bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Specificity of WNT Ligands and Receptors Reveals Universal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Oncogenes
Authors: Chen Cheng , Xu Changling , Yang Xia , Liu Ting , Luo Jingyue , Shi Wen , Yang Lu , Zheng Yi , Yang Jing
Published: February 2022

Background
The WNT signal pathway has myriad family members, which are broadly involved in embryonic development and human cancer. Over-activation of WNT-β-Catenin signaling promotes cancer cell proliferation and survival. However, how diverse components of WNT signaling specifically engaged in distinct tumor types remains incompletely understood.
Methods
We analyzed the transcriptomic profiling of WNT ligands and receptors/co-receptors among 26 different tumor types to identify their expression pattern, and further verified these results using clinical oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) samples. At the same time, we also detected WNT7B expression in oral inflammation and carcinoma, and constructed stable WNT7B knockdown OSCC cell lines to study the effects of WNT7B on the cell proliferation and invasion ability.
Results
We found a group of tumor-specific WNT members, including a panel of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) specific upregulated WNT ligands and receptors, WNT5A, WNT7B, FZD7 and GPC1. We further revealed a significant correlation between these protein expression characteristics and clinical outcomes of OSCC and LUSC patients. Moreover, WNT7B was demonstrated to contribute to the development of oral chronic inflammation and OSCC, partly due to promoting the invasion ability of tumor cells.
Conclusions
These results demonstrate that the function of WNT ligands and receptors in specific tumors depends on the origination of tumor tissue type. Collectively, they support the use of WNT components as a highly specific target for pan-tissue-type originated tumors.
Effects of external field wavelength and solvation on the photophysical property and optical nonlinearity of 1,3-thiazolium-5-thiolates mesoionic compound
Authors: Hua Shugui , Wang Xia , Liu Zeyu , Lu Tian , Zhao Mengdi
Published: February 2022

The photophysical property and optical nonlinearity of an electronic push-pull mesoionic compond, 2-(4-trifluoromethophenyl)-3-methyl-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-thiazole-5-thiolate, were theoretically investigated with a reliable computing strategy. The essence of the optical properties were then explored through a variety of wavefunction analysis methods, such as the natural transition orbital analysis, hole-electron analysis, (hyper)polarizability density analysis, decomposition of the (hyper)polarizability contribution, and (hyper)polarizability tensor analysis, at the level of electronic structure. The influences of the electric field and solvation on the electron absorption spectrum and (hyper)polarizability of the molecule are highlighted and clarified. This work will help people to understand the effects of external field wavelength and solvation on the optical properties of mesoionic-based molecules.
Vestibular Nerve Function In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Detected By Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Authors: Zhang Jinying , Lin Jiayu , Huang Huapin
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Vestibular dysfunction may be present in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This relationship was frequently observed in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the vestibular function of diabetic patients and compare the results with those of a healthy adult control group.Materials and Methods: Patients were asked to complete demographic characteristics form. Moreover, lipids, fasting plasma glucose, as well as hemoglobin A1C tests, were carried out on them. Both the patients and control group were evaluated using two vestibular tests including ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (o-VEMP), and cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (c-VEMP).Results: The The o-VEMP and c-VEMP showed a significant difference in latencies between the four groups. oVEMP latency p15 and cVEMP latency (p13, n23) were positively correlated with HbA1c, FPG, and illness duration, and oVEMP latency n10 was positively correlated with HbA1c and FPG, with statistically significant differences.Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, vestibular dysfunctions are related to Diabetes. Patients with type two diabetes mellitus showed vestibular dysfunctions compared to the healthy control group.
Fine m apping of QFlw-5B , a major QTL for flag leaf width in common wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. )
Authors: Zhao Chunhua , Liu Xijian , Liu Hongwei , Kong Wenchao , Zhao Zhuochao , Zhang Shengren , Wang Saining , Chen Yingzi , Wu Yongzhen , Sun Han , Qin Ran , Cui Fa
Published: February 2022

Flag leaf width (FLW) is important to production in wheat. In a previous study, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for FLW (QFlw-5B) was detected on chromosome 5B, within an interval of 6.5 cM flanked by the markers XwPt-9103 and Xbarc142, using a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between Kenong9204 (KN9204) and Jing411 (J411) (denoted as KJ-RILs). The aim of this study was to fine map QFlw-5B and characterize its genetic effects on yield-related traits. Multiple near-isogenic lines (NILs) were developed using a residual heterozygous line (RHL) for QFlw-5B. Six recombinants for QFlw-5B were identified, and its location was narrowed to a 2.5 Mb region based on phenotypic and genotypic analyses. This region contained 27 predicted genes, two of which were the most likely candidate genes for QFlw-5B. An analysis of genetic effect indicated that the FLW of NIL-KN9204 was significantly higher than that of NIL-J411 across all of the environments tested. Meanwhile, significant increases in plant height, grain width and 1000-grain weight were observed in NIL-KN9204 compared with NIL-J411. These results indicated that QFlw-5B has great potential for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs designed to improve both plant structure and yield. This study also provides a basis for the map-based cloning of QFlw-5B.
Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasites And Associated Risk Factors Among HIV/AIDS Patients Attending At Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) Clinic At Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.
Authors: Abayneh Mengistu , Duguma Tadesse
Published: February 2022

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still very common, especially in areas where immune-compromised patients like HIV/AIDS patients are high prevalent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasite and risk factor among HIV/ AIDS patients attending ART clinic in Mizan-Tepi university teaching hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Method: A cross -sectional survey was conducted from July to September, 2021. A total of 191 study subjects were participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting socio-demographic and risk factors data. Stool sample was collected and processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining techniques. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 25 software and logistic regressions were applied to assess any association between explanatory factors and outcome variables. Result: From a total of 191 stool samples, 67 (35.1%) were positive for intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients on-ART was 31.5% (45/143) and 45.8% (22/48) among ART naïve group. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.7%) and (12.5%) and Giardia lamblia (7.0%) and (10.4%) was the most predominant parasites detected both in ART and ART naïve groups (p > 0.05). Drinking untreated water (AOR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.016-1.012), consuming raw food (AOR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.025-2.108), eating unwashed raw vegetables (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.052-4.843); CD4 count <200cells/ mm3 (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.062-0.798), CD4 count 200-500cells/mm3 (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.195-0.811), WHO stage II (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.156-0.589), WHO stage III (AOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.108-0.917) and viral load ≥150 copies/ml (AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.220-0.873) were showed significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasite.Conclusion: In this study, higher rate of intestinal parasitosis were associated with hygienic practices like drinking untreated water, consuming raw food and eating unwashed raw vegetables and with some clinical findings such as lower CD4 counts, increased viral load and being WHO stage II & III. Therefore, public health measures and adherence to ART should be strengthened to improve the immune status and to reducing vulnerability of the patients for intestinal parasites.
Novel neuroprotective peptides derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of pea protein
Authors: Chiang Wen-Dee , Hsu Yun-Chi
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to purify and identify neuroprotective peptides derived from Flavourzyme ® -pea protein hydrolysate (FPPH). Cell viability of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ 1−42 )-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells was used to explore neuroprotective effects of pretreating the cells with or without hydrolysate and its fractions. The higher cell viability represents the better neuroprotective effect. The hydrolysate was sequentially purified by gel filtration (GF) chromatography, reversed-phase (RP) chromatography and cation-exchange (CE) chromatography to explore any fraction to increase neuroprotective effects. The peptides were identified using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS). Three novel neuroprotective peptides were obtained, and the amino acid sequences were NKFGKFF, GGPFKSPF and RPVLGGSSTFPYP. The in vitro effect of gastrointestinal proteases on neuroprotective effects of the three peptides were 23 also investigated. The result suggested that the gastrointestinal protease did 24 not affect neuroprotective effects of the three novel peptides, which reveal the 25 potential to ameliorate disease caused by neurodegeneration.
Merging multisatellite precipitation products using stacking and EMOS-CSG methods
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Liang Zhongmin , Wang Haijun , Wang Jun , Hu Yiming , Li Binquan
Published: February 2022

Precipitation is a fundamental element of hydrological analyses, water resource management, and drought monitoring. To obtain high-spatiotemporal-resolution precipitation information, in this study, we proposed a merging method to integrate four satellite precipitation products (i.e., the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation 3B42 in Real-Time (TMPA-3B42RT), Climate Precipitation Center Morphing Technique (CMORPH), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation Near-Real-Time (GSMaP_NRT) and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) products) with gauge observations. First, geographically weighted regression (GWR) was adopted to downscale the four original satellite products. Second, six base learners of stacking algorithm were used to correct the deviation in each downscaled satellite product. Third, the six corrected results of each downscaled product were integrated by a secondary learner of stacking algorithm. Fourth, the ensemble model output statistics-censored, shifted gamma (EMOS-CSG) method was adopted to produce the final precipitation product by merging the four satellite product-stacking results. The merging method was applied to the Beimiaoji basin from April to October in the 2016–2019 period. The results showed that (1) the daily merged precipitation product had a better performance than the original satellite products in terms of the six considered statistical indexes, with the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) at 4.33 mm and the highest correlation coefficient (CC) at 0.64; (2) the utilized merging method not only increased the spatial resolution to 1 km but also captured more detailed precipitation distribution information; and (3) considering the influence of the gauge density, the quality of the merged product was not further influenced after the number of gauge stations surpassed 16.
Magnetic detection under high pressures using designed silicon vacancy centers in silicon carbide
Authors: Wang Jun-Feng , Liu Lin , Liu Xiao-Di , Li Qiang , Cui Jin-Ming , Zhou Di-Fan , Zhou Ji-Yang , Wei Yu , Xu Hai-An , Xu Wan , Lin Wu-Xi , Yan Jin-Wei , He Zhen-Xuan , Liu Zheng-Hao , Hao Zhi-He , Li Hai-Ou , Liu Wen , Xu Jin-Shi , Gregoryanz Eugene , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guangcan
Published: February 2022

Pressure is a significant parameter to investigate the properties of matter. The phenomenon of pressure-induced magnetic phase transition has attracted great interest due to its ability to detect superconducting behaviour at high pressures in diamond anvil cell. However, detection of the local sample magnetic properties is a great challenge due to the small sample chamber volume. Recently, in situ pressure-induced phase transition has been detected using optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) method of the nitrogen vacancies (NV) centers in diamond. However, the NV centers with four orientation axes and temperature-dependent zero-field-splitting present some difficulty to interpret the observed ODMR spectra. Here, we investigate and characterize the optical and spin properties of the implanted silicon vacancy defects in 4H-SiC, which is single-axis and temperature-independent zero-field-splitting. Using this technique, we observe the magnetic phase transition of a magnetic Nd2Fe14B sample at about 7 GPa. Finally, the critical temperature-pressure phase diagram of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O6.66 is mapped and refined. These experiments pave the way for the silicon vacancy-based quantum sensor being used in situ magnetic detection at high pressures.
Overcoming The Barriers To Implementation Of Competence-Based Medical Education: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Stoffman Jayson
Published: February 2022

Background: To ensure that residents are equipped with the necessary skills for practice, competence-based medical education (CBME) represents a transformative change in postgraduate medical education, which is being progressively introduced across Canadian specialty residency programs. Successful implementation will require adjustments to curriculum, assessment, and evaluation, with careful attention to the unique needs in the local context, including resident and faculty development.Methods: This narrative review of the literature aimed to determine the potential barriers to the successful implementation of CBME and the strategies by which they can be addressed, with a specific consideration of the author’s program in pediatrics in Manitoba. Eleven articles were identified with a specific focus on the implementation of CBME in the post-graduate setting, and 10 were included in the review after critical appraisal.Results: Three key themes emerged from the articles: the value of broad stakeholder engagement and leadership, the importance of faculty and resident development, and the development of specific support systems for the educational curriculum. Different strategies were considered and contrasted for addressing these important themes.Conclusion: This review provides important insights and practical approaches to the barriers that should be useful as programs prepare for the implementation of CBME.
WITHDRAWN: Dural Reconstruction with or without A Bone Graft Following Oncologic Resections of Paranasal and Anterior Skullbase Malignancies
Authors: Sommer Björn , Konietzko Ina , Bonk Maximilian Niklas , Schaller Tina , Märkl Bruno , Kahl Klaus Henning , Stüben Georg , Zenk Johannes , Shiban Ehab
Published: February 2022

The reconstruction of frontobasal defects following oncologic resections of paranasal and anterior skull base malignancies remains challenging. Ineffective reconstruction could lead to cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and tension pneumocephalus. Aim of this investigation was to analyse postoperative complication rates with or without bone graft for anterior skull base reconstruction. In this retrospective study, we included patients following resection of paranasal and/or anterior skull base malignancies between October 2013 and November 2020. Complications were analysed with regards to the type of skull base reconstruction. Ten patients were identified (2 female, 8 male, age (median, SD) 65±14.8 years (range 38 – 81). There were eight cases of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity carcinomas and two cases of olfactory neuroblastomas. Overall survival was 20±25.1 months (range: 5-72), progression free survival was 17.0±20.3 months (range: 4-72). Bone skull base reconstruction using a split graft was performed in three cases. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention were seen in 33% (one tension pneumocephalus) of cases in the bone reconstruction group and 57% (three patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak, one infection) in the non-bone reconstruction group. Additional bone reconstruction of the anterior skull base seems to lower the CSF leakage rate due to the additional abutment following resection of paranasal and anterior skullbase malignancies.
Childhood adversities, history of mental disorders, anxiety-depressive symptoms are associated with dual-harm in violent offenders
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Huang Ying , zhang Simei , Zhong Shaoling , Gou Ningzhi , Sun Qiaoling , Guo Huijuan , Lin Ruoheng , Guo Weilong , Chen Hui , Wang Jizhi , Zhou Jiansong
Published: February 2022

Backgroud: The coexistence of self-harm and aggression, which is referred to as dual-harm, is commonly seen in forensic population. However, self-harm and aggression have often been studied separately, and the factors associated with dual-harm remain unclear. This study aimed to explore potential risk factors associated with co-occurring self-harm among individuals with violent behaviors. Methods: This multi-center case-control study was conducted from May 2013 to January 2016 and involved seven qualified forensic institutes located in seven provinces in China. Participants were individuals with violent behaviors who were suspected to have mental disorders. Lifetime history of self-harm was obtained by a self-report questionnaire, and violent behaviors were assessed with the use of participants’ forensic archive. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected using a self-designed standardized data collection form, and childhood adverse experience was assessed using a clinician-rated scale designed by our research team. The psychopathy checklist- Revised was used to assess psychopathic traits and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was used to assess psychiatric symptoms of the participants.Results: A total of 429 participants were enrolled in the current study. Of them, 74 (17.2%) with self-harm history assigned into the dual-harm group (D-H) and 355 (82.8%) without self-harm history assigned into the violence-only group (V-O). According to the binary logistic regression analysis, current diagnosis of mood disorder (OR=3.03, 95%CI: 1.15 - 7.97), child abuse (OR=2.92, 95%CI: 1.33 - 6.40), parental death (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.14 - 6.81), and the score of the affective subscale in BPRS (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.31 - 2.39) were significantly associated with dual-harm.Conclusions: Our study suggested the necessity of integrated evaluation of self-harm among violent offenders. Childhood adverse experiences and psychiatric symptoms in this population require special attention.
Polyploid clades tend to be more speciose than their putative sister clades
Authors: Oyston Jack , Wilkinson Mark , Ruta Marcello , Wills Matthew
Published: February 2022

Striking asymmetries of species richness characterise the tree of life, and understanding their causes is a major research agenda in evolutionary biology. Genome duplications have been proposed as one mechanism by which lineages acquire greater potential for rapid genetic evolution following the relaxation of pleiotropic constraints. This enhanced evolvability might facilitate faster rates of morphological change and speciation. We provide a comprehensive test of the empirical association between polyploidy – a marker of genome duplication – and species richness in 356 pairs of extant polyploid and non-polyploid sister clades. Comparing sister clades controls for divergence time and many ecological and morphological properties of groups. Clades with inferred basal genome duplications have significantly higher species diversity than their sister clades, both for the whole dataset, major groups of animals and plants within it and at the genus and family levels. Genome duplications therefore offer one possible, widespread cause of heterogeneities in species richness.
The Revised Identification of Seniors at Risk screening tool predicts readmission in older hospitalized patients: a cohort study.
Authors: McCusker Jane , Warburton Rebecca N. , Lambert Sylvie D. , Belzile Eric , de Raad Manon
Published: February 2022

Background: The Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) screening tool has been used primarily to predict adverse outcomes among older patients in the emergency department (ED).Few studies have investigated the use of ISAR to predict outcomes of hospitalized patients. To improve the usability of ISAR, the revised ISAR (ISAR-R) was developed in a quality improvement project. Although widely used, the ISAR-R has never been validated. We aimed to assess the ability of the ISAR-R to predict readmission in a cohort of older adults who were hospitalized (admitted from the ED) and discharged home. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a pre-post evaluation of a patient discharge education tool. Participants were patients aged 65 and older, admitted to hospital via the ED of two general community hospitals, and discharged home from the medical (4) and geriatric (2) units of these hospitals. Patients (or caregivers for patients with mental or physical impairment) were recruited during their admission. The ISAR-R was administered as part of a short in-hospital interview. Providers were blinded to ISAR-R scores. Among patients discharged home, 90-day readmissions were extracted from hospital administrative data. Performance characteristics were computed for different ISAR-R cut-points. Results: Of 711 attempted recruitments, 496 accepted, and ISAR-R was completed for 485. Among 386 patients discharged home with a complete ISAR-R, the 90-day readmission rate was 24.9%; the Area Under the Curve (AUC) was 0.63 (95% CI 0.57,0.69). Sensitivity and specificity at the conventional cut-point of 2+ were 81% and 40%, respectively.Conclusions: The ISAR-R tool is a potentially useful risk stratification tool to predict patients at increased risk of readmission. It improves on the original ISAR by using more intuitive phrasing and scoring, and by decreasing the proportion of patients who screen positive.
Mental Health In Myasthenia Gravis Patients And Its Impact On Caregiver Burden
Authors: Marbin Derin , Piper Sophie K. , Lehnerer Sophie , Harms Ulrike , Meisel Andreas
Published: February 2022

Background: Psychiatric comorbidities are relevant in patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG). Also, MG patients experience a reduced health related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to quantify the impact of depression as well as self-perceived MG severity on HRQoL and caregivers' burden.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used a survey encompassing demographic, disease-related information and standardized questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, HRQoL (MG Quality of Life scale; MG-QoL15) and caregiver burden (Burden Scale for Family Caregivers; BSFC).Results: Data from 1399 participating patients (96%) and 1042 caregivers (65%) were eligible for further analysis. Depression and anxiety disorder were indicated by 31% and 36% of patients. Self-reported MG severity and MG-QoL15 scores were strongly associated (estimated marginal means for severe vs. mild MG severity= 18 95% CI [16; 21]; p≤0.001). Adjusting for depression decreased the estimated strength of this association (estimated marginal means for severe vs. mild MG severity= 15 [13; 17]; p≤0.001). Caregiver burden is associated to MG disease severity (estimated marginal means for severe vs. mild MG severity= 0.16 [0.13; 0,19); p≤0.001) and also negatively influenced by depression (estimated marginal means= 0.12 [0.09; 0.15]).Conclusion: Depression and anxiety disorder in MG are frequent. Beyond MG severity, depression has negative effects on HRQoL as well as on caregivers’ burden. Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities should be considered as an important element in MG care. Screening tools for mental health conditions should be implemented at least in specialized MG centers.
Study on spatial diversity and influencing factors of Tunpu settlement in Qianzhong
Authors: Wang Zhitai , Ge Hongyi , Bao Yu , Huang Zongsheng , Chen Xintong , Wu Bin , Qiao Yunwei
Published: February 2022

The Qianzhong Tunpu settlement in China is a historical product of the co-evolution and development of the military defense policies of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) such as the station troops and station farms and the unique geographical and cultural environment of Guizhou. In order to explore the evolution of the spatial system of traditional settlements in the process of urbanization and its influencing factors, 10 traditional Tunpu settlements in Qianzhong were studied. Drawing on the relevant theories and methods of community ecology to compare and analyze the spatial characteristics and diversity influence mechanisms of Tunpu settlement. The results show that: (1) On the whole, the spatial diversity of the Tunpu settlement in Qianzhong is manifested as the phenomenon that the military Tunpu and the commercial Tunpu are relatively high, and the residential Tunpu is low. In the change of spatial scale, the spatial diversity of commercial Tunpu and military Tunpu settlements shows a decreasing trend from the inside to the outside, while the residential Tunpu shows a increasing trend from the inside to the outside; The spatial diversity between different settlements shows that there is a strong spatial similarity between commercial Tunpu and military Tunpu, and there is significant heterogeneity between residential Tunpu, while spatial heterogeneity fluctuates to varying degrees in scale changes, showing multiple forms of changes. (2) The spatial network and spatial morphology of the Tunpu settlement have a weak influence on the diversity of the α, which is significantly related to the spatial β diversity of the settlement, and is complementary in the correlation between the whitttaker and Bray-curtis indices, and the spatial network controls the spatial difference of the Tunpu settlement. (3) The spatial diversity of the Tunpu settlement is affected by the multiple synergies of the natural environment, policy support, socio-economic and cultural customs, and the socio-economic and cultural customs are the dominant factors control the spatial diversity of the Tunpu settlement. This study applies the theory of urban diversity to the exploration of traditional settlement spatial systems, and focuses on the analysis of internal and external driving factors of traditional settlement spaces. The results show that the theory of urban spatial diversity is also applicable to the study of traditional settlement space systems, enriches the traditional settlement space theory, and provides a theoretical reference for scientifically guiding the planning and development of traditional settlements.
Aggressive resection and outcomes of primary craniopharyngiomas via an endoscopic endonasal approach based on an anatomical sub-classification
Authors: Morisako Hiroki , Ohata Hiroki , Sakaeyama Yuki , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Nishijima Shugo , Ichinose Tsutomu , Teranishi Yuichi , Ohata Kenji , Goto Takeo
Published: February 2022

Objective: The optimal treatment of patients with craniopharyngioma remains controversial. In recent years, we have removed tumors radically via an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in all cases of primary craniopharyngioma. We present here our surgical strategy and outcomes of primary craniopharyngiomas via an EEA.Methods: Between 2015 and 2021, we resected 37 consecutive cases of primary craniopharyngioma via EEA. Aggressive resections had been originally planned in all cases. To help choose the adequate surgical management, we created the five groups included the intrasellar, prechiasmatic, retrochiasmatic, intra-3rd-ventricle and large lobulated type. Bony removal of the dorsum sellae, upper clivus and posterior clinoid process was added in cases with retrochiasmatic or third ventricular lesions, and a combination of EEA and transcranial approach was selected with large multi-lobulated tumors and lateral extension.Results: 16 tumors were classified as retrochiasmatic, 12 tumors as intra-3rd-ventricle, 4 tumors as prechiasmatic, 3 tumors as large lobulated, and 2 tumors as intrasellar type. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 89.2%, near-total resection (NTR) in 8.1%, and subtotal resection (STR) in 2.7%. The pituitary stalk was preserved intraoperatively in 27.0%. Visual improvement was noted in 76.7%. Neuropsychological function status was improved or preserved in all cases. Tumor recurrence was detected 3.0% of GTR, 33.3% of 3 NTR and 100% of STR cases with the mean follow-up period of 32.7 months.Conclusion: Adequate surgical management according to the anatomical location of the lesion via EEA results in good visual and cognitive outcomes with increased extent of resection.
Emotion Built Stress Relief Recommender Tool Using Machine Learning
Authors: Mubarak M Mohammed Mustafa
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, Society and the operating surroundings positioned an unrivalled diploma of consciousness on individuals. The indicators of pressure are ubiquitous, and its results are various. The mitigating depth of track is settled. It has a one in every of a type connect with our feelings, so may be a totally a success stress the board device. Tuning in to track will have a highly loosening up effect on our brains and bodies, especially moderate, calm vintage fashion track. This form of track can valuably have an effect on our physiological limits, shifting again the beat and heartbeat, slicing down circulatory stress, and lowering the stages of pressure hormones. Nonetheless, it is probably unhelpful if the track from time to time falls quick for the existing feeling of the audience. In addition, there may be no track participant which could select tunes depending on the consumer feeling.
Understanding the Association Between PrEP Stigma and PrEP Cascade Moderated by the Intensity of HIV Testing
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Yu
Published: February 2022

Background
In the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the majority of new HIV infections. On the other hand, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to curb HIV transmission, but it is widely underutilized. It is unknown how stigma affects PrEP care in the context of other HIV prevention strategies (e.g., HIV testing).17 In the current study, we explored how PrEP and HIV-related stigma affect the PrEP care cascade (i.e., awareness, willingness, and uptake) and how the intensity of HIV testing services moderates the association.
Methods
We recruited a group of MSM from two cities in the U.S. With informed consent being collected, we included a total of 318 MSM in the current analysis. We employed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade while controlling for potential confounders on each specific pathway. We further used a series of moderation analyses based upon the intensity of HIV testing within different timeframes to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade. In addition, we conducted the trend-analyses to assess the pattern of PrEP cascade across different time points of HIV testing.
Results
Compared with MSM who used PrEP, those who never used PrEP reported higher internalized (0.59 vs. 2.99) and vicarious PrEP stigma (3.66 vs. 5.56). Internalized PrEP stigma has significantly reduced the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake among this group. With the increased frequency of HIV testing, stigma became stronger to negatively impact the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake in MSM. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test with Monte Carlo permutations showed significant trend patterns across different frequencies of HIV testing. The same patterns have been identified under other timeframes (i.e., in the past 12m, 6m, and 3m).
Conclusions
Findings indicated that HIV prevention services might discourage MSM from PrEP use under the influence of stigma. A structural-level reform is urgently needed to turn the HIV service encounters into opportunities to facilitate and optimize the PrEP cascade among this group who may benefit from PrEP use.
Direct Selection of Functional Insulators in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tran Anh , Gudynaite-Savitch Loreta , Rasooli Lara , Johnson Douglas Allan
Published: February 2022

Background: Insulators are DNA sequences found in all eucaryotes. By forming DNA-protein complexes in vivo they regulate enhancer-promoter interactions and define heterochromatin-euchromatin boundaries. Studies to date have focused mainly on well-studied elements from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster. More recently there has been increased interest in insulators in plants such Petunia hybrida and Arabidopsis thaliana, in part due to the increased production of transgenic plants and there use in agriculture. The production of transgenic plants requires the correct tissue-specific and developmentally regulated gene expression of the transgene; however, their construction identified several problems such as nonspecific enhancer–promoter interactions and transgene silencing or “position effects”. Insulators have the potential to mitigate these unwanted effects. Through the study of insulator mutations, we have identified several non-plant insulators that function in the model plant A. thaliana. For the potential of insulators to be maximized, more, different insulators need to be identified. In this paper we describe a novel protocol to isolate de novo insulators, enhancer-blocking DNAs that function as regulatory elements in A. thaliana.Results: The selection of insulators depends upon three vectors we have constructed. pC1 is a negative selection vector. The presence of an insulator blocks the expression of the gene cytosine deaminase (codA) than depends upon the CaMV35S enhancer. Cytosine deaminase converts the non-toxic, cytosine analogue 5-Fluorocytosine (5-FC) into a highly toxic metabolite 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Plants that survive selection are potential insulators. These sequences can to cloned into pB31 that is similar to pC1 except GUS expression is monitored to confirm lack of expression in most tissues. Finally cloning into pL1 is used to verify GUS expression from the tissue-specific expression from the napin, seed-coat specific promoter is unaffected by the CaMV35S enhancer. As a proof of concept, we have recovered five, relatively-short functional insulators sequences from a library of random DNA sequences generated in vitro. Conclusions: The protocol we describe can be easily scaled-up to generate more insulators. Furthermore, the source of the DNA could be any species, and modifications specific for a defined species in other genera could lead to the identification of a wide range of species-specific insulators. The elimination of unwanted enhancer-promoter interactions will impact the design of transformation systems and the recovery of transgenic plants. Now you can create your own!
The Effect of Serum Glucose Levels on Progression of Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Kong Fei , Xu Hongqin , Wang Xiaomei , Chi Xiumei , Wu Ruihong , Gao XiuZhu , Wang Yang , Yu Ge , Lv Juan , Sun Haibo , Zhang Mingyuan , Jia Jing , Pan Yu , Jiang Jing , Niu Junqi , Liu Yawen , Jin Qinglong
Published: February 2022

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection has a close association with diabetes mellitus. However, Conflicting results exist on the analysis of relationship between serum glucose levels and development of fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of serum glucose levels on the longitudinal development of liver fibrosis. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 581 CHC patients were followed from September 2012 to September 2014. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as a The fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) index score above 3.25. We assessed the prevalence of liver cirrhosis and identified related factors. We also examined the association between hyperglycaemia and longitudinal development of advanced liver fibrosis. Results: Among 581 patients, 321 (55.2%) showed no advanced fibrosis, 168 (28.9%) showed progression of advanced fibrosis, 81 (13.9%) showed persistent advanced fibrosis and 11 (3.4%) showed improvement at the final visit. Compared to patients with no advanced fibrosis, older age (OR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.85-4.14), heavy alcohol consumption (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.22-3.37), and high HCV RNA viral load (OR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.82-4.97) were positively associated with progression of advanced fibrosis. Older age (OR=4.57, 95% CI: 2.58-8.08), hyperglycaemia (OR=3.53, 95% CI: 1.69-7.38), and high HCV RNA viral load (OR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.28-4.65) were independently associated with increased risk of persistently advanced fibrosis. Conclusions: Hyperglycaemia was not substantially associated with progression of advanced fibrosis in shorter-term, whereas hyperglycaemia was positively associated with persistent advanced fibrosis. Strict control of blood glucose levels should be considered for patients with cirrhosis and diabetes.
Uncertainty Analysis of Optimal Instruction for WDN Pipes Repair and Replacement Using Fuzzy Cut - Hydraulic Simulation Approach
Authors: Jafari S.M. , Zahiri A.R. , Hadad O. Bozorg , Tabari Mahmoud Mohammad Rezapour
Published: February 2022

Optimization of the initial design or pipes repair and replacement instructions of water distribution network (WDN) during operation period is based on the crisp values. Some input variables such as node demand, pipe roughness coefficient and reservoir water level have the uncertain nature. Changing the input parameters values during operation period, due to uncertainty, changes the water distribution network behavior and performance compared to the crisp input parameters values. Recognition and analyzing these behaviors are very important to make the right decision to deal with their consequences and reduce the water distribution network problems. In this research, the WDN nodes pressure uncertainty due to the pipe's roughness coefficient and the nodes demand uncertainty as input parameters, is analyzed after the implementation of the optimal pipes repair and replacement instruction. For the purpose, a combination of simulation model (EPANET) and fuzzy α-cut approach is used. Fuzzy membership functions (MF) of the input and output variables are selected as triangular type. The extreme values combinations of two uncertain input variables, at each uncertainty level, in the form of four scenarios, were considered as the input fuzzy set of the simulation model. Between the research scenarios, the second scenario, which is the combination of the minimum pipe roughness coefficient and the maximum demand, is known as the critical scenario. The results show that in the critical scenario, at the highest uncertainty level, the WDN reliability index is very low and about 30 to 40% due to lack of required pressure of the most nodes. At the uncertainty lower levels, the reliability index rises above 75%, which is relatively acceptable. In the first and fourth scenarios, the network reliability index is always more than 72%. In the third scenario, the network reliability index, at all uncertainty levels, is always more than 90%.
Study of gas-phase reactions within the modified Marcus model. IV. Arrhenius equation for the reaction CH4 + CH3 -> CH3 + CH4
Authors: Romanskii Igor
Published: February 2022

The results of a theoretical study (energy calculation level UCCSD (T)/6-31+G**//B3LYP/6-31+G**) of methane with methyl radical gas-phase reaction kinetics (Comp. Theor. Chem. 1125 (2018), Comp. Theor. Chem.1179 (2020) 112767) were used to analyze the Arrhenius equation in the temperatures range 2000 - 10 K. A discussion within the framework of the previously proposed (Russ. Bull. Int. Ed. 2008, 57, 1842-1849) model, which is a modification of the non-equilibrium Marcus model, is based on direct ab initio calculations of the structure and energy of the varied activated reaction complex in a wide range of distances between the reactants. The Arrhenius equation is analyzed in terms of the change with temperature parameters in the reaction rate constant equation. The results obtained make it possible to distinguish three temperature ranges (2000 - 900, 900 - 100 and 100 - 10 K), which are qualitatively different from each other in the nature and degree of influence of various variable factors on the Arrhenius plot.
Inflammation-mediated changes in haemostatic variables of pulmonary tuberculosis infected subjects in the course of treatment.
Authors: OKEKE CHIZOBA O. , Amilo GRACE I. , Manafa PATRICK O , Ibeh NANCY C.
Published: February 2022

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease usually marked by a high level of inflammatory response. Haemostasis and inflammation are closely linked both in health and disease in such a way that inflammation leads to activation of the haemostatic system that in turn influences inflammatory activity. This prospective follow-up study was designed to assess inflammation-mediated changes in haemostatic variables of pulmonary tuberculosis infected subjects in the course of therapy.
Method
A total of 60 TB-infected individuals, aged 18-65 years participated in the study. The individuals were recruited before commencement of therapy and followed up to 6 month into therapy. Tuberculosis was diagnosed using Ziehl Neelsen acid-fast bacilli test and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Pro-inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 (IL-2), anti-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and haemostatic variables: thrombopoietin (TPO) P-selectin (P-SEL), platelet activating factor (PAF), platelet factor-4 (PF-4) and GP IIb/IIIa complex were measured by ELISA methods. These parameters were measured at pre-treatment, 2 month and 6 month into therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results
The results showed that TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2 (pro-inflammatory cytokines) and P-selectin, GP IIb/IIIa, thrombopoietin (haemostatic variables) were significantly increased at 2 month into therapy compared to pre-treatment values (p= <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.015, 0.035 and 0.017 respectively) and decreased at 6 month into therapy. Also at 6 month into therapy in comparison to 2-month into therapy, there were significant increase in IL-10 and TGF-β (anti-inflammatory cytokines) (p=0.020 and 0.001 respectively) as well as a significant decline in PF-4 (p=0.030). There were significant positive correlations between GP IIb/IIIa and TNF-α (r=0.372; p=0.031), IL-6 and PSEL (r=0.413; p=0.027), IL-6 and TPO (r=0.335; p=0.046), PF4 and TGF-β (r=0.463; P=0.006), while PAF correlated negatively with TGF-β (r=-0.368; p=0.032).
Conclusion
The changes in the pro- inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-2) aligned with changes in the levels of P-selectin, GP IIb/IIIa, and TPO in the course of TB therapy. This suggests that inflammation modulates the levels of these haemostatic variables in TB individuals.
Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Treated With a Polyvalent Vaccine With Bevacizumab Combination
Authors: Kahn Ryan M. , Ragupathi Govind , Zhou Qin C. , Iasonos Alexia , Kravetz Sara , Hensley Martee L. , Konner Jason , Makker Vicky , Tew William P. , Aghajanian Carol , Sabbatini Paul J. , O’Cearbhaill Roisin E.
Published: February 2022

Background: To characterize the safety, immunogenicity, and outcomes of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) in second or greater remission treated with a polyvalent antigen-KLH plus OPT-821 vaccine construct and bevacizumab. Methods: Patients with recurrent HGSOC were treated with the vaccine plus bevacizumab at our institution from 01/05/2011-03/20/2012. Follow-up continued until 03/2021. Blood/urine samples were collected. “Responders” had an immunogenic response to >3 antigens; “non-responders” to <2 antigens. Results: Twenty-one patients were treated on study. One developed a dose limiting-toxicity (grade 4 fever). Two (10%) experienced bevacizumab-related grade 3 hypertension. Thirteen (68%) and 16 (84%) of 19 responded to ≥3 and ≥2 antigens, respectively (Globo-H, GM2, TF cluster Tn, MUC-1). Four of 21 patients were alive >5 years post-treatment. Responders and non-responders had a median PFS of 4.9 months (95% CI: 2.8-8.1) and 5.0 months (95% CI: 0.7-cannot estimate), respectively; median OS was 30.7 months (95% CI: 16.9-52.0) and 34.2 months (95% CI: 12.8-cannot estimate), respectively. On two-time point analysis (baseline, week 17), increased IL-8 exhibited improved PFS (HR as 10-unit increase, 0.43; p=0.04); increased PDGF exhibited worse OS (HR as 10-unit increase, 1.01; p = 0.02). Conclusions: This is the longest follow-up of vaccine administration with bevacizumab among patients with ovarian cancer. The vaccine was well tolerated with bevacizumab. Response was not associated with improved survival. On two-time point analysis, increased IL-8 was associated with significant improvement in PFS; increased PDGF with significantly worse OS. For all time point measurements, cytokine levels were not significantly associated with survival. Trial registration: NCT01223235
Generation of Hollow Airy Beam by Superposing of Two-Dimensional Airy Beams
Authors: Anguiano-Morales Marcelino
Published: February 2022

We study the collisions of four self-focused counterpropagating 2D Airy beams propagating in free space. Their interactions demonstrate that can be obtained hollow beams through the superposition of more than two Airy beams and are well-preserved upon propagation.
Knowledge, Opinions and Experiences of Researchers Regarding Ethical Regulation of Biomedical Research in Benin: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: GANGBO Flore , QUENUM Grâce , GUEDOU Fernand Aimé , BOKO Martial
Published: February 2022

Background: Ethics in biomedical research is still a fairly new concept in Africa. This work aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and experiences of Beninese researchers in regard to the national ethical regulatory framework of biomedical research in Benin.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive study, involving all the researchers fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a questionnaire and analysed. Proportions and means were calculated with their confidence intervals and standard deviations, respectively.Results: Of the 110 participants included in the study, 40.9% were medical lecturers and 71.1% had been involved in more than 10 biomedical research as researcher. Less than three quarters (69.1%) were able to correctly quote the basic principles from Belmont report. The quarter (25.45%) of them knew the attributions of the National Ethics Committee for Health Research (CNERS in French) and 38.2%, the content of the legislation on health research ethics in Benin. The common ethical rules were known by 69.1% of the participants. A quarter (25.5%) of participants said they always present the study’s briefing note to their study participants and 62.7% said they systematically request informed consent. For those who do not present the briefing note to participants, the main reasons provided were the researchers' difficulties in writing the note in plain language and the participants ' limitation in understanding it.Conclusions: The foundations of a good ethical framework for health research exist in Benin. However, the deployment and use of the various legal texts deserve to be improved.