bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random forest and Shapley additive explanation for compressive strength prediction of NaOH-pretreated crumb rubber concrete
Authors: Sun Yang
Published: October 2023

The compressive strength (CS) of crumb rubber concrete (CRC) can be improved through a chemical pretreatment involving immersion of the crumb rubber particles in a NaOH solution. Despite the potential benefits of this treatment, accurately estimating the CS value of NaOH-pretreated CRC remains challenging. To address this issue, a comprehensive database encompassing 118 entries on the fundamental mixtures of CRC along with NaOH concentration and pretreatment duration has been meticulously compiled for machine learning analysis. The random forest (RF) algorithm is employed to predict the 28-day CS value of NaOH-pretreated CRC. The model hyperparameters are optimized using a random search technique with 10-fold cross-validation. The findings reveal that the optimized RF attains acceptable predictive performance, yielding RMSE, MAE, and R2 values of 3.83 MPa, 2.84 MPa, and 0.85, respectively, on the testing dataset. Additionally, the model is interpreted using multiple techniques, including permutation importance, RF model-based feature importance, and Shapley additive explanation from global or local perspectives. The feature importance analyses consistently highlight the crucial role of crumb rubber content in determining the 28-day CS value of NaOH-pretreated CRC, and the influence of NaOH concentration and pretreatment time appear relatively inconsequential compared to features associated with the CRC mixture. This research contributes to a deeper understanding and better mixture design of CS for NaOH-pretreated CRC.
Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis: Correlating Degree of Neointimal Hyperplasia With Reduction in Volume Flow Measured on Ultrasound and Ultrasound Characterization Based on Stenosis Morphology
Authors: Clifford Thomas , Ramanarayanan Sivaramakrishnan , Nanou Rhami , Steiner Kate
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is commonly used to diagnose and grade arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis. Duplex ultrasound may also be used to examine stenosis type based on measurement of intimal-medial thickness (IMT). There are, as yet, no criteria in use to define the different stenosis types based on measurement of percentage IMT (%IMT). In this study, we have examined stenosis morphology using ultrasound. We have examined consecutive DUS examinations to assess the incidence and degree of IMT and correlated %IMT with volume flow as an indicator of AVF dysfunction.

Methods:

Duplex ultrasound was performed as per standard of care. Volume flow was measured within the ipsilateral brachial artery. Measurements of luminal diameter and vessel wall diameter were used to calculate %IMT.

Results:

The study group included 156 consecutive DUS examinations demonstrating a greater than 50% AVF stenosis. Mean %IMT was 45%. There were 17 (11%) lesions where there was no measurable IMT; the remainder had measurable IMT. On receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a %IMT of 54% predicted low flow with 62.5% sensitivity and 62.7% specificity.

Conclusion:

Intimal-medial thickness has a moderate predictive value in predicting volume flow. Based on our results, there are 4 lesion types: (1) lesions with no measurable intimal hyperplasia, (2) a predominantly intimal hyperplastic lesion, (3) those with nonpredominant intimal hyperplasia, and (4) those with a valve type stenosis. A value based on correlation with volume flow could be considered based on our results at 54%IMT or based on morphology at 45%IMT to distinguish between predominant and nonpredominant intimal hyperplasia groups. Including measurements of %IMT in clinical trials could further our knowledge of how lesions with no measurable IMT and those with different degrees of intimal hyperplasia respond to different percutaneous interventions. This could potentially improve outcomes for patients and target more costly treatment options where there is most benefit.
Confidence in criminal justice and judgments of guilt in criminal trials
Authors: Pyo Jimin
Published: October 2023

An experiment was conducted to examine how mock jurors’ verdict judgments on a criminal case can be predicted by their confidence in criminal justice. Results based on a sample of 433 adults indicate that individuals with higher confidence in criminal justice authorities’ speedy resolutions of criminal cases and in accurate fact-finding were more likely to decide a guilty verdict. In contrast, individuals with higher confidence in authorities’ lawfulness were more likely to decide a not-guilty verdict. Such relationships were explained by belief in probability of the defendant’s commission of crime and interpretations of legal standards of proof for conviction. Overall, this study adds to existing knowledge on extralegal influences on juror decision-making.
Viewing cute pictures can influence judgment of moral transgressions
Authors: Zhang Zhicong , Ye Yiduo
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have shown exposure to something cute affects moral tendencies and prosocial behaviors, but how it affects people's moral judgment is still unknown. This study examines the effect of cuteness exposure on the judgment of morally transgressive events and explores the moderating effect of the moral transgressor's socioeconomic status. In Experiment 1, we find that individuals judged moral transgression incidents more harshly after viewing cute images. Experiment 2 examined whether the socioeconomic status of moral transgressors moderates the effect. The results revealed that when cuteness was primed, individuals were more tolerant of the advantaged than the disadvantaged, and made harsher moral judgments about the disadvantaged. In summary, the findings suggest that exposure to cute stimuli can enhance individuals’ moral sense and thus lead to harsher moral judgments. This effect is more pronounced when transgressors have low socioeconomic status.
How and under what conditions does a transformational manager stimulate the company’s market orientation? The case of Senegalese SMEs
Authors: Gotteland David , Diao Maguette Teuw
Published: October 2023

Market orientation positively affects an organization’s commercial and financial performance in both the short and long term. Why does the manager’s transformational leadership style encourage the emergence of a market-oriented culture in the organization? Under what conditions is this influence stronger? In this research note, we analyze 163 manager–employee dyads in Senegalese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and show, in line with social learning theory, (1) that the manager’s transformational leadership stimulates market orientation through its effects on the quality of exchanges between manager and employees, and (2) that this indirect effect is positively moderated by the manager’s own level of market orientation (moderated mediation).
Risk and Timing of Major Bleeding Complications Requiring Intervention of the Percutaneous Kidney Biopsy With a Short Observation Protocol: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Schorr Melissa , Roshanov Pavel S. , Vandelinde Jeremy , House Andrew A.
Published: October 2023

Background:

We previously published a retrospective study of kidney biopsies performed in a tertiary care hospital in London, Ontario from 2012 to 2017. This study resulted in a change of practice in our institution to shorter postbiopsy monitoring for outpatients as well as the development of a risk calculator to predict serious bleeding complications.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether this shorter monitoring time is adequate in the outpatient setting. A secondary objective was to validate the bleeding risk calculator in both inpatients and outpatients.

Design:

This was a retrospective chart review.

Setting:

This study was performed at a tertiary academic hospital in London, Ontario, Canada.

Participants:

This was a retrospective study of 400 adult patients who underwent kidney biopsy between April 30, 2018 and February 25, 2022 at a tertiary academic hospital in London, Canada.

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed frequency and timing of major bleeding complications in patients who underwent kidney biopsy. In secondary analyses, we examined the prediction performance of the risk calculator in discrimination and calibration.

Results:

Major bleeding occurred in 7 patients (1.8%). Five of these patients required blood transfusions (1.3%) and 2 required embolization (0.5%). In the outpatient setting, any major bleeding events were identified immediately (1 patient) or on the routine 2-hour ultrasounds (1 patient). The risk calculator showed good discrimination (C-statistic, 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.84 to 0.95]) and calibration (slope, 1.10, 95% CI = [0.47 to 1.74]; intercept, 95% CI = −0.02 [−0.79 to 0.75]), but with much uncertainty in the estimates.

Limitations:

The occurrence of only a few major bleeding events limits the reliability of our assessment of our risk calculator.

Conclusions:

There appears to be little yield in extending observation beyond 2 hours after an outpatient kidney biopsy with the use of immediate and 2-hour postbiopsy ultrasounds. The bleeding risk calculator ( http://perioperativerisk.com/kbrc ) warrants further validation.
Disruption of Healthcare in New York City During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From Residents Living in North and Central Brooklyn, the South Bronx, and East and Central Harlem
Authors: Dorvil Sheena , Nieves Christina , Pierre Jennifer , Valdez Jocelyn , Dannefer Rachel , Shiman Lauren J. , Diallo Fatoumata
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected some New York City (NYC) neighborhoods that primarily consist of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx residents. In comparison to the rest of NYC, these neighborhoods experienced high hospitalization and COVID-related death rates, which has been attributed to a longstanding history of structural racism and disinvestment. While stay-at-home orders were implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, this may have also affected access and utilization of non-COVID related healthcare services. This study aims to assess the prevalence of and reasons for the disruption of non-COVID related healthcare services during the first 18 months of the pandemic.

Methods:

From September 30, 2021 to November 4, 2021, the NYC Health Department administered the COVID-19 Community Recovery Survey to a subset of residents who were part of the NYC Health Panel a probability-based survey panel. This cross-sectional survey, which included closed and open-ended questions, was either self-administered online or completed via CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses and unweighted, weighted, age-adjusted percentages, and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

With a response rate of 30.3% (N = 1358), more than half of participants (54%) reported disruption to either routine physical healthcare or mental health services. Concern about getting COVID-19 (61%), stay-at-home policies (40%), belief that care could safely be postponed (35%), and appointment challenges (34%) were among reasons for delaying routine healthcare. Concern about getting COVID-19 (38%) and reduced hours of service (36%) were primary reasons for delaying mental healthcare. Reported reasons for the sustained delay of care past 18 months involved COVID concerns, appointment, and insurance challenges.

Conclusions:

Due to the pandemic, some disruption to healthcare was expected. However, most study participants either avoided or experienced a delay in healthcare. The delay of non-COVID related healthcare throughout the pandemic may result in the further widening of the health inequity gap among NYC residents dealing with a higher chronic disease burden before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Findings from this study can support equitable COVID-19 recovery, and guide efforts with health promotion.
Ergonomic Analysis of a Novel Shelf Stocking Cart
Authors: Poska Evan , Lavender Steven A. , Sommerich Carolyn M.
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the potential for an ergonomic intervention, specifically a prototype height-adjustable stocking cart to reduce the physical demands experienced when stocking shelves. This study compared muscle activity, kinematics, and subjective preferences when participants used the prototype cart versus a traditional, manual stocking method. Nine males and three females participated in this study. A traditional stocking method was compared to the prototype cart method for two types of dry grocery products as they were moved to three different destination shelf heights. EMG data, kinematic data, and subjective feedback generally favored the cart prototype over the traditional method. Bilaterally, anterior deltoid muscle activity was reduced for the cart condition when transferring products to the lower and higher shelves; trapezius activity was reduced for only the higher shelf; right side erector spinae activity was reduced for the lower shelf. The cart primarily benefited the anterior deltoid and trapezius descendens through reduced shoulder flexion. There were interaction effects of cart and shelf height on shoulder and spine kinematics. Questionnaire data showed that participants favored using the prototype. Study results support the continued development of the prototype cart toward a commercially available ergonomic aid for shelf stockers.
Teaching the Online Presentation: Aiming at Success
Authors: Reinsch Nelson Lamar , Turner Jeanine Warisse
Published: October 2023

We gathered data from business practitioners to learn how they describe successful online business presentations. We found that many—but not all—successful examples were described in terms of classical rhetorical concepts (e.g., source credibility and content). We also found that about 20% of the examples were described as successful because of technology deployment, audience interactivity, or both. We conclude that professors of management communication should teach the online presentation, that such instruction should include classical rhetorical concepts (with some appropriate adjustments), and that instruction should be expanded to include technology and interactivity.
The potential mechanism of gut microbiota-microbial metabolites-mitochondrial axis in progression of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Ma Leilei , Zhang Li , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaotian , Xie Yiran , Li Xiaochen , Yang Bo , Yang Hongtao
Published: October 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), has become the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Lately, it has been shown that the onset and advancement of DKD are linked to imbalances of gut microbiota and the abnormal generation of microbial metabolites. Similarly, a body of recent evidence revealed that biological alterations of mitochondria ranging from mitochondrial dysfunction and morphology can also exert significant effects on the occurrence of DKD. Based on the prevailing theory of endosymbiosis, it is believed that human mitochondria originated from microorganisms and share comparable biological characteristics with the microbiota found in the gut. Recent research has shown a strong correlation between the gut microbiome and mitochondrial function in the occurrence and development of metabolic disorders. The gut microbiome’s metabolites may play a vital role in this communication. However, the relationship between the gut microbiome and mitochondrial function in the development of DKD is not yet fully understood, and the role of microbial metabolites is still unclear. Recent studies are highlighted in this review to examine the possible mechanism of the gut microbiota-microbial metabolites-mitochondrial axis in the progression of DKD and the new therapeutic approaches for preventing or reducing DKD based on this biological axis in the future.
GWAS Combined with WGCNA of Transcriptome and Metabolome to Excavate Key Candidate Genes for Rice Anaerobic Germination
Authors: Li Dandan , Liu Kai , Zhao Chuanchao , Liang Siyi , Yang Jing , Peng Ziai , Xia Aoyun , Yang Meng , Luo Lixin , Huang Cuihong , Wang Jiafeng , Huang Ming , Xiao Wuming , Wang Hui , Su Ling , Guo Tao
Published: October 2023

Direct seeding of rice is a lightweight and simple cultivation method, which can effectively promote rice production. Anaerobic germination tolerance is one of the main traits of rice adaptability to direct seeding. The mining of related genetic loci, analysis of anaerobic traits and screening of tolerance genes provided valuable genetic resources for improving the anaerobic germination ability of direct seeding rice. This study conducted a dynamic genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on coleoptile-related traits of 591 rice natural populations, and a total of 317 SNP sites were detected. Integrated dynamic widely targeted metabolomics analysis, we found that xanthine, l-alanine and GABA may be key biomarkers that are sensitive and respond strongly to hypoxic stress perception. By WGCNA analysis of targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics, a total of 3 modules were obtained that were significantly correlated with the above three marker metabolites, namely dark green, dark gray and light green modules, respectively, and several key structural genes of OsAlaAT1, OsGAD4, OsAAH and Os09g0424600 that may affect hypoxic germination were screened from the 3 modules. Among them, OsAlaAT1 (Os10g0390500), located in Chr10-12877840, which is within the GWAS location range of CVAN3d, is considered to be a more reliable candidate gene. Overall, in addition to providing new insight into the metabolic regulation of l-alanine, GABA and xanthine during hypoxic germination of rice. This study also provided a reference for the basic theoretical research and breeding application research on the related traits of anaerobic germination in direct-seeding rice.
Outcomes of trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis in Congolese patients
Authors: Nsiangani Lusambo Nadine , Kaimbo Wa Kaimbo Dieudonné , Ngoyi Mumba Dieudonné Mumba , de-la-Torre Alejandra
Published: October 2023

Background

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis in several areas worldwide. The combination of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) has been presented as an attractive alternative to the “classic’ treatment therapy (Pyrimethamine/Sulfadiazine).

Methods

A prospective study was carried out between February 2020 and September 2021 in 2 ophthalmic centers in Kinshasa. This study aimed to describe TMP/SMX treatment outcomes for OT in a cohort of immunocompetent Congolese patients.

Results

54 patients were included, with a mean age at presentation of 37.5 ± 13.6 years old and a Male-Female ratio of 1.45:1. Three patients (5.6%) presented a recurrence during the follow-up period. At the end of the follow-up, improvement in VA and resolution of inflammation concerned 75.9% and 77.5% of patients, respectively. Cataracts (3.7%), macular scars (3.7%), and vitreous opacities (3.7%) were the principal causes of non-improvement in VA. Treatment-related adverse events were present in 10 patients (18.5%); gastrointestinal (14.8%) and dermatological (3.7%) adverse events were the most frequent. Dermatological adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment.

Conclusion

TMP/SMX regimen appears to be a safe and effective treatment for OT in Congolese patients. The low cost and the accessibility of the molecules make this regimen an option for treating OT in resource-limited countries.
Quality of life and its predictors in first-episode schizophrenia and individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis
Authors: Mao Zhen , Tian Lu , Sun Yue , Dong Fang , Wang Chuanyue , Bo Qijing
Published: October 2023

Background

This is a cross-sectional study comparing the degree of subjective quality of life (QOL) impairment and its predictive factors in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) and individuals at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

Seventy-seven FES, 59 CHR, and 64 healthy controls (HC) were included. The QOL of all participants was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-Brief Form (BREF). Psychiatric symptoms of individuals with FES were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), five factors were further identified through factor analysis; for individuals with CHR and HC, the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms (SOPS) was used.

Results

The total and four sub-domain scores of the WHOQOL-BREF in the FES and CHR groups were lower than those of the HC group. The overall and psychological health scores in the CHR group were lowest. In the FES group, after applying Bonferroni’s correction, there is a negative correlation between the total QOL scores and anxiety/depressive symptom scores (r = –0.34, P = 0.003). The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the QOL of both FES and CHR group were negatively affected by anxiety/depressive symptoms and unemployment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with FES, CHR individuals are more dissatisfied with their QOL. Although diagnostic assessment of FES and CHR relies heavily on positive symptoms, the QOL is more affected by anxiety/depressive symptoms and social functioning.
Identification of potentially functional circRNAs and prediction of the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene network in mice with primary blast lung injury
Authors: Lu Qianying , Li Junfeng , Zhao Yanmei , Zhang Jianfeng , Shi Mingyu , Yu Sifan , Liang Yangfan , Fan Haojun , Meng Xiangyan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is the main cause of death in blast injury patients, and is often ignored due to the absence of a specific diagnosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are becoming recognized as new regulators of various diseases, but the role of circRNAs in PBLI remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate PBLI-related circRNAs and their probable roles as new regulators in PBLI in order to provide new ideas for PBLI diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

The differentially expressed (DE) circRNA and mRNA profiles were screened by transcriptome high-throughput sequencing and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The GO and KEGG pathway enrichment was used to investigate the potential function of DE mRNAs. The interactions between proteins were analyzed using the STRING database and hub genes were identified using the MCODE plugin. Then, Cytoscape software was used to illustrate the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene network.

Results

A total of 117 circRNAs and 681 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed in PBLI, including 64 up-regulated and 53 down-regulated circRNAs, and 315 up-regulated and 366 down-regulated mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the DE mRNAs might be involved in the TNF signaling pathway and Fanconi anemia pathway. Hub genes, including Cenpf, Ndc80, Cdk1, Aurkb, Ttk, Aspm, Ccnb1, Kif11, Bub1 and Top2a, were obtained using the MCODE plugin. The network consist of 6 circRNAs (chr18:21008725–21020999 + , chr4:44893533–44895989 + , chr4:56899026–56910247-, chr5:123709382–123719528-, chr9:108528589–108544977 + and chr15:93452117–93465245 +), 7 miRNAs (mmu-miR-3058-5p, mmu-miR-3063-5p, mmu-miR-668-5p, mmu-miR-7038-3p, mmu-miR-761, mmu-miR-7673-5p and mmu-miR-9-5p) and 6 mRNAs (Aspm, Aurkb, Bub1, Cdk1, Cenpf and Top2a).

Conclusions

This study examined a circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory network associated with PBLI and explored the potential functions of circRNAs in the network for the first time. Six circRNAs in the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene regulatory network, including chr18:21008725–21020999 + , chr4:44893533–44895989 + , chr4:56899026–56910247-, chr5:123709382–123719528-, chr9:108528589–108544977 + and chr15:93452117–93465245 + may play an essential role in PBLI.
Assessing the safety of lipid-modifying medications among Chinese adolescents: a drug-target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Shan , Lam Hugh Simon , Chan Yap Hang , Tang Clara Sze Man , He Baoting , Kwok Man Ki , Leung Gabriel M. , Schooling C Mary , Au Yeung Shiu Lun
Published: October 2023

Background

With increasing hypercholesterolemia prevalence in East Asian adolescents, pharmacologic interventions (e.g., HMGCR inhibitors (statins) and PCSK9 inhibitors) may have to be considered although their longer-term safety in the general adolescent population is unclear. This study aims to investigate the longer-term safety of HMGCR inhibitors and PCSK9 inhibitors among East Asian adolescents using genetics.

Methods

A drug-target Mendelian randomization study leveraging the Global Lipid Genetics Consortium (East Asian, n = 146,492) and individual-level data from Chinese participants in the Biobank clinical follow-up of Hong Kong’s “Children of 1997” birth cohort (n = 3443, aged ~ 17.6 years). Safety outcomes (n = 100) included anthropometric and hematological traits, renal, liver, lung function, and other nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics. Positive control outcomes were cholesterol markers from the “Children of 1997” birth cohort and coronary artery disease from Biobank Japan.

Results

Genetic inhibition of HMGCR and PCSK9 were associated with reduction in cholesterol-related NMR metabolomics, e.g., apolipoprotein B (HMGCR: beta [95% CI], − 1.06 [− 1.52 to − 0.60]; PCSK9: − 0.93 [− 1.56 to − 0.31]) and had the expected effect on the positive control outcomes. After correcting for multiple comparisons (p-value < 0.006), genetic inhibition of HMGCR was associated with lower linoleic acid − 0.79 [− 1.25 to − 0.35]. Genetic inhibition of PCSK9 was not associated with the safety outcomes assessed.

Conclusions

Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors in East Asian adolescents appeared to be safe based on the outcomes concerned. Larger studies were warranted to verify these findings. This study serves as a proof of principle study to inform the medication safety among adolescents via genetics.
HArmonized single-cell RNA-seq Cell type Assisted Deconvolution (HASCAD)
Authors: Chiu Yen-Jung , Ni Chung-En , Huang Yen-Hua
Published: October 2023

Background

Cell composition deconvolution (CCD) is a type of bioinformatic task to estimate the cell fractions from bulk gene expression profiles, such as RNA-seq. Many CCD models were developed to perform linear regression analysis using reference gene expression signatures of distinct cell types. Reference gene expression signatures could be generated from cell-specific gene expression profiles, such as scRNA-seq. However, the batch effects and dropout events frequently observed across scRNA-seq datasets have limited the performances of CCD methods.

Methods

We developed a deep neural network (DNN) model, HASCAD, to predict the cell fractions of up to 15 immune cell types. HASCAD was trained using the bulk RNA-seq simulated from three scRNA-seq datasets that have been normalized by using a Harmony-Symphony based strategy. Mean square error and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to compare the performance of HASCAD with those of other widely used CCD methods. Two types of datasets, including a set of simulated bulk RNA-seq, and three human PBMC RNA-seq datasets, were arranged to conduct the benchmarks.

Results

HASCAD is useful for the investigation of the impacts of immune cell heterogeneity on the therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors, since the target cell types include the ones known to play a role in anti-tumor immunity, such as three subtypes of CD8 T cells and three subtypes of CD4 T cells. We found that the removal of batch effects in the reference scRNA-seq datasets could benefit the task of CCD. Our benchmarks showed that HASCAD is more suitable for analyzing bulk RNA-seq data, compared with the two widely used CCD methods, CIBERSORTx and quanTIseq. We applied HASCAD to analyze the liver cancer samples of TCGA-LIHC, and found that there were significant associations of the predicted abundance of Treg and effector CD8 T cell with patients’ overall survival.

Conclusion

HASCAD could predict the cell composition of the PBMC bulk RNA-seq and classify the cell type from pure bulk RNA-seq. The model of HASCAD is available at https://github.com/holiday01/HASCAD.
A computer-aided determining method for the myometrial infiltration depth of early endometrial cancer on MRI images
Authors: Xiong Liu , Chen Chunxia , Lin Yongping , Mao Wei , Song Zhiyu
Published: October 2023

To classify early endometrial cancer (EC) on sagittal T2-weighted images (T2WI) by determining the depth of myometrial infiltration (MI) using a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) method based on a multi-stage deep learning (DL) model. This study retrospectively investigated 154 patients with pathologically proven early EC at the institution between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Of these patients, 75 were in the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA and 79 were in FIGO stage IB. An SSD-based detection model and an Attention U-net-based segmentation model were trained to select, crop, and segment magnetic resonance imaging (MRl) images. Then, an ellipse fitting algorithm was used to generate a uterine cavity line (UCL) to obtain MI depth for classification. In the independent test datasets, the uterus and tumor detection model achieves an average precision rate of 98.70% and 87.93%, respectively. Selecting the optimal MRI slices method yields an accuracy of 97.83%. The uterus and tumor segmentation model with mean IOU of 0.738 and 0.655, mean PA of 0.867 and 0.749, and mean DSC of 0.845 and 0.779, respectively. Finally, the CAD method based on the calculated MI depth reaches an accuracy of 86.9%, a sensitivity of 81.8%, and a specificity of 91.7% for early EC classification. In this study, the CAD method implements an end-to-end early EC classification and is found to be on par with radiologists in terms of performance. It is more intuitive and interpretable than previous DL-based CAD methods.
Association between healthy lifestyle factors and health-related quality of life among Chinese adolescents: the moderating role of gender
Authors: Xiang Hongyu , Feng Xiuqiong , Lin Li , Luo Shengyu , Liu Xinxia , Chen Dezhong , Qin Kang , Guo Xun , Chen Weiqing , Guo Vivian Yawei
Published: October 2023

Background

To examine the associations of the independent and combined healthy lifestyle factors with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents, and to test the moderating role of gender.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 5125 adolescents aged between 11 and 20 years. They provided self-reported data on six healthy lifestyle factors, including never smoking, never drinking, good sleep quality, sufficient sleep duration, appropriate Internet use, and adequate physical activity. Adolescents’ HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0. Linear regression models were conducted to explore the association of individual and combined healthy lifestyle factors with adolescents’ HRQOL. We further performed stratified analyses and likelihood ratio test to explore the moderating role of gender in these associations.

Results

Of the included adolescents, the proportions with 0–2, 3, 4, and 5–6 healthy lifestyle factors were 13.6%, 26.4%, 44.3%, and 15.7%, respectively. Compared to adolescents with composite healthy lifestyle scores of 0–2, those with scores of 3, 4, or 5–6 had significantly higher HRQOL scores across all dimensions, summary scales, and total scale in both unadjusted and adjusted models. Specifically, adolescents with 5–6 healthy lifestyle factors had a total scale score that was 19.03 (95%CI: 17.76 to 20.30) points higher than their counterparts who only had 0–2 healthy lifestyle factors. Significant dose-response patterns were also observed in aforementioned associations. Gender was a significant moderator in the associations between composite healthy lifestyle groups and HRQOL scores, except for the social functioning dimension.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that combined healthy lifestyle factors were associated with improved HRQOL among adolescents, with a stronger association observed in girls. These findings underscore the necessity for education and healthcare authorities to design health-promoting strategies that encourage multiple healthy lifestyle factors in adolescents, with the objective of enhancing their overall health outcomes.
Multiphase and multiparameter MRI-based radiomics for prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Hongyan , Han Lujun , Guo Jianbo , Zhang Yanyu , Lin Shiwei , Chen Shengli , Lin Xiaoshan , Cheng Caixue , Guo Zheng , Qiu Yingwei
Published: October 2023

Background

To develop and validate radiomics models for prediction of tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) using both pre-NAT and post-NAT multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Methods

In this multicenter study, a total of 563 patients were included from two independent centers. 453 patients from center 1 were split into training and testing cohorts, the remaining 110 from center 2 served as an external validation cohort. Pre-NAT and post-NAT mpMRI was collected for feature extraction. The radiomics models were constructed using machine learning from a training cohort. The accuracy of the models was verified in a testing cohort and an independent external validation cohort. Model performance was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

Results

The model constructed with pre-NAT mpMRI had favorable accuracy for prediction of non-response to NAT in the training cohort (AUC = 0.84), testing cohort (AUC = 0.81), and external validation cohort (AUC = 0.79). The model constructed with both pre-NAT and post-NAT mpMRI had powerful diagnostic value for pathologic complete response in the training cohort (AUC = 0.86), testing cohort (AUC = 0.87), and external validation cohort (AUC = 0.87).

Conclusions

Models constructed with multiphase and multiparameter MRI were able to predict tumor response to NAT with high accuracy and robustness, which may assist in individualized management of LARC.
In-organoid single-cell CRISPR screening reveals determinants of hepatocyte differentiation and maturation
Authors: Liang Junbo , Wei Jinsong , Cao Jun , Qian Jun , Gao Ran , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Dingding , Gu Yani , Dong Lei , Yu Jia , Zhao Bing , Wang Xiaoyue
Published: October 2023

Background

Harnessing hepatocytes for basic research and regenerative medicine demands a complete understanding of the genetic determinants underlying hepatocyte differentiation and maturation. Single-cell CRISPR screens in organoids could link genetic perturbations with parallel transcriptomic readout in single cells, providing a powerful method to delineate roles of cell fate regulators. However, a big challenge for identifying key regulators during data analysis is the low expression levels of transcription factors (TFs), which are difficult to accurately estimate due to noise and dropouts in single-cell sequencing. Also, it is often the changes in TF activities in the transcriptional cascade rather than the expression levels of TFs that are relevant to the cell fate transition.

Results

Here, we develop Organoid-based Single-cell CRISPR screening Analyzed with Regulons (OSCAR), a framework using regulon activities as readouts to dissect gene knockout effects in organoids. In adult-stem-cell-derived liver organoids, we map transcriptomes in 80,576 cells upon 246 perturbations associated with transcriptional regulation of hepatocyte formation. Using OSCAR, we identify known and novel positive and negative regulators, among which Fos and Ubr5 are the top-ranked ones. Further single-gene loss-of-function assays demonstrate that Fos depletion in mouse and human liver organoids promote hepatocyte differentiation by specific upregulation of liver metabolic genes and pathways, and conditional knockout of Ubr5 in mouse liver delays hepatocyte maturation.

Conclusions

Altogether, we provide a framework to explore lineage specifiers in a rapid and systematic manner, and identify hepatocyte determinators with potential clinical applications.
Glucose fluctuations aggravate myocardial fibrosis via activating the CaMKII/Stat3 signaling in type 2 diabtetes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Huan-Huan , Yang Fan , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Zhang Zhen-Ye , Zhao Xiao-Xi , Qian Ling-Ling , Dang Shi-Peng , Wang Ru-Xing
Published: October 2023

Background

Glucose fluctuations (GF) are a risk factor for cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes. However, there is a lack of adequate research on the effect of GF on myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms in type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of glucose fluctuations on myocardial fibrosis and explore the potential mechanisms in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control (Con) group, the type 2 diabetic (DM) group and the glucose fluctuations (GF) group. The type 2 diabetic rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin injection and the GF model was induced by using staggered glucose and insulin injections daily. After eight weeks, echocardiography was used to assess the cardiac function of the three groups. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were utilized to evaluate the degree of pathological damage and fibrosis. Meanwhile, a neonatal rat cardiac fibroblast model with GF was established. Western and immunofluorescence were used to find the specific mechanism of myocardial fibrosis caused by GF.

Results

Compared with rats in the Con and the DM group, cardiac function in the GF group showed significant impairments. Additionally, the results showed that GF aggravated myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Ca2+/calmodulin‑dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was activated by phosphorylation, prompting an increase in phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and induced nuclear translocation. Pretreatment with KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) blocked GF-induced Stat3 activation and significantly suppressed myocardial fibrosis.

Conclusions

Glucose fluctuations exacerbate myocardial fibrosis by triggering the CaMKII/Stat3 pathway in type 2 diabetes.
IK is essentially involved in ciliogenesis as an upstream regulator of oral-facial-digital syndrome ciliopathy gene, ofd1
Authors: Ka Hye In , Cho Mina , Kwon Seung-Hae , Mun Se Hwan , Han Sora , Kim Min Jung , Yang Young
Published: October 2023

Background

The cilia are microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the cell surface. Abnormalities in cilia result in various ciliopathies, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), and oral-facial-digital syndrome type I (OFD1), which show genetic defects associated with cilia formation. Although an increasing number of human diseases is attributed to ciliary defects, the functions or regulatory mechanisms of several ciliopathy genes remain unclear. Because multi ciliated cells (MCCs) are especially deep in vivo, studying ciliogenesis is challenging. Here, we demonstrate that ik is essential for ciliogenesis in vivo.

Results

In the absence of ik, zebrafish embryos showed various ciliopathy phenotypes, such as body curvature, abnormal otoliths, and cyst formation in the kidney. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ik positively regulated ofd1 expression required for cilium assembly. In fact, depletion of ik resulted in the downregulation of ofd1 expression with ciliary defects, and these ciliary defects in ik mutants were rescued by restoring ofd1 expression. Interestingly, ik affected ciliogenesis particularly in the proximal tubule but not in the distal tubule in the kidney.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the role of ik in ciliogenesis in vivo for the first time. Loss of ik in zebrafish embryos displays various ciliopathy phenotypes with abnormal ciliary morphology in ciliary tissues. Our findings on the ik–ofd1 axis provide new insights into the biological function of ik in clinical ciliopathy studies in humans.
The ICU-CARB score: a novel clinical scoring system to predict carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria carriage in critically ill patients upon ICU admission
Authors: Dai Yunqi , Zhang Ling , Pan Tingting , Shen Ziyun , Meng Tianjiao , Wu Jing , Gu Feifei , Wang Xiaoli , Tan Ruoming , Qu Hongping
Published: October 2023

Background

With the widespread spread of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in medical facilities, the carriage of CR-GNB among critically ill patients has become a significant concern in intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to develop a scoring system to identify CR-GNB carriers upon ICU admission.

Methods

Consecutive critically ill patients admitted to the ICU of Shanghai Ruijin Hospital between January 2017 and December 2020 were included. The patients were then divided into training and testing datasets at a 7:3 ratio. Parameters associated with CR-GNB carriage were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Each parameter was assigned a numerical score ranging from 0 to 100 using logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, a four-tier risk-level system was developed based on the cumulative scores, and assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

Of the 1736 patients included in this study, the prevalence of CR-GNB carriage was 10.60%. The clinical scoring system including seven variables (neurological disease, high-risk department history, length of stay ≥ 14 days, ICU history, invasive mechanical ventilation, gastrointestinal tube placement, and carbapenem usage) exhibited promising predictive capabilities. Patients were then stratified using the scoring system, resulting in CR-GNB carriage rates of 2.4%, 12.0%, 36.1%, and 57.9% at the respective risk levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the AUC of the developed model in the training set was calculated to be 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78–0.86), while internal validation yielded an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77–0.89).

Conclusions

The ICU-CARB Score serves as a straightforward and precise tool that enables prompt evaluation of the risk of CR-GNB carriage at the time of ICU admission, thereby facilitating the timely implementation of targeted pre-emptive isolation.
Five new Camillea (Xylariales) species described from French Guiana
Authors: Fournier Jacques , Hsieh Huei-Mei , Lechat Christian , Ju Yu-Ming , Chaduli Delphine , Favel Anne
Published: October 2023

Background

The genus Camillea was created in 1849 from collections made in French Guiana with eight species included. Numerous species assigned to Camillea were subsequently discovered, especially in the forests of the Amazon basin, but new discoveries have not been reported from French Guiana since 1849. Recent fieldwork in French Guiana has begun to fill this gap by identifying five new species, most of which were collected in the vicinity of Saül village.

Results

Based on macro- and micromorphological study of their stromata, including SEM images of ascospore wall ornamentation, five new species were recognized, including C. cribellum, C. heterostomoides, C. nitida, C. rogersii and C. saulensis. Cultures could be obtained for C. heterostomoides and C. rogersii, and ITS and LSU sequences were obtained for all of the five new species. Camillea heterostoma and its variety microspora were shown to be conspecific. Provisional molecular phylogenetic analyses support the possible reinstatement of Hypoxylon melanaspis, currently regarded as merely an applanate form of C. leprieurii.

Conclusion

The current study is based on a relatively limited fieldwork in its duration and sampling area but was able to substantially increase the number of Camillea species known from French Guiana. This augurs an exceptional and still unknown diversity of the genus in this area and by extension in the adjacent neotropical forests.
Time to death and its determinant factors of visceral leishmaniasis with HIV co-infected patients during treatment period admitted at Metema hospital, Metema, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study design
Authors: Alemu Chekol , Wudu Habitamu , Dessie Getu , Gashu Chalachew
Published: October 2023

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the parasites Leishmania donovani spices complex that can spread to internal organs and the disease is fatal with a fatality rate of nearly 100% if left untreated. Visceral Leishmania-HIV (HIV1) coinfection disease is a new clinical form of leishmaniasis very serious disease in the endemic part of the world. It also served as the primary cause of death in the lowlands of Ethiopia with the endemic Humara and Metema that are located near the Sudanese border.

Methods

A total of 153 visceral leishmaniases with HIV co-infection secondary data was taken from the medical chart of patients from January 2015 to January 2021 and a hospital-based cross-sectional study design was carried out to retrieve relevant information. The data entered by SPSS and analysed using STATA version 14 and R4.2.1 statistical software packages using a non-parametric Model, semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard survival models at 5% significance level.

Result

Among the total visceral leishmaniasis with HIV co-infected patients 3.27% were females and 96.73% were males, 19 (12.42%) patients died and 134(87.58%) patients were censored. The Cox proportional hazard model result indicates that severe acute malnutrition, baseline CD4+ cell count ≥100, and underweight significantly contributed to the survival time of a patient. Cox proportional hazard model shows that severe acute malnutrition (HR=4.40027, 95% CI= 2.455061 262.7934, P-value=0.007), baseline CD4+cell count ≥100 (HR=0.2714623, 95% CI= 0.0764089 0.9644395, P-value=0.044), and Underweight (HR=4.678169, 95% CI= 1.970097 11.10872, P-value=0.040) significantly contributed to a shorter survival time.

Conclusion

Visceral leishmaniases with HIV co-infected patients show a large number of deaths occurred in the earlier days of treatment this implies that Visceral leishmaniasis accelerates HIV replication and disease progression death. The researcher suggests that people be aware of the burden posed by those risk factors and knowledgeable about the diseases. So, the researcher recommended that to health workers implement primary health care in those patients and careful consideration of a neglected parasitic disease.
Welfare Reform and the Quality of Young Children's Home Environments
Authors: Kalil Ariel , Corman Hope , Dave Dhaval , Schwarz-Soicher Ofira , Reichman Nancy E.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effects of welfare reform—a major policy shift in the United States that increased low-income mothers' employment and reliance on earnings instead of cash assistance—on the quality of the home environments mothers provide for their preschool-age children. Using empirical methods designed to identify plausibly causal effects, we estimate the effects of welfare reform on validated survey and observational measures of maternal behaviors that support children's cognitive skills and emotional adjustment and the material goods that parents purchase to stimulate their children's skill development. The results suggest that welfare reform did not affect the amount of time and material resources mothers devoted to cognitively stimulating activities with their young children. However, it significantly decreased emotional support provision scores, by approximately 0.3–0.4 standard deviations. The effects appear to be stronger for mothers with lower human capital. The findings provide evidence that welfare reform came at a cost to children in the form of lower quality parenting. They also underscore the importance of considering quality, and not just quantity, in assessing the effects of maternal work-incentive policies on parenting and children's home environments.