bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and prognostic analysis of 42 children with malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: a 17-year retrospective multi-center study
Authors: Zhanghuang Chenghao , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zeng Li , Yan Bing , Tang Haoyu , Wang Jinkui , Liu Xing , Wei Guanghui , He Dawei
Published: July 2022

Objective To discuss the clinical and prognostic indicators of pediatric malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK), and to increase the understanding of the occurrence and development of MRTK. Methods From July 2014 to September 2021.All cases were confirmed by postoperative pathological examination.Among the 42 patients,there were 25 males and 17 females,with a median age of 10 (1–84) months.Abdominal mass or hematuria were the main clinical manifestations.Preoperative chemotherapy was performed in 9 cases (VC).The tumor stages were stage I-IV.Preoperative metastasis was found in 9 cases;the most common site was the lung.Postoperative patients received conventional chemotherapy, including VDACE regimen and HU-1 regimen.Among the 42 children in this group, Overall survival rate was 26.2%(11/42). Results Preoperative anemia was found by univariate analysis, hypertension and hypercalcemia had shorter survival time.In addition, tumor-related factors had a significant impact on survival, with incomplete tumor resection, lymph node metastasis, stage III-IV had a lower survival rate.The impact of postoperative factors on survival included postoperative complications had a lower survival rate.The children were younger than 12 months, preoperative metastasis, no chemotherapy was performed after surgery was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of MRTK. Conclusion MRTK is a highly malignant tumor occurring in the kidney, mostly in infants. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal mass and hematuria. Preoperative chemotherapy did not significantly improve the prognosis. Postoperative chemotherapy can significantly improve the survival rate. Diagnosis depends on clinical manifestations, imaging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and other comprehensive judgment. Age less than 12 months, preoperative metastasis, and no postoperative chemotherapy were independent risk factors for prognosis.
Factors Associated with Postoperative Urinary Retention in Patients Undergoing Penile Prosthesis Implantation
Authors: Drevik Johnathan , Dalimov Zafardjan , Lucas Jacob , Simhan Jay , Cohn Joshua
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Many implanters have transitioned penile implantation procedures from 23-hour observation (OBS) stays to same-day discharge surgeries (SDS). Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) represents a potential barrier to successful SDS among inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) recipients; however, its incidence and resolution have not been well characterized. We rigorously characterized POUR in a cohort of IPP recipients along with risk factors and management. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing IPP from 2014 through 2020 without pre-existing retention were included. All patients underwent void trial immediately following IPP in PACU. POUR was strictly defined as: 1) any patient requiring catheter replacement after IPP, 2) a rising post-void residual (PVR), or 3) inability to void after 6 hours regardless of whether a catheter was placed. Independent demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for POUR were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: 317 men were included of whom 27.1% experienced POUR. Rates of POUR in patients under OBS or SDS were not significantly different (29.2% vs. 18.0%, p=0.11). Men experiencing POUR and those not in retention were essentially indistinguishable with respect to risk factors for POUR. Only maximal medical therapy for BPH was significantly associated with a greater risk of POUR, a finding maintained on adjusted analysis (aOR 10.1, 95% CI 2.1 to 49.8). POUR resolved without intervention in 3.5%, a single episode of CIC in 7.0% of patients, and repeated CIC or indwelling catheter placement with a successful delayed void trial in 88.4% of patients. Rate of IPP infection in patients who experienced POUR vs. N-POUR did not differ (4.7% vs. 2.2% p=0.26). Conclusion: POUR is experienced in as many as 1 in 4 men undergoing IPP placement, most of whom must be managed with indwelling catheterization or repeated CIC. Those with indicators of symptomatic BPH are at significantly greater risk of urinary retention.
Kidney mesenchymal stem cells alleviate cisplatin-induced kidney injury and apoptosis in rats
Authors: LIANG RUI-NING , YAN DE-QI , ZHANG XING-PING , CHEN XU , JIA HONG-LIN
Published: July 2022

This experiment was designed to demonstrate that mesenchymal stem cells derived from kidney can alleviate cisplatin-induced kidney injury and renal cell apoptosis through paracrine pathway. Firstly, mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from kidney of young rats, and their surface-specific markers were identified by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. Self-renewal ability of renal mesenchymal stem cells was observed by cell counting and BrdU fluorescence staining. KMSCs at logarithmic growth stage were traced and injected into rat kidney injury model induced by cisplatin through tail vein injection. The results showed that KMSCs homed in the kidney tissues, decreased the secretion of inflammatory factors (CRP, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6), and alleviated renal function. H＆E, Masson and PASM staining showed that KMSCs could alleviate pathological damage in rats. TUNEL assay showed that KMSCs could reduce the apoptosis of rat kidney cells induced by cisplatin. Finally, IHC results showed that cisplatin could induce higher expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and lower expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in kidney tissues. However, KMSCs could reverse the pro-apoptotic effect of cisplatin on kidney cells and improve the survival rate of rats. In conclusion, KMSCs were successfully isolated in this study, and KMSCs have therapeutic effects on rat kidney injury induced by cisplatin. The therapeutic effect can be achieved through anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and repair of renal function. The results of cell tracer showed that KMSCs could inhibit apoptosis and repair renal injury by endocrine or paracrine mechanism.
CircNTNG1 inhibits renal cell carcinoma progression via HOXA5-mediated epigenetic silencing of Slug
Authors: Liang Yanping , Cen Junjie , Huang Yong , Fang Yong , Wang Yunfei , Shu Guannan , Pan Yihui , Dong Jiaqi , Zhou Mi , Xu Yi , Luo Junhang , Liu Min , Zhang Jiaxing
Published: July 2022

Background
Recent studies have identified that circular RNAs (circRNAs) have an important role in cancer via their well-recognized sponge effect on miRNAs, which regulates a large variety of cancer-related genes. However, only a few circRNAs have been well-studied in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their regulatory function remains largely elusive.
Methods
Bioinformatics approaches were used to characterize the differentially expressed circRNAs in our own circRNA-sequencing dataset, as well as two public circRNA microarray datasets. CircNTNG1 (hsa_circ_0002286) was identified as a potential tumor-suppressing circRNA. Transwell assay and CCK-8 assay were used to assess phenotypic changes. RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter assays and FISH experiment were used to confirm the interactions among circNTNG1, miR-19b-3p, and HOXA5 mRNA. GSEA was performed to explore the downstream pathway regulated by HOXA5. Immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation were used to study the mechanism of HOXA5.
Results
In all three circRNA datasets, circNTNG1, which was frequently deleted in RCC, showed significantly low expression in the tumor group. The basic properties of circNTNG1 were characterized, and phenotype studies also demonstrated the inhibitory effect of circNTNG1 on RCC cell aggressiveness. Clinically, circNTNG1 expression was associated with RCC stage and Fuhrman grade, and it also served as an independent predictive factor for both OS and RFS of RCC patients. Next, the sponge effect of circNTNG1 on miR-19b-3p and the inhibition of HOXA5 by miR-19b-3p were validated. GSEA analysis indicated that HOXA5 could inactivate the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and this inactivation was mediated by HOXA5-induced SNAI2 (Slug) downregulation. Finally, it was confirmed that the Slug downregulation was caused by HOXA5, along with the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A, binding to its promoter region and increasing the methylation level.
Conclusions
Based on the experimental data, in RCC, circNTNG1/miR-19b-3p/HOXA5 axis can regulate the epigenetic silencing of Slug, thus interfering EMT and metastasis of RCC. Together, our findings provide potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for future study in RCC.
Track and Hold Circuit for PAM4 Signaling
Authors: Mokdad Mohamad El , Salameh Elias , Atallah Jad G.
Published: July 2022

Test and measurement equipment often targets high bit-rate PAM4 signals that carry data at rates of several gigabits per second. These PAM4 signals are used to measure the quality of interconnects such as RF cables used in datacenters and deduce several important parameters such as the Bit Error Rate (BER) and the eye diagram, which in turn reveal information about the quality of the medium of transmission. In this paper, we propose the design of a track and hold (T&H) integrated circuit that is able to sample a high-speed incoming PAM4 signal and feed it to an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). This building block acts as a front-end in optical transceivers carrying sensitive data, where power consumption and cost are a primary concern. The proposed architecture is discussed in detail and a design approach based on the switched capacitor architecture is examined and simulated. The circuit, implemented in a 45 nm CMOS technology, is able to sample an incoming 2 Gbit/s PAM4 signal at 0.2 GS/s, while consuming 42 mW of power and occupying 0.0225 mm2 of area.
HEATR1 promotes cisplatin resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis via p53-SAT1-ALOX15 pathway in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Xing , Mai Zhongchao , Zhou Borong , Wang Menghan , Xia Wei , Zhang Miao , Song Yanan
Published: July 2022

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers around the world, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major subtype. As a commonly used chemotherapy agent, cisplatin (DDP) resistance remains a challenge in clinical application. Our study was conducted to reveal the mechanism of DDP resistance and provide novel targets for NSCLC treatment. DDP-resistant and non-resistant NSCLC specimens were collected to detect the expression of HEATR1. DDP-resistant and non-resistant NSCLC cells were used for experiments. The effect of HEATR1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated in DDP-resistant A549 cells. The expression of HEATR1 was significantly higher in DDP-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells compared with non-resistant ones. The expression of p53, SAT1, and ALOX15 was decreased in DDP-resistant cells. The inhibition of HEATR1 significantly reduced the proliferation and promoted the lipid ROS of NSCLC cells via activating ferroptosis and p53-SAT1-ALOX15 pathway in vitro and in vivo, whereas its overexpression exhibited reversed effects. Moreover, the inhibition of p53 and ALOX15 would reverse the oncogenic effects of HEATR1 and inactivate ferroptosis in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells, which indicated the involvement of p53 and ALOX15 in HEATR1-mediated DDP resistance. In conclusion, our study revealed that HEATR1 could promote DDP resistance in NSCLC by inhibiting ferroptosis via the p53-SAT1-ALOX15 pathway. HEATR1 was a potential target for the treatment of DDP-resistant NSCLC.
Significance of the study: The present study focus on the role and the potential mechanism of HEATR1 in DDP-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Our data demonstrated that HEATR1 might promote the proliferation and reduce the lipid ROS of NSCLC cells via activating ferroptosis and p53-SAT1-ALOX15 pathway. The findings revealed the interaction between HEATR1 and p53 in NSCLC, providing putative therapeutic strategies for treatment of DDP-resistant NSCLC.
Setup accuracy and calculated setup margins for surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) of target volumes of the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis: A single-institutional retrospective analysis
Authors: Rudat Volker , Shi Yanyan , Zhao Ruping , Xu Shuyin , Yu Wei
Published: July 2022

Background:The goal of the study was to evaluate the inter- and intrafractional patient setup accuracy of target volumes located in the head and neck, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions when using AlignRT, by comparing it with that of laser alignment using patient skin marks, and to calculate the corresponding setup margins.Methods:A total of 2303 radiotherapy fractions of 183 patients were analyzed. All patients received daily kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography scans (kV-CBCT) for online verification. Since opening of our radiotherapy department in 2019 until October 2021, the initial patient setup was performed using laser alignment with patient skin marks, and since November 2021 we started using AlignRT. The setup accuracy was measured by the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) corrections based on the kV-CBCT. The corresponding setup margins were calculated using the van Herk formula. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the impact of multiple factors on the setup accuracy.Results:The interfractional patient setup accuracy was significantly better using AlignRT compared to laser alignment with skin marks. The mean three-dimensional vector of the translational setup deviation of tumors located in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis using AlignRT was 3.6 mm (95% confidence interval 3.3 mm to 3.9 mm) and 4.5 mm using laser alignment with skin marks (95% confidence interval 3.9 mm to 5.2 mm; p = 0.001). Calculation of setup margins for the combined inter- and intrafractional setup error revealed similar setup margins using AlignRT and kV-CBCT once a week compared to laser alignment with skin marks and kV-CBCT every other day. Furthermore, comparable setup margins were found for open-face thermoplastic masks with AlignRT compared to closed-face thermoplastic masks with laser alignment and mask marks.Conclusions:Surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) opens the possibility to reduce the number of CBCTs while maintaining sufficient setup accuracy. The advantage is a reduction of imaging dose and overall treatment time. Open-face thermoplastic masks may be used instead of closed-face thermoplastic masks to increase the patient's comfort.
Intensity Matters: Impact of Physical Activity Energy Expenditure at Moderate and Vigorous Intensity on Total and Abdominal Obesity in Children
Authors: Sardinha Luís , Magalhães João , Santos Diana , Hetherington-Rauth Megan
Published: July 2022

Background/Objectives:
Physical activity (PA) guidelines advocate that children should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA daily. Still, it is not clear how the body composition profile may differ if the same dose of PA if accumulated at different intensities. We aimed to determine the independent associations of energy expenditure (EE) at moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) PA intensity on total and abdominal fat in children and if these associations were moderated by cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).
Subjects/Methods:
A total of 326 children, (girls = 171, boys n = 151) aged 10–12 years had PA assessed with accelerometers. Total fat mass index (FMI) and abdominal FMI were assessed with DXA. CRF was assessed by a cycle ergometer test. Linear regression models were used to model the outcomes with the inclusion of an interaction term to test for moderation effects.
Results
An inverse association was found between VPA EE and FMI (β=-0.013, p < 0.001) and abdominal FMI (β=-0.0014, p < 0.001) independent of MPA EE. In contrast, MPA EE was not related to adiposity independent of VPA EE (p > 0.05). The relationships between the PA intensities and FMI and abdominal FMI were moderated by CRF. MPA EE was positively associated with adiposity in children with high levels of CRF, whereas VPA EE remained inversely associated with adiposity regardless of CRF level, although the strength of the association was lower in those with higher CRF levels.
Conclusion
PA programs should provide opportunities for children to perform VPA in order to achieve healthier body composition profiles and avoid excess adiposity.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0007444 inhibits ovarian cancer progression through miR-23a-3p/DICER1axis
Authors: Zhang Min , Sun Yu , Xu Hanzi , Shi Yaqian , Shen Rong , Teng Fang , Xu Juan , Jia Xuemei
Published: July 2022

Background
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in women with gynecological malignancy. Circular RNAs are a class of noncoding regulatory RNAs reported to be involved in cancer development and progression. Previous studies, including our own, have indicated that hsa_circ_0007444 is downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues. Our study aims to elucidate the function and mechanism of hsa_circ_0007444 in ovarian cancer progression.
Methods
The expression of hsa_circ_0007444 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis were examined by cell counting-kit 8 (CCK-8), transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Tumor growth and metastasis were assessed in vivo using Balb/c nude mouse xenograft model and tail vein injection model. And the mechanism of action of hsa_circ_0007444 was analyzed by RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter and rescue assays.
Results
Hsa_circ_0007444 was downregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines compared with normal ovarian epithelial cell line. Gain- and loss-of-function results indicated that hsa_circ_0007444 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration and increased cell apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and inhibited the tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Additionally, the results of the bioinformatics analysis, and RIP, luciferase reporter and rescue assays confirmed that hsa_circ_0007444 can interact with AGO2 and sponge the microRNA miR-23a-3p, thereby upregulating DICER1 expression, which is an important tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer.
Conclusions
Hsa_circ_0007444 can inhibit ovarian cancer progression through the hsa_circ_0007444/miR-23a-3p/DICER1 axis.
Microwave In situ Inactivation in the Treatment of Bone Giant Cell Tumor: A Mid-term Descriptive Study
Authors: Jiang Xiang , Chen Jianan , Zhou Wei , Zhang Chen , Wang Guodong , Dong Dan , Xia Pingguang , Liu Ximing , Xu Feng
Published: July 2022

Introduction/AimsTo evaluate the mid-term clinical efficacy of microwave in situ inactivation combined with bone grafting or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) filling in the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB).Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study. A total of 30 GCTB patients received microwave in situ inactivation from January 2012 to January 2020, whose clinical recurrence rate was evaluated at the last follow-up after microwave in situ inactivation surgery. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) function score was used to evaluate the postoperative clinical panoramic results.Results All patients were followed up for 21 to 110 months, with an average of 63.79 months. Distal femur (40%) and proximal tibia (28%) had a higher rate of GCTB incidence. Seventeen percent of tumor patients suffered from associated pathologic fracture. The rate of Campanacci classification stage III was 60%. The average MSTS score was evaluated as 27.53 points overall at the last follow-up. In terms of complications, three, two, two and one cases developed fat liquefaction, controllable tissue rejection reaction, incision infection and degenerative changes around lesion joint, respectively, without in situ recurrences and reoperation as well as distant lung metastasis. Conclusions The method of microwave in situ inactivation combined with bone grafting or PMMA filling is prudently recommended as one of the options for the limb salvage treatment of giant cell tumor of long and periarticular bone.Level of EvidenceIV: Case series
Competitive spreading model and control strategies of negative emotions and intervention information in heterogeneous social networks
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Liu Tiezhong , Lu Yunmeng , Li XiaoWei
Published: July 2022

Emotions play an important role in individual decision making, and emotional contagion affects both individual and group-level behaviors. Particularly, in the case of emergencies, the contagion of negative emotions may have an extremely negative impact on the stability of society. However, emergency management is equally likely to take measures during the spread of negative emotions. In this context, we designed a model to discuss the dynamic characteristics of competing propagation of negative emotions and intervention information in heterogeneous social networks. Firstly, the basic reproduction number and propagation threshold for the propagation of negative emotions in the presence of intervening information are calculated based on the existence of the positive equilibrium points. Secondly, the existence and stability of equilibrium points of the model are analyzed based on the theory of infectious disease dynamics, Lyapunov stability and LaSalle’s invariance principle. Thirdly, three different control strategies are investigated, including uniform immunization control, active immunization control and optimal control. Finally, we numerically simulate the proposed model and the relative importance of the different factors contributing to the spread and prevalence of negative emotions is discussed through a sensitivity analysis, which can provide the best strategies for reducing the spread of negative emotions.
Patterns in the growth and thematic evolution of Artificial Intelligence research: A study using Bradford distribution of productivity and Path Analysis
Authors: Gupta Solanki , Kanaujia Anurag , Lathabai Hiran H , Singh Vivek Kumar
Published: July 2022

AI Applications has led to changes in social as well as economic structure of the world and caused worldwide policy changes. AI research and applications have not only increased in volume but has also expanded across various disciplines. Newer themes of research have emerged while attention on several topics has gradually faded. Therefore, there is a need to analyse and understand the patterns of growth and thematic evolution of AI research during the last decade. Motivated by the need, Bibliometric methodologies of Bradford’s law and Path analysis are employed to develop a framework for a detailed analysis. Publication and citation data of AI for the period 2010 to 2020 obtained from Web of Science when analysed using this framework, showed an exponential growth between 2016 and 2020. An increased adoption of AI in novel domains is indicated by an increase in both concentration and dispersion of the literature. Through the analysis of evolutionary trajectories contributing to growth of AI, it was observed that applications of AI are becoming common in previously unrelated areas such as water resource management, environment management, building technology, healthcare etc. These are areas which directly relate with sustainable development and the researchers have used multiple single as well as hybrid AI tools to address their problems. The article presents useful insight along these lines which can be useful for practitioners in the field of AI.
Successful clinical practices to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis drive different microbiome profiles and functional responses in the preterm intestine
Authors: Neumann Charlotte , Mahnert Alexander , Kumpitsch Christina , Kiu Raymond , Dalby Matthew , Kujawska Magdalena , Madl Tobias , Kurath-Koller Stefan , Urlesberger Berndt , Resch Bernhard , Hall Lindsay , Moissl-Eichinger Christine
Published: July 2022

Preterm infants with very low birthweight are at serious risk for necrotizing enterocolitis. To functionally analyse the principles of three successful preventive NEC regimens, we characterized faecal samples of 54 infants (< 1,500 g, n = 383) longitudinally (two weeks) with respect to gut microbiome profiles (bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses), microbial function, virulence factors, antibiotic resistances and metabolic profiles, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and short-chain fatty acids. Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis supplementation affected microbiome development globally, pointing toward the genomic potential to convert HMOs. Engraftment of Bifidobacterium substantially reduced microbiome-associated antibiotic resistance as compared to regimens using probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus or no supplementation. Crucially, the beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium supplementation depended on simultaneous feeding with HMOs. We demonstrate that preventive regimens have the highest impact on early maturation of the gastrointestinal microbiome, enabling the establishment of a resilient microbial ecosystem that reduces pathogenic threats in at-risk preterm infants.
Southern Extension of Raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) range in Vietnam with comments on its conservation status in the country
Authors: Pham Thong Van , Trinh Mai Thi , Gray Russell J. , Cao Long Nhat , Nguyen Tan Van , Nguyen Manh Van , Vo Tuan Cong Anh , Nguyen Nga Thi , Nguyen Long Thi , Tran Cuong Xuan , Willcox Daniel , Nguyen Thai Van
Published: July 2022

Although the Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) has a wide global distribution, little is known about its population in Vietnam. The species is considered rare in Vietnam and few records have been published since 2004; though it is worth noting that all of these records were wildlife trade observations or anecdotal reports. Here we report Raccoon dogs recorded in the illegal wildlife trade via Facebook monitoring from January to December 2020, rescued animals documented in the same province caught by a hunter in August 2020, and camera trap records of the species detected in Pu Mat National Park in May and July 2021. Our camera trap records represent a southern extension of the known range of this species in Vietnam, and is the first known instance of the Racoon dogs recorded in-situ by camera traps in the country.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Advanced Chronic Illness and Palliative Care Needs Identified with the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© Tool at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Calsina-Berna Agnès , Novellas Jordi Amblàs , González-Barboteo Jesús , Robles Ignasi Bardés , Alba Elba Beas , Martínez-Muñoz Marisa , Sánchez Rafael Madariaga , Alentorn Xavier Gómez Batiste
Published: July 2022

Background: The identification of advanced chronic patients with palliative care needs is essential since the care of advanced chronicity represents one of the main challenges for public health systems. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of inpatients with palliative care needs in different services of a tertiary care hospital using the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO© tool.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Patients were classified as Non-NECPAL, NECPAL I-II, and NECPAL III, depending on the NECPAL tool criteria they met. The presence of physical symptoms, emotional distress, and social risk factors was assessed. Results: Of the 602 inpatients, 236 (39.2%) were enrolled. Of them: 34 (14.4%) non-NECPAL, 202 (85.6 %) NECPAL+ [105 (44.5%) NECPAL I-II, and 97 (41.1%) NECPAL III]. Physical symptom burden was high (pain intensity ≥1 in 68.3% of patients; tiredness ≥1 in 83.5%; somnolence ≥1 in 50.6%; dyspnea ≥1 in 37.9%; anorexia ≥1 in 59.5%). 64.1% had emotional distress and 83.6% social risk factors. The NECPAL-III group contained a higher percentage of cancer patients, higher demand for palliative care, and greater need for palliative care (p<0.001). In 50.8% of cases, no referrals were made to psychology, social work, or hospital palliative support care teams. The three services with the higher number of patients with palliative care needs were: Palliative Care Unit (100%), Oncology (54.54%), and Emergency Short-stay Unit (54.16%). Conclusions: A high percentage of patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals presented palliative care needs, with multiple unmet physical, emotional, and social needs. However, these patients are rarely referred to specialized care teams, such as hospital palliative support care teams.
Alleviative effect of threonine on cadmium-induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Fang Zhijia , Li Yongbin , Wang Jingwen , Wang Xinran , Huang Linru , Sun Lijun , Deng Qi
Published: July 2022

As a toxic pollutant, cadmium (Cd) can cause severe liver injury. In the previous study, we found that threonine (Thr) significantly alleviated the toxic effect of Cd in yeast. To investigate the effect of Thr on Cd-induced liver damage in mice, twenty-four mice were evenly divided into control, Cd-exposed, and low/high dose of Thr-treatment groups (0.04, 0.08 mmol/kg/day) for 7 days of continuous treatment. Thr significantly reduced the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, exhibiting alleviative effect on hepatic injury. Further investigation showed that Thr significantly reduced the Cd-induced inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6), and inhibited the increase of apoptosis factors (Bax and Caspase-3). Thr also reduced liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and O2− level, and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In conclusion, Thr alleviated Cd-induced hepatic tissue and dysfunction through reducing the formation of free radicals O2−, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and inhibiting the expression of Bax and Caspase-3.
The eruption of 22 April 2021 as observed by SolarOrbiter, STEREO and Earth bound instruments
Authors: Rodriguez L. , Warmuth A. , Andretta V. , Mierla M. , Zhukov A. N. , Shukhobodskaia D. , Niemela A. , A. Maharana , West M. J. , Kilpua E. K. J. , Möstl C. , D'Huys E. , Veronig A. M. , Auchère F. , Battaglia A. F. , Benvenuto F. , Berghmans D. , Dickson E. C. M. , Dominique M. , Gissot S. , Hayes L. A. , Katsiyannis T. , Kraaikamp E. , Landini F. , Magdalenic J. , Mann G. , Massa P. , Nicula B. , Piana M. , Podladchikova O. , Sasso C. , Schuller F. , Stegen K. , Susino R. , Uslenghi M. , Verbeeck C.
Published: July 2022

The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) onboard Solar Orbiter ob-served an eruption through both of its channels (17.4/30.4 nm) of its Full Sun Imager, on 22 April 2021. At the time, the spacecraft was at 0.87 au from the Sun,and 98◦ east of the Sun-Earth line. The eruption was slightly back-sided, emerging close to the southwest limb, starting at 04:24 UT, with the source located at S20W103 from the Solar Orbiter perspective. The Solar Orbiter coronagraph, Metis, observed the CME at 06:05 UT. The Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays (STIX) on Solar Orbiter sampled the associated X-ray flare, which was partially occulted. This allowed the characterization of both the thermal plasmaand any potential contribution of non-thermal electrons in the tenuous coronal source. The X-ray source location is compared to the extreme ultraviolet coronal structures seen by EUI, and it is established that STIX imager only sees the top part of the flaring loops, while most of the flare – in particular the non-thermal foot points – remain occulted.
From the Earth’s perspective the eruption source region was observed at S20W05 (close to disk centre), the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Sun Watcher using Active Pixel System detector and Image Processing (SWAP), onboard the PRoject for OnboardAutonomy (PROBA2) observed dimmings and an associated large-scale coronal wave starting around 04:07 UT. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) on the Solar-TErrestial RElations Observatory (STEREO-A), located 53◦ east of the Sun-Earth line at the time, observed similar signatures of an eruption starting around 04:17 UT, on-disk at S20W50. The corresponding CME was observedas a partial halo CME shortly after (∼06:00 UT) by the C2 Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO), from the Earth perspective onboard the SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), and by the STEREO-A/COR2 coronagraph as a clear structured CME around 05:23 UT.
The corresponding ICME arrived at Earth on 24 April 2021, it was driving ashock and created minor geomagnetic storm conditions. We simulate the CMEwith the 3D MHD heliospheric model EUHFORIA. We provide an analysis ofthe eruption as observed by these various instruments from different vantage points. The combination of data from Solar Orbiter as well as other space-based assets with numerical modeling clearly showcases the scientific potential for the science phase of Solar Orbiter, and the unique observations available.
Single Posterior Approach for Circumferential Debridement and Anterior Reconstruction Using fibular allograft in Patients with Skipped Multifocal Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Chiu Yen-Chun , Yang Shih-Chieh , Kao Yu-Hsien , Tu Yuan-Kun
Published: July 2022

Background: Skipped multifocal spinal tuberculosis (TB) is an atypical presentation of spinal TB. Surgical treatment for these unusual cases remains a challenge for spine surgeons. In our institute, we used single-stage circumferential debridement and anterior reconstruction with fibular allograft followed by posterior instrumentation through posterior-only approach for these patients. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of this technique.Methods: Twelve patients with skipped multifocal spinal TB who received our treatment method from January 2012 to June 2020 were enrolled in this study. The visual analog score (VAS), laboratory data, comorbidities, complications, and neurologic status based on Frankel scale were recorded. The patients’ clinical conditions were evaluated based on modified Brodsky’s criteria and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Results: All the patients were infection free at the end of the treatment. The average VAS score was 7.5 (range, 7 to 8) before surgery and decreased to 2.1 (range, 1 to 3) one year postoperatively. No one experienced any severe complications such as neurologic deterioration, fixation failure, or bone graft dislodgement. Out of the three patients requiring debridement surgery, two had wound infection and one had seroma formation. The ODI score improved from 76.8 (range, 70 to 84) preoperatively to 25.5 (range, 22 to 28) one year after surgery. All patients achieved good or excellent outcome based on modified Brodsky’s criteria one year postoperatively.Conclusions: In our study, the patients could achieve a good clinical outcome. This technique could be an alternative for patients with skipped spinal TB.
ATPergic signaling disruption in human sepsis as a potential source of biomarkers for clinical use
Authors: Leite Rafael Olivé , de Souza Priscila Oliveira , Haas Clarissa Branco , Silveira Fernando da , Mohr Kauan , Bertoni Ana Paula Santin , Soares Mayara S. Pereira , Azambuja Juliana H. , Prá Morgana Dal , Cruz Lorraynne Letycia Prado da , Gelsleichter Nicolly Espindola , Begnini Karine , Haskó George , Wink Márcia R. , Spanevello Roselia M. , Braganhol Elizandra
Published: July 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. To date, there is no specific treatment established for sepsis. In the extracellular compartment, purines such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine play essential roles in the immune/inflammatory responses during sepsis and septic shock. The balance of extracellular levels among ATP and adenosine are intimately involved in the signals related to immune stimulation/immunosuppression balance. Specialized enzymes, including CD39, CD73, and adenosine deaminase (ADA), are responsible to metabolize ATP to adenosine which will further sensitize the P2 and P1 purinoceptors, respectively. Disruption of the purinergic pathway had been described in the sepsis pathophysiology. Although purinergic signaling has been suggested as a potential target for sepsis treatment, the majority of data available was obtained using pre-clinical approaches. We hypothesized that, as a reflection of deregulation on purinergic signaling, septic patients exhibit differential measurements of serum, neutrophils and monocytes purinergic pathway markers when compared to two types of controls (ward and healthy). It was observed that ATP and ADP serum levels were increased in septic patients, as well as the A2a mRNA expression in neutrophils and monocytes. Both ATPase/ADPase activities were increased during sepsis. Serum ATP and ADP levels, and both ATPase and ADPase activities were associated with the diagnosis of sepsis, representing potential biomarkers candidates. In conclusion, our results advance the translation of purinergic signaling from pre-clinical models into the clinical setting opening opportunities for so much needed new strategies for sepsis and septic shock diagnostics and treatment.
Physical Urban Area Identification Based on Vector Buildings and Quantitative Attribution of Optimal Distance Threshold: A Case Study in Chongqing Municipality, Southwestern China
Authors: Wang Dan , Kong Liang , Chen Zhongsheng , Yang Xia , Luo Mingliang
Published: July 2022

The accurate distinction between cities and villages plays a great role in the sustainable development of cities. The physical urban area is not artificially delimited, and reflects the objective distribution of the spatial scope of the urban area. Although there are many methods that have studied and explained the physical urban area to a certain extent, the influencing factors of identification threshold are not studied deeply. In this paper, 22 administrative districts in central and western Chongqing Municipality are taken as the research object. Based on vector building data, the urban expansion curve method is used to identify the optimal distance threshold to extract the physical urban area of Chongqing Municipality. And the geographical detector technique is used to detect respectively that how and to what extent the urban spatial structure factors, geographical environment factors and social economic factors affect the optimal distance threshold of 22 administrative districts. The results show that the optimal distance threshold for identifying physical urban area of Chongqing Municipality based on the vector building is 146m, and the physical urban area is 1598.43km2, with the error of 2.1% compared with the built-up area. Taking 22 administrative districts as the individual research objects, it is found that the road network density and building density in urban spatial structure factors, urbanization rate and urban population density in socio-economic factors, and their interaction with regional GDP play a critical role in the optimal distance threshold, and the index value of influence degree ≥ 0.79. Under the influence of different factors, the optimal distance thresholds of 22 administrative districts show adaptive characteristics. Looking forward to the future, quantitative analysis of the relationship between the structural scale, economic indicators, geographical environment and the optimal distance threshold of different levels of cities will help to understand the driving mechanism that affects physical urban area identification more deeply. The adaptive characteristics of the optimal distance threshold proposed in this paper also provide a theoretical basis for further study on the morphological characteristics and distribution laws of multi-scale cities.
Mechanical Response Analysis of Asphalt Pavement Structure with Embedded Sensor
Authors: WANG Pengcheng , ZHONG Guoqiang , XIN Xue , XIAO Fei , LIANG MING , WANG Chao , SU Linping , ZHU Yanli , LIU Shang , WANG Hao
Published: July 2022

Long-term and real-time monitoring of asphalt pavement can be carried out by using embedded sensors to perceive and predict structural damage during pavement operation period, so as to avoid sustained development of damage. However, the influence of embedded sensors on the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement structure and the structural optimization of sensing elements need to be further studied. Based on the finite element numerical simulation method, static load model and three-point bending test mode were conducted with three "pavement-sensor" coupling model of without sensor, embedded I-shape sensor, embedded corrugated-shape sensor. Three simulated conditions were studied comparatively of the sensing element embedding effect on the mechanical response of asphalt pavement structure. Results show that the sensing elements embedded with the two structures have a certain influence on the stress and strain field of asphalt concrete. In the compression zone, the strain of the I-shape sensing element embedded is closer to that of the strain without the sensing element embedded. Along the axis of the two sensing elements, the axial strain of I-shape sensing element is smoother and uniform, which ensures the deformation coordination in the road state.
The incidence and risk factors of syndromic psychological dysfunction in family members after ICU: A System review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Zhang： Baozhen , xia jiaoyun , wang xiaoxing
Published: July 2022

Objective To summarize the risk factors of Post Intensive Care unit-family (PICS-F) mental dysfunction in family members, and to provide evidence for clinical medical staff to identify the risk factors of PICS-F mental dysfunction in advance. Methods Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Web of Science, China Biomedical Database (CBM), CNKI, WanFang Database and VIP database were systematically searched from database establishment to May 2022. Literature on the risk factors of PICS-F mental dysfunction was included. After screening, extraction and quality evaluation, stata17.0 and RveMan5.4 were used to conduct meta-analysis on the incidence and risk factors of PICS-F. Results a total of 10692 subjects were included in 15 literatures. The incidence of pics-f mental dysfunction was 28% (95%CI 0.22 to 0.35). Subgroup analysis showed a 30% incidence in the United States and 27% in other countries. The incidence was 26% in cohort studies, and 43% in case-control and cross-sectional studies. The incidence was 26% at 3 months and 13% at 6 months. Meta-analysis results showed patient age (OR=1.06,95%CI 1.01 to 1.10), gender of family members (OR=4.07,95%CI 2.52 to 6.60) and relationship between family members and patients (OR=2.24,95%CI 1.00 to 4.99), family history of mental illness (OR=3.77,95%CI 1.58 to 8.97), length of ICU stay (OR=4.72,95%CI 2.10 to 10.64), and severity of disease (OR=5.95,95%CI 2.09 to 16.94), death (OR=1.90,95%CI 1.31 to 2.77), family education level (OR=1.07,95%CI 1.02 to 1.12) were the influencing factors of PICS-F psychological dysfunction. It is not clear whether the mode of admission and attendance at family meetings have an effect on PICS-F mental dysfunction. Conclusion The risk factors for PICS-F mental dysfunction are young age, female family member, spouse, history of mental illness, long ICU stay, severity of illness, death and low education level of family members. Clinical medical staff should pay attention to the above risk factors and take corresponding measures to reduce the incidence of PICS-F psychological dysfunction. Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of our meta-analysis have important consequences for ICU nurse managers. Our finding of high rate of PICS-F Psychological dysfunction among ICU patients. That more attention should be devoted to develop and apply prevention programs for ICU nurses to manage this global issue.
Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy New-FP for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Iwamoto Hideki , Niizeki Takashi , Nagamatsu Hiroaki , Ueshima Kazuomi , Tani Joji , Kuzuya Teiji , Kasai Kazuhiro , Kooka Yohei , Hiraoka Atushi , Sugimoto Rie , Yonezawa Takehiro , Tanaka Satoshi , Deguchi Akihiro , Shimose Shigeo , Shirono Tomotake , Sakai Miwa , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Moriyama Etsuko , Koga Hironori , Torimura Takuji , Kawaguchi Takumi
Published: July 2022

Background/Purpose: Although macrovascular invasion (MVI), particularly major portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), is a critical tumor condition in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), determining the optimal treatment is an unmet medical need. We aimed to compare the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) regimens New-FP (fine-powder cisplatin/ lipiodol suspension and 5-fluorouracil) and sorafenib for MVI-HCC and major PVTT-HCC in patients with preserved liver function. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,709 consecutively presenting patients with HCC who were initially treated with New-FP or sorafenib (March 2009 to June 2019). Overall survival and prognostic factors were assessed in both groups after propensity score matching (n=198 each). Subgroup analyses were conducted in four groups: cohort 1 (no MVI or extrahepatic spread [EHS]), cohort 2 (MVI only), cohort 3 (EHS only), and cohort 4 (MVI and EHS). Cohort 5 evaluated major PVTT (including EHS). Results: The New-FP group had a longer median survival time (MST) than the sorafenib group (New-FP, 18 months; sorafenib, nine months; p<0.0001). New-FP demonstrated a statistically longer MST compared with sorafenib in cohorts 2 and 4. In cohort 5, the MST of the New-FP group was 16 months, while that of sorafenib was six months (p<0.0001). For major PVTT-HCC, the objective response rate for New-FP was 73.0%. The MST of patients who achieved a complete response with New-FP (16.6%) was 59 months. Conclusion: New-FP showed significant efficacy for MVI-HCC, including major PVTT-HCC. Even in the era of systemic treatment, HAIC using New-FP is a promising modality for patients with advanced HCC.
Tuberculosis treatment outcomes in children and associated factors in health facilities of Shashemene town, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayele Habtamu Molla , Teklesilasie Wondwosen , Aragaw Abebaye , Melese Daniel Molla
Published: July 2022

Background: Treatment outcome results serve as a proxy of the quality of TB treatment for children In Ethiopia, data on TB treatment outcomes in children are limited. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the magnitude of tuberculosis treatment outcome in children and associated factors in health facilities of Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 10 to March 10, 2019 at Shashemene town, Southern Ethiopia. Using a simple random sampling method, 390 registered TB patients who had known treatment outcomes were selected from Unit TB register logbook. The data entered to Epi Info version 7, and analyzed using SPSS version 23 the characteristic and the treatment outcomes of patients’ were summarized using descriptive statistics. Significant variables at p-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were entered to multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to find factors associated with tuberculosis treatment outcomes in children.Results: Out of 390 children, 201(51. 5%) were females, 138(35.4%) were under 5 years old, and 373(95. 6%) of them were new cases. Pulmonary smear-negative TB accounted for more than half 213(54.6%), EPTB accounted for 140(35.9%) and pulmonary smear-positive TB accounted for 37(9.5%). The overall treatment success rate was 356(91.3%). Among 390 patients, 25(6.4%) were cured, 331(84.9%) were treatment completed, 14(3.6%) were lost to follow up, 17(4.4%) were deaths, and 3(0.7%) were treatment failures. Age group 5-9 years (AOR = 0.362, 95% CI [0.138-0.950]), 10-14 years (AOR =0.354, 95% CI [0.130-0.963]), lost to follow up category of TB (AOR=8.166, 95% CI [1.437-46.410]), HIV positive sero-status (AOR =5.822, 95% CI [2.009-16.869]), and rural residence (AOR= 2.390, 95% CI [1.002-5.702] were independently associated with treatment outcomes. Conclusions: he treatment success rate was above End TB Strategy. The treatment outcome was considerably varied with age, HIV status and residence of the patient. Young children less than 5 years, HIV co-infected and those patients with rural residence needs follow up to reduce poor treatment outcomes among children.