bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image-tag-based indoor localization using end-to-end learning
Authors: Alarfaj Mohammed , Su Zhenqiang , Liu Raymond , Al-Humam Abdulaziz , Liu Huaping
Published: November 2021

Image or feature matching-based indoor localization still faces many technical challenges. Image-tag-based schemes using pose estimation are accurate and robust, but they still cannot be deployed widely because their performance degrades significantly when the tag-camera distance is large, which requires densely distributed tags, and the designed system generally is specific to some special tags and lenses. Also, the lens distortion degrades the performance appreciably and is difficult to correct, especially for the wide-angle lenses. This article develops an image-tag-based indoor localization system using end-to-end learning to overcome these issues. It is a deep learning–based system that can learn the mapping from the original tag image to the final 2D location directly from training examples through self-learned features. It achieves consistent performance even when the tag-camera distance is large or when the image has a low resolution. The mapping learned by the deep learning model factors in all kinds of distortions without requiring any distortion estimation. The tag design is based on shape features to make it robust to lighting changes. The system can be easily adapted to new lenses/cameras and/or new tags. Thus, it facilitates easy and rapid deployment without requiring knowledge from domain experts. A drawback of the general deep learning model is its high computational requirements. We discuss practical solutions to enable real-time applications of the proposed scheme even when it is running on a mobile or embedded device. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated via a set of experiments in a real setting and has achieved less than 20 cm of positioning errors.
What Are the Merits of Taking a Hybrid Regulatory Approach Toward the Enforcement of Corporate Financial Crime in the United Kingdom and United States of America?
Authors: Johnson Diana
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the hybrid regulatory approaches used in both the USA and the UK for the enforcement of corporate financial crime. In particular, the article analyses the use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements, which typically impose a financial penalty and behavioral commitments on a corporate entity for a defined period of time in exchange for the deferral of a criminal prosecution. The article will examine the merits of the use of DPAs instead of the imposition of criminal penalties on a company. The article will also consider whether a hybrid use of competition law as well as, or instead of, financial regulation could achieve better outcomes for regulators when enforcing financial crime.
Cost-effectiveness of screening mammography in a low income country: a Markov simulation analysis
Authors: Kejela Segni
Published: November 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Screening mammography is the only imaging screening study for breast cancer with a proven. mortality benefit. This study aims to analyze the cost-effectiveness of screening mammography in Ethiopia.

Methods

Multistate Markov model was used for computer simulation to estimate cost and health benefits of screening mammography interventions for age-group of 40–49 years and 50–59 years. The cost-effectiveness analysis was made for 4 policies based on where the screening mammography procedures were conducted: government institution only, the private institution only, 50% ratio for each, and 10% private institution policy. Outputs were expressed in total cost, life-years gained (LYG) incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB).

Results

All 4 policies of annual screening mammography failed to achieve acceptable ICER and lead to a net loss in INMB. The lowest ICER value was for government institution-only policy with 3510.3 USD/LYG and 3224.9 USD/LYG both above the cost-effectiveness threshold of 2808.5 USD. The cost per single death averted for each group was 110,206.7 USD and 77,088.2 USD for age-group 40–49 years and 50–59 years respectively.

Conclusion

Screening mammography could not be shown to be cost-effective in Ethiopia with the current low cost-effectiveness threshold. Alternative screening approach like annual clinical breast examination may need to be investigated.
Intraarterial contrast-enhanced ultrasound to predict the short-term tumour response of hepatocellular carcinoma to Transarterial chemoembolization with Lipiodol
Authors: Bo Jiang , Peng Han , LianHua Zhu , Xiang Fei , YuKun Luo
Published: November 2021

Background

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective locoregional therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is difficult to predict the tumour response (TR) of TACE intraprocedurally. The aim of this study was to predict the TR after TACE (1–3 months) in HCC patients using intraprocedural intraarterial contrast enhanced ultrasound (IA-CEUS).

Methods

In this case-control study, consecutive patients who received TACE in our hospital from September 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled. IA-CEUS was performed before and after TACE. Postoperative contrast-enhanced liver MRI was performed 1–3 months after TACE as the gold standard. According to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST), ultrasonic manifestations were compared between the complete remission (CR) group and non-CR group by univariate and multivariate analyses. A logistic predictive model was established and validated, and its diagnostic efficiency was evaluated.

Results

Forty-four patients with sixty-one lesions were enrolled in the study. Multivariate analysis identified, the risk factors as a large lesion diameter (OR: 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009, 3.080; P = 0.020), a larger dimension of non-enhancing area in superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-CEUS than the size in B-mode ultrasound preoperatively (OR: 3.379; 95% CI: 1.346,8.484; P = 0.010), presence of corona enhancement in hepatic artery (HA)-CEUS postoperatively (OR: 6.642; 95% CI: 1.214, 36.331; P = 0.029), and decreased corona enhancement thickness (per centimetre) postoperatively (OR: 0.025; 95% CI: 0.006,0.718; P = 0.025). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the predictive model was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.804, 0.966; P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 81.08, 91.67, 85.25, 93.75, and 75.86%, respectively. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) showed that the accuracy was 77.05%.

Conclusions

Intraprocedural IA-CEUS can be used to predict the TR in HCC patients after TACE.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify key modules and hub genes associated with paucigranulocytic asthma
Authors: Li Min , Zhu Wenye , Wang Chu , Zheng Yuanyuan , Sun Shibo , Fang Yan , Luo Zhuang
Published: November 2021

Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease that can be divided into four inflammatory phenotypes: eosinophilic asthma (EA), neutrophilic asthma (NA), mixed granulocytic asthma (MGA), and paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA). While research has mainly focused on EA and NA, the understanding of PGA is limited. In this study, we aimed to identify underlying mechanisms and hub genes of PGA.

Methods

Based on the dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO), weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were conducted to construct a gene network and to identify key gene modules and hub genes. Functional enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological process, pathways and immune status of PGA. The hub genes were validated in a separate dataset.

Results

Compared to non-PGA, PGA had a different gene expression pattern, in which 449 genes were differentially expressed. One gene module significantly associated with PGA was identified. Intersection between the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the genes from the module that were most relevant to PGA were mainly enriched in inflammation and immune response regulation. The single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) suggested a decreased immune infiltration and function in PGA. Finally six hub genes of PGA were identified, includingADCY2,CXCL1,FPRL1,GPR109B, GPR109AandADCY3,which were validated in a separate dataset of GSE137268.

Conclusions

Our study characterized distinct gene expression patterns, biological processes and immune status of PGA and identified hub genes, which may improve the understanding of underlying mechanism and provide potential therapeutic targets for PGA.
Comparison between anterolateral thigh free flap and jejunal flap for tissue reconstruction in patients underwent resection of pharyngoesophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Sun Si-Lu , Zhong Bing , Zhou Sui-zi , Liu Jun , Liu Ya-Feng , Liu Shi-Xi , Chen Fei
Published: November 2021

Background

Anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap and jejunal flap (JF) were commonly used in tissue reconstruction for pharyngoesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (PESCC) with worsening tissue adhesion and necrosis after radiotherapy failure. However, the results of tissue reconstruction and postoperative complications of these two flaps are controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between group ALT free flap and group JF in PESCC after radiotherapy failure.

Methods

Intraoperative information and postoperative outcomes of patients with PESCC after radiotherapy failure who underwent ALT and JF reconstruction from January 2005 to December 2019 were compared and analyzed.

Results

The defect size of ALT (Numbers, 34) and JF (Numbers, 31) was 36.19 ± 11.35 cm2 and 35.58 ± 14.32 cm2 (p = 0.884), respectively. ALT and JF showed no significant difference in operation time (p = 0.683) and blood loss (p = 0.198). For postoperative outcomes within 30 days both in recipient site and donor site including wound bleeding, wound dehiscence, wound infection, and pharyngocutaneous fistula, ALT free flap and JF showed similar results. Flap compromise (Numbers, 2 VS.3, p = 0.663), flap take backs (Numbers, 1 VS.1, p = 1.000), partial flap failures (Numbers, 4 VS.2, p = 0.674), and total flap failures (Numbers, 0 VS.0, p = 1.000) showed no difference between the two groups. In addition, no significance was found in hypoproteinemia between the two groups (Numbers, 4 VS.2, p = 0.674). ALT free flap was not statistically different from JF in the incidence of dysphagia at the postoperative 6 months (Numbers of liquid diet, 5VS.5; Numbers of partial tube feeding, 6VS.7; Numbers of total tube feeding, 3VS.1, p = 0.790) and 12 months (Numbers of liquid diet, 8VS.7; Numbers of partial tube feeding, 8VS.7; Numbers of total tube feeding, 5VS.5, p = 0.998). The cause of dysphagia not found to differ between the two groups both in postoperative 6 months (p = 0.814) and 12 months (p = 0.845).

Conclusion

Compared with JF, ALT free flap for PESCC patients after radiotherapy failure showed similar results in postoperative outcomes. ALT free flap may serve as a safe and feasible alternative for PESCC patients after radiotherapy failure.
Is diabetic ketoacidosis a good predictor of 5-year metabolic control in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Emilia Kowalczyk , Aneta Stypułkowska , Barbara Majewska , Małgorzata Jarzębowska , Aleksandra Hoffmann , Paulina Buła , Agnieszka Szypowska
Published: November 2021

Background

The study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis was associated with poorer metabolic control during a 5-year follow-up.

Methods

The study included children treated due to newly diagnosed T1D complicated with DKA between 2010 and 2014 with a complete 5-year follow-up. In every case we performed individual matching for age, gender and BMI with a person without DKA (nDKA) on recognition. We collected data regarding treatment modality, HbA1C, total daily insulin dose, basal insulin and BMI-SDS.

Results

85 children at the median age of 7.93 years had DKA at diabetes diagnosis. The median pH was 7.19.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was used in 87% of participants in each group. No differences in HbA1C level (7,3%vs7,2%;p = .413) were noted after 5 years of disease duration. The severity of ketoacidosis exerted no significant effect on HbA1C. The method of insulin delivery at baseline was significantly associated with HbA1C levels after 5 years of observation, βCSII = − 1.46,95%CI[− 2.01 to − 0.92],p < .001.

Conclusions

The presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis is not associated with deteriorated long-term metabolic control in children using modern technologies. The early implementation of CSII into diabetes treatment may change the effect of DKA and lead to a long-term HbA1C improvement.
Total productivity change of Health Centers in Greece in 2016–2018: a Malmquist index data envelopment analysis application for the primary health system of Greece
Authors: Trakakis Anastasios , Nektarios Miltiadis , Tziaferi Styliani , Prezerakos Panagiotis
Published: November 2021

Background

This paper attempts to evaluate the primary health care system by evaluating health centres in Greece.

Methods

Malmquist Index Data Envelopment Analysis is applied to study the total productivity of 155 health centres in Greece during 2016–2018. The data were collected from the Ministry of Health and submitted to quality tests to ensure validity and avoid bias.

Results

This paper measures the productivity of each of the 155 health centres in Greece and how it shifted during 2016–2018. In addition, the overall productivity change of the 155 health centres over time is calculated and analysed as being due to technical efficiency or technological efficiency. The analysis of the mean values showed a decrease of 0.9% in the overall productivity factor from 2016 to 2017 and a decrease of 5.2% from 2017 to 2018. The overall decrease in the productivity of the 155 health centres was 3.1%. From 2016 to 2018, 59 health centres changed their productivity mainly due to technological change and 91 changed mainly due to technical efficiency change. One health centre showed regression to its total productivity due to equal regression of its technical efficiency and technology.

Conclusions

The method used is nonparametric data envelopment analysis along with the Malmquist index to include panel data in the analysis. Meaningful results were extracted by indicating the number of health centres that improved their productivity, regressed in productivity, or remained constant through the period 2016–2018. This paper may contribute to improving health centres’ efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, valuable results can be extracted for the National Health Care System to match available resources that correspond to each health centre’s needs, as well as for manager planners and stakeholders in primary health care.
Reconstruction and repair, using mini-plate and bone graft for persons living with HIV with giant cell tumor of long bone: retrospective analysis of a single-center experience
Authors: Xu Biao , Ma Rui , Zhang Wen-sheng , Zhang Qiang , Zhao Chang-song , Wang Jie
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the effect of reconstruction and repair, using a mini-plate and bone graft for HIV -positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 HIV positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone. A non-HIV-positive cohort of patients, matched for age, sex, and disease type, was selected as the control group. From June 2012 to August 2020, curettage by ultrasonic scalpel was performed in all patients, combined with min- plate and bone graft treatment. All patients were followed- up for 18 to 60 months. Limb function was evaluated, using the MSTS93 scoring system, and any examples of postoperative recurrence, distant metastasis, complications, MSTS93 score, and fracture prognosis were recorded.

Results

The mean age of HIV group was 43.5 years. The ratio of men to women was 11: 1. In all cases the histopathological diagnosis was clear, except the patients with primary malignant giant cell tumor of bone, including five, three, two, and two cases in the proximal tibia, distal femur, distal tibia, and talus, respectively. Following their surgery, all patients were followed up with an average of 31.24 ± 11.84 months. No local recurrence or pulmonary metastases were observed. Post-surgery, all the 12 patients showed good bone morphologic repair and reconstruction, good bone healing, good joint function, and no pathological fractures around their lesion. In the HIV group, one case of giant cell tumor in the proximal tibia showed mild articular surface collapse and mild valgus deformity of the knee joint but retained good joint function. The MSTS scores of excellent or good in the two groups comprised 83.3%, thus, there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Compared with preoperatively, the MSTS scores in the HIV group were significantly improved, ranging from 7 to 11 points preoperatively to 24 to 27 points postoperatively; this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Reconstruction and repair, using a mini-plate and bone graft for HIV -positive patients with giant cell tumor of long bone can achieve satisfactory results. The mini- plate requires little space and is flexible during reconstruction and fixation, significantly reducing complications such as surgical site infection, as well as preserving joint function and avoiding amputation; therefore, it is a safe and effective treatment method.
Assessment of sagittal spinopelvic alignment in asymptomatic Chinese juveniles and adolescents: a large cohort study and comparative meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Canglong , Chen Kai , Chen Yu , Zhou Tianjunke , Yang Mingyuan , Li Ming
Published: November 2021

Study design

Retrospective study and comparative meta-analysis.

Objective

To document the sagittal spinopelvic alignment in a large cohort study in asymptomatic Chinese juveniles and adolescents, and to explore whether these parameters were different from various regions using meta-analysis.

Methods

Medical records of 656 asymptomatic Chinese juveniles and adolescents were reviewed, whose mean age was 13.14 ± 3.41 years old, including 254 male and 402 female volunteers. Demographic and lateral radiological parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, a systematic online search was performed to identify eligible studies. Weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate whether these sagittal parameters were different from various regions.

Results

The mean value of sagittal spinopelvic alignment in this study was calculated and analyzed respectively. Significant differences of PI (34.20 ± 4.00 vs. 43.18 ± 7.12, P < 0.001) and PT (3.99 ± 6.04 vs. 8.42 ± 7.08, P < 0.001) were found between juveniles and adolescents. A total of 17 studies were recruited for meta-analysis. For juvenile populations, TK, PI and SS of Caucasians were significantly larger than those of our study (all P < 0.001). As for adolescent populations, PI (P = 0.017), TK (P = 0.017) and SS (P < 0.001) of Caucasians was found to be greater when compared with that of our study. All in all, TK, PI and SS in Chinese pre-adult populations were significantly smaller than those populations in Caucasian regions (all P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study was the first large-scale study that reported the mean values of sagittal parameters in asymptomatic Chinese juveniles and adolescents. There were significant differences in TK, PI and SS between our study and other previous reported populations, which reminded us for using specific mean values in different populations when restoring a relatively normal sagittal spinopelvic balance in spinal deformity.
Allometric equations for selected Acacia species (Vachellia and Senegalia genera) of Ethiopia
Authors: Aneseyee Abreham Berta , Soromessa Teshome , Elias Eyasu , Feyisa Gudina Legese
Published: November 2021

Background

Allometric equations are used to estimate biomass and carbon stock of forests. In Ethiopia, despite the presence of large floral diversity, only a few site-specific allometric equations have been developed so far. This study was conducted in the Omo-Gibe woodland of south-western Ethiopia to develop an allometric equation to estimate the Above-ground Biomass (AGB) of the fourAcaciaspecies (Senegalia polyacantha,Vachellia seyal, Vachellia etbaicaandVachellia tortilis).Fifty-four (54)Acaciatrees were sampled and measured within 35 temporarily established square plots. In each plot, dendrometric variables were measured to derive the models based on combinations of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), height, and wood density as predictor variables. Model performance was evaluated using goodness-of-fit statistics. The biomass was compared using four allometric biomass models that have been widely used in the tropics.

Results

The model containing DBH alone was more accurate to estimate AGB compared to the use of multiple predictor variables. This study, therefore, substantiated the importance of site-specific allometric equations in estimating the AGB ofAcaciawoodlands. This is because a site-specific allometric equation recognizes the environmental factors, vegetation types and management practices.

Conclusions

The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of allometric equations and an accurate estimate of AGB ofAcaciawoodlands in Ethiopia and similar ecosystems elsewhere.
Inequity and benefit incidence analysis in healthcare use among Syrian refugees in Egypt
Authors: Fares Hani , Puig-Junoy Jaume
Published: November 2021

Background

The Syrian conflict has created the worst humanitarian refugee crisis of our time, with the largest number of people displaced. Many have sought refuge in Egypt, where they are provided with the same access to healthcare services as Egyptian citizens. Nevertheless, in addition to the existing shortcomings of the Egyptian health system, many obstacles specifically limit refugees’ access to healthcare. This study looks to assess equity across levels of care after observing services utilization among the Syrian refugees, and look at the humanitarian dilemma when facing resource allocation and the protection of the most vulnerable.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was used and collected information related to access and utilization of outpatient and inpatient health services by Syrian refugees living in Egypt. We used concentration index (CI), horizontal inequity (HI) and benefit incidence analysis (BIA) to measure the inequity in the use of healthcare services and distribution of funding. We decomposed inequalities in utilization, using a linear approximation of a probit model to measure the contribution of need, non-need and consumption influential factors.

Results

We found pro-rich inequality and horizontal inequity in the probability of refugees’ outpatient and inpatient health services utilization. Overall, poorer population groups have greater healthcare needs, while richer groups use the services more extensively. Decomposition analysis showed that the main contributor to inequality is socioeconomic status, with other elements such as large families, the presence of chronic disease and duration of asylum in Egypt further contributing to inequality. Benefit incidence analysis showed that the net benefit distribution of subsidies of UNHCR for outpatient and inpatient care is also pro-rich, after accounting for out-of-pocket expenditures.

Conclusion

Our results show that without equitable subsidies, poor refugees cannot afford healthcare services. To tackle health inequities, UNHCR and organisations will need to adapt programmes to address the social determinants of health, through interventions within many sectors. Our findings contribute to assessments of different levels of accessibility to healthcare services and uncover related sources of inequities that require further attention and advocacy by policymakers.
Simulation studies, 3D QSAR and molecular docking on a point mutation of protein kinase B with flavonoids targeting ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ajjarapu Suchitra Maheswari , Tiwari Apoorv , Taj Gohar , Singh Dev Bukhsh , Singh Sakshi , Kumar Sundip
Published: November 2021

Background

Ovarian cancer is the world’s dreaded disease and its prevalence is expanding globally. The study of integrated molecular networks is crucial for the basic mechanism of cancer cells and their progression. During the present investigation, we have examined different flavonoids that target protein kinases B (AKT1) protein which exerts their anticancer efficiency intriguing the role in cross-talk cell signalling, by metabolic processes through in-silico approaches.

Method

Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) was performed to analyze and evaluate the stability of the complexes under physiological conditions and the results were congruent with molecular docking. This investigation revealed the effect of a point mutation (W80R), considered based on their frequency of occurrence, with AKT1 protein.

Results

The ligand with high docking scores and favourable behaviour on dynamic simulations are proposed as potential W80R inhibitors. A virtual screening analysis was performed with 12,000 flavonoids satisfying Lipinski’s rule of five according to which drug-likeness is predicted based on its pharmacological and biological properties to be active and taken orally. The pharmacokinetic ADME (adsorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion) studies featured drug-likeness. Subsequently, a statistically significant 3D-QSAR model of high correlation coefficient (R2) with 0.822 and cross-validation coefficient (Q2) with 0.6132 at 4 component PLS (partial least square) were used to verify the accuracy of the models. Taxifolin holds good interactions with the binding domain of W80R, highest Glide score of − 9.63 kcal/mol with OH of GLU234 and H bond ASP274 and LEU156 amino acid residues and one pi-cation interaction and one hydrophobic bond with LYS276.

Conclusion

Natural compounds have always been a richest source of active compounds with a wide variety of structures, therefore, these compounds showed a special inspiration for medical chemists. The present study has aimed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies on taxifolin targeting W80R mutant protein of protein kinase B/serine- threonine kinase/AKT1 (EC:2.7.11.1) protein of ovarian cancer for designing therapeutic intervention. The expected result supported the molecular cause in a mutant form which resulted in a gain of ovarian cancer. Here we discussed validations computationally and yet experimental evaluation or in vivo studies are endorsed for further study. Several of these compounds should become the next marvels for early detection of ovarian cancer.
Numerical evaluation on steep soil-nailed slope using finite element method
Authors: Kaothon Panyabot , Chhun Kean Thai , Yune Chan-Young
Published: November 2021

In conventional design of soil-nailed slope, the nail parameters such as nail spacing (1–2 m), and nail inclination (10º–20º) have been recommended without considering any specific slope angle. Henceforth, this paper presents a numerical evaluation on the soil-nailed slope with flexible facing based on the finite element method in order to investigate the range of those two parameters with any size of nail head in various slope angles (45º, 55º, 65º, and 75º). Based on a minimum factor of safety (FSmin  =  1.5), the analysis results indicated that the suggested range of those parameters in the conventional specification was applicable in the slope angle of 45º and 55º with any sizes of nail head. Nevertheless, it was not practical for slope angle of 65º and 75º, which required the size of nail head at least 400  ×  400  ×  250 mm, with nail spacing less than or equal to 1.5 m, and nail inclination from 5º to 10º.
Assessment the effect of vitamin D supplementation on plasma vitamin D levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress biomarkers based on vitamin D receptor genetic variation in breast cancer survivors: a protocol for clinical trial
Authors: kazemian Elham , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Moradi Nariman , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Amouzegar Atieh , Rozek Laura S. , Mondul Alison M. , Khademolmele Maryam , Zarins Katie R. , Ghodoosi Nasim , Shateri Zahra , Fallah Soudabeh , Davoodi Sayed Hossein
Published: November 2021

Background

Both human genes and environmental exposures, due to complex interplay, play important role in the cancer etiology. Vitamin D is associated with a reduced risk of incidence and mortality of several human cancers. This study will aim to investigate the possible effects of individual polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) as well as effects of VDR haplotypes on response to vitamin D supplementation in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

This is an interventional study in which the effects of vitamin D supplementation on plasma vitamin D levels, inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers and factors associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, damage, and apoptosis will be investigated stratified by variations in VDR genotype. The present study will be conducted on breast cancer survivors referred to the Shohadaye Tajrish hospital and its associated clinics. One hundred ninety-eight breast cancer survivors will receive 4000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 12 weeks. VDR Fok1, ApaI, TaqI, BsmI, and Cdx-2 genotype will be determined at the end of the study and responses to vitamin D supplements (inflammatory, antioxidant, cell proliferation, differentiation, damage, and apoptosis biomarkers) will be compared between the three subgroups of each VDR polymorphism as well as different VDR haplotype categories.

Discussion

Genetic variation is a fundamental factor influencing individuals’ divergent responses to diet, nutritional status, metabolic response, and diet-related health disorders. Furthermore, studies of gene and environment interactions will provide a precise and accurate assessments of individuals’ dietary requirements by considering both the genetic and environmental aspects simultaneously. The results of the current study, to some extent, will highlight the discrepancies existing in the findings of different studies regarding vitamin D, VDR, and cancer by considering both the genetic and environmental aspects simultaneously. If responses to vitamin D supplementation could be modified by VDR SNPs, determining the distribution of VDR polymorphisms in both breast cancer survivors and healthy populations will provide a new insight into the vitamin D requirements of individuals to prevent cancer and its related mortality based on their genotypes.

Trial registration This trial has been registered on Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the identification code: IRCT2017091736244N1, registration date: 2017-11-10, http://www.irct.ir/trial/27153
Design and Implementation of a Multipurpose Information System for Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation on the Basis of the Biomedical Research Integrated Domain Group Model
Authors: Bi Xia , Beadle Dania , Xu Alexander , Neff Joseph , DeGregorio Nicholas , Odeh Mouneer , McNair Christopher , Grosso Dolores , Porcu Pierluigi , Gergis Usama , Flomenberg Neal , Klumpp Thomas R.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

An important obstacle to cancer research is that nearly all academic cancer centers maintain substantial collections of highly duplicative, poorly quality-assured, nonintercommunicating, difficult-to-access data repositories. It is inherently clear that this state of affairs increases costs and reduces quality and productivity of both research and nonresearch activities. We hypothesized that designing and implementing a multipurpose cancer information system on the basis of the Biomedical Research Integrated Domain (BRIDG) model developed by the National Cancer Institute and its collaborators might lessen the duplication of effort inherent in capturing, quality-assuring, and accessing data located in multiple single-purpose systems, and thereby increases productivity while reducing costs.

METHODS

We designed and implemented a core data structure on the basis of the BRIDG model and incorporated multiple entities, attributes, and functionalities to support the multipurpose functionality of the system. We used the resultant model as a foundation upon which to design and implement modules for importing preexisting data, capturing data prospectively, quality-assuring data, exporting data to analytic files, and analyzing the quality-assured data to support multiple functionalities simultaneously. To our knowledge, our system, which we refer to as the Cancer Informatics Data System, is the first multipurpose, BRIDG-harmonized cancer research information system implemented at an academic cancer center.

RESULTS

We describe the BRIDG-harmonized system that simultaneously supports patient care, teaching, research, clinical decision making, administrative decision making, mandated volume-and-outcomes reporting, clinical quality assurance, data quality assurance, and many other functionalities.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a highly quality-assured, multipurpose cancer information system on the basis of the BRIDG model at an academic center is feasible and can increase access to accurate data to support research integrity and productivity as well as nonresearch activities.
Developing, Implementing, and Validating a Social Toxicity Assessment Tool of Cancer
Authors: Jazieh Abdul-Rahman , Jradi Hoda , Da'ar Omar B. , Alkaiyat Mohammad , Zafar Yousuf , Alolayan Ashwaq
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

The social impact of cancer on patients and their family is well known. Yet, unlike with physical and financial toxicities, no validated tools are available to measure this impact. This study aimed at developing, validating, and implementing a novel social toxicity assessment tool for patients with cancer diagnosis (STAT-C).

METHODS

Questions were generated through multiple steps including focus groups of patients, their families, and oncology care professionals. These steps along with relevant literature resulted in the development of an initial 20-item questionnaire. Content validity and relevance of the tool were assessed using Content Validity Index for individual items and Content Validity Index for the entire scale. Following expert examination, the constructed STAT-C tool consisted of 14 items grouped into three domains—social relations, social activities, and economic impact. Based on the total possible score for the survey in 150 patients for all the items, three levels of a socioeconomic toxicity were determined—severe social toxicity, mild social toxicity, and no social toxicity.

RESULTS

The 14 items were marked as relevant, and the Content Validity Index for individual items ranged between 0.80 and 1.00. An overall average Content Validity Index for the entire scale of 0.87 showed high content validity of the constructed tool. Exploratory factor analysis revealed retention of 13 items of the constructed STAT-C Tool, which loaded across three factors that mapped groupings into measures of social relations, social activities, and economic impact domains.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that STAT-C is a valid, reliable tool, and well captures and measures unique and pertinent social toxicity constructs for Arabic-speaking patients. The tool should enable oncology professionals to deliver better patient-centered care as a component of a comprehensive approach.
Archival Play
Authors: Carey Craig
Published: November 2021

This article offers a critical and personal reflection on the role of curiosity, fragments, and play in creating meaningful encounters with archives in the college classroom. Drawing on play theory, poetics, media studies, and pedagogical theory, the essay reimagines archival collections as formal and material playgrounds open to spontaneous experimentation. Through reflections on the finding aid, logistical media, Curious George, and other subjects, the essay finds in the archive an elemental play that can be harnessed to create a radically spontaneous pedagogy organized around student curiosity. By cultivating the curiosity inherent to archival play, teachers can actively shape the playful dividend that arrives when students enter the archive and begin to search, find, and discover meaningful patterns in the fragments of history.
Welcome to “Failure Club”
Authors: Feigenbaum Paul
Published: November 2021

Students are more likely to embrace failure in learning when they are intrinsically motivated, but formal education in the United States operates through extrinsic rewards that make failure something to fear and avoid. Accordingly, the author examines the lessons of “Failure Club,” a writing course he designed to challenge this basic pedagogical contradiction.
Oxidative Stress and Acute-Phase Response Status During Treatment in Premature Calves with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: OK M , YILDIZ R , TRAŞ B , COSKUN P , AKAR A
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to determine lipid peroxide (LPO), antioxidant capacity (AOC), and acute-phase protein changes before and after different nebulization treatments in premature calves with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Thirty-six premature calves were divided into equal number of 6 groups. Group 1 was labelled as negative control and received standard treatment. Group 2 was labelled as positive control; Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were labelled as trial groups. These groups received nebulizer treatment. Nebulizer drug combinations were as follows: Group 2 (fluticasone), Group 3 (formoterol + fluticasone), Group 4 (ipratropium bromide + fluticasone), Group 5 (fluticasone + furosemide) and Group 6 (formoterol + ipratropium bromide + furosemide + fluticasone). Venous blood was taken from all calves before (0 hour) and after treatment (24th, 48th, 72nd hour). It was concluded that total LPO levels gradually decreased while AOC levels increased during treatment but there was no difference in the serum amyloid A (SAA) and fibrinogen levels within groups. In conclusion, supportive and nebulizer treatments to improve function of lungs were demonstrated to alleviate oxidative stress. However, in order to reveal the effects of local nebulizer applications on oxidative stress, further studies are required to investigate oxidation parameters in the bronchoalveolar fluid.
Topical Issues of Radiopharmaceuticals Appliance in PET Studies
Authors: Khmelev A.
Published: November 2021

CONTENT

Introduction

1. Requirements to radiopharmaceuticals

2. Factors affecting the biodistribution in organism

3. Uptake and localization mechanisms

4. Appliance in PET studies of biological processes and diagnostics

5. Aspects of regulation of radiopharmaceuticals circulation

Conclusion
The Concept of Stratification of the Work of Art in the Aesthetic Thought of Roman Ingarden and Władysław Stróżewski in Relation to Contemporary Art On the Example of an Analysis and Interpretation of an Installation by Arthur Jafa
Authors: Solewski Rafał
Published: November 2021

The text begins with an indication of the influence Roman Ingarden’s philosophy exerted on Władysław Stróżewski’s aesthetic thought. A particular emphasis is applied to the belief in the intentional nature of the work of art, as well as its multi-- layered structure and the location of the ‘aesthetically valuable qualities’ and ‘qualities of aesthetic values’ within such a structure. Next, selected topics discussed by Stróżewski in Dialectics of Creativity are presented. Finally, considerations regarding the relationship ‘was–is,’ ‘beginning–end,’ ‘top (content, idea)–bottom (material, technique)’, necessity and freedom, as well as necessity and possibility are applied to the contemporary ‘installation art.’ Arthur Jafa’s work The White Album (awarded the main trophy at the 2019 Biennial in Venice) is analyzed. Although the installation is constructed with the use of various media and materials, it has been shown that the reception of the whole gives it the character of an intentional work. The analysis also demonstrates a presence of a multi-layered structure and dialectical juxtapositions mentioned above. For installations using various materials and media, the multiplication of strata and the surprising transformation (through a unique ‘installation’) of the material-meaning-sense relationship is especially characteristic. The multiplication of strata and the transformation of material-meaning-sense relationship also highlight the issues raised in Dialectics of Creativity, yet they do so in an artistic way. The specific ‘aesthetically valuable’ qualities such as immersiveness, intensity, and poeticality are eventually described as revealing the values of beauty and truth.
Beyond the Nature/Culture Division. Building Complementary Knowledge on Disease
Authors: Derra Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

The aim of the article is to present successful instances of building complementary knowledge on disease which go beyond the traditional division between natural and socio-cultural sciences. I argue that this is partially possible due to the changes in biological narratives and feminism’s attitude towards biology, with reciprocal references. First, I describe selected trends in the philosophy of biology which reflect changes in biological research towards more non-reductionist approaches. Then, I present some important aspects of the recent current in feminist studies called ‘new feminist materialism,’ and underline its clear attempt at combining research results from physics, biology, humanities, and social sciences. Finally, I present some main facets of studies on disease: in feminist reflection, Ludwik Fleck’s psycho-sociology of scientific knowledge, and in the medical humanities approach.
Reactions of MoCl5 with 4-Methylpyridine, 2-Methylpyridine and 1-Methylimidazole in Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Singh Gursharan
Published: November 2021

MoCl5 reactions with 4-methylpyridine/2-methylpyridine/1-methylimidazole in THF in 1:1/1:2 stoichiometric ratios, at room temperature were carried out. The following products were synthesized: MoO2Cl(C6H7N), 1;Mo2O2Cl5(C6H7N)2(C4H8O)2,2; Mo4O4Cl4(C6H7N)3(C4H8O)2, 3 and Mo2O4Cl4(C4H6N)2(C4H8O), 4. These compounds have been investigated by FT-IR (transmission mode), FT-1H NMR, FT -13C NMR, microbiological, LC-MS and elemental (C, H, N, Mo, Cl) studies. In view of the sensitivity of all the reactants and products towards oxidation/hydrolysis by air/moisture, all the reactions and products were handled using dry nitrogen atmosphere in vacuum line. LC-MS and elemental studies agree with the formulae of compounds.
Synthesis and Characterization of about 20nm Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Biswas Arpita
Published: November 2021

The synthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) by the chemical reduction process and the characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles is the main aim of this article. Reduction of Chloroauric acid by trisodium citrate salt was performed to get AuNPs of average diameter 20nm. Trisodium citrate is not only the reducing reagent but also the stabilizer of the synthesized AuNPs. Some important modern techniques like UV-VIS spectroscopy, diffraction light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and electron diffraction X-ray (EDX) were involved for the characterization of synthesized AuNPs. Chemical reduction and Size-controlled growth of spherical AuNPs were followed for this particular synthesis of AuNPs.
Isolation, Characterization of Active Constituent and Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Inula Racemosa Hook. F. Roots
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Singh Harpreet , Mishra Arun Kumar
Published: November 2021

Ayurvedic literature claims that Inula racemosa Hook. f. roots are beneficial for the liver. The study’s aim was to test the hepatoprotective effect of Inula racemosa Hook. f. roots ethanolic extract (IRE) against paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) was used for 7 days, then PCM was orally administered (3 g/kg b.wt.) on the eighth day. 24 hours after the last PCM dosing, blood was withdrawn from the retro-orbital plexus and later on the rats were sacrificed. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Albumin (ALB), Total Protein (TP), liver weight and relative liver weight were determined. Histopathology of the liver was performed. In the study, IRE was found to have comparable protective effects against PCM-induced hepatotoxicity as Silymarin. Gallic acid was isolated for the first time from Inula racemosa Hook. f. roots. IRE exhibited a hepatoprotective effect because gallic acid was present in it.
Synthesis and Characterization of Lanthanum Nanoparticles by Anethum Graveolens (Dill) Leaf Extract
Authors: Belurkar Roopa
Published: November 2021

Anethum Graveolens is a herb used extensively as an additive in chicken feed to help in enhancing the performance, immune reaction and fitness of broiler chickens. The herb consists of various volatile secondary metaboliteswhich are bioactive compounds which helps in their daily food regime. This present work is aimed atsynthesizing and characterizing Lanthanum-nanoparticles (LaNps) by using Anethum Graveolens (dill) leaf. LaNps has been synthesized by various methods and characterized by using UV-Vis spectral analysis, Fourier infra-red , X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis.
Extraction of the Metabolites from Medicinal plant Euphorbia leaf
Authors: Muddapur Uday M. , Khan Aejaz A. , Bahafi Amal , Iqubal S. M. Shakeel , Ikbal Abdul Rahman , Mohammed Tasneem , Abedulla Khan Kayamkani , Maqbul Muazzam Sheriff
Published: November 2021

The antimicrobial, phytochemical contents of extracts obtained from the leaf extract of mature Euphorbia pilulifera (E. pilulifera) were examined in this research work. Using ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves of Euphorbia pilulifera, phytochemical metabolites were studied. Further using chromatography, different components were separated and its antimicrobial activity was studied. Different types of bacterial organisms were used for evaluating the antimicrobial activity. The results indicated that leaf extracts are more sensitive towards organisms. Thus the presence of phytochemicals in the leaf extract can be used for the treatment of different diseases.