bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of insect genomic DNA and total RNA extraction protocols for high fidelity gene sequencing
Authors: Nascimento Eliza F. de Melo Bellard do , Lucena-Leandro Vívian dos Santos , Torres Caroline R. , Vidal Leonardo A. , Junqueira Camila Ivo C. V. F. , de Almeida Juliana Dantas , Albuquerque Érika Valéria Albuquerque Saliba
Published: October 2022

There is a strong demand for sustainable, durable, safe, and specific solutions against agricultural pests due to breeding limitations and chemical control constraints. Biotechnological approaches to insect pests require phylogenetic information at the molecular level for RNAi application and other tailored strategies, such as insecticide resistance molecular markers. Sequencing technologies have advanced in resolution, speed, and cost-effectiveness to offer striking impact on genomics and transcriptomics. To provide deep and reliable data to high-throughput studies, state-of-the art technologies require high purification and integrity of the submitted samples. However, the limited number of existing protocols to obtain high mass nucleic acids from insects render difficult to obtain elevated purity and integrity standards. Species characteristics, as scales covered bodies of Lepidoptera and mining eating habits, hinder the quality of nucleic acid samples. Additionally, small size individuals are limited to yield sufficient amounts to robust base sequence coverage. The coffee leaf miner (CLM) Leucoptera coffeella is microlepdoptera insect responsible for severe leaf damage and huge yield losses to the coffee crop. Here we present simple and reproducible procedures we used to successfully obtain the whole-genome long-read PACBIO and Illumina (DNA) and transcriptome (RNA) of L. coffeella for de novo assembly. Therefore, we developed customized protocols applicable to insects to the extraction of genomic High Molecular Weight DNA and total RNA suitable for downstream high standard sequencing applications and other sensitive molecular analyses.
Warming and predation risk only weakly shape size-mediated priority effects in a cannibalistic damselfly
Authors: Raczyński Mateusz , Stoks Robby , Sniegula Szymon
Published: October 2022

Differences in hatching dates can shape intraspecific interactions through size-mediated priority effects (SMPE), a phenomenon where bigger, early hatched individuals gain advantage over smaller, late hatched ones. However, it remains unclear to what extent and how SMPE are affected by key environmental factors such as warming and predation risk imposed by top predators. We studied effects of warming (low and high temperature) and predation risk (presence and absence of predator cues of perch) on SMPE in life history and physiological traits in the cannibalistic damselflyIschnura elegans. We induced SMPE in the laboratory by manipulating hatching dates, creating following groups: early and late hatchlings reared in separate containers, and mixed phenology groups where early and late hatchlings shared the same containers. We found strong SMPE for survival and emergence success, with the highest values in early larvae of mixed phenology groups and the lowest values in late larvae of mixed phenology groups. Neither temperature nor predator cues affected SMPE for these two traits. The other life history traits (development rate and mass at emergence) did not show SMPE, but were affected by temperature and predator cues. A tendency for SMPE was found for protein content, in the high temperature treatment. The other physiological traits (phenoloxidase activity and fat content) showed fixed expressions across treatments, indicating decoupling between physiology and life history. The results underline that SMPEs are trait-dependent, and only weakly or not affected by temperature and predation risk.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with eribulin
Authors: Matsuura Kazuo , Kohyama Shunsuke , Asano Aya , Shimada Hiroko , Osaki Akihiko , Saeki Toshiaki
Published: October 2022

Background
Eribulin is widely used in treating metastatic breast cancer (BC). Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR) are associated with higher mortality in several cancers. However, the association between BC prognosis and peripheral immune status remains controversial. We quantified the relative effects of NLR and PLR on survival in patients with recurrent/stage IV BC and evaluated their clinical prognostic value.
Methods
This retrospective study included 156 patients with recurrent/stage IV disease who received eribulin monotherapy at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center. We examined clinicopathological features (peripheral blood findings and biochemical liver and kidney function test results) and conducted univariate and multivariate analyses of the overall survival (OS).
Results
The 156 eribulin-treated patients had a median follow-up duration of 18.3 months. Before eribulin treatment, patients with absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) > 1500/uL, NLRs < 3.0, and PLRs < 150 had significantly longer OS than those with lower ALC, and higher NLR and PLRs (median OS, 25.5 vs. 15.5 months; p < 0.01; 20.3 vs. 13.6 months, p < 0.01; and 29.2 vs. 14.8 months; p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL) or liver dysfunction (albumin-bilirubin grade 2/3) had significantly shorter OS than those without (p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed low albumin-bilirubin grade (p < 0.001), high hemoglobin (p < 0.01), and low PLR (< 0.05) as independent factors of longer OS after eribulin administration.
Conclusions
Low PLR, anemia, and liver dysfunction might be factors associated with prolonged OS in patients with recurrent/stage IV BC on eribulin therapy, and could be clinically useful, as their evaluation requires neither new equipment nor invasive testing.
A Continuing Professional Development Imperative? Examining Trends and Characteristics of Health Professions Education Doctoral Programs
Authors: Kulo Violet , Cestone Christina
Published: October 2022

Background
Despite the long-standing faculty development initiatives for improving teaching skills in the health professions, there is still a growing need for educators who are formally trained in educational theory and practice as health professions experience dramatic demand and growth. Doctoral programs in health professions education (HPE) provide an avenue for health professions’ faculty continuing professional development (CPD) to enhance their knowledge and skills for teaching and curriculum leadership roles. There has been a proliferation of graduate programs in HPE over the last two decades to respond to the growing need for well-prepared faculty educators and program leadership. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe HPE doctoral programs in United States (U.S.) and Canada.
Methods
This study first examined doctoral programs in HPE identified in earlier studies. Next, we searched the literature and the web to identify new doctoral programs in the U.S. and Canada that had been established between 2014, when the prior study was conducted, and 2022. We then collated and described the characteristics of these programs, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Results
We identified a total of 20 doctoral programs, 17 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada. Of these, 12 programs in the U.S. and 1 program in Canada were established in the last 8 years. There are many similarities and some notable differences across programs with respect to degree title, admission requirements, duration, delivery format, curriculum, and graduation requirements. Most programs are delivered in a hybrid format and the average time for completion is 4 years.
Conclusions
The workforce problem facing health professional schools presents an opportunity, or perhaps imperative, for continuing professional development in HPE. With the current exponential growth of new doctoral programs, there is a need to standardize the title, degree requirements, and further develop core competencies that guide the knowledge and skills HPE graduates are expected to have upon graduation.
Socioeconomic inequities in the use of specialized health services following COVID-19 infection in individuals from Southern Brazil
Authors: Vieira Yohana Pereira , Rocha Juliana Quadros Santos , Dutra Rinelly Pazinato , Nunes Lorrany da Silva , Duro Suele Manjourany Silva , Saes Mirelle de Oliveira
Published: October 2022

Background: Evidence on inequalities in the use of health services is important for public policy formulation, even more so in a pandemic context. The aim of this study was to evaluate socioeconomic inequities in the use of specialized health services according to health insurance and income, following COVID-19 infection in individuals residing in Southern Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional telephone survey with individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with symptomatic COVID-19 using the RT-PCR test between December 2020 and March 2021. Questions were asked about attendance at a health care facility following COVID-19 infection, the facilities used, health insurance and income. Inequalities were assessed by the following measures: Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index (CIX). Adjusted analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment using the Stata 16.1 statistical package.
Results: 2,919 people (76.4% of those eligible) were interviewed. Of these, 24.7% (95%CI 23.2; 36.3) used at least one specialized health service and 20.3% (95%CI 18.9; 21.8) had at least one consultation with a medical specialist after diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Individuals with health insurance were more likely to use specialist services. The probability of using specialized services was up to three times higher among the richest compared to the poorest. Conclusions: There are socioeconomic inequalities in the use of specialized services by individuals following COVID-19 infection in the far south of Brazil. There is a need to reduce difficulty in accessing and using specialized services.
Subsurface structures of the Tuaheni Landslide Complex at the upper slope of the northern Hikurangi margin, New Zealand, revealed by seismic attribute analysis
Authors: Shankar Uma , Ojha Maheswar , Ghosh Ranjana
Published: October 2022

Tuaheni Landslide Complex, located on the upper slope of the northern Hikurangi margin in New Zealand, is a unique location to study slow slip creep-like deformation and seafloor failure, as well as their possible relationship to the presence of gas hydrate, cold seeps, and fluid migration. Based on the visual interpretation of seismic data, sometimes it is very difficult to identify various subsurface structures and tectonic features. We study certain seismic attributes namely reflection-strength, instantaneous frequency, instantaneous phase, and Hilbert Transform in the Tuaheni Landslide Complex and observe that these attributes play a very important role to identify and interpret various subsurface geological features, which are not visible in the seismic sections. These seismic attributes nicely illustrate the fluid migration pathways, the decollement of the sediment slide, the base of the debris flow, the base of the deformed sediment and gas migration, etc. along two perpendicular seismic profiles crossing the well Site U1517 of IODP Expedition 372. The possible role of tectonic activity and seafloor slope failure due to gas hydrate dissociation and vice versa are clearly visible through fluid-filled weak zones in the seismic attribute volumes.
Etiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Imaging Evaluation of Intestinal Obstruction in Adults at Tertiary Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Ali Abdihamid Mohamed , Mohamed Yahye Garad , Mohamed Abdulkadir Nor , Güler Ilkay
Published: October 2022

Background: Intestinal obstruction is a potential surgical emergency condition with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The most prevalent causes of intestinal obstruction in adults are adhesions, which are followed by incarcerated hernias and tumors.
Methods: A three-year retrospective data study of adult patients treated with IO at the Mogadishu Somalia Turkey training and research hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, between June 1, 2019, and June 1, 2022.
Results: A majority (67%) of our study were male showing the male predominance of the disease with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The patients demonstrated a variety of signs and symptoms, but the most prominent manifestations were nausea and vomiting (93.2%), abdominal distension (90.2%), and failure to feces /flatus (70.8%). The majority of the patient 98(95.1%) with intestinal obstruction was treated under operative management, whereas conservative management (i.e., nasogastric tube decompression, intravenous antibiotics, and intravenous fluid resuscitation) was applied in 4.9% of cases. surgical site infections were the main cause of their postoperative complications, According to the patient's hospital stays, the majority of patient (52%) hospitalizations lasted between 8 and 14 days. the overall mortality rate in this study was 5(4.9%),
Discussion: Intestinal obstruction is one of the most common life-threatening emergencies all over the world presenting as acute abdomen and requiring surgical admission and management, Surgeons should keep up their aggressive approach to the elective treatment of all abdominal hernias and prompt surgical intervention in patients who have acute mechanical intestinal obstruction caused by incarcerated hernias. According to Mr. Hamilton Bailey, The sun should not rise and set on an unresolved case of intestinal obstruction
The mortality rate related to intestinal obstruction was associated with the late presentation of the disease.
Conclusion: Small bowel obstruction is more frequent than large bowel obstruction in this study, fibrous adhesion and incarcerated hernia were the leading causes of small bowel obstruction. Adhesiolysis and resection of non-viable. Bowel resection and anastomosis were the most frequent intraoperative procedures. More research utilizing prospective study designs is recommended.
Himalayan valley-floor widths controlled by tectonics rather than water discharge
Authors: Clubb Fiona , Mudd Simon , Schildgen Taylor , Beek Peter van der , Devrani Rahul , Sinclair Hugh
Published: October 2022

Himalayan rivers transport ≈ 103 Mt of sediment annually to ocean basins. River valleys are an important component of this routing system: while sediment is stored in valleys, signals of climate change and erosional patterns can be modified or even destroyed. Despite a critical need to understand the spatial distribution, volume and longevity of these valley fills, controls on valley location and geometry are unknown, and estimates of sediment volumes are based on never-tested assumptions of valley widening processes. Here we extract 1,644,215 valley-floor width measurements across the Himalaya to determine the dominant controls on valley-floor morphology for the first time, and to test underlying assumptions of sediment storage volumes. We use random forest regression to estimate the importance of potential controlling variables, and find that channel steepness, a proxy for rock uplift, is a first-order control on valley-floor width. We also analyse a novel dataset of 1,797 exhumation rates and find that valley-floor width decreases as exhumation rate increases. We therefore suggest that valley-floor width is adjusted to long-term tectonic exhumation rather than being controlled by water discharge or bedrock erodibility, and that valley widening predominantly results from sediment deposition along low-gradient valley floors rather than lateral bedrock erosion.
Preventing metastatic recurrence in low-risk ER/PR+ breast cancer patients – a retrospective clinical study exploring the evolving challenge of persistence with adjuvant endocrine therapy
Authors: Kuhn Elaine Patricia , Pirruccello Jonathan , Boothe James T. , Stahl James E. , Schwartz Gary N. , Chamberlin Mary D.
Published: October 2022

Purpose: In the genomic era, more women with low-risk breast cancer will forego chemotherapy and rely on adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) to prevent metastatic recurrence. However, some of these patients will unfortunately relapse. We sought to understand this outcome. Preliminary work suggested that early discontinuation of AET, also known as non-persistence, may play an important role. A retrospective analysis exploring factors related to our breast cancer patients’ non-persistence with AET was performed.
Methods: Women who underwent Oncotype DX® testing between 2011-2014 with minimum 5-year follow-up were included. ‘Low risk’ was defined as Oncotype score < 26. Outcomes of recurrence and persistence were determined by chart review. Patient, tumor and treatment factors were collected, and persistent vs non-persistent groups compared using multivariable ANOVA and Fisher Chi square exact test.
Results: We identified 6 cases of distant recurrence among low-risk patients with a median follow-up of 7.7 years. Among them, 5 of 6 patients (83%) were non-persistent with AET. The non-persistence rate in our cohort regardless of recurrence was 57/228 (25%). Non-persistent patients reported more severe side effects compared with persistent patients (p=0.002) andwere more likely to be offered a switch in endocrine therapy, rather than symptom-relief (p=0.006). In contrast, persistent patients were 10.3 times more likely to have been offeredsymptom-alleviating medications compared with non-persistent patients (p<0.001). A subset analysis revealed that patients who persisted with therapy had a higher Oncotype-DX® score than patients who discontinued early (p=0.028).
Conclusions: Metastatic recurrence in low-risk breast cancer patients may be primarily due to non-persistence with endocrine therapy. Further work is needed to optimize care for patients who struggle with side effects. To our knowledge, these are the first published data suggesting that Oncotype-DX® score may influence persistence with AET.
Reinforced Screw Fixation of Severe Osteoporotic Intertrochanteric Femur Evans II Fracture Biomechanics Biomechanical Finite Element Analysis
Authors: An Huigang , Hairula Jingele , Jinsihan Najiahai , Abuduwake Maihesumu , Feng Xingchao , Hajiaheman Yeerzhati , Cao Li , Yang Yi
Published: October 2022

Objective: To compare the biomechanical differences between cement- reinforced intramedullary nailing with reinforced screws (a new patented invention), plain PFNA, and cemented nail tract reinforced PFNA for severe osteoporotic Evans II intertrochanteric fractures of the femur.
Methods: The CT data of one patient with intertrochanteric femoral fracture with severe osteoporosis (signed and informed) were selected in Mimics 20 software and Geomagic Wrap 2017 software for medium-sized femoral model assembly, assembly standard reference standard of surgical technique. The assembled model was then subjected to osteotomy in the 3-Matic software according to the type Evans II femoral intertrochanteric fracture criteria to obtain the corresponding fracture model, And set the cancellous bone around the spiral blade of the common PFNA screw and around the proximal end of the reinforcing screw in the corresponding fracture model, Save as A (ordinary PFNA), B (nail reinforced PFNA) and C (reinforced screw), Corresponding parameters and conditions according to the CT data and the material standard of internal fixation, according to the force of human mechanics in the femur and the weight of the patient, They were stored separately and analyzed using the Explicit Dynamics module in the ansys2019 software.
Observations: The degree of cutting of the screw at the proximal end of the femur, the angle of the femoral neck turning inward, the angle of rotation, the distribution of stress in the femur, and the distance where the femoral fracture part is displaced.Results:The cutting of the screw at the proximal femur, the inward turning angle of the femoral neck(0.32°), the distribution of stress in the bone of the femur and the displacement of the femoral fracture part(0.58 mm) are superior over PFNA and nail reinforcement.
Conclusion Reinforced screws have better biomechanical results than common bone PFNA and nail-track reinforced PFNA for severe osteoporotic intertrochanteric Evans II femur fractures.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes enriched with miR-218 reduce the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Shojaei Samaneh , Moradi-Chaleshtori Maryam , Paryan Mahdi , Koochaki Ameneh , Sharifi Kazem , Mohammadi-Yeganeh Samira
Published: October 2022

Background
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis are morphogenetic processes implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. It is found that the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to these processes. Exosomes are considered potential natural vehicles for miRNA delivery in cancer therapy. miR-218 is one of the tumor suppressor miRNAs and its downregulation is associated with EMT and angiogenesis. We aimed to use adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (ADMSC-exosomes) for miR-218 delivery to breast cancer cells and evaluate miR-218 tumor-suppressing properties in vitro.
Methods
Exosomes were isolated from conditioned media of ADMSCs. miR-218 was loaded to exosomes using electroporation. mRNA expression of target genes (Runx2 and Rictor) in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was evaluated by qPCR. To explore the effects of miR-218 containing exosomes on breast cancer cells, viability, apoptosis, and Boyden chamber assays were performed. The angiogenic capacity of MDA-MB-231 cells after treatment with miR-218 containing exosomes was assessed by in vitro tube formation assay.
Results
miR-218 mimic was efficiently loaded to ADMSC-exosomes and delivered to MDA-MB-231 cells. Exposure to miR-218 containing exosomes significantly decreased miR-218 target genes (Runx2and Rictor) in MDA-MB-231 cells. They increased the expression of epithelial marker (E-cadherin) and reduced mesenchymal marker (N-cadherin). miR-218 restoration using miR-218 containing exosomes reduced viability, motility, invasion, and angiogenic capacity of breast cancer cells.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that ADMSC-exosomes can efficiently restore miR-218 levels in breast cancer cells and miR-218 can prevent breast cancer progression with simultaneous targeting of angiogenesis and EMT.
WITHDRAWN: Integration of Blockchain Technology with Deep Learning Approaches: Vision and Future Opportunities
Authors: Afaq Yasir , Manocha Ankush
Published: October 2022

A recent study has successfully focused on Deep Learning and Blockchain technologies because of their tremendous potential for producing reliable decisions. The bulk of contemporary deep learning techniques implemented on centralized servers gives operational transparency, traceability, reliability, security, and reliable data provenance qualities. Deep Learning models are therefore susceptible to the single point of failure problem since they are trained using centralized data. The advantages of merging Blockchain with Deep Learning algorithms are examined in this paper. Additionally, current research is examined to determine the best strategy to combine these two technologies for the best outcome.
Study on Effects of Probiotics on Gut Microbiome and Clinical Course in Patients With Critical Care Illnesses
Authors: Saikrishna Kanukuntla , Talukdar Daizee , Das Santanu , Chakravarti Priyanka , Bakshi Susmita , Karmakar Subhradip , Wig Naveet , Das Bhabatosh , Ray Animesh
Published: October 2022

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection contracted by patients on ventilators, where bacteria colonize the upper digestive tract and contaminated secretions are released into the lower airway. This nosocomial infection increases the morbidity and mortality of the patients as well as the cost of treatment. Of late Probiotic formulations are postulated to prevent the colonization of these pathogenic bacteria. In this prospective observational study, we aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics on gut microbiota and their relation to clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients. For this study, 30 patients were recruited (20 probiotic treated and 10 without probiotic treatment) screened from a cohort of 169 patients. Patients in the probiotic group were given a dose of 6 capsules of commercially available probiotic (VSL#3®:112.5 billion CFU/cap) in three divided doses for 10 days. Sampling was carried out after each dose to monitor the temporal change in the gut microbiota composition. To profile the microbiota, we used a 16S rRNA based targeted metagenomic approach and differences among the groups were computed using multivariate statistical analyses. Differences in gut microbial diversity (Bray Curtis & Jaccard distance, p-value < 0.05) among the probiotic treated group and the control group were observed. Furthermore, treatment with probiotics resulted in the enrichment of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus in the gut microbiota of the probiotic-treated groups. Our results demonstrated that probiotics may lead to favourable alteration in gut microbiome characteristics. Future studies should focus on appropriate dosages and frequency of probiotics, which can lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Retinopathy of Prematurity in Zone I posterior (Zone Half): Neonatal Profile, Clinical characteristics, and outcomes
Authors: Padhy Tapas , Shah Miloni , sahu suman , Das Taraprasad , BHUSAL Utpal , Singh Aveenash , Bhunia Souvik , Nayak Sameer , nayak sameera , Panchal Bhavik , Agarwal Komal , Samantaray Balakrushna , Devi Sabita , Rao Krishna , Pradhan Lingaraj , Jalali Subhadra
Published: October 2022

Objective
To report the demographic profile,clinical characteristics, and outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in Zone I posterior.
Methods
In a partly retrospective (ten years) and partly prospective (one year) study, we analyzed the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, treatment type, recurrences, and outcomes of babies with ROP in Zone I posterior.
Results
The study included 130 eyes of 67 infants with a mean gestational age and birth weight of 29.3 (± 2.2) weeks and 1217.3 (± 381.9) grams, respectively. All babies had received unblended oxygen with a poor weight gain in the majority.The ROP subtypes included aggressive,threshold, hybrid, stage 4, and atypical type in 78, 20, 11, 15, and 6 eyes, respectively. Fibrovascular proliferation when present,was prominent nasally, occasionally overriding the disc margin. Extensive arteriovenous tortuosity was more prominent than vascular dilatation. Atypical observations included bleb-like detachment(n = 6 eyes), candle wax-like preretinal deposits (n = 23 eyes), and large arteriovenous shunts (n = 9eyes). Primary treatment included intravitreal anti-VEGF in 119 eyes and laser in 11 eyes. Among those with follow-upfor more than 6 months, the recurrence was seen in 48.3% (n = 29) of eyes with anti-VEGF; with additional laser treatment, the outcome was favorable in 90.5% (n = 116) of eyes.
Conclusions
Zone I posterior ROP has a distinct profile with several atypical characteristics; it differsfrom ROP in other zones. Primary anti-VEGF treatment is beneficial but inadequate; most babies need additional laser or surgery.Improved neonatal care, earlier screening, and a combination of intravitreal anti-VEGF and laser are recommended.
Establishment of prognostic model of bladder cancer based on apoptosis-related genes, in which P4HB promotes BLCA progression
Authors: Zou Zhenhai , Li Zhong , Sun Wei , Gao Wuyue , Liu Beibei , Liu Jianmin , Guo Yuanyuan
Published: October 2022

Background
A variety of apoptosis genes have been confirmed to be related to the occurrence and development of bladder cancer patients, but few studies have paid attention to their significance in the prognosis of bladder cancer. Therefore, this study explored the value of apoptosis-related genes in the prognosis of BLCA by using the data in TCGA database.
Methods
We downloaded the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of bladder cancer patients from TCGA database, and obtained 2411 apoptosis-related genes from Deathbase database. Screening out differentially expressed apoptosis-related genes. Cox regression was used to determine the prognostic value of apoptosis-related genes, and then a prognostic risk model was developed. .A nomogram based on risk model was constructed to predict the prognosis of bladder cancer patients. At the same time, immune infiltration correlation analysis of genes in the prognosis model.
Results
A prognostic model composed of 12 apoptosis-related genes was constructed. According to the risk score calculated by the model, patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. There are significant differences in the expression of immune cells, immune function and immune checkpoint molecules between high-risk group and low-risk group.P4HB may promote bladder cancer progression
Conclusion
Based on the differential expression of apoptosis-related genes, we established a risk model to predict the prognosis of bladder cancer patients, in which P4HB promotes BLCA progression
Comparison of midterm outcomes of patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture undergoing primary repair vs. augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap
Authors: Yang Shuai , Shi Weili , Yan Wenqiang , Ao Yingfang , Guo Qinwei , Yang Yuping
Published: October 2022

Background

To explore and compare the midterm outcomes in patients undergoing primary repair vs. augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap for acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods

From April 2012 to April 2018, the clinical data of 113 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who were treated with primary repair or augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap by the same surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ preoperative and postoperative scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle⁃Hindfoot (AOFAS) hindfoot score, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment⁃Achilles (VISA-A), the Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), and the Tegner Activity Scale were examined and compared. The postoperative calf circumference of the involved side was measured. A Biodex isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the plantarflexion strength on both sides. The time to return to life and exercise as well as the strength deficits in both groups were recorded. Finally, the correlation analyses between patient characteristics and treatment details with clinical outcomes were conducted.

Results

In total, 72 patients were included and completed the midterm follow-up. The 45 and 27 patients who were treated with primary repair and augmented repair were assigned to group A and B, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 51.3 months. No serious postoperative complications were reported. No significant between-group differences in any outcomes were observed. It was found that female sex was correlated with poorer VISA-A score (P < 0.01), complete paratendon closure was correlated with higher AOFAS score (P = 0.03), and short leg cast was correlated with higher ATRS score (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Augmented repair with a gastrocnemius turn-down flap provided no advantage over primary repair for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. After surgical treatment, females tend to had poorer outcomes, while complete paratendon closure and short leg cast contribute to better results.

Level of evidence

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Understanding information about COVID-19: how sources’ reliability and level of understanding influenced adherence to sanitary measures in Canada
Authors: Courdi Clémentine , Ali Sahar Ramazan , Pelletier-Dumas Mathieu , Stolle Dietlind , Dorfman Anna , Lina Jean-Marc , Lacourse Éric , Sablonnière Roxane de la
Published: October 2022

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of promoting health literacy and minimizing misinformation to encourage higher adherence to key sanitary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores how one’s understanding of information and sources’ reliability can hinder adherence to sanitary measures implemented by the Canadian government. Data was collected from a representative sample of 3,617 Canadians, following a longitudinal design of 11 measurement times from April 2020 to April 2021. Overall, a low level of understanding was associated with membership in lower adherence trajectories to sanitary measures. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) showed it was between 3 and 34 times more likely for participants with low understanding to be in the lowest adherence trajectory. Information sources’ reliability also showed a significant effect on adherence trajectories for social distancing and staying home (AOR: between 1.5 and 2.5). These results are discussed considering future policy implications.
Loss-of-function of gynoecium-expressed phospholipase triggers haploid induction
Authors: Jang Jin Hoon , Seo Hae Seong , Widiez Thomas , Lee Ok Ran
Published: October 2022

Pollen-specific phospholipase A-mediated in vivo haploid induction system was functionally well conserved in numerous monocots. However, no functional orthologous gene has been identified in dicots plants. Here, we show that loss-of-function of gynoecium-expressed phospholipase AII (pPLAIIγ) triggers haploid plants in Arabidopsis, at an average rate of 1.46%. Reciprocal crosses demonstrate that haploid plants are triggered from the female side and not from the pollen, and the haploid plants carry the maternal genome.
Cerebral hyperperfusion phenomenon in secondary medium vessel occlusion after M1 distal occlusion
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyamoto Junichi
Published: October 2022

We report a case of spontaneous secondary medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) concomitant with cerebral hyperperfusion phenomenon (CHP) detected by preoperative computed tomography perfusion (CTP). MeVO is the occlusion of the M2, M3, A2, A3, P2 or P3 segment. MeVOs are increasingly recognized as a target for endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, there is little data on cerebral perfusion in MeVO compared with large vessel occlusion (LVO). In MeVOs, secondary MeVOs (sMeVOs) occur due to thrombus migration or fragmentation spontaneously or iatrogenically after large vessel occlusion (LVO). It has been reported that infarcts can be seen outside the territory of the occluded vessel in some sMeVOs patients, which is known as MeVO with discrepant infarcts. However, there are no reports regarding CHP outside the territory of the occluded vessel in patients with sMeVO. CHP can occur outside the territory of spontaneously recanalized artery in patients with sMeVO, and it can support the diagnosis of sMeVO.
CDK13-related disorder: a deep characterization of speech and language abilities and addition of 33 novel cases
Authors: Morgan Angela , Morison Lottie , Reyk Olivia van , Forbes Elana , Rouxel Flavien , Faivre Laurence , Bruinsma Fiona , Vincent Marie , Jacquemont Marie-Line , Dykzeul Natalie , Geneviève David , Amor David
Published: October 2022

Speech and language impairments are central features of CDK13-related disorder. While pathogenic CDK13 variants have been associated with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a systematic characterisation of communication has not been conducted. Here we examined speech, language, non-verbal communication skills, social behaviour and health and development in 41 individuals with CDK-13 related disorder (male = 22, median-age 7 years 1 month, range 1–25 years; 33 novel). Most participants used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in early childhood (24/41). CAS was common (14/22). Performance varied widely across intellectual ability, social behaviour and expressive language skills, with participants ranging from within average through to the severely impaired range. Receptive language was significantly stronger than expressive language ability. Social motivation was a relative strength. In terms of broader phenotype, a quarter had one or more of: renal, urogenital, musculoskeletal and cardiac malformations, vision impairment, ear infections and/or sleep disturbance. All had gross and fine motor impairments (41/41). Other conditions included mild-moderate intellectual disability (16/22) and autism (7/41). No genotype-phenotype correlations were found. Recognition of CAS, a rare speech disorder, is required to ensure appropriately targeted therapy. The high prevalence of speech and language impairment underscores the importance of tailored speech therapy, particularly early access to AAC supports.
Whole-exome Sequencing in deceased fetuses with ultrasound anomalies: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhu Xiaofan , Sun Gege , Gao Zhi , Kong Xiangdong
Published: October 2022

Background: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is an effective method in the prenatal setting for identification of the underlying genetic etiology of fetal ultrasound abnormalities. To investigate the diagnostic value of WES in fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities that resulted in fetal demise or pregnancy termination.
Methods: 61 deceased fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities and normal copy number variation Sequencing (CNV-seq) were retrospectively collected. Proband-only or trio-WES were performed on the products of conception.
Result: Collectively, 28 cases were positive with 39 variants (10 pathogenic, 22 likely pathogenic and 7 variants of uncertain significance) of 18 genes, and the overall diagnostic rate was 45.9% (28/61), of which 39.2% (11/28) were de novo variants. In addition, 21 variants in 11 genes among the positive cases had not been previously reported. The diagnostic yield for definitive findings for trio analysis was 55.9% (19/34) compared to 33.3% (9/27) for singletons. The most common ultrasound abnormalities were skeletal system abnormalities 39.2% (11/28), followed by multiple system abnormalities (17.9%, 5/28) and genitourinary abnormalities (17.9%, 5/28).
Conclusion: Our results support the use of WES to identify genetic etiologies of ultrasound abnormalities and improve understanding of pathogenic variants. The identification of disease-related variants provided information for subsequent genetic counseling of recurrence risk and management of subsequent pregnancies.
Improved explicit formulation of bedload transport using a novel multi-level multi-model data-driven ensemble approach
Authors: Riahi-Madvar Hossien , Gholami Mahsa , Gharabaghi Bahram
Published: October 2022

Estimation of bedload transport in rivers is a very complex and important river engineering challenge needs substantial additional efforts in pre-processing and ensemble modeling to derive the desired level of prediction accuracy. This paper aims to develop a new framework for the formulation of bedload transport in rivers using multi-level Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach to derive improved explicit formulations hybridized with multiple pre-processed-based models. Three pre-processing techniques of feature selection by Gamma Test (GT), dimension reduction by principal component analysis (PCA), and data clustering by subset selection of maximum dissimilarity (SSMD) are utilized at level 0. The multi-linear regression (MLR), MLR-PCA, artificial neural network (ANN), ANN-PCA, Gene expression programming (GEP), GEP-PCA, Group method of data handling (GMDH) and GMDH-PCA are used to develop individual explicit formulations at level 1, and the inferred formulas are hybridized with the MME approach at level 2 by Pareto optimality. A newly revised discrepancy ratio (RDR) for error distributions in conjunction with several statistical and graphical indicators were used to evaluate the strategy's performance. Results of MME showed that the proposed framework acted as an efficient tool in explicit equation induction for bedload transport (i.e., 33–96% reduction of RMSE; 2–29% increase of R2, 2-138% increase of NSE and 38–98% reduction of RAE in testing step in comparison with the best individual model) and clearly outperformed estimations made by other models. The current study highlights the importance of pre-processing and multi-modelling techniques in deep learning models to encounter the challenges of function finding for complex bedload transport estimations in multiple observed datasets.
Climate Apartheid: Politics Around Climate Change Inflicted Inequalities
Authors: JOHN JOMILIN
Published: October 2022

Inequality is often referred to as the phenomenon of unequal or unjust distribution of resources, wealth, opportunities, etc. among members of a given society. On the other hand, another set of inequalities exists that limit the human potential and the overall welfare of people. The government of various countries has raised these issues on national and international platforms and has come together to formulate policies, laws, and legislation to curb the same. Gender inequality, inequality of income and wealth, etc. have always dominated modern politics but the advent of Covid-19 has deepened existing inequalities hitting especially the poorest and the most vulnerable communities the hardest. Among the newly emerging forms of inequalities, the inequalities caused by climate change are the most consequential and pernicious. Even though global economic growth has lifted millions out of extreme poverty and reduced inequalities among nations, unbridled climate change threatens to set back that progress by damaging poverty eradication efforts worldwide and disproportionately affecting the poorest regions and people. In such a world, the government, policymakers, international organizations have a crucial role to play. Studies in recent times have shown how climate change is creating a rift between developed and developing nations and the importance of the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ formalized by the UNFCCC. However, very less focus is on how climate change inflicted inequalities is affecting global politics, the role of governments in tackling the same, and how these changes themselves alter the nature and state of governance. The paper seeks to study and critically analyze the inequalities caused by climate change and its future impacts with a major focus on Asia and Africa. The global climate politics and how it changed the nature of state and governance. Comparing the policies and steps taken by the government of India and other countries to mitigate these climate change inflicted inequalities under the United Nations SDG 10: “Reduce inequality within and among countries” and SDG 13: “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”. Finally discussing how to reduce these inequalities targeting the necessity of contriving policies based on deeper analyses of the concrete circumstances of a country. Following the promise of 'leaving no one behind', people-centered approaches are at the core of our response. To conclude, the vicious cycle of climate change, political inaction, and inequality need to be broken if momentous steps to preserve the Earth and the dignity of its human inhabitants are to ever prosper. The need of the hour is to understand that awareness without the ability to hold corporations, countries, and individuals accountable will not result in major action on climate change-inflicted inequalities. Above all, we need to restore our trust in collective action through government, politics, and other means.
Simulation of an Infiber Sensor Structure Obtained by Optical Breakdown.
Authors: Konin Yuri Alexandrovich , Starikova Victoria Alexandrovna , Grachev Nikita Alexandrovich , Petrov Andrey Anatolievich
Published: October 2022

The paper considers a quasi-periodic structure of microcavities formed under the fiber fuse effect in optical fiber, which can be used as a sensing element for an optical sensor based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer or an optical radiation scatterer with improved parameters of flexibility and robustness. Mathematical modelling of the radiation propagation and reflection on the microcavities of the in-fiber structure will make it possible to predict the characteristics of the sensors to be developed. The modelling was performed in the COMSOL Multyphysics package, Electromagnetic Waves unit, Frequency Domain. A section of SMF-28e single-mode fiber with microcavities placed in the core and whose dimensions were measured in the course of empirical investigation was examined. To solve the problem, a system of equations describing the propagation of a plane electromagnetic wave in matter was compiled. The results showed that the calculated reflection spectrum qualitatively coincides with the measured value but does not describe it with high accuracy. This can be attributed to the fact that the model does not take into account the intermodal interference in the fiber and does not have an introduced melt zone around the microcavities, as such a melt zone has a complex refractive index distribution and composition.
Homozygous loss-of-function variants in FILIP1 cause autosomal recessive arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
Authors: Schnabel Franziska , Schuler Elisabeth , Al-Maawali Almundher , Chaurasia Ankur , Syrbe Steffen , Al-Kindi Adila , Bhav Gandham SriLakshmi , Shukla Anju , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Banka Siddharth , Girisha Katta M , Li Yun , Wollnik Bernd , Yigit Gökhan
Published: October 2022

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita forms a broad group of clinically and etiologically heterogeneous disorders characterized by congenital joint contractures that involve at least two different parts of the body. Neurological and muscular disorders are commonly underlying arthrogryposis. Here, we report five affected individuals from three independent families sharing an overlapping phenotype with congenital contractures affecting shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee and foot as well as scoliosis, reduced palmar and plantar skin folds, microcephaly and facial dysmorphism. Using exome sequencing, we identified homozygous truncating variants in FILIP1 in all patients. FILIP1 is a regulator of filamin homeostasis required for the initiation of cortical cell migration in the developing neocortex and essential for the differentiation process of cross-striated muscle cells during myogenesis. In summary, our data indicate that bi-allelic truncating variants in FILIP1 are causative of a novel autosomal recessive disorder and expand the spectrum of genetic factors causative of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
ZIF-8-doped Au/PEDOT nanocomposite as an effective electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneous detection of catechin and sunset yellow in tea beverage
Authors: Li Junhong , Huang Hui , Deng Lu , Xie Shuqian , Xu Jingkun , Yue Ruirui , Duan Xuemin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a novel composite based on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and ZIF-8 has been prepared through the hydrothermal method and used as a promising electrochemical sensing platform for simultaneously detect the catechin (CA) and sunset yellow (SY). In the Au/PEDOT/ZIF-8 composite, PEDOT can not only conduct electricity but also fix Au NPs to boost the sensing performance, and ZIF-8 is added to improve the overall structural properties of the composite. Under optimized conditions, the dual-detection system of this proposed electrochemical sensing platform demonstrated excellent performance for simultaneous detection of CA and SY, with a low limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 0.1 µM for CA in the linear range of 0.3 ~ 1 µM (R2 = 0.9986) and 1 ~ 50 µM (R2 = 0.9975), the LOD of 1 µM for SY in the range of 3 ~ 25 µM (R2 = 0.9964), respectively. In addition, Au/PEODT/ZIF-8 sensing platform has been successfully applied to simultaneously detect CA and SY in tea drink, indicating the promising application prospect of the Au/PEDOT/ZIF-8 sensing platform in food safety for rapid and field detection.