bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine for patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: GEICAM/2015-04 (PANGEA-Breast) study
Authors: Cruz-Merino Luis de la , Gion María , Cruz Josefina , Alonso-Romero Jose Luis , Quiroga Vanesa , Moreno Fernando , Andrés Raquel , Santisteban Marta , Ramos Manuel , Holgado Esther , Cortés Javier , López-Miranda Elena , Cortés Alfonso , Henao Fernando , Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Rodriguez Luz Milva , Ceballos Isaac , Soto Asunción , Puertes Ana , Casas Maribel , Benito Sara , Chiesa Massimo , Bezares Susana , Caballero Rosalía , Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Rojo Federico
Published: May 2022

Background: We evaluated a combination of two immunomodulatory agents considering a synergism that may induce long-term clinical benefit in advanced breast cancer (ABC). Methods: HER2-negative ABC patients received 21-day cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg (day 1) and gemcitabine (days 1 and 8). A run-in-phase (6+6 design) was planned with two dose levels (DL) of gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m2 [DL0]; 1,000 mg/m2 [DL1]) to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The primary objective was objective response rate (ORR). Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density and PD-L1 expression in tumors and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) levels in peripheral blood were analyzed. Results: Fourteen patients were treated with DL0, resulting in RP2D. Thirty-six patients were evaluated during the first stage of Simon’s design. Recruitment was stopped as statistical assumptions were not met. The median age was 52; 21 (58%) patients had triple-negative disease, 28 (78%) visceral involvement, and 27 (75%) ≥2 metastatic locations. Progression disease was observed in 29 patients. ORR was 15% (95% CI, 5–32). Eight patients were treated ≥6 months before progression. Fourteen patients reported grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events. No association was found between TILs density and treatment efficacy. Patients with negative PD-L1 expression showed significantly prolonged progression-free survival. MDSCs levels were associated with treatment response.Conclusion: Pembrolizumab 200 mg and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 were considered as RP2D. The objective of ORR was not met; however, 22% patients were on treatment for ≥6 months. Tumor PD-L1 expression and MDSCs levels suggested a potential predictive role in this population.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov and EudraCT (NCT03025880 and 2016-001779-54, respectively).
Research on the process of virus infecting cells using atomic force microscope measuring mechanical properties
Authors: Gu Yuping , Yuan Shuai , Chu Tianshu , Liu Likai
Published: May 2022

The relationship between the infectivity of virus infecting cells and its mechanical properties has been becoming a hot issue of biology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides an effective tool for studying the interaction of viruses infecting cells under physiological conditions. In order to explore the process of virus infecting cells and reveal the action principle of antiviral drugs, this paper analyzes the changing trend of mechanical properties of cells under normal conditions and after being infected by viruses, which is always soft → hard → soft for adhesion and Young's modulus; Next the influence of virus quantity on the process of infecting cells is studied, the result represents that increasing the viruses will speed up the change of mechanical properties and accelerate cell apoptosis. Then, through the comparison of the two experimental results, the process of the antiviral drug ribavirin in inhibiting the virus infecting cells is studied, which revealed that ribavirin could inhibit the virus infecting cells by modifying the surface structure of the virus. This conclusion is illustrated by measuring the hardness changing before and after the adenovirus is modified by ribavirin.
Purified complement C3b triggers phagocytosis and activation of human neutrophils via Complement receptor 1
Authors: Boero Elena , Gorham Ronald D. , Francis Emmet A. , Brand Jonathan , Teng Lay Heng , Doorduijn Dennis J. , Ruyken Maartje , Lehmann Christian , Verschoor Admar , Kessel Kok P.M. , Heinrich Volkmar , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M.
Published: May 2022

The complement system provides vital immune protection against infectious agents by labeling them with complement fragments that enhance phagocytosis by immune cells. Many details of complement-mediated phagocytosis remain elusive, partly because it is difficult to study the role of individual complement proteins on target surfaces. Here, we employ serum-free methods to couple purified complement C3b onto E. coli bacteria and beads and then expose human neutrophils to these C3b-coated targets. We examine the neutrophil response using a combination of flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, luminometry, single-live-cell/single-target manipulation, and dynamic analysis of neutrophil spreading on opsonin-coated surfaces. We show that purified C3b can potently trigger phagocytosis and killing of bacterial cells via Complement receptor 1. Comparison of neutrophil phagocytosis of C3b- versus antibody-coated beads with single-bead/single-target analysis exposes a similar cell morphology during engulfment. However, bulk phagocytosis assays of C3b-beads combined with DNA-based quenching reveal that these are poorly internalized compared to their IgG1 counterparts. Similarly, neutrophils spread slower on C3b-coated compared to IgG-coated surfaces. These observations support the requirement of multiple stimulations for efficient C3b-mediated uptake. Together, our results establish the existence of a direct pathway of phagocytic uptake of C3b-coated targets and present methodologies to study this process.
Integrated Flood Studies in Sicily: An Hydro-geomorphological Approach
Authors: carlino martina , Francesco Silvia Di
Published: May 2022

The present study originates from the need to investigate and monitor rivers in order to manage and mitigate fluvial dynamics and prevent flood adverse effects. The aim is to develop an integrated flood risk management procedure that properly incorporates safety and quality issues, in accordance respectively with Flood Directive and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Flood inundation models (2‐D) were used to develop flood inundation maps that takes into account uncertainty related to modeling process and hazards related to channel dynamics were investigated. Two survey and classification tools, recently developed in the IDRAIM methodology, were tested: the Morphological Dynamics Index (MDI) and the Event’s Dynamics Classification ( EDC ). These latter tools are required for integrating the standard hydraulic analyses used for flood mapping and, therefore, for obtaining an overall more robust and reliable flood risk assessment.
Hydraulic simulations and applications of morphological indexes were applied on two different rivers located in Sicily: a highly controlled river, Arena river, and a more dynamic gravel-bed river, Tempio river. Specifically, the indexes were used to identify portions of river interested by morphologic variability. Based on obtained results, interventions addressed to mitigate fluvial dynamics and prevent flood adverse effects were designed.
Neighbourhood matching creates realistic surrogate
temporal networks
Authors: Longa Antonio , Cencetti Giulia , Lehmann Sune , Passerini Andrea , Lepri Bruno
Published: May 2022

Temporal networks are essential for modeling and understanding systems whose behavior varies in time, from social interactions to biological systems. Often, however, real-world data are prohibitively expensive to collect or unshareable due to privacy concerns. A promising solution is ‘surrogate networks’, synthetic graphs with the properties of real-world networks. Until now, the generation of realistic surrogate temporal networks has remained an open problem, due to the difficulty of capturing both the temporal and topological properties of the input network, as well as their correlations, in a scalable model. Here, we propose a novel and simple method for generating surrogate temporal networks. By decomposing graphs into temporal neighborhoods surrounding each node, we can generate new networks using neighborhoods as building blocks. Our model vastly outperforms current methods across multiple examples of temporal networks in terms of both topological and dynamical similarity. We further show that beyond generating realistic interaction patterns, our method is able to capture intrinsic temporal periodicity of temporal networks, all with an execution time lower than competing methods by multiple orders of magnitude.
Molecular analysis reveals a distinct subgenogroup of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in Northern Vietnam in 2018–2019
Authors: LE THANH HOA , Duong Bui Thi Thuy , Thao Pham Thi Phuong , Hoa Nguyen Thi , Thu Ha Thi , Phuoc Man Hong , Quyen Dong Van
Published: May 2022

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is known as a serious disease infecting all ages of pigs, with a mortality rate of up to 100% in piglets. The spike protein (S) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), in particular, the S1-CTD (C-terminal domain), which contains the conservative neutralizing epitopes CO­26K equivalent (COE) (aa 499–638), exhibits a high degree of genetic and antigenic diversity. We obtained 26 Vietnamese PEDV-S1-CTD sequences (630 bp) from samples collected from seven northern provinces from June 2018 to January 2019 and analyzed them with 35 sequences from previous studies, representing the G1a and 1b, G2a and 2b, and recombinant (G1c) genotypes, and PEDV vaccines. The majority (73.1%) of strains (19/26) belonged to the subgroup G2b. With strong nodal support (98%), seven strains were clustered into an independent, “distinct subgenogroup” (named dis-subG), separate from both G1a and G1b and other G2a, 2b, and 1c (recombinant strains). When compared with the prototype CV777 strain (AF353511), sequence analysis revealed distinct changes of 513T>S, 520G>D, 527V>(I/L/M), 591L>F, 669A>(S/P), 691V>I in the COE and S1D regions of the S1-CTD protein that were only identified in these Vietnamese strains. This cluster is a new antigenic variant subgroup and further studies are required to investigate its anigenicity. The results in this study revealed the continuous evolution in the S1 region of the Vietnamese PEDV strains, which emphasizes the need for frequent updates of the vaccines for effective protection.
Optical Tomography Dynamics Induced by Qubit-Resonator Interactions Under Intrinsic Decoherence
Authors: Mohamed A.-B. A. , Eleuch Hichem
Published: May 2022

A superconducting circuit with a qubit and a resonator resonantly coupled via a two-photon interaction is considered. When the resonator is initially in a superposition of coherent states, optical tomography and quantum coherence dynamics are examined in the context of intrinsic decoherence. The results reveal that optical tomography is a good quantifier of the quantum coherence produced by the qubit-resonator interaction. The effects of qubit-resonator detuning and intrinsic decoherence on the dynamics of optical tomography distributions for coherent and even coherent states are investigated. The dynamics of optical tomography distributions are highly dependent on detuning and intrinsic decoherence.
Incidence of cereblon protein in intensive care patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayvat Pinar , Diniz Gulden , Gulmez Hakan , Yurtlu Derya Arslan , Asar Kamil , Katircioglu Kaan , Ece Cem , Sofuoglu Zeynep
Published: May 2022

Background-
Sepsis remains a common cause of death. Involving in important cellular processes, the cereblon (CRBN) protein plays a role in sepsis. This study aimed to show the CRBN protein expression and its effects on the patients in the intensive care unit.
Methods-
Samples were taken by deep tracheal aspiration from patients. The presence of CRBN was pathologically investigated by using immunohistochemical tests and polyclonal antibodies against CRBN. The relationship between gender, sepsis, steroid, survival, and the presence of CRBN was examined.
Results-
Respiratory and neurologic diseases were the most common reasons for admission. Acinetobacter was the most frequent microorganism. In patients with more than normal inflammatory cells, we observed a negative correlation between CRBN expression and PNL rate (p = 0.031). In patients with CRBN, there was no correlation between steroid and mortality, APACHE/Glasgow score, length of stay in hospital and ICU.
Conclusion-
Although the prognosis in sepsis is better in CRBN-deficiency animals, the presence of CRBN in humans does not affect it. The more we saw inflammatory cells in aspiration material, the less there was a CRBN. The response to steroids, an immunomodulator, did not change with the presence of the immunomodulator target molecule, CRBN. This requires us to reconsider using immunomodulators in the treatment of sepsis.
Modeling the spray range of rotating nozzles based on modified ballistic trajectory equation parameters
Authors: Rui Zhang , Yichuan Liu , Delan Zhu , Xiaomin Zhang , Fei Gao , Zheng Changjuan
Published: May 2022

In order to determine the spray range of the rotating nozzles, this study conducted a force analysis of the jet micro-element generated by the sprinkler spray, using the dimensional analysis, least squares regression and 207 sets of sprinkler irrigation test data. The jet deformation parameter kjet, which can measure the mass and shape of jet microelements generated by different sprinkler conditions, was proposed. Based on the modified ballistic trajectory equation of the spray water motion, a rotating nozzle spray range model was established, verified and compared, the results showed that: 1) The dimension of jet deformation parameter kjet is the length L, is a function of the nozzle diameter, working pressure and nozzle elevation angle; 2) The maximum mean absolute error (RMSE) and root mean square error (MAE) of this model were1.749 and 1.348, respectively, in the nozzle elevation angle range of 7°~43°, which was significantly better than other types of models in terms of prediction accuracy; 3) Sensitivity analysis yielded the degree of impact on the nozzle range from the largest to the smallest in order of nozzle diameter > nozzle working pressure > nozzle elevation angle > nozzle installation height; 4) The maximum spray range of the nozzle was positively related to the nozzle diameter and working pressure. Influenced by the working pressure and nozzle diameter to reach the maximum spray range of the nozzle elevation angle in the vicinity of 30° change. This study can provide a reference for the design of sprinkler systems and the development of rotating nozzles.
Shiga toxin-targeted gold nanorods for head-neck cancer photothermal therapy in clinical samples
Authors: Navarro-Palomares Elena , García-Hevia Lorena , Galán-Vidal Jesús , Gandarillas Alberto , García-Reija Fe , Sánchez-Iglesias Ana , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Valiente Rafael , Fanarraga Mónica L.
Published: May 2022

Background A great challenge in nanomedicine, and more specifically in theranostics, is to improve the specificity and selectivity of nanomaterials towards target tissues or cells. The topical use of nanomedicines as adjuvants to systemic chemotherapy can significantly improve the survival of patients affected by localized carcinomas, reducing the side effects of traditional drugs and preventing local recurrences.Results Here we have used the Shiga toxin, to design a safe, high-affinity protein-ligand (ShTxB) to bind the globotriaosylceramide receptor (GB3) that is overexpressed on the surfaces of preneoplastic and malignant cancer cells in head and neck tumors. We find that ShTxB functionalized gold nanorods are efficiently retrotranslocated to the GB3 positive cell cytoplasms. After 3-10 minutes of laser radiation with a wavelength resonant with the AuNR longitudinal localized surface plasmon, the death of the targeted cancer cells is activated. Both preclinical models and patient biopsy cells show the non-cytotoxic nature of these functionalized nanoparticles prior to light activation and their treatment selectivity.Conclusions These results show how the topical use of nanomedicines targeted by natural ligands can represent an effective treatment for aggressive localized cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Differences in healthcare utilization inequity amongst latent classes of patients with chronic diseases and factor decomposition of the elderly with chronic diseases in China
Authors: Zhao Jie , Yan Chaoyang , Han Dan , Wu Yunyi , Liao Hui , Ma Ying , Zhang Mei , Li Sangsang , wang jing
Published: May 2022

Background Studies have shown chronic disease-based healthcare utilization inequity is common. Exploring it will help establish targeted measures and protect the rights and interests of vulnerable groups. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to explore the latent classification of elderly patients with chronic disease and compare healthcare utilization inequity among latent classes.Methods Data on 7243 patient with chronic diseases and over 60 years old were collected from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Latent class analysis was used to classify the patients with chronic diseases, and analysis of variance and x2 tests were utilized to test the differences in characteristics among latent classes. Healthcare utilization inequity was measured on the basis of the concentration index (CI), and the CI was decomposed to compare the horizontal index of healthcare utilization among the latent classes.Results The patients with chronic diseases were divided into five latent classes, namely, the musculoskeletal system, hypertension, respiratory system, digestive system and cardiovascular system groups. Statistically significant differences in social demographic characteristics were observed among the five latent classes. A pro-rich healthcare utilization inequity for all respondents was found, and a similar phenomenon was observed for latent classes. For access to healthcare utilization, the digestive system group had the worst equity and the respiratory system group had the best. After balancing the influence of health need factors, healthcare utilization inequity was almost alleviated by different degree. Furthermore, the contribution of health need factors was larger than that of socioeconomic factors, and self-rated health status was the greatest contributor.Conclusions Healthcare utilization inequity still exists in elderly patients with chronic diseases, and the level and direction of inequity vary among latent classes. Moreover, self-rated health status plays an important role in healthcare utilization inequity. Providing financial support to low-income patients with certain chronic diseases, focusing on the physical and mental feelings of patients with chronic diseases and guiding these patients to evaluate their health status correctly could be essential for alleviating healthcare utilization inequity among elderly patients with chronic diseases.
Inequality and Regional Poverty in Nigeria: A Decomposition Analysis from Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Index
Authors: Omeje Ambrose Nnaemeka , Chukwu Ndubuisi Obeka , Isiwu Paul Chukwuemeka
Published: May 2022

This study examined inequality and regional poverty in Nigeria using the Nigeria Living Standard Survey – NLSS (2019), and adopted decomposition analysis of the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Index. It was therefore found by the study that in this regard, inequality and regional poverty is more in the Northern Nigeria with North West having the greatest head count ratio or poverty incidence, poverty gap or poverty intensity and poverty severity. This is followed by the North East, and North Central. Going southern part of the country, it was found by the study that inequality and regional poverty is more in South West, followed by South-South, and least in the South East. The study therefore recommends that there is urgent need for national policies geared towards reduction of poverty incidence in all the geopolitical regions of the country. This could come through employment creation, increased investment in infrastructure, increased development and support of informal sector businesses, among other social investments that could increase incomes through increased employment.
The Sub-Inhibitory effect of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin on virF gene expression in Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli and Shigella Flexneri
Authors: Shahsavan Mohadeseh , Firoozeh Farzaneh , Bakhtiyari Mahmood , Pourrostami Kumars , Tavakoli Mahnaz , Hatami Shiva , Mohammadzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Background
Bacillary dysentery is a bacterial gastrointestinal disorder that damages the intestinal wall and excretion of blood and mucus in the feces. The disease is associated with Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) and Shigella flexneri. The virF gene is the major regulator of the virulence of these bacteria. Previous studies have shown that Sub-inhibitory concentration (Sub-MIC) of antibiotics have significant effects on bacterial virulence. Therefore, in this study, the effects of Sub-MIC of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin on Shigella flexneri and EIEC were evaluated.
Methods
Standard strains of both bacteria were treated with Sub-MIC concentrations of 1.2, 1.4, and 1.8 of ciprofloxacin and azithromycin antibiotics. Alternations in the expression of virF gene in antibiotic treated samples compared to control samples, were analysed using relative Real-time PCR.
Results
The mean expression of the virF gene in all Sub-MICs of ciprofloxacin were increased in both Shigella flexneri and EIEC, while Sub-MICs of azithromycin were reduced. The changes in gene expression were observed in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions
The results showed virulence of Shigella flexneri and EIEC is affected by Sub-MICs of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. This phenomenon should be considered in antibiotic therapy of infections with these bacteria. Moreover, it seems that azithromycin is more convenient antibiotic of choice with a lower risk for treatment of acute infections associated with these bacteria.
Effects of Different Progesterone Containing Contraceptive Methods on Endogenous Progesterone Level and Ovulation Rate: prospective cohort observational study
Authors: Ossman Ahmed , Omar Mona
Published: May 2022

Background
Progestogen-only’ contraceptives are presented as injections, implants, oral formulations, hormone-releasing intrauterine methods, and emergency contraceptives. The research designed to assess the influence of progesterone in different progesterone containing contraceptive methods on endogenous progesterone level and ovulation rate.
Methods
This prospective cohort observational research was involved 80 healthy fertile females aged 20–35 years with normal menstrual history and had at least one offspring after spontaneous pregnancy. Subjects were classified into 4 equal groups according to contraceptive method: D group: used the injectable progesterone of 150 mg every 90 days or 3 months (Depo-Provera), I group: etonogestrel implant which contains 68 mg of etonogestrel, formerly known as Implanon, N group: used norgestrel (Ovrette, with each pill containing 0.075 mg of norgestrel), M group: used IUD (Mirena) containing 52 mg of levonorgestrel.
Results
women who in M group had higher endogenous progesterone level compared to those who used other contraceptives containing with normal follicle growth and normal follicle size. Incidence of amenorrhea was significantly decreased in M group 20% than D group 75%, I group ,65%, N group 70% and there was an insignificant difference among other three groups. Continuation rate was significantly increased in M group than other three groups after 3 months and 6 months
Conclusion
Mirena had low systemic absorption of exogenous progesterone so, it had low effect on endogenous progesterone and ovulation rate with low incidence of side effects compared to other contraceptives containing progesterone. Therefore, Mirena is an effective and safe method as contraceptive and can be used with women who had complication with using progesterone containing contraceptive methods in the study.
Diffusion- and Perfusion-weighted MRI Radiomics for Survival Prediction in Patients with Lower-grade Gliomas
Authors: Park Chae Jung , Kim Sooyon , Han Kyunghwa , Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Dain , Park Yae Won , Chang Jong Hee , Kim Se Hoon , Lee Seung-Koo
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Lower-grade gliomas of histologic grade 2 and 3 follow heterogenous clinical outcomes, which necessitates risk stratification. This study aimed to evaluate whether diffusion-weighted and perfusion-weighted MRI radiomics allow overall survival (OS) prediction in patients with lower-grade gliomas and investigate its prognostic value.
Methods
In this retrospective study, radiomic features were extracted from apparent diffusion coefficient, relative cerebral blood volume map, and Ktrans map in patients with pathologically confirmed lower-grade gliomas (January 2012 – February 2019). The radiomics risk score (RRS) calculated from selected features constituted a radiomics model. Multivariable Cox regression analysis, including clinical features and RRS, were performed. The models’ integrated area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (iAUC) were compared. The radiomics model combined with clinical features was presented as a nomogram.
Results
The study included 129 patients (median age, 44 years; interquartile range, 37–57 years; 66 women): 90 patients for training, and 39 patients for test set. The RRS was an independent risk factor for OS with a hazard ratio of 6.01. The combined clinical and radiomics model achieved superior performance for OS prediction compared to the clinical model in both training (iAUC, 0.82 vs. 0.72, P = .002) and test sets (0.88 vs. 0.76, P = .04). The radiomics nomogram combined with clinical features exhibited good agreement between the actual and predicted OS with C-index of 0.83 and 0.87 in the training and test set, respectively.
Conclusion
Adding diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI radiomics to clinical features improved survival prediction in lower-grade glioma.
Does radioactive iodine treatment have an effect on serum TWEAK and other cardio-metabolic parameters in hyperthyroid patients?
Authors: Cetin Zeynep , CANPOLAT Asena GOKCAY , KOSEM Arzu , EDIBOGLU Elif , SAHIN Mustafa
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which excess thyroid hormone is produced and released. It is not clear whether radioactive iodine (RAI), one of the treatment methods, increases cardiovascular risk in these patients. We investigated whether RAI increases cardio-metabolic risk by looking at serum soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and other parameters.Method: The study included 21 patients who underwent RAI and 21 patients followed up with anti-thyroid drugs. At the beginning and at the 3rd month, thyroid stimulating hormone, free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and sTWEAK levels were measured. According to baseline and 3rd month data, both groups were compared with each other and within themselves.Results: sTWEAK levels were higher in the RAI group at baseline and at the 3rd month than in the medical group (baseline sTWEAK 78.80 vs 49.90, p=0.004; 3rd month sTWEAK 76.60 vs 40.63, p=0.001, respectively). CRP level was higher in the RAI group at the 3rd month than in the medical group (2.70 vs 1.49, respectively, p=0.024).Conclusion: Low-dose RAI does not lead to a change in cardio-metabolic risk in the early period.
Application of Intermediate CMOS Layer-based Defected Ground Structure to Design a Dual-Band On-chip Antenna with Improved Gain
Authors: SINGH HARSHAVARDHAN , Mandal Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel CPW-fed dual-band on-chip antenna (OCA)
by introducing a Crossed Bowtie shaped Defected Ground Structure (CBDGS)
in one of the intermediate layers of the CMOS layout is proposed. In
general, a CPW fed OCA has its ground plane on the same plane of antenna,
however, introducing a DGS in one of the intermediate layer using Through
Silicon Vias (TSVs) to obtain dual band characteristics of antenna as well as
to improve its gain is performed in this work. A 10 dB operating band of 9
GHz (2.25 GHz - 11.75 GHz) is obtained by employing the meandered loop
miniaturization technique on the antenna designed on top CMOS layer, while
the introduction of DGS layer enforced a comparatively less stop band at the
middle of the operating band and the resultant structure offered a dual-band
resonance characteristic at 3.1 GHz and 10.4 GHz. Here, the intermediate
DGS layer between the top-layered antenna and Silicon (Si) wafer reduces
the substrate loss by preventing the coupling of the electromagnetic radiation
with the substrate and enhances the antenna gain significantly at both the
resonance frequencies respectively by +16.01 dB and +12.7 dB. A prototype
of the proposed antenna structure is fabricated and the obtained simulated
result is validated through experimental measurement.
Comparison of four frailty scales in predicting adverse outcomes in Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Qin Fei , Guo Yanfei , Ruan Ye , Huang Zhezhou , Sun Shuangyuan , Gao Shuna , Ye Jinghong , Wu Fan
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Frailty is related to numerous adverse outcomes and can be operationalized in a variety of ways. However, data on which frailty scales are most suitable for estimating risk remain limited. Herein we examined and compared four validated frailty scales in predicting adverse outcomes in a large population-based cohort of older adults.METHODS: A total of 5402 subjects aged 50 and older from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) in Shanghai were studied. Frailty was measured using a 35-item frailty index (FI), the frailty phenotype (FP), FRAIL, and Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Logistic regression models were performed unadjusted/adjusted to evaluate the association between frailty and outcomes including 4-year disability, hospitalization, and 4- and 7-year all-cause mortality. The accuracy for predicting these outcomes was determined by assessing the area under the curve (AUC) as well as sensitivity and specificity.RESULTS: Prevalence of frailty ranged from 4.2% (FRAIL) to 16.9% (FI). Frailty, however defined, was associated with an increased risk of any outcome. The aforementioned associations, except for those of FP with disability and hospitalization, remained significant after controlling for potential covariates. FI, followed by TFI and FRAIL, showed acceptable predictive ability for disability and mortality (AUC: 0.65-0.78). While specificity estimates (85.3-97.3%) for each scale were higher and similar across all outcomes, sensitivity estimates (6.3-56.8%) varied considerably within a lower range.CONCLUSIONS: All four scales did have the potential to identify Chinese older adults at high risk of adverse outcomes; however, their predictive accuracy varied.
Radiation-induced fibrosarcoma after breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hoshina Hideko , Kubouchi Kouichi , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Takei Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

Background: Radiation-induced sarcoma (RIS) has a 10-year incidence of 0.2-0.27% and a poor prognosis. In particular, radiation-induced fibrosarcoma has been rarer, and its incidence is 2.6-3.7% of RIS.Case presentation: A 43-year-old woman with pT1N1M0 breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy eight years ago, and continued hormonal therapy. She complained of a hard mass palpated in her right axillary breast. Although we suspected local recurrence, core needle biopsy revealed atypical spindled tumor cells without mammary or epithelial markers. A diagnosis of fibrosarcoma was made via tumorectomy. She underwent additional enlarged surgery.Conclusions: We report a rare case of fibrosarcoma after breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy. Fibrosarcoma after radiation therapy for breast cancer has been reported in 30 cases, including the present case. The dead and alive cases were not significantly different in terms of age, primary breast cancer, radiation dose, and following months. Patients with breast masses after radiation therapy should be suspected local recurrence and RIS.
Structure-Function Clustering in Weighted Brain Networks
Authors: Crofts Jonathan J. , Forrester Michael , Coombes Stephen , O’Dea Reuben D.
Published: May 2022

Functional networks, which typically describe patterns of activity taking place across the cerebral cortex, are widely studied in neuroscience. The dynamical features of these networks, and in particular their deviation from the relatively static structural network, are thought to be key to higher brain function. The interactions between such structural networks and emergent function, and the multimodal neuroimaging approaches and common analysis according to frequency band motivate a multilayer network approach for their analysis. However, many such analyses rely on arbitrary threshold choices that convert dense, weighted networks to sparse, binary structures. Here, we generalise a measure of multiplex clustering to describe weighted multiplexes with arbitrarily-many layers. Moreover, we extend a recently-developed measure of structure-function clustering (that describes the disparity between anatomical connectivity and functional networks) to the weighted case. To demonstrate its utility we combine human connectome data with simulated neural activity and bifurcation analysis. Our results indicate that this new measure can extract neurologically relevant features not readily apparent in analogous single-layer analyses. In particular, we are able to deduce dynamical regimes under which multistable patterns of neural activity emerge. Importantly, these findings suggest a role for brain operation just beyond criticality to promote cognitive flexibility.
Effectiveness of a program for overcoming infertility in infertile women: An exploratory study
Authors: Kim¹ Kyu-Min , Kim Jae-Hak , Park Choon-Sun , Rhee Hyun-Sill
Published: May 2022

Background
The number of infertile women in South Korea is increasing, suggesting that infertility is a social phenomenon, rather than an individual family problem; thus, an active response is required. Natural pregnancy is relatively difficult in cases of infertility, with the main solution being assisted reproductive technologies. However, individuals must bear several costs for the same; it also places a significant burden on infertile women’s psychological and emotional aspects, reducing the effectiveness and pregnancy success rate of assisted reproductive treatment. Therefore, social and emotional support is needed to alleviate the negative burden (e.g., stress and depression). According to previous studies, before considering assisted reproductive technologies, it is necessary to provide infertility-related education and physical, psychological, and emotional support. Hence, this study examined the effectiveness of a program for infertile women in South Korea, operated by the Korean Federation of Infertile Families, using a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design.
Methods
The participants were married women aged over 19 years, diagnosed with female infertility, who had no prior experience of childbirth or program participation. Overall, 37 individuals were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 19) groups. The program was conducted for eight weeks. The participants’ quality of life, depression, stress, self-esteem, social support, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors were assessed and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System 9.4 software.
Results
The results demonstrated that the experimental group’s quality of life, stress, social support, and health promotion behaviors were significant, while their depression, self-esteem, and self-efficacy were not. However, positive score changes were observed before and after participating in the program.
Conclusions
From a long-term perspective, the program could provide the foundational data for the development and implementation of infertility-related interventions.
Study of ionospheric total electron content and its numerical estimation during several geomagnetic storms in the 24 solar cycle
Authors: Kundu Subrata , Sasmal Sudipta
Published: May 2022

We present the ionospheric response of ge-omagnetic storms as observed from ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC). We select nine storm events and study the GPS-TEC profiles observed from two IGS stations, IISC, Bangalore, India, and AUCK, Auckland, New Zealand. We try to estimate the TEC profiles numerically by using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and SSM-T1 (nonlinear regression analysis) approaches. We choose the geomagnetic storms satisfying the condition of Dst ≤ 50 nT and Kp ≥ 50. The F10.7 and Ap indices are chosen as inputs for the EOF modelling approaches to account for geomagnetic activity. The SSM-T1 model is composed of three components: diurnal, seasonal, and solar dependence fluctuations associated with VTEC data, and is fitted using the nonlinear least-squares technique using a total of 18 coefficients. The EOF and SSM-T1 models are built and tested on different storms using GPS TEC data for storm days from 2009 to 2017. The EOF and SSM-T1 models perform well for storms with non-significant ionospheric TEC responses. The EOF-TEC model reasonably estimates the night and early morning TEC well, but it does not reproduce short-term characteristics. Significant enhancement and depression in TEC are estimated by SSM-T1 better than in the EOF model. The storm enhancements in GPS-TEC are observed for both stations. The maximum enhancement in VTEC for IISC is observed for the storm in 2013, and the same for AUCK is observed in 2011. Positive and negative storm effects are observed in low and mid-latitude stations. The reduction or enhancement in the thermo-ionospheric [O/N 2 ] ratio plays a significant role in the decrement or enhancement in TEC during the storm.
Exome Sequencing Reanalysis: Past practices and patient characteristics at a single institution
Authors: Rosier Lauren , Helm Benjamin M. , Vetrini Francesco , Treat Kayla M. , Breman Amy M. , Conboy Erin
Published: May 2022

We performed a cross-sectional, retrospective review of our institution's previous uninformative exome sequencing (ES) results and reanalysis process, and we identified areas of improvement in our genetic testing pipeline. To accomplish this, we performed a detailed chart review of patients who had ES performed from 2013 through 2016 and catalogued data including age, indication for testing, ordering physician specialty, and if a reanalysis was performed. Our final sample included 165 patients with uninformative exome sequencing results, 50 of whom also had reanalysis. Then, descriptive statistics and Fishers exact tests were performed to identify factors associated with whether ES reanalysis had been completed or not. We found that certain factors were more closely associated with a patient having had a reanalysis performed for a normal or uninformative result, like whether the patient had a future appointment within our institution (p = 0.0276). Other factors more closely associated with a patient having reanalysis were if the patient met with a geneticist (p = 0.0018) and/or genetic counselor (p = 0.0027). Other variable such as age, race, and if the patient had a future appointment with their ordering provider were not associated with an increased likelihood of having reanalysis. These results highlight the value of genetics professionals in interpreting complex genetic testing and also identify areas where we may need to improve our current processes. In addition, our results confirm findings from previous studies, implement a basis for other clinics to examine their ES reanalyses pipeline, and allow us to support the call for additional guidelines on ES reanalysis.
Recent outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery for large renal stones: A comparison analysis with disposable and reusable ureteroscopes
Authors: Takazawa Ryoji , Waseda Yuma , Kobayashi Masaki , Fuse Honoka , Tamiya Takashi
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate the recent outcomes of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with a disposable ureteroscope in comparison to RIRS with a reusable ureteroscope. One hundred thirty patients with renal stones of 15-40 mm were analyzed. The patient characteristics and surgical outcomes of 64 patients treated with a disposable ureteroscope LithoVue® (disposable-scope group) were compared with those of 66 patients treated with a reusable scope previously (reusable-scope group). In the disposable-scope group, the mean stone diameter (24.9 vs. 22.0 mm, p=0.01) and stone volume (2.8 vs. 1.8 cc, p<0.01) were significantly larger than those in the reusable-scope group. The stone-free rate after one session of the disposable-scope group was equivalent to that of the reusable-scope group (81.3% vs. 86.4%, p=0.43) without the increase of complications although it required longer operative time (111.0 vs. 90.2 min, p<0.01). Moreover, the stone-free rate of the disposable-scope group was correlated with stone volume [cut-off value 2.9 cc, area under the curve (AUC) 0.94] better than stone diameter (cut-off value 26.0 mm, AUC 0.76). After propensity-score matching, 37 patients from each group were included. Although the disposable-scope group tended to require longer operative time (100.5 vs. 89.2 min, p=0.06), the stone-free rates of both groups were the same (91.2%). In conclusion, we are now able to treat larger renal stones with a disposable ureteroscope although it requires longer operative time. The stone volume can predict the outcome of RIRS for large renal stones of 15-40 mm more accurately than stone diameter.
High expression of Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 (TREM-1) predicted poor prognosis in Glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Ma Ke , Li Yanxin , Zhang Xianwei , Guo Qianqian
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 (TREM-1) played an important role in inflammatory reactions. Recently the roles of TREM-1 in cancer had been explored, but not in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The study was performed to explore the significance of TREM-1 in GBM. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining of TREM-1 was performed in 91 operative patients diagnosed with GBM. Clinicopathological characteristics and survival time were recorded. Besides, TREM-1 expression and its effect on prognosis were analyzed using online GEPIA, TCGA and CGGA databases. Then the expressionprofile of TCGA-GBM cohort was used to perform functional enrichment analysis. CIBERSORT method and TIMER database were used to estimate the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). ESTIMATE algorithm was used to estimate the immune-stromal score. Lastly, the relationships between TREM-1 and TIICs, immune-stromal score and immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) were analyzed. Results: The expression of TREM-1 was up-regulated in GBM and high TREM-1 expression predicted poor prognosis. TREM-1, IDH1, surgical resection, postoperative radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy were associated with the survival time of GBM patients, but only surgical resection and TREM-1 expression were independent prognostic factors. GBM with high TREM-1 expression exhibited more infiltrate of neutrophils and macrophage. TREM-1 was positively associated with immune-stromal score and multiple ICGs, most of whom were involved in immunosuppressive responses. Conclusions: The study revealed high expression of TREM-1in GBM was an independent poor prognosis factor and TREM-1 was associated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Blocking TREM-1, or combing block TREM-1 and ICGs may be a strategy for enhancing GBM immune response.
Serum interleukin-38 levels correlated with insulin resistance, liver injury and lipids in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Cao Jun , Hua Lin , Zhang Shipei , Tang Jinping , Ke Fan , Wu Zhouhuan , Xue Guohui
Published: May 2022

BackgroundInsulin resistance, liver injury and dyslipidemia are reported in non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Interleukin (IL)-38 may take part in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the function of IL-38 in NAFLD is unknown. Herein, we determined whether serum IL-38 level might be utilised as a biochemical marker for diagnosing NAFLD.Methods NAFLD patients and healthy participants (n = 91 each) were enrolled. Circulating serum IL-38 levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Other metabolic and inflammatory indices related to NAFLD were also assessed.Results Patients with NAFLD had higher serum IL-38 levels than healthy individuals. Significantly higher serum IL-38 levels were found in patients with severe and moderate NAFLD than in patients with mild NAFLD. IL-38 showed a significant correlation with parameters of insulin resistance, inflammation, and liver enzyme in NAFLD cases. Anthropometric, insulin resistance, inflammatory parameters, lipids and frequency of NAFLD showed significant differences among the serum IL-38 level tertiles. Participants in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of serum IL-38 levels had a greater risk of NAFLD than those in the 1st tertile. Furthermore, IL-38 ROC curve showed a high area under ROC with 0.861.Conclusions It is possible for serum IL-38 to be a biomarker for NAFLD.
Case report: Aetiology in a female Bronchiectasis patient presenting with Shortness of Breath
Authors: Akter Shahina
Published: May 2022

The patient is 42 years of age, female presenting to the COPD department with acute pneumonia and shortness of breath. She had a history of granulomatous tubular formation (tuberculosis) in the lungs 10 years back. Then she has admitted in a hospital. After CT scan of the chest with contrast, the impression was, suggestive of bilateral pulmonary inflammatory lesions and left sided pleural effusion with thickening. Due to pleural effusion, Thoracentesis has been performed to remove the fluid.She reports excess sputum production but could not be managed to expectorate the sputum, chills, cough, chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, and in extreme conditions fever. Sometimes she felt severe weakness and sleepy. Her main problem is she reports difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) especially while speaking. At present she has experienced bleeding about 10-15 ml.There are no known ill contacts at home. Her family history includes significant brain stroke disease and her father had shortness of breathing and her grandmother had sputum problem including sinusitis. She denies all smoking, alcohol and illegal drug use. There are no known foods, drugs, or environmental allergies.Past medical history is significant for dyspepsia, sinusitis, COPD. Two times ruptured ectopic pregnancy and past surgical history of caesarean section (C-section) six years back. This study aimed to analyze the clinical records of the female with recurrent pneumonia in an attempt to identify factors that may lead to bronchiectasis (BE).