bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The surgical staging of apparent early-staged ovarian mucinous carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Zhen , Zhang Ying , Cao Dongyan , Shen Keng
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe study aimed to explore the rate of upstaging after complete surgical staging in patients with apparent FIGO stage I ovarian mucinous carcinoma. MethodsOvarian mucinous carcinoma patients with surgical treatment were, retrospectively, reviewed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between October 2020 and January 1994. ResultsTotally, 163 patients were included in this study, Surgical re-staging was performed in 89 patients after initial incomplete surgical staging and one-step complete surgical staging was performed in 74 patients. For these initial incompletely staged patients, residual tumors were found in 16 patients (16/89, 17.9%); for 19 patients with apparent FIGO stage IA, no patient was found to have residual tumor after incomplete staging surgery confirmed by the final pathology result of re-staging surgery. Ovarian cystectomy (HR=4.932, 95% CI= 1.347-18.058, P=0.016) were independent risk factors for residual tumor after incomplete staging surgery. For all 163 patients, up-staging was found in 15 patients (15/163, 9.2%). For 44 apparent FIGO stage IA patients, no patient was found to up-stage to FIGO II-IVB. Moreover, both the history of ovarian mucinous tumor (HR=4.745, 95% CI= 1.132-19.886, P=0.033) and bilateral ovaries involved (HR=9.739, 95% CI= 2.016-47.056, P=0.005) were independent risk factors for up-staging to FIGO stage II-IVB. ConclusionsFor patients of apparent FIGO stage IA, the possibility of residual tumors and up-staging is relatively low. While for patients of cystectomy, bilateral mucinous carcinomas, or history of ovarian mucinous tumors, complete staging surgery maintains greater significance.
Wetland ecological restoration and payment for ecosystem service standard: A case study of Ganjiangyuan National Wetland Park
Authors: Zhou Yu , Li Zhaohua , Zhao Liya
Published: March 2022

The wetland resource in the wetland park is a unique natural resource, which is of great significance in maintaining regional ecological security. The ecological restoration and ecological compensation of wetland parks are related to the construction and sustainable development of the park, as well as the comprehensive ecological environment of the city. Ganjiangyuan National Wetland Park is one of the wetland parks in inland China. Discussing the ecological restoration and ecological compensation standards of the wetland park has an important guiding role in the construction of the wetland ecological protection system in Shicheng County, Jiangxi Province. Wetland ecosystem evaluation methods, ecological service value tables, and willingness to accept are used to evaluate and calculate the wetland ecosystem in Ganjiangyuan National Wetland Park. The study concluded that the wetland ecosystem evaluation result of Ganjiangyuan National Wetland Park was “excellent”. For Ganjiangyuan National Wetland Park, an ecological service value index system with regulation services as the mainstay was constructed. Based on the mathematical expectation formula of WTA and the calculation principle of reducing the value of adjustment services as the upper limit of ecological compensation, the upper and lower limits of the ecological compensation standard in the study area are calculated to be 210.49 yuan/hm²·year and 157.87 yuan/hm²·year separately. The ecological compensation mechanism has been progressing and improving. Therefore, the results of this study are only applicable to the current time period, and future development and changes will become a kind of uncertainty.
Incidence of and risk factors for severe neutropenia during treatment with the modified FOLFIRINOX therapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Irisawa Ai , Takeno Misaki , Watanabe Kazuo , Takahashi Hideaki , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ikeda Masafumi
Published: March 2022

Background
Although FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin, irinotecan, 5-FU, and l-leucovorin) is established as one of the standard therapies for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, the modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) is often used in clinical practice to reduce the incidence of toxicities. Febrile neutropenia (FN) and severe neutropenia during FOLFIRINOX are especially frequently observed in Japanese patients. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of FN and severe neutropenia, and explored the risk factors for severe neutropenia in patients receiving treatment with mFOFIRINOX.
Methods
The data of patients who had received mFOLFIRINOX between December 2013 and December 2014 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East were reviewed retrospectively. We graded the neutropenia severity and defined ≥ Grade 3 neutropenia as severe neutropenia. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken to evaluate the associations with risk of development of severe neutropenia.
Results
A total of 122 patients were enrolled in this study. Sixty two patients (51%) and 10 patients (8%) developed severe neutropenia and FN, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified a low baseline white blood cell count (odds ratio [OR], 14.50; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.27-111.14; p = 0.002) and presence of heterozygosity for UGT1A1*28 or UGT1A1*6 polymorphism (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.18–7.17; p = 0.023) as independent risk factors for severe neutropenia.
Conclusion
The incidences of severe neutropenia and FN in patients receiving mFOLFIRINOX in our clinical practice were comparable to previous reports. The risk factors for severe neutropenia in patients receiving mFOLFIRINOX were a low baseline white blood cell count and presence of heterozygosity for UGT1A1*28 or UGT1A1*6 polymorphism.
Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index as a predictor of all-cause mortality risk in older adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Gao Yinghui , Wang Huanhuan , HU Yazhuo , Li JianHua , Xu Weihao , Zhao LiBo , Su Xiaofeng , Han Jiming , Li Tianzhi , Fang Xiangqun , liu lin
Published: March 2022

Background: To explore the prognostic and therapeutic value of the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) aged 60 years and older.Methods: Between January 2015 and October 2017, this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study continuously enrolled 1183 older patients (age ≥60 years) with clinician-diagnosed OSA (sleep-laboratory-based overnight polysomnography) from sleep centers of six hospitals. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, sleep parameters, and medical history were obtained from electronic patient records, the ACCI was calculated, and participants were followed up prospectively to determine the primary outcome of all-cause mortality. Based on an ACCI cutoff of 4.5, participants were classified into the low-ACCI and high-ACCI groups and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was performed.Results: During a median 43-month follow-up, 63 (5.3%) patients died. ROC curves revealed an optimal ACCI cutoff of 4.5, and the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63–0.77] reached statistical significance (P<0.001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed 6-year survival rate of 56.04% and 92.17% for the high-ACCI and low-ACCI (ACCI ≥5 and <5; n=336 and n=847) groups, respectively. Regardless of sex or OSA severity, the ACCI was associated with the all-cause mortality risk of older OSA patients (log-rank, both P<0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, the mortality risk was 3.32 times (95% CI: 1.91–5.77) higher in the high-ACCI group than in the low-ACCI group. Multivariate Cox stepwise regression analyses indicated that total sleep time (TST), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), and ACCI (aHR [95% CI]=1.258 [1.053–1.503], 1.047 [1.007–1.087], and 1.583 [1.384–1.815]; P=0.011, 0.019, and 0.000, respectively) were significant independent predictors of all-cause mortality.Conclusion: The ACCI is a predictor of all-cause mortality in older OSA patients (age≥60 years), with a higher ACCI indicating a higher mortality risk. The ACCI can guide clinical treatment selection for older OSA patients.
Characterization of a marine intrusion using electrical sounding and seismic refraction: case of the the Oued Nador plain (Tipaza, Algeria)
Authors: Bechkit Mohamed Amine , Bourouis Seid , Mouhoub Fayçal Chafiheddine , Aichaoui Moussa , Arrache Khiereddine
Published: March 2022

The present study aims to charcaterize, by geophysical methods (electrical sounding and seismic refraction), the downstream part of the Oued Nador alluvial layer or deposits (Tipaza, Algeria) and the morphology of its bedrock to better locate the freshwater-saltwater limit. This will allow to better understand the marine intrusion.Indeed, the aquifer is defined by a clay and marl substratum of middle to lower Pliocene Piacenzian age rich in recent Neogene and Quaternary filling (Quaternary alluvium composed of sand, gravel and pebbles). During Spring of 2015, 2016, and 2017 three electrical surveys were conducted. The results indicate that the origin of the salinity is due to progressive marine intrusion inside the aquifer (Bechkit et al, 2017; Bechkit et al, 2018a; Bechkit et al, 2018b). However the presence of clay makes the contrast between the saltwater and the clays less important so that it is difficult distinguish electrically the two mediums. In May 2018, we combined both electrical survey and a refraction seismic acquisition on the area of study. This work was carried out in order to separate, through the ranges of wave propagation velocity, the saltwater formations from the clay ones. The presence at a certain distance from the coast of an elevation of the clay bedrock has an advantage. Indeed, it acts as a natural barrier against any intrusion on a large scale of saltwater at depth. The study carried out in this context showed that the combination of two geophysical methods is very useful in environmental study for the evaluation of the salt water intrusion in an alluvial ground in the presence of clay formations.
Impact of climate change on hydrochemical properties and quality of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes in arid environment: A case study of Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Abdulaziz G. , Aly Anwar A. , Majrashi Mosaed A. , Ibrahim Hesham M.
Published: March 2022

Over-exploitation of groundwater, rising temperature, and declined precipitation have resulted in groundwater quality deterioration, subsequently affecting human health and agricultural productivity. Therefore, to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes, groundwater samples were collected from 88 locations in Sarat Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. The hydrochemical characteristics were assessed to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. The results revealed that most groundwater samples were medium to highly salinity hazards; nevertheless, no sodicity hazards were expected. By using the water quality indices, 70.5% of studied waters were class II. Nevertheless, 91% of collected samples were in acceptable concentrations of heavy metals and nitrate. The saturation index showed that the groundwater was largely under-saturated with most minerals, indicating a possibility of salinity increase due to increasing the concentration of iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride and sulfate due to the dissolution of under-saturated minerals. Due to the increased salinity levels, more than 90% of the collected groundwater samples showed low quality for irrigation due to higher potential for salinity problems. Furthermore, the development of salinity of groundwater in Sarat Al-Baha could be the result of the increased temperatures and decreased rainfall. Therefore, it is recommended to implement appropriate management practices to optimize groundwater usage and decrease the potential of further deterioration in its quality. The discharge of groundwater need to be controlled, strictly preventing the drilling of new wells. It is also important to assess the suitability of planted crops, and implement proper water management practices to sustain groundwater resources in Sarat Al-Baha region. The approach used in this study can be used to alike environment worldwide.
Imaging the distribution of bitumen contaminants in shallow coastal plain sands in Southwestern Nigeria using electrical resistivity
Authors: Jekayinfa Solomon Solomon , Oladunjoye Michael A. , Doro Kennedy O.
Published: March 2022

Naturally occurring bitumen seeps within the shallow subsurface contaminates soil and groundwater in communities within the eastern segment of the Dahomey Basin in southwestern Nigeria. Managing these contaminations require an understanding of the distribution of the bitumen seeps to isolate contaminated regions to avoid farming activities or drilling shallow drinking water wells within them. Several studies have assessed the shallow occurrence of bitumen in the region, focusing on their economic potentials and ignoring current challenges with soil and groundwater contamination in these communities. This study focuses on using electrical resistivity techniques with limited soil cores to delineate the distribution of bitumen seeps within the shallow subsurface in Imakun-Omi community in southwestern Nigeria. We used both 1D and 2D numerical and field approaches in this study. 13 vertical electrical soundings using a Schlumberger electrode array were first acquired to obtain the bulk resistivities and layer thicknesses. The 1D resistivity alongside well lithologic data served as prior data for a forward modelling study to assess the capability of resolving the bitumen seeps within electrically resistive coastal sands. Results of the forward modelling studies guided the acquisition of five 2D electrical resistivity profiles used to image the distribution of bitumen seeps using a Wenner electrode array with a unit electrode spacing of 2 m. Results of this study show that bitumen seeps with resistivities greater than 3, 000 Ohm-m are distributed within the top 4 m in the area and extends down to 10 m in some locations. Our numerical studies show that despite difficulties in imaging bitumen seeps within sediments overlain by higher electrical resistivity layers, reliable results can be derived, thus proving the versatility of electrical resistivity in delineating areas contaminated by bitumen seeps within shallow coastal sands.
Symptom burden and shared care planning in an oncology nurse-led primary palliative care intervention (CONNECT) for patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Mitchell Chandler Jonathan , Althouse Andrew , Feldman Robert , Resick Judith M. , Arnold Robert M. , Rosenzweig Margaret , Smith Kenneth , Chu Edward , White Doug , Smith Tom , Schenker Yael
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Primary Palliative Care (PPC) interventions are needed to address unmet symptom needs within standard oncology care. We designed an oncology nurse-led PPC intervention using shared care planning to facilitate patient engagement. This analysis examines the prevalence and severity of symptoms reported by patients and how symptoms were addressed on shared care plans.Methods: Secondary analysis of a cluster randomized PPC intervention trial. Adult patients with metastatic solid tumors whose oncologist ‘would not be surprised if the patient died within a year’ were included. Twenty-three oncology nurses received PPC training and conducted up to three monthly visits with patients. Symptom prevalence and severity were assessed prior to each visit using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 9 symptoms ranked 1-10 with scores ≥4 indicating moderate severity). Nurses collaboratively developed treatment strategies with patients, targeting the most bothersome symptoms for improvement.Results: Among 571 nurse-led PPC visits with 235 patients, the most prevalent and severe symptoms were tiredness (reported at 86% of visits; ESAS ≥4 in 55% of visits), low sense of well-being (78%; ESAS ≥4 in 38%), and poor appetite (69%; ESAS ≥4 in 42%). Moderately severe symptoms were addressed on shared care plans ranging from 4% (drowsiness) to 35% (tiredness) of the time. Symptom management plans developed by PPC-trained oncology nurses primarily focused on non-pharmaceutical interventions (70%) compared to pharmaceutical interventions (30%). Conclusion: The symptoms that patients report most frequently and as most severe on shared care plans were addressed less frequently than expected. Further research is needed to understand how primary palliative care interventions can be designed to more effectively target and improve bothersome symptoms for patients with advanced cancer.
Psychological care over patients with lymphoma and lymphoma survivors.
Authors: Warchoł-Biedermann Katarzyna , Mojs Ewa , Samborski Włodzimierz , Kotyla Przemysław
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Lymphomas are characterized by a relatively favorable prognosis and a good five-year survival rate but they are associated with increased psychosocial distress. There is a gap in the knowledge on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for lymphoma patients. This review aimed to present the research findings on currently used psychological interventions for (non-) Hodgkin lymphoma patients and survivors.
Methods
A literature search on English language peer-reviewed original publications on psychological interventions for lymphoma patients published prior to December 2021 was performed in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and ResearchGate. Titles and abstracts were screened for the relevant terms including psychological intervention and psychological management along with (non-) Hodgkin lymphoma. The retrieved articles were evaluated by independent reviewers, the lists of eligible publications were compared and disagreements were resolved by discussion.
Results
Of the 50 publications sought for retrieval, 8 articles were shortlisted based on their content. The papers were classified according to their content and the methodology employed. Research themes including "promoting resilience in lymphoma survivors", "web-based self-management interventions for patients with lymphoma", "addressing unmet needs whilst undergoing chemotherapy", and "mind-body interactive exercise" were identified and presented in this review.
Conclusions
As the number of lymphoma survivors is increasing, future research on evidence-based interventions addressing patients' and survivors' unmet psychological needs is warranted.
113 km Free-Space Time-Frequency Dissemination at the 19th Decimal Instability
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Shen Qi , Guan Jian-Yu , Ren Ji-Gang , Zeng Ting , Hou Lei , Li Min , Cao Yuan , Han Jin-Jian , Lian Meng-Zhe , Chen Yan-Wei , Peng Xin-Xin , Wang Shao-Mao , Zhu Dan-Yang , Shi Xi-Ping , Wang Zheng-Guo , Li Ye , Liu Wei-Yue , Pan Ge-Sheng , Wang Yong , Li Zhao-Hui , Wu Jin-Cai , Zhang Yan-Yan , Chen Fa-Xi , Lu Chao-Yang , Liao Sheng-Kai , Yin Juan , Jia Jian-Jun , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Jiang Hai-Feng , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: March 2022

Optical clock networks play important roles in various fields, such as precise navigation, redefinition of “second” unit, and gravitational tests. To establish a global-scale optical clock network, it is essential to disseminate time and frequency with a stability of 10^−19 over a long-distance free-space link. However, such attempts were limited to dozens of kilometers in mirror-folded configuration. Here, we take a crucial step toward future satellite-based time-frequency disseminations. By developing the key technologies, including high-power frequency combs, high-stability and high-efficiency optical transceiver systems, and efficient linear optical sampling, we demonstrate free-space time-frequency dissemination over two independent links with femtosecond time deviation, 3 × 10−19 at 10,000 s residual instability and 1.6 × 10^−20 ± 4.3 × 10^−19 offset. This level of the stability retains for an increased channel loss up to 89 dB. Our work can not only be directly used in ground-based application, but also firmly laid the groundwork for future satellite time-frequency dissemination.
Characterization of codon usage pattern and evolutionary changes of Human Enterovirus 71 in China
Authors: Wang Meng , Chen Li , Sun Penghui , Jin Wangjie , Han Yanjiang , Huang Shun
Published: March 2022

Background: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a common etiological agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children, which caused large outbreaks in mainland China in 2008. However, the genetic information of EV71 strains circulating in China is limited. Methods: Here, we performed a systematic evolutionary and codon usage bias analysis of EV71. Result: The result shows that the overall extent of codon usage bias in EV71 is low (ENc=56.696), and natural selection, mutation pressure, nucleotide compositions and host shape the codon usage patterns of EV71, with natural selection being more important than the others. We also found EV71 breaking out in large scale in 2008, the codon usage pattern of the virus isolated from China has change a lot compare the previous isolates, and after 2008, three different codon usage patterns were popularized in China. Conclusion: In the end, we've confirmed that C2 isolates has outbreak in China before 2000 through codon usage analysis for the first time. In conclusion, our results provide useful insights into the evolutionary relationships of EV 71.
Extracting the anisotropy information of crustal rocks from the seismological garbage
Authors: Xu Li-Sheng , Zhe Zhang , Zhen Fu , Li Chun-Lai
Published: March 2022

Human has been eagerly expecting to know some information that can indicate a large earthquake’s impending1,2,3,4,5. Decades of efforts showed that the impending of large earthquakes was usually accompanied by a process of regional weakening manifested with multiple temporal and spatial scaled deformation, and such a deformation was often accompanied by clusters or swarms of micro-earthquakes6, which further caused observable change in anisotropy of nearby rocks7,8,9,10. Here we show that the anisotropy information of crustal rocks may be extracted from the seismological garbage, the travel-time residuals produced by dense seismic stations which record clusters or swarms of micro-earthquakes, by means of a new concept, the slowness deviation tensor expressing 3-axis slowness anisotropy. In particular, we present a real example to justify that the slowness deviation tensor with arbitrarily inclined axis may be successfully extracted from the travel-time residual data, and meanwhile to demonstrate that this anisotropy reflected by the extracted tensor mainly originated from the local stress action or deformation. Undoubtedly, this work provides a completely new methodology to link the clusters or swarms of micro-earthquakes with the weakening process which occur before large earthquakes, which essentially contributes a promising direction toward the information that human has been expecting for.
Removal efficiency and migration characteristics of naphthalene in bioretention facilities: the influences of particulate matter
Authors: Xu Yan , Li Haiyan , Zhang Xiaoran , Bai Xiaojuan , Wu Liyuan , Tan Chaohong , Zhang Ziyang
Published: March 2022

Particulate matter (PM), as an important carrier for carrying and transporting runoff pollutants, can significantly affect the behavior and removal efficiency of pollutants in bioretention facilities. In order to control the pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bioretention facilities, the removal efficiency and migration characteristics of typical PAHs-naphthalene were systematically investigated under the influences of PM. The results showed that the removal efficiency of naphthalene was 74% ~ 97% in bioretention facilities under the influences of PM. With the higher naphthalene concentration, the lower rainfall return period, and the longer antecedent drying period, the removal efficiency of naphthalene in each media layer were higher. Furthermore, the PM in the runoff increased the naphthalene adsorption onto media in the first 10 cm depth, which showed more than 80% removal efficiency and lower mobility of naphthalene. The removal efficiency of naphthalene was significantly higher (90% ~ 97%), when the particle size and concentration of PM were 0 ~ 45 µm and 500 mg/L, respectively. This study investigated the important role of PM for naphthalene removal in bioretention facilities, and provided effective guidelines for runoff pollution control, design of stormwater facilities, and assessment risk of PAHs.
Novel COL4A5 mutation in preimplantation genetic diagnosis of a patient with Alport syndrom
Authors: Hu Rui , Ma Xiaoling , Su Anchen , Mao Bin , Shi Xin , Yang Yuan
Published: March 2022

Purpose We report a novel gene mutation in a female patient with Alport syndrome who was planning to undergo assisted reproduction to achieve pregnancy. We performed pathogenicity analysis on the mutation and selected a suitable assisted reproductive technology solution for the patient.Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical and genetic data of a patient with Alport syndrome was performed. Whole-exome data of the COL4A5 gene of the patient’s family were analyzed using Sanger sequencing and online software was used to predict the conservation and pathogenicity of mutant amino acids within species evolution.Results The patient planned assisted reproductive technology due to secondary infertility and unexplained hematuria. Urine test results revealed 60% severely deformed red blood cells, indicating persistent glomerular hematuria. Renal biopsy revealed that the basement membrane was of varying thickness, with a thickened dense layer, some of which was tear-like and arachnoid. Foot processes showed segmented fusion and the basement membrane was torn under electron microscopy. Genetic analysis revealed an unnamed mutation in the COL4A5 gene, c.3188G>A, which resulted in amino acid changes (p.Gly1063Asp). This was verified as a new mutation not present in the parents, whereas the daughter had a heterozygous mutation. Biological information analysis revealed the mutation was pathogenic and preimplantation genetic diagnosis was adopted. Eventually the patient gave birth to a full-term daughter without the gene mutationConclusion Genetic testing prior to pregnancy is recommended in Alport syndrome patients or family members prior to pregnancy to determine the specific location of the gene mutation. Patients should receive genetic counseling, fertility guidance, and assisted reproduction advice from experts in heredity.
Analysis of euploidy rates between D5 and D6 embryos by morphology grades and time-lapse algorithms in PGT-A treatments
Authors: Yuan Zhenya , Yuan Mu , Song Xuemei , Huang Xiaojie , Yan Weiqiao
Published: March 2022

In conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, the euploidy of the embryos is unpredictable before transfer. Previous studies have suggested that parameters including female age, morphological grade, development speed of the embryos and KIDScore™ in time-lapse monitoring (TLM) system are correlated with euploidy of embryos, but their predictive ability remains controversial. In this study, pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) results were used to detect the euploidy of the embryos, and it was found that the female age, morphological grade, KIDScore™ and development speed of the embryos were correlated with the euploidy of embryos. These results can provide a basis for the selection of euploidy embryos in conventional IVF treatments.
Identifying Reliable Neural Components and P300 Latency using Correlated Component Analysis
Authors: Gupta Cota Navin , Hazarika Kalpajyoti
Published: March 2022

This paper applies Correlated component analysis (CorrCA) to extract the reliable and maximally correlated P300 component. Trials collected over time during an oddball electroencephalogram (EEG) experiment are first segregated into the target and non-target trial cohorts. CorrCA was then applied to both cohorts separately. Event related potential (ERP) image plots of CorrCA components from target trials showed a coherent structure for P300 latency around 400 ms when compared to plots of single electrode (Cz) trials. A difference in peak amplitude of 0.37 micro volts was observed between averaged first CorrCA component and averaged target trials at Cz electrode for able bodied subjects. Inter trial Correlation (ITC) obtained using CorrCA algorithm is applied to detect subjects who performed poorly during the oddball experiment. We also used a forward model considering sixteen channels to identify the spatial patterns of neural activity for both able and disabled subjects. It was observed that disabled subjects illustrated lower neural activation during target trials in most brain areas when compared to able-bodied subjects.
Phosphodiesterase 4 D gene polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nath Manabesh , Swarnkar Priyanka , Kumar Amit , Misra Shubham , Kumar Praadep
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose: Studies on Phosphodiesterase 4 D (PDE4D) gene polymorphism and its association with ischemic stroke (IS) risk have discordant results. The present meta-analysis investigated the relationship between PDE4D gene polymorphism with IS risk. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for all the published articles was performed in various electronic databases, including PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Trip Database, Worldwide Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar up to 22nd December 2021. Pooled Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) under dominant, recessive, and allelic models were calculated. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity (Caucasian vs. Asian) was performed to examine the reliability of these findings. Results: In our meta-analysis, we identified 47 case-control studies with 20644 ischemic stroke (IS) cases and 23201 control subjects, including 17 studies of Caucasian descent and 30 studies of Asian descent. Our findings suggest that there was a significant relationship between SNP45 gene polymorphism and risk of IS (Recessive model: OR=2.06, 95% CI=1.31-3.23), SNP83 overall (allelic model: OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.04- 1.42), Asian (allelic model: OR=1.20, 95% CI= 1.05-1.37), and SNP89 Asian (Dominant model: OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.29-1.59, recessive model: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.28-1.58) respectively. However, no significant relationship was found between ­­­­­­­­SNP32, SNP41, SNP26, SNP56, and SNP87 gene polymorphisms and risk of IS. Conclusion: Findings of this meta-analysis conclude that SNP45, SNP83, and SNP89 polymorphism could be capable of increasing stroke susceptibility in Asians but not in the Caucasian population. Genotyping of SNP 45, 83, 89 polymorphisms may be used as a predictor for IS occurrence.
Macrophage-derived TGF-βand VEGF promote the progression of trauma-induced heterotopic ossification
Authors: Tu Bing , Li Juehong , Sun Ziyang , Zhang Tongtong , Liu Hang , Yuan Feng , Fan Cunyi
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveHeterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological bone formation process caused by musculoskeletal trauma. Our previous studies have indicated that macrophage inflammation is involved in traumatic HO formation. In this study, we validated the functional roles of M2 macrophages in HO.MethodsMacrophage Infiltration and activation of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling were examined in human HO tissues. By using a mice traumatic HO model, the effect of macrophages on HO progression was tested. Then the roles of angiogenesis and TGF-β signaling were elevated following macrophages depletion. Finally, the subtypes of macrophages were determined by FACS.ResultsWe found that macrophage infiltration and TGF-βsignaling activation are presented in human HO. Depletion of macrophages effectively suppressed traumatic HO formation in a mice model, and macrophage depletion significantly inhibited the activation of TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling. In addition, the TGF-β blockade created by a neutralizing antibody impeded ectopic bone formation in vivo. Notably, endochondral ossification and angiogenesis are attenuated following macrophage depletion or TGF-β inhibition. Furthermore, our observations on macrophage polarization revealed that M2 macrophages, rather than M1 macrophages, play a critical role in supporting HO development by enhancing the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. ConclusionOur findings on ectopic bone formation in HO patients and the mice model indicate that M2 macrophages are an important contributor for HO development, and that inhibition of M2 polarization or TGF-β activity may be a potential method of therapy for traumatic HO.
Development of a multi faceted platform containing a tetrazine, fluorophore and chelator: synthesis, characterization, radiolabeling, and immuno-SPECT imaging
Authors: McDonagh Anthony W. , McNeil Brooke L. , Rousseau Julie , Roberts Ryan J. , Merkens Helen , Yang Hua , Bénard François , Ramogida Caterina F
Published: March 2022

Background

Combining optical (fluorescence) imaging with nuclear imaging has the potential to offer a powerful tool in personal health care, where nuclear imaging offers in vivo functional whole-body visualization, and the fluorescence modality may be used for image-guided tumour resection. Varying chemical strategies have been exploited to fuse both modalities into one molecular entity. When radiometals are employed in nuclear imaging, a chelator is typically inserted into the molecule to facilitate radiolabeling; the availability of the chelator further expands the potential use of these platforms for targeted radionuclide therapy if a therapeutic radiometal is employed. Herein, a novel mixed modality scaffold which contains a tetrazine (Tz) – for biomolecule conjugation, fluorophore – for optical imaging, and chelator – for radiometal incorporation, in one construct is presented. The novel platform was characterized for its fluorescence properties, radiolabeled with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) isotope indium-111 ( 111 In 3+ ) and therapeutic alpha emitter actinium-225 ( 225 Ac 3+ ). Both radiolabels were conjugated in vitro to TCO-modified trastuzumab; biodistribution and immuno-SPECT imaging of the former conjugate was assessed.

Results

Key to the success of the platform synthesis was incorporation of a 4,4’-dicyano-BODIPY fluorophore. The route gives access to an advanced intermediate where final chelator-incorporated compounds can be easily accessed in one step prior to radiolabeling or biomolecule conjugation. The DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) conjugate was prepared, displayed good fluorescence properties, and was successfully radiolabeled with 111 In & 225 Ac in high radiochemical yield. Both complexes were then separately conjugated in vitro to trans-cyclooctene (TCO) modified trastuzumab through an inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction with the Tz. Pilot small animal in vivo immuno-SPECT imaging with [ 111 In]In-DO3A-BODIPY-Tz-TCO-trastuzumab was also conducted and exhibited high tumor uptake (21.2 ± 5.6%ID/g 6 days post-injection) with low uptake in non-target tissues.

Conclusions

The novel platform shows promise as a multi-modal probe for theranostic applications. In particular, access to an advanced synthetic intermediate where tailored chelators can be incorporated in the last step of synthesis expands the potential use of the scaffold to other radiometals. Future studies including validation of ex vivo fluorescence imaging and exploiting the pre-targeting approach available through the IEDDA reaction are warranted.
A Bayesian network model to predict the role of hospital noise, annoyance, and sensitivity in quality of patient care
Authors: Abbasi Milad , Yazdanirad Saied , Zokaei Mojtaba , Falahati Mohsen , Eyvazzadeh Nazila
Published: March 2022

Background
Hospital noise can threaten nurses' health, their cognitive function and emotion and in turn, influence the quality of patient care and patient safety. The aim of this study was to predict the role hospital noise, annoyance, and sensitivity in quality of patient care.
Methods
This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses in an Iranian hospital. To determine nurses' noise exposure level, the noise was measured in the 1510 points in the hospital in accordance with ISO 9612 using KIMO DB 300/2 sound level meter and analyzer. Then, an online survey was conducted to collect individual data. The applied questionnaires were a demographic questionnaire, Weinstein noise sensitivity scale, noise annoyance scale, and quality patient care scale. Finally, to analyze data, Bayesian Networks (BNs), as probabilistic and graphical models were used.
Results
For the high noise exposure, high noise sensitivity, and high annoyance with the probability of 100%, the probability of desirable quality of patient care decreased by 21, 14, and 23 percent, respectively. Moreover, at the concurrently high noise exposure and high noise sensitivity with the probability of 100%, the desirable quality of patient care decreased by 26%. The most effective mean values belonged to the association of noise exposure and annoyance (0.636). Moreover, the annoyance had highest association with the physical aspect (0.400) and the sensitivity had greatest association with the communication aspect (0.283).
Conclusion
Annoyance induced from noise and sensitivity affected the quality of patient care adversely. Moreover, noise and sensitivity had a separate direct adverse effect upon the quality of patient care and their coincidence occurrence reduced the quality of patient care potentially.
Do children and adolescents with cerebral palsy from Argentina and Germany grow differently?
Authors: Brünner Maria de las Mercedes Ruiz , Cuestas Eduardo , von Kries Rüdiger , Brooks Jordan , Wright Charlotte , Heinen Florian , Schroeder Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To analyze growth patterns of children with CP between countries; to examine differences in growth; and to assess the fit of growth charts. Methods: Cross-sectional study in children with CP from 2 to 19 years old, 399 from Argentina and 400 from Germany. Growth measures were converted into z-scores and compared to WHO reference and US CP growth charts. Generalized Linear Model was used to analyze the growth expressed as mean z-scores. Results: 799 children. Mean age 9 years (± 4). Compared to the WHO reference, the decrease in Height z-scores (HAZ) with age in Argentina (-0.144/year) was double that in Germany (−0.073/year). For children in GMFCS IV-V, BMI z-scores (BMIz) decreased with age (−0.102/year).Using the US CP charts, both countries showed decreasing HAZ with age, in Argentina (−0.066/year) and in Germany (−0.032/year). BMIZ increased more among children with feeding tubes (0.062/year), similar in both countries. Argentinian children with oral feeding decrease their Weight z-score (WAZ) by −0.553 compared to their peers.With WHO charts BMIZ presented an excellent fit for GMFCS I-III. HAZ presents a poor fit to growth references. BMIZ and WAZ presented a good fit to US CP Charts.Conclusions: Growth differences due to ethnicity also act in children with CP, and are related to motor impairment, age and feeding modality, possibly reflecting differences in environment or health care.
Ataluren Binds to Multiple Protein Synthesis Apparatus Sites and Competitively Inhibits Release Factor Dependent Termination
Authors: Huang Shijie , Bhattacharya Arpan , Ghelfi Mikel , Li Hong , Fritsch Clark , Chenoweth David , Goldman Yale , Cooperman Barry
Published: March 2022

Genetic diseases are often caused by nonsense mutations, but only one TRID (translation readthrough inducing drug), ataluren, has been approved for clinical use. Ataluren inhibits release factor complex (RFC) termination activity, while not affecting productive binding of near-cognate ternary complex (TC, aa-tRNA.eEF1A.GTP). Here we use photoaffinity labeling to identify two sites of ataluren binding within rRNA, proximal to the decoding center (DC) and the peptidyl transfer center (PTC) of the ribosome, which are directly responsible for ataluren inhibition of termination activity. A third site, within the RFC, has as yet unclear functional consequences. Using single molecule and ensemble fluorescence assays we also demonstrate that termination proceeds via rapid RFC-dependent hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNA followed by slow release of peptide and tRNA from the ribosome. Ataluren is an apparent competitive inhibitor of productive RFC binding, acting at or before the hydrolysis step. We conclude that designing more potent TRIDs which retain ataluren’s low toxicity should target areas of the RFC binding site proximal to the DC and PTC which do not overlap the TC binding site.
Paleoenvironment and paleoclimate of the Late Cretaceous Ise Formation, Eastern Dahomey Basin.
Authors: Oshomoji Adeoye Olugbemi , Ndukwe Otobong Sunday , Omosanya Kamaldeen O. L. , Lawal M. A.
Published: March 2022

The paleoenvironment and paleoclimate of the Ise Formation remain poorly understood, despite its importance for the Late Cretaceous paleoenvironment and geology of the Dahomey Basin and Africa in general. This is due to the paucity of outcrops and drilled samples of the formation. This study investigates the paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic setting of the Ise Formation through sedimentological and palynological analyses of fifty sediment samples. The sediments were recovered from four exposed sections of the formation, three of which are recently exposed, in the Eastern Dahomey Basin, SW Nigeria. The examined sediments are largely coarse-grained, poorly sorted, gravelly-sand to sandy-gravels, and are dominated by spores and pollens. The Laevigatosporites sp. and the Sapotaceae sp. are the most abundant spores and pollens in the sediments while minor occurrences of Monocolpites sp., Cyathidites minor, Retitricolporites sp., and Spinizonocolpites sp. were recovered. Concentricytes sp. was the only algae recovered, while microforaminiferal wall lining was the only foraminifera recovered. Textural properties of the sediments indicate textural immaturity and proximity to the source area. The occurrence of Monocolite sp., Foveotriletes margaritae, Echitriporites trianguliforms, Cyathidites, and Longapertites sp. indicate a Maastrichtian to Early Paleocene age for the Ise Formation. The vegetation cover was mainly mangrove with palms, shrubs, and forests, while the environment of deposition was swamp to marginal nearshore. A dominant mild to warm tropical climate during the deposition of the formation was inferred based on the recovery of Retitricolporites sp., Monocolpites marginatus, Sapotaceae sp., and Spinozonocolpites sp. from the samples. These conclusions support the hypothesis of a regional shallow environment setting during the Maastrichtian and a warm regional climate in Africa during the Early Paleocene.
Effect of five-weeks participation in The Daily Mile on cognitive function, physical fitness, and body composition in children
Authors: Dring Karah J. , Hatch Lorna A. , Williams Ryan , Morris John. G , Sunderland Caroline , Nevill Mary. E , Cooper Simon B.
Published: March 2022

Objective
To determine the effect of five-weeks participation in The Daily Mile on cognitive function, physical fitness, and adiposity.
Methods
In a quasi-experimental study, one class from each school completed The Daily Mile (n = 44), or acted as a control group (n = 35). Baseline measures included cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Flanker task), physical fitness (multi-stage fitness test) and body composition (BMI percentile, waist:hip circumference, sum of skinfolds). The intervention group completed five-weeks of The Daily Mile. Follow-up measurements were completed within 48-h of the last training session. Data were analysed via ANCOVA, examining between group differences at follow-up, controlling for baseline values.
Results
Response times on the complex Stroop test were faster at follow-up in the intervention group (Intervention: 1357 ms [1280–1400 ms]; Control: 1463 ms, [1410–1523 ms], p = 0.048). There was no effect of The Daily Mile on the Sternberg paradigm or Flanker test. Physical fitness was greater at follow-up in the intervention group (Intervention: 880 m, [820–940 m]; Control: 740- m, [680–800 m], p = 0.002). There was no effect of the intervention on adiposity.
Conclusion
Five-weeks of The Daily Mile enhanced inhibitory control and physical fitness in children, but did not affect working memory, attention, or adiposity.
Student Performance Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: El-Hafeez Tarek Abd , Omar Ahmed
Published: March 2022

With the emergence of the covid 19 pandemic, E-learning usage was the only way to solve the problem of study interruption in educational institutions and universities. Therefore, this field has garnered significant attention in recent times. In this paper, we used ten machine-learning algorithms (Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, SGD Classifier, Multinomial NB, K-Neighbors Classifier, Ridge Classifier, Nearest Centroid, Complement NB and Bernoulli NB) to build a prediction system based on artificial intelligence techniques to predict the difficulties students face in using the e-learning management system, and support related decision-making. Which, in turn, contributes to supporting the sustainable development of technology at the university. From the results obtained, we found the important factors that affect the use of E-learning to solve students' learning difficulties by using LMS.
DCSO: Towards an Ontology for Machine-actionable Data Management Plans
Authors: Cardoso João , Castro Leyla J. , Ekaputra Fajar J. , Jacquemot Marie C. , Suchánek Marek , Miksa Tomasz , Borbinha José
Published: March 2022

The concept of Data Management Plan (DMP) has emerged as a fundamental tool to help researchers through the systematical management of data. The Research Data Alliance DMP Common Standard (DCS) working group developed a core set of universal concepts characterising a DMP in the pursuit of producing a DMP as a machine-actionable information artefact, i.e.,machine-actionable Data Management Plan (maDMP). The technology-agnostic approach of the current maDMP specification: (i) does not explicitly link to related data models or ontologies, (ii) has no standardised way to describe controlled vocabularies, and (iii) is extensible, but has no clear mechanism to distinguish between the core specification and its extensions. Currently, the maDMP specification provides a JSON serialisation and schema to operationalise the approach. Such approach, however, does not address the concerns above. This paper reports on the community effort to create the DMP Common Standard Ontology (DCSO) as a serialisation of the DCS core concepts, with a particular focus on a detailed description of the components of the ontology. Our initial result shows that the proposed DCSO can become a suitable candidate for a reference serialisation of the DMP Common Standard.