu Bian , Yang Jinwei , Qin Zhiwei , Yang Hongping , Shao Jingyi , Shang Yun
Published: May 2022

Background

Stage IV colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis represent a special group of CRC patients with poor prognosis. The prognostic factors have not been investigated for stage IV CRC patients undergoing primary cancer resection but not candidates for metastasis resection.

Methods

Ninety‐nine stage IV CRC patients who underwent primary cancer resection without metastasis resection were retrospectively recruited. Both whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and RNA‐seq were performed with frozen primary cancer tissues, using para‐cancerous normal tissues as the control. Valid data were obtained from 78 patients for WES and 84 patients for RNA‐seq. Univariate, multivariate Cox analyses were performed and Nomogram model was established to predict patient prognosis.

Results

The correlation between patient prognosis and clinicopathological factors, mutational status, or mRNA level changes was examined. Univariate (p = 0.0007) and subsequent multivariate analyses on clinicopathological factors showed that location (left or right) was the only independent risk factor for patient prognosis (HR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.56–8.40, p = 0.003), while T, N, M staging, gender, race, location (rectum or colon), and pathological types were not stratifying factors. The mutational status of APC, TP53, KRAS, TTN, SYNE1, SMAD4, PIK3CA, RYR2, and BRAF did not show significant stratification in patient prognosis. RNA‐seq showed that genes related to membrane function, ion channels, transporters, or receptors were among those with significant mRNA level alterations. Univariate analysis identified 97 genes with significantly altered mRNA levels, while NEUROD1, FGF18, SFTA2, PLAC1, SAA2, DSCAML1, and OTOP3 were significant in multivariate analysis. A risk model was established to stratify the prognosis of stage IV CRC patients. A Nomogram model was established with these genes to predict individual patient prognosis.

Conclusions

A panel of eight genes with significant mRNA level alterations was capable of predicting the prognosis and risk of the specific patient group. Future prospective study is needed to validate the model.
The effect of exercise training on endothelial function in postmenopausal women with breast cancer under aromatase inhibitor therapy
Authors: Mayr Barbara , Reich Bernhard , Greil Richard , Niebauer Josef
Published: May 2022

Background

Breast cancer is the leading non‐cardiovascular cause of death in women. In endocrine receptor positive women, aromatase inhibitors (AI) are the therapy of choice despite the fact that a decrease in systemic estrogen levels may result in endothelial dysfunction and eventually in cardiovascular disease. In this study, we assessed whether exercise training (ET), which has repeatedly shown to lead to an improvement of endothelial dysfunction, will also exert this effect in postmenopausal women with AI treated breast cancer.

Methods

Thirty two postmenopausal women with AI treated breast cancer were randomized to an intervention group (ET; 6 months, supervised training plus 6 months without intervention) or control group of usual care (UC; 12 months without intervention plus initial exercise counseling). Endothelial function was assessed via Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) measured non‐invasively with the EndoPAT‐System at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results

After 6 months of supervised ET, changes in maximal exercise capacity were significantly greater in ET than in UC (∆W: 24.1 ± 11.5 vs. 1.1 ± 8.2 watts; p < 0.001). Even though 43.8% of all participants had endothelial dysfunction at baseline, there were no significant group differences in the changes of RHI between ET (∆RHI: −0.1 ± 1.04) and UC (0.02 ± 0.75; p = 0.323) after 6 months.

Conclusion

Even though ET led to significantly greater improvement in exercise capacity in postmenopausal women with AI treated breast cancer than exercise counseling only, it did not exert any measurable effects on endothelial dysfunction.
Repair of double orifice mitral valve with an atrioventricular septal defect in a girl with Ellis–Van Creveld syndrome
Authors: Al‐Dairy Alwaleed , Srour Samir , Chaker Alaa , Alzahraa Alsyed Hasan Fatimah
Published: May 2022

Ellis–van Creveld syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the EVC and EVC2 genes. The four principal manifestations are chondrodysplasia, polydactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and congenital heart defects. We describe the case of a 7‐year‐old girl with Ellis–van Creveld Syndrome with the diagnosis of common atrium and partial atrioventricular septal defect. She underwent a successful surgical repair, and intraoperatively, a double orifice mitral valve was diagnosed as well. The correct diagnosis of this disorder in early life is essential in the overall prognosis of the syndrome. Clinical follow‐up at regular intervals is very important in these patients to institute proper managements and prevent further complications.
Efficient Removal Technology of Ammonia Nitrogen by Membrane Separation
Authors: Li Peng , Jin Longyi
Published: May 2022

The working principle, process flow, treatment effect, and application scope of ammonia nitrogen removal by membrane separation were investigated. The effects of initial ammonia nitrogen concentration, pH value, and flow rate of raw water on mass transfer coefficient and removal rate of ammonia nitrogen in the membrane separation process were evaluated, and the optimal operating conditions of membrane separation were assessed. In addition, several kinds of representative wastewaters were treated. Under the optimal operating conditions, the ammonia nitrogen removal rate can reach more than 99 % and the specific surface area can be up to 3000 m2m−3.
A Pharmacokinetics–Time to Alleviation of Symptoms Model to Support Extrapolation of Baloxavir Marboxil Clinical Efficacy in Different Ethnic Groups with Influenza A or B
Authors: Retout Sylvie , De Buck Stefan , Jolivet Sébastien , Duval Vincent , Cosson Valérie
Published: May 2022

Baloxavir marboxil, the prodrug of baloxavir acid, is an anti‐influenza antiviral. Here, a pharmacokinetics–time to alleviation of symptoms (PK–TTAS) model was developed and used to (I) characterize the PK–TTAS relationship, (II) quantify the impact of covariates, and (III) predict TTAS in different ethnic groups. Data from 1781 otherwise‐healthy (OwH) or high‐risk (HR) patients included in phase II (JapicCTI‐153090) and III studies (NCT02954354 and NCT02949011) were used; patients received either placebo or oral baloxavir marboxil. The natural distribution of TTAS in placebo‐treated patients was modeled, then TTAS data from the baloxavir marboxil arms were added to model the impact of baloxavir acid concentration on TTAS. PK parameters estimated by a population PK model and informed by phase I data (NCT03959332 and KCT0003535) were included to simulate TTAS in Chinese and South Korean patients. Composite symptom score at baseline (TSS0), ethnicity, sex, and patient type (OwH or HR) significantly impacted the natural TTAS distribution. TTAS reduced with increasing baloxavir acid concentrations. Compared with placebo, high and low baloxavir acid exposures (AUC0‐inf 5.13–16.65 and 0.72–5.13 μg.hr/mL, respectively) significantly reduced TTAS; no covariates affected the drug effect on TTAS. Simulated TTAS was similar between OwH or HR Chinese, South Korean, and other Asian patients, with median reductions from placebo between 18.3–18.8 hours and 21.2–22.0 hours in OwH and HR patients, respectively, assuming TSS0 > 10. Ethnicity (Asian vs. non‐Asian) did not significantly impact the drug effect on TTAS; predicted TTAS was similar across different Asian populations. This suggests Chinese and South Korean patients may benefit from similar efficacy as other Asian patients.
How and when corporate social performance reduces firm risk? The moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Nirino Niccolò , Battisti Enrico , Ferraris Alberto , Dell'Atti Stefano , Briamonte Massimiliano Farina
Published: May 2022

This study aims to explore the impact of corporate social performance (CSP) on firm risk, and it proposes the moderating role of corporate governance (CG) among this relationship. Although the literature on corporate social responsibility is extensive, there is still a lack of knowledge about how CSP influences firm risks, as well as the role of CG in this relationship. To fill this gap, we have empirically tested the impact of CSP on a firm's risk through a longitudinal analysis on S&P 500 firms from 2015 to 2019. Results show a significant negative relationship between CSP and firm risks, which is positively moderated by CG mechanisms. Our study contributes to the empirical research on corporate social responsibility and it provides insights for managerial decisions to encourage managers to pursue environmental and social practices that reduce the firm risk, with positive impacts on the firm value.
Restoring function: Positive responses of carbon and nitrogen to 20 years of hydrologic restoration in montane meadows
Authors: Reed Cody C. , Berhe Asmeret A. , Moreland Kimber C. , Wilcox Jim , Sullivan Benjamin W.
Published: May 2022

Montane meadows are highly productive ecosystems that contain high densities of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). However, anthropogenic disturbances that have led to channel incision and disconnected floodplain hydrology have altered the C balance of many meadows, converting them from net C sinks to net sources of C to the atmosphere. Restoration efforts designed to reconnect floodplain hydrology may slow rates of soil C loss from degraded meadows and restore the conditions for C sequestration and N immobilization, yet questions remain about the long‐term impact of such efforts. Here, we used a 22‐year meadow restoration chronosequence to measure the decadal impact of hydrologic restoration on aboveground and belowground C and N stocks and concentrations. Increases in herbaceous vegetation biomass preceded changes in soil C stocks, with the largest gains occurring belowground. Root biomass (0–15 cm) increased at a rate of 270.3 g m−2 year−1 and soil C stocks (0–15 cm) increased by 232.9 g C m−2 year−1 across the chronosequence. Increases in soil C concentration (2.99 g C kg−1 year−1) were tightly coupled with increases in soil N concentration (0.21 g N kg−1 year−1) and soil C:N did not vary with time since restoration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the fraction of labile aliphatic C–H and carboxylate C–O (COO) compounds in the soil increased with the age of restoration and were positively correlated with soil C and N concentrations. Our results demonstrate that restoration of floodplain hydrology in montane meadows has significant impacts on belowground C and N stocks, soil C and N concentration, and soil C chemistry within the first two decades following restoration.
Antioxidant Activity of Methyl Caffeate‐Enriched Olive Oils: From Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Extra Virgin Olive Oil‐Based Microemulsions
Authors: Galani Eleni , Chatzidaki Maria D. , Fokas Demosthenes , Xenakis Aristotelis , Roussis Ioannis G.
Published: May 2022

Oxidative rancidity isthe main cause of extra virgin olive oil's (EVOO) quality deterioration. Here, methyl caffeate (CAME) is examined for possibly enhancing EVOO antioxidant activity. To improve CAME's solubility and efficacy, an EVOO‐based water in oil microemulsion is used. The oxidative stability of EVOO is monitored. The antioxidant activity of EVOO is assessed both by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Microemulsions’ antioxidant activity is also determined by EPR spectroscopy. CAME's presence is found to increasethe oxidative stability, the antioxidant capacity, and the total phenolic content of the samples. The increase is dose‐dependent according to the added ester amount. The use of EVOO‐based microemulsions increases the ester's solubility rendering sonication unnecessary. The ester also improves the microemulsions’ oxidative stability.

Practical applications: The CAME enhancement of EVOO's antioxidant capacity can find direct application for improving the quality of oils with less nutritional value.  The EVOO‐based microemulsions can serve as functional oleaginous ingredients and delivery vehicles in several applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and foods. The beneficial compounds of EVOO, combined with the chosen encapsulated substance, can be a powerful ingredient, of a chosen functionality.
Effects of maternal age on the mode of delivery following induction of labor in nulliparous term pregnancies: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Kabodmehri Roya , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Montazeri Sina , Ghalandari Maryam , Dalil Heirati Seyedeh Fatemeh , Ershadi Sarvenaz
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

Increased maternal age at the time of pregnancy and labor is believed to have potential complications. To evaluate the effects of maternal age on the mode of delivery among nulliparous women with term pregnancies who underwent labor induction.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 313 women with the gestational age of at least ≥37 weeks, were enrolled. They were divided based on their maternal ages as: Group A < 35 years old (y/o) and Group B ≥ 35 y/o patients. Demographic features and other variables (i.e., past medical history, social history, indications and methods of labor induction, causes of cesarean delivery) were recorded from patients' files. Final outcomes were categorized as: primary (i.e., rate of cesarean section: C/S) and (b) secondary (i.e., duration of labor, postpartum complications, neonatal variables). All data were analyzed by the SPSS ver.21 software.

Results

Median and interquartile ranges of gestational age were not significantly different, comparing the two groups (p = 0.415), although these variables were significantly different regarding maternal height among the two groups (p = 0.007). There was a significant relationship between the methods of labor induction among the two groups (p = 0.005). There was a prominent statistical relationship between (a) C/S deliveries and also (b) indications of C/S among the two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.033, respectively). Univariate logistic regression test revealed maternal age groups, neonatal weight, and history of underlying diseases had significant results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased maternal age is associated with higher rates of CS among nulliparous women with term pregnancies who underwent labor induction.
Significance of solar radiation and magnetic dipole impact on micropolar ferromagnetic fluid flow via an extending surface using finite element approach
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Siddique Imran , Ali Bagh , Ahmad Farooq , Ali Muazzam
Published: May 2022

The Galerkin finite element approach is utilized to examine the significance of magnetic dipole and solar radiation on the dynamic of micropolar ferromagnetic fluid due to extending stretch surface. The magnetic field and the significant power of magnetic dipole help to stabilize the magnetized nanoparticles inside the fluid. The solid nano‐sized particles are incorporated due to enhanced host fluid thermal conductivity, which plays a significant role in heat exchangers, modern nano‐technology, electronics chips, and materials sciences. In the present elaborated problem, with the aid of similarity transformation, the partial differential formulation is transformed into a set of dimensionless ordinary differential equations, and finds a numerical solution via finite element discretization. The detailed parametric study corresponding to various physical conditions is carried out to reveal that incremented ferromagnetic interaction variable recedes the flow speed, but it grows the thermal and microrotation distributions, and the decline in temperature is observed with the increment of ratio, viscous dissipation, and curie temperature parameters. The reliability of the Matlab code and validity of the solution has been tested with already available literature data and see a good comparison of current results.
Intelligent diagnosis system of hepatitis C virus: A probabilistic neural network based approach
Authors: Terlapu Panduranga Vital , Gedela Stalin Babu , Gangu Vijay Kumar , Pemula Rambabu
Published: May 2022

In recent years, early detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease has been a vital task in the medical science field. HCV became the main health concern to the public, as it was noticed to have more blood donors in Egypt equated to other nationalities. The WHO assessed that in 2019, around 290 000 individuals died from hepatitis C, which says the seriousness of the HCV disease. So, early prediction, preventions, and curing the disease are vital components to save individuals from HCV. In this paper, we propose and investigate experimental results of the five machine learning (ML) models and probabilistic neural network (PNN) based approach to detect the HCV utilizing University of Califonia Irvine (UCI) ML Egyptian HCV dataset. We also analyze the statistical reports of HCV stages and their features. As per result analysis, the random forest (RF) ML model performs superiorly to other traditional ML algorithms with 97.5% of accuracy. The PNN (incremental hidden layer [HL] neurons) based proposal model shows a very high performance (99.6% of accuracy) at 30‐HL neurons of PNN. As per comparative analysis, the proposed model is superior to experimental basic ML models, and early HCV disease works are related to this area. This research focuses on early detection, prevention, and challenges of handling HCV.
Zoledronic acid‐induced oxidative damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis in human embryonic kidney (HEK‐293) cells
Authors: Kara Mehtap , Boran Tuğçe , Öztaş Ezgi , Jannuzzi Ayse Tarbin , Özden Sibel , Özhan Gül
Published: May 2022

Zoledronic acid, a nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate drug, is used for the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and tumor‐induced osteolysis. Zoledronic acid has also gained a place in cancer treatment due to its cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects in many cancer cells. Although zoledronic acid is considered safe, kidney damage is still one of the concerns in therapeutic doses. In the study, the aim was to assess the nephrotoxic profiles of zoledronic acid in the human embryonic kidney (HEK‐293) cells. Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]−2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and neutral red uptake tests, while oxidative stress was performed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production via flow cytometry, and the incomprehensible evaluation of ROS‐related genes by RT‐PCR and apoptosis was performed with Annexin‐PI analysis in flow cytometry. The obtained result showed that zoledronic acid inhibited cell viability (IC50 values were determined as 273.16  by MTT) and cell proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner, induced ROS production, caused glutathione depletion, and increased oxidative stress index and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, indicating severe cellular stress. The expression levels of oxidative damage (L‐fabp, α‐GST, Nrf2, and HMOX1), ER stress (CASP4, IRE1‐α, GADD153, and GRP78), and apoptosis (Bcl‐2, Bax, Cyt‐c, p53, CASP9, CASP3, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and JNK) related genes were altered as well as IRE1‐α protein levels. Herein, we were the first to show that increased oxidative stress and ER stress resulting in apoptosis are the key molecular pathways in zoledronic acid‐induced nephrotoxicity equivalent to clinically administered concentrations.
Halide‐type Li‐ion conductors: Future options for high‐voltage all‐solid‐state batteries
Authors: Huang Jheng‐Yi , Iputera Kevin , Jena Anirudha , Tong Zizheng , Wei Da‐Hua , Hu Shu‐Fen , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: May 2022

The design of high‐energy‐density batteries is the future goal of research on Li‐ion batteries. Halide‐type solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) exceed their counterparts in terms of their stability at high potential. In this minireview, we discuss the developments in the work on halide‐type SSEs for all‐solid‐state Li batteries. In particular, we focus on the Li3InCl6 structure. The effect of synthesis routes on this structure, as well as the convertible products resulting from its phase changes, is discussed. Conductivity can be increased and the electrochemical window can be improved through doping with different materials. Our review aims to provide readers with an overview of the stability and degradation of Li3InCl6 SSE and the structure of halide‐type SSEs (Li–M–X, where M is a metal and X is a halogen).