bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells regulate M1/M2 macrophage phenotypic polarization to promote bone healing via miR-451a/MIF
Authors: Li Rui , Li Dize , Wang Huanan , Chen Kaiwen , Wang Si , Xu Jie , Ji Ping
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Bone defects caused by diseases and trauma are usually accompanied by inflammation, and the implantation of biomaterials as a common repair method has also been found to cause inflammatory reactions, which affect bone metabolism and new bone formation. This study investigated whether exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC-Exos) plays an immunomodulatory role in traumatic bone defects and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

ADSC-Exos were loaded by a biomaterial named gelatine nanoparticles (GNPs), physical and chemical properties were analysed by zeta potential, surface topography and rheology. A rat model of skull defect was used for our in vivo studies, and micro-CT and histological staining were used to analyse histological changes in the bone defect area. RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed to verify that ADSC-Exos could regulate M1/M2 macrophage polarization. MicroRNA (miRNA) array analysis was conducted to determine the miRNA expression profiles of ADSC-Exos. After macrophages were treated with a miR-451a mimic, miR-451a inhibitor and ISO-1, the relative expression of genes and proteins was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting.

Results

In vivo, micro-CT and histological staining showed that exosome-loaded GNPs (GNP-Exos) hydrogel, with good biocompatibility and strong mechanical adaptability, exhibited immunomodulatory effect mainly by regulating macrophage immunity and promoting bone tissue healing. Immunofluorescence further indicated that ADSC-Exos reduced M1 marker (iNOS) expression and increased M2 marker (CD206) expression. Moreover, in vitro studies, western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that ADSC-Exos inhibited M1 macrophage marker expression and upregulated M2 macrophage marker expression. MiR-451a was enriched in ADSC-Exos and targeted macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Macrophages treated with the miR-451a mimic showed lower expression of M1 markers. In contrast, miR-451a inhibitor treatment upregulated the expression of M1 markers and downregulated the expression of M2 markers, while ISO-1 (a MIF inhibitor) treatment upregulated miR-451a expression and downregulated M1 macrophage marker expression.

Conclusion

GNP-Exos can effectively regulate bone immune metabolism and further promote bone healing partly through immune regulation of miR-451a, which may provide a therapeutic direction for bone repair.
Extracellular vesicles from hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stromal cells: isolation, characterization and therapeutic potential for chronic wound healing
Authors: Las Heras Kevin , Royo Félix , Garcia-Vallicrosa Clara , Igartua Manoli , Santos-Vizcaino Edorta , Falcon-Perez Juan M. , Hernandez Rosa Maria
Published: April 2022

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have demonstrated to elicit immunomodulatory and pro-regenerative properties that are beneficial for the treatment of chronic wounds. Thanks to different mediators, MSC-EVs have shown to play an important role in the proliferation, migration and cell survival of different skin cell populations. However, there is still a big bid to achieve the most effective, suitable and available source of MSC-EVs.

Methods

We isolated, characterized and compared medium-large EVs (m-lEVs) and small EVs (sEVs) obtained from hair follicle-derived MSCs (HF-MSCs) against the gold standard in regenerative medicine, EVs isolated from adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs).

Results

We demonstrated that HF-EVs, as well as AT-EVs, expressed typical MSC-EVs markers (CD9, CD44, CD63, CD81 and CD105) among other different functional markers. We showed that both cell types were able to increase human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) proliferation and migration. Moreover, both MSC-EVs were able to increase angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and protect HDFs exposed to a hyperglycemic environment from oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.

Conclusions

Taken together, HF-EVs demonstrated to exhibit comparable potential to that of AT-EVs as promising candidates in the treatment of chronic wounds.
Immune evader cancer stem cells direct the perspective approaches to cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Dianat-Moghadam Hassan , Mahari Amir , Salahlou Reza , Khalili Mostafa , Azizi Mehdi , Sadeghzadeh Hadi
Published: April 2022

Exploration of tumor immunity leads to the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and cell-based immunotherapies which improve the clinical outcomes in several tumor types. However, the poor clinical efficacy of these treatments observed for other tumors could be attributed to the inherent complex tumor microenvironment (TME), cellular heterogeneity, and stemness driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSC-specific characteristics provide the bulk tumor surveillance and resistance to entire eradication upon conventional therapies. CSCs-immune cells crosstalk creates an immunosuppressive TME that reshapes the stemness in tumor cells, resulting in tumor formation and progression. Thus, identifying the immunological features of CSCs could introduce the therapeutic targets with powerful antitumor responses. In this review, we summarized the role of immune cells providing CSCs to evade tumor immunity, and then discussed the intrinsic mechanisms represented by CSCs to promote tumors’ resistance to immunotherapies. Then, we outlined potent immunotherapeutic interventions followed by a perspective outlook on the use of nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems for controlled modulation of the immune system.
Stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in preclinical animal models: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zheng Yan-li , Wang Wan-da , Cai Ping-yu , Zheng Feng , Zhou Yi-fan , Li Mei-mei , Du Jing-ru , Lin Shu , Lin Hui-li
Published: April 2022

Background

Exosomes (EXOs) derived from stem cells have become a potential new treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, their impact is still not fully understood. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to systematically review the efficacy of EXOs on AMI in preclinical animal models.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science from September 1, 1980 to September 1, 2021, to retrieve the studies reporting the therapeutic effects of EXOs on AMI animal models. Secondary endpoints include the fractional shortening (FS), infarct size (IS), fibrosis area (FA), the TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, the apoptosis rate and the number of autophagic vesicles. Two authors independently screened the articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata14.0.

Results

Ten studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated that the levels of LVEF (WMD = 3.67%; 95% CI 2.28–5.07%; P = 0.000), FS (WMD = 3.69%; 95% CI 2.06–5.33%; P = 0.000), IS (WMD = −4.52%, 95% CI − 7.14 to − 1.9%; P = 0.001), and FA (WMD = −7.04%, 95% CI − 8.74 to − 5.34%; P = 0.000), TNF-α (WMD = −3.09, 95% CI − 5.47 to − 0.72; P = 0.011), TL-6 (WMD = −6.34, 95% CI − 11.2 to − 1.49; P < 0.01), TL-10 (WMD = 6.37, 95% CI 1.53–11.21; P = 0.01), the apoptosis rate (WMD = −8.23, 95% CI − 15.29 to − 1.17; P = 0.000), and the number of autophagic vesicles (WMD = −4.52, 95% CI − 7.43 to − 1.62; P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis showed that the EXOs were derived from HMSCs. Subgroup analysis showed that the EXOs derived from HMSCs, and that exosome therapy immediately after myocardial infarction can better improve the LVEF. Conclusions: EXOs therapy has the potential to improve cardiac function, fibrogenesis, and inflammatory response, as well as reducing cell apoptosis and autophagy in preclinical AMI animal models. This can inform future human clinical trials of EXOs.
General decay for a viscoelastic von Karman equation with delay and variable exponent nonlinearities
Authors: Park Sun-Hye
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we consider a viscoelastic von Karman equation with damping, delay, and source effects of variable exponent type. Firstly, we show the global existence of solution applying the potential well method. Then, by making use of the perturbed energy method and properties of convex functions, we derive general decay results for the solution under more general conditions of a relaxation function. General decay results of solutions for viscoelastic von Karman equations with variable exponent nonlinearities have not been discussed before. Our results extend and complement many results for von Karman equations in the literature.
Collaboration Leading to Addiction Treatment and Recovery from Other Stresses (CLARO): process of adapting collaborative care for co-occurring opioid use and mental disorders
Authors: Osilla Karen Chan , Dopp Alex R. , Watkins Katherine E. , Ceballos Venice , Hurley Brian , Meredith Lisa S. , Leamon Isabel , Jacobsohn Vanessa , Komaromy Miriam
Published: April 2022

Background

Opioid use disorders (OUD), co-occurring with either depression and/or PTSD, are prevalent, burdensome, and often receive little or low-quality care. Collaborative care is a service delivery intervention that uses a team-based model to improve treatment access, quality, and outcomes in primary care patients, but has not been evaluated for co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders. To address this treatment and quality gap, we adapted collaborative care for co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders.

Methods

Our adapted model is called Collaboration Leading to Addiction Treatment and Recovery from Other Stresses (CLARO). We used the five-step Map of Adaptation Process (McKleroy in AIDS Educ Prev 18:59–73, 2006) to develop the model. For each step, our stakeholder team of research and clinical experts, primary care partners, and patients provided input into adaptation processes (e.g., adaptation team meetings, clinic partner feedback, patient interviews and beta-testing). To document each adaptation and our decision-making process, we used the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (Wiltsey Stirman in Implement Sci 14:1–10, 2019).

Results

We documented 12 planned fidelity-consistent adaptations to collaborative care, including a mix of content, context, and training/evaluation modifications intended to improve fit with the patient population (co-occurring disorders) or the New Mexico setting (low-resource clinics in health professional shortage areas). Examples of documented adaptations include use of community health workers as care coordinators; an expanded consultant team to support task-shifting to community health workers; modified training protocols for Problem-Solving Therapy and Written Exposure Therapy to incorporate examples of treating patients for depression or PTSD with co-occurring OUD; and having care coordinators screen for patients’ social needs.

Conclusions

We completed the first three steps of the Map of Adaptation Process, resulting in a variety of adaptations that we believe will make collaborative care more acceptable and feasible in treating co-occurring OUD and mental health disorders. Future steps include evaluating the effectiveness of CLARO and documenting reactive and/or planned adaptations to the model that occur during its implementation and delivery.

Trial registration NCT04559893, NCT04634279. Registered 08 September 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04559893
Gut health benefit and application of postbiotics in animal production
Authors: Zhong Yifan , Wang Shanshan , Di Hanqiu , Deng Zhaoxi , Liu Jianxin , Wang Haifeng
Published: April 2022

Gut homeostasis is of importance to host health and imbalance of the gut usually leads to disorders or diseases for both human and animal. Postbiotics have been applied in manipulating of gut health, and utilization of postbiotics threads new lights into the host health. Compared with the application of probiotics, the characteristics such as stability and safety of postbiotics make it a potential alternative to probiotics. Studies have reported the beneficial effects of components derived from postbiotics, mainly through the mechanisms including inhibition of pathogens, strengthen gut barrier, and/or regulation of immunity of the host. In this review, we summarized the characteristics of postbiotics, main compounds of postbiotics, potential mechanisms in gut health, and their application in animal production.
The Pandemic Stressor Scale: factorial validity and reliability of a measure of stressors during a pandemic
Authors: Lotzin Annett , Ketelsen Ronja , Zrnic Irina , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte , Böttche Maria , Schäfer Ingo
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the factorial validity and reliability of the Pandemic Stressor Scale (PaSS), a new measure to assess the severity of distress for different stressors relevant during a pandemic or epidemic.

Methods

The PaSS was administered in N = 2760 German participants. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract factors. The factor structure obtained in the German sample was examined in N = 1021 Austrian participants using confirmatory factor analysis. χ2, RMSEA, SRMR, CFI, TLI were assessed as global goodness of fit indices for two models (Model 1: nine-factor model; Model 2: nine-factor model combined with a second-order general factor). We additionally assessed factor loadings, communalities, factor reliability, discriminant validity as local fit indices. Internal consistency, item discrimination, and item difficulty were assessed as additional test quality criteria.

Results

The results of the exploratory factor analysis suggested a nine-factor solution with factor loadings accounting for 50.4% of the total variance (Factor 1 ‘Problems with Childcare’, Factor 2 ‘Work-related Problems’, Factor 3 ‘Restricted Face-to-Face Contact’, Factor 4 ‘Burden of Infection ‘, Factor 5 ‘Crisis Management and Communication’, Factor 6 ‘Difficult Housing Condition’, Factor 7 ‘Fear of Infection’, Factor 8 ‘Restricted Access to Resources’, Factor 9 ‘Restricted Activity’). The confirmatory factor analysis showed a sufficient global fit for both tested models (Model 1: χ2 (369, N = 1021) = 1443.28, p < .001, RMSEA = .053, SRMR = .055, CFI = .919, TLI = .904; Model 2: χ2 (396, N = 1021) = 1948.51, p < .001, RMSEA = .062, SRMR = .074, CFI = .883, TLI = .871). The results of the chi-square difference test indicated a significantly better model-fit of Model 1 compared to Model 2 (∆χ2 (27, N = 1021) = 505.23, p < .001). Local goodness of fit indices were comparable for both tested models. We found good factor reliabilities for all factors and moderate to large factor loadings of the items as indicators. In Model 2, four first-order factors showed small factor loadings on the second-order general factor.

Conclusion

The Pandemic Stressor Scale showed sufficient factorial validity for the nine measured domains of stressors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
TGF-β induced reprogramming and drug resistance in triple-negative breast cells
Authors: Wu Guoyu , Li Yuchao
Published: April 2022

Background

The development of drug resistance remains to be a major cause of therapeutic failure in breast cancer patients. How drug-sensitive cells first evade drug inhibition to proliferate remains to be fully investigated.

Methods

Here we characterized the early transcriptional evolution in response to TGF-β in the human triple-negative breast cells through bioinformatical analysis using a published RNA-seq dataset, for which MCF10A cells were treated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, and the RNA-seq were performed in biological duplicates. The protein-protein interaction networks of the differentially expressed genes were constructed. KEGG enrichment analysis, cis-regulatory sequence analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were also performed to analyze the cellular reprograming induced by TGF-β and its contribution to the survival probability decline of breast cancer patients.

Result

Transcriptomic analysis revealed that cell growth was severely suppressed by TGF-β in the first 24 h but this anti-proliferate impact attenuated between 48 h and 72 h. The oncogenic actions of TGF-β happened within the same time frame with its anti-proliferative effects. In addition, sustained high expression of several drug resistance markers was observed after TGF-β treatment. We also identified 17 TGF-β induced genes that were highly correlated with the survival probability decline of breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

Together, TGF-β plays an important role in tumorigenesis and the development of drug resistance, which implies potential therapeutic strategies targeting the early-stage TGF-β signaling activities.
Retraction Note: Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from food of animal origin in Bishoftu town, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Bedasa Segni , Shiferaw Daniel , Abraha Ashebr , Moges Tesfanesh
Published: April 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40550-018-0064-3.
Perfusable micro-vascularized 3D tissue array for high-throughput vascular phenotypic screening
Authors: Yu James , Lee Somin , Song Jiyoung , Lee Seung-Ryeol , Kim Suryong , Choi Hyeri , Kang Habin , Hwang Yunchan , Hong Young-Kwon , Jeon Noo Li
Published: April 2022

Microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technologies have enabled construction of biomimetic physiologically and pathologically relevant models. This paper describes an injection molded microfluidic platform that utilizes a novel sequential edge-guided patterning method based on spontaneous capillary flow to realize three-dimensional co-culture models and form an array of micro-vascularized tissues (28 per 1 × 2-inch slide format). The MicroVascular Injection-Molded Plastic Array 3D Culture (MV-IMPACT) platform is fabricated by injection molding, resulting in devices that are reliable and easy to use. By patterning hydrogels containing human umbilical endothelial cells and fibroblasts in close proximity and allowing them to form vasculogenic networks, an array of perfusable vascularized micro-tissues can be formed in a highly efficient manner. The high-throughput generation of angiogenic sprouts was quantified and their uniformity was characterized. Due to its compact design (half the size of a 96-well microtiter plate), it requires small amount of reagents and cells per device. In addition, the device design is compatible with a high content imaging machine such as Yokogawa CQ-1. Furthermore, we demonstrated the potential of our platform for high-throughput phenotypic screening by testing the effect of DAPT, a chemical known to affect angiogenesis. The MV-IMPACT represent a significant improvement over our previous PDMS-based devices in terms of molding 3D co-culture conditions at much higher throughput with added reliability and robustness in obtaining vascular micro-tissues and will provide a platform for developing applications in drug screening and development.
Biodegradation of plastic polymers by fungi: a brief review
Authors: Srikanth Munuru , Sandeep T. S. R. S. , Sucharitha Kuvala , Godi Sudhakar
Published: April 2022

Plastic polymers are non-degradable solid wastes that have become a great threat to the whole world and degradation of these plastics would take a few decades. Compared with other degradation processes, the biodegradation process is the most effective and best way for plastic degradation due to its non-polluting mechanism, eco-friendly nature, and cost-effectiveness. Biodegradation of synthetic plastics is a very slow process that also involves environmental factors and the action of wild microbial species. In this plastic biodegradation, fungi play a pivotal role, it acts on plastics by secreting some degrading enzymes, i.e., cutinase`, lipase, and proteases, lignocellulolytic enzymes, and also the presence of some pro-oxidant ions can cause effective degradation. The oxidation or hydrolysis by the enzyme creates functional groups that improve the hydrophilicity of polymers, and consequently degrade the high molecular weight polymer into low molecular weight. This leads to the degradation of plastics within a few days. Some well-known species which show effective degradation on plastics are Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus nomius, Penicillium griseofulvum, Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Cladosporium cladosporioides, etc., and some other saprotrophic fungi, such as Pleurotus abalones, Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus eryngii which also helps in degradation of plastics by growing on them. Some studies say that the degradation of plastics was more effective when photodegradation and thermo-oxidative mechanisms involved with the biodegradation simultaneously can make the degradation faster and easier. This present review gives current knowledge regarding different species of fungi that are involved in the degradation of plastics by their different enzymatic mechanisms to degrade different forms of plastic polymers.
When a Monoclonal Gammopathy Is Not Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Derman Benjamin , Castillo Jorge J. , Sarosiek Shayna , Beksac Meral
Published: April 2022

Our knowledge of monoclonal gammopathies is continuously evolving. Once accepted as a possible precursor condition to multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathies as an entity are now associated with many renal, neurologic, and dermatologic disorders of clinical significance. This change has created a challenge for patients and clinicians, as a monoclonal gammopathy may be a harbinger not of multiple myeloma but of other lymphoproliferative disorders such as light-chain amyloidosis and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Early recognition of monoclonal gammopathies along with a careful workup are essential in determining the next steps in the care of a given patient. Recognition has become all the more important as we understand how to triage the 4% to 9% of patients with monoclonal gammopathies depending on age, with the goal of limiting overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. In this review, we focus on treatment strategies for patients with monoclonal gammopathies that are not multiple myeloma, including smoldering multiple myeloma, light-chain amyloidosis, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia.
Noninvasive Prenatal Test Results Indicative of Maternal Malignancies: A Nationwide Genetic and Clinical Follow-Up Study
Authors: Heesterbeek Catharina J. , Aukema Sietse M. , Galjaard Robert-Jan H. , Boon Elles M.J. , Srebniak Malgorzata I. , Bouman Katelijne , Faas Brigitte H.W. , Govaerts Lutgarde C.P. , Hoffer Mariëtte J.V. , den Hollander Nicolette S. , Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , van Maarle Merel C. , van Prooyen Schuurman Lisanne , van Rij Maartje C. , Schuring-Blom G. Heleen , Stevens Servi J.C. , Tan-Sindhunata Gita , Zamani Esteki Masoud , de Die-Smulders Christine E.M. , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C.G. , Henneman Lidewij , Sistermans Erik A. , Macville Merryn V.E. ,   The Dutch NIPT Consortium
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE:

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy screening using cell-free DNA derived from maternal plasma can incidentally raise suspicion for cancer. Diagnostic routing after malignancy suspicious–NIPT faces many challenges. Here, we detail malignancy suspicious–NIPT cases, and describe the clinical characteristics, chromosomal aberrations, and diagnostic routing of the patients with a confirmed malignancy. Clinical lessons can be learned from our experience.

METHODS:

Patients with NIPT results indicative of a malignancy referred for tumor screening between April 2017 and April 2020 were retrospectively included from a Dutch nationwide NIPT implementation study, TRIDENT-2. NIPT profiles from patients with confirmed malignancies were reviewed, and the pattern of chromosomal aberrations related to tumor type was analyzed. We evaluated the diagnostic contribution of clinical and genetic examinations.

RESULTS:

Malignancy suspicious–NIPT results were reported in 0.03% after genome-wide NIPT, and malignancies confirmed in 16 patients (16/48, 33.3%). Multiple chromosomal aberrations were seen in 23 of 48 patients with genome-wide NIPT, and a malignancy was confirmed in 16 patients (16/23, 69.6%). After targeted NIPT, 0.005% malignancy suspicious–NIPT results were reported, in 2/3 patients a malignancy was confirmed. Different tumor types and stages were diagnosed, predominantly hematologic malignancies (12/18). NIPT data showed recurrent gains and losses in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphomas and classic Hodgkin lymphomas. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were most informative in diagnosing the malignancy.

CONCLUSION:

In 231,896 pregnant women, a low percentage (0.02%) of NIPT results were assessed as indicative of a maternal malignancy. However, when multiple chromosomal aberrations were found, the risk of a confirmed malignancy was considerably high. Referral for extensive oncologic examination is recommended, and may be guided by tumor-specific hallmarks in the NIPT profile.
Localized TPC1-mediated Ca2+ release from endolysosomes contributes to myoseptal junction development in zebrafish
Authors: Rice Keira L. , Webb Sarah E. , Miller Andrew L.
Published: April 2022

In the trunk of developing zebrafish embryos, adjacent myotome blocks transmit contractile force via myoseptal junctions (MJs), dynamic structures that connect the actin cytoskeleton of skeletal muscle cells to extracellular matrix components via transmembrane protein complexes in the sarcolemma. Here, we report that the endolysosomal ion channel, two-pore channel type 1 (TPC1), generates highly localized, non-propagating Ca2+ transients that play a distinct and required role in the capture and attachment of superficial slow skeletal muscle cells (SMCs) at MJs. Use of antisense morpholinos or CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to disrupt tpcn1 gene expression resulted in abnormal MJ phenotypes including SMCs detaching from or crossing the myosepta. We also report that TPC1-decorated endolysosomes are dynamically associated with MJs in a microtubule-dependent manner, and that attenuating tpcn1 expression or function disrupted endolysosomal trafficking and resulted in an abnormal distribution of β-dystroglycan (a key transmembrane component of the dystrophin-associated protein complex). Together, our data suggest that localized TPC1-generated Ca2+ signals facilitate essential endolysosomal trafficking and membrane contact events, which help form and maintain MJs following the onset of SMC contractile activity.
Mechanisms of Neuromuscular Fatigability in People with Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: BROWNSTEIN CALLUM G. , TWOMEY ROSEMARY , TEMESI JOHN , MEDYSKY MARY E. , CULOS-REED S. NICOLE , MILLET GUILLAUME Y.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating symptom that affects around one-third of people for months or years after cancer treatment. In a recent study, we found that people with posttreatment CRF have greater neuromuscular fatigability. The aim of this secondary analysis was to examine the etiology of neuromuscular fatigability in people with posttreatment CRF.

Methods

Ninety-six people who had completed cancer treatment were dichotomized into two groups (fatigued and nonfatigued) based on a clinical cut point for fatigue. Alterations in neuromuscular function (maximal voluntary contraction peak force, voluntary activation, potentiated twitch force, and EMG) in the knee extensors were assessed across three common stages of an incremental cycling test. Power outputs during the fatigability test were expressed relative to gas exchange thresholds to assess relative exercise intensity.

Results

The fatigued group had a more pronounced reduction in maximal voluntary contraction peak force and potentiated twitch force throughout the common stages of the incremental cycling test (main effect of group: P < 0.001, η
p
2 = 0.18 and P = 0.029, η
p
2 = 0.06, respectively). EMG was higher during cycling in the fatigued group (main effect of group: P = 0.022, η
p
2 = 0.07). Although the relative intensity of cycling was higher in the fatigued group at the final common stage of cycling, this was not the case during the initial two stages, despite the greater impairments in neuromuscular function.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the rapid impairments in neuromuscular fatigability in people with CRF were primarily due to disturbances at the level of the muscle rather than the central nervous system. This could affect the ability to tolerate daily physical activities.
Heat Training Efficiently Increases and Maintains Hemoglobin Mass and Temperate Endurance Performance in Elite Cyclists
Authors: RØNNESTAD BENT R. , URIANSTAD TOMAS , HAMARSLAND HÅVARD , HANSEN JOAR , NYGAARD HÅVARD , ELLEFSEN STIAN , HAMMARSTRÖM DANIEL , LUNDBY CARSTEN
Published: April 2022

Purpose and Methods

To test whether heat training performed as 5 × 50-min sessions per week for 5 wk in a heat chamber (CHAMBER) or while wearing a heat suit (SUIT), in temperate conditions, increases hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and endurance performance in elite cyclists, compared with a control group (CON-1). Furthermore, after the 5-wk intervention, we tested whether three sessions per week for 3 wk with heat suit (SUITmain) would maintain Hbmass elevated compared with athletes who returned to normal training (HEATstop) or who continued to be the control group (CON-2).

Results

During the initial 5 wk, SUIT and CHAMBER increased Hbmass (2.6% and 2.4%) to a greater extent than CON-1 (−0.7%; both P < 0.01). The power output at 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate and 1-min power output (W
max) improved more in SUIT (3.6% and 7.3%, respectively) than CON-1 (−0.6%, P < 0.05; 0.2%, P < 0.01), whereas this was not the case for CHAMBER (1.4%, P = 0.24; 3.4%, P = 0.29). However, when SUIT and CHAMBER were pooled this revealed a greater improvement in a performance index (composed of power output at 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate, W
max, and 15-min power output) than CON-1 (4.9% ± 3.2% vs 1.7% ± 1.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). During the 3-wk maintenance period, SUITmain induced a larger increase in Hbmass than HEATstop (3.3% vs 0.8%; P < 0.05), which was not different from the control (CON-2; 1.6%; P = 0.19), with no differences between HEATstop and CON-2 (P = 0.52).

Conclusions

Both SUIT and CHAMBER can increase Hbmass, and pooling SUIT and CHAMBER demonstrates that heat training can increase performance. Furthermore, compared with cessation of heat training, a sustained increase in Hbmass was observed during a subsequent 3-wk maintenance period, although the number of weekly heat training sessions was reduced to 3.
Development of mathematical models of physical processes in a heterogeneous multilayer structure under radiation exposure
Authors: Chubur K. , Strukov I. , Evdokimova Svetlana , Belokurov Vladimir , Platonov Aleksey , Cherkasov Oleg , Zolnikov Konstantin
Published: April 2022

The paper considers the processes occurring during the absorption of ionizing radiation energy. The task of developing mathematical models for determining the temperature of layers of a multilayer structure due to radiation absorption, the appearance of compression and tensile stresses, as well as tension associated with thermal expansion of the structure is set. It is assumed that the radiation energy is absorbed entirely in the beginning for a short period of time, and then it is redistributed across the layers. Each layer of the structure has its own initial and boundary conditions. Thus, the definition of a complex temperature profile is considered as the sum of some temperature profiles for simple problems solved analytically. The occurrence of stress in the structure is described by calculating the maximum value of the compression stress, the amplitude of the stress wave, as a result of which the expansion of materials can be observed. According to the proposed mathematical models, calculations of thermal and thermomechanical effects in a multilayer structure were carried out, the results of which are illustrated in the article by graphs of temperature distribution after exposure to ionization radiation, and stresses for different proportions of the thickness of the structure to its length.
Algorithms for the classification of text documents, taking into account proximity in the attribute space
Authors: Zhaksybaev Darhan , Bakiev Murat
Published: April 2022

Text classification is one of the key issues in text development research, where documents are classified based on information under supervision. Since there is a considerable number of text classification algorithms, it is currently necessary to compile an overview list of them in order to simplify the orientation in the classification tools that are available at the moment. Many text representation schemes and classification/learning algorithms used to classify text documents into predefined categories can be found in the literature, but some of them require detailed analysis and unleashed potential. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of different text presentation schemes and a comparison of different classifiers that are used to classify text documents into predefined categories. During the study, a comparison method was used as part of the methodology – modern classification approaches based on criteria, algorithms used and time complexity were compared, as well as methods of analysis, modelling and combination. As a result of the study, several algorithms or combinations of algorithms have been proposed for automatic classification of documents as hybrid approaches. The SVM (Support Vector Machine) classifier was recognised as one of the most effective text classification methods when comparing guided machine learning algorithms. It was concluded that SVM captures the inherent characteristics of the data and embeds the structural risk minimisation (SRM) principle, which minimises the upper bound of the generalisation error better than the empirical risk minimisation principle.
Loci Equidistant from Two Given Geometric Figures. Part 5: Loci Equidistant from a Sphere and a Plane
Authors: Vyshnyepolskiy Vladimir , Zavarihina E. , Egiazaryan K.
Published: April 2022

In this paper have been investigated the loci equidistant from sphere and plane, and properties of obtained surfaces have been studied. Four options for possible mutual arrangement of plane and sphere have been considered: the plane passes through the center of the sphere; the plane intersects the sphere; the plane is tangent to the sphere; the plane passes outside the sphere.

In all options of the mutual arrangement of the sphere and the plane, the loci are two surfaces - two coaxial confocal paraboloids of revolution. The general properties of the obtained paraboloids of revolution have been studied: foci and vertices positions, axes of rotation, the distance from the sphere center to the vertices of the paraboloids, the distance between the vertices of the paraboloids, and the position of the directorial planes have been defined.

Have been derived equations for the surfaces of the loci equidistant from the sphere and the plane: various paraboloids of revolution.

The loci in each of the four options for the possible mutual arrangement of the plane and the sphere are as follows. 1. The original plane passes through the sphere center – two coaxial confocal multidirectional paraboloids of revolution symmetric relative to the original plane. 2. The initial plane intersects the sphere – two coaxial confocal multidirectional but not symmetrical paraboloids of revolution, since the circle of intersection of the plane and the sphere does not coincide with the diameter of the sphere great circle. 3. The plane is tangent to the sphere – a paraboloid of revolution and a straight line (more precisely, a second order zero-quadric – a cylindrical surface with zero radius) passing through the tangency point of the plane and the sphere and the sphere center. 4. The plane passes outside the sphere – the equidistant loci will be two coaxial confocal unidirectional paraboloids of revolution.
A few remarks on the evolution of the manuscript tradition related to the epitome of Theodore Lector’s Church history
Authors: Kosiński Rafał
Published: April 2022

Artykuł jest poświęcony tradycji rękopiśmiennej epitomy Historii Kościoła Teodora Lektora, pochodzącej z początku VII w. Autor analizuje wzajemne zależności między czterema zachowanymi fragmentarycznie rękopisami Epitome i konfrontuje je z Listem mnicha Kaliksta do metropolity Tesaloniki Manuela, napisanym w 1276 r., wysuwając tezę, że autorowi tego listu prawdopodobnie znany był pełny tekst Epitome, a zatem przetrwał on do drugiej połowy XIII w. W artykule zawarte zostały też sugestie dotyczące korekt stemma codicum epitomy, zaproponowanych przez Günthera Christiana Hansena w jego wydaniu krytycznym Historii Kościoła Teodora Lektora.
Losy duchowieństwa polskiego więzionego w niemieckich obozach koncentracyjnych w latach 1940-1945 na przykładzie ojców Misjonarzy - więźniów KL Auschwitz i KL Dachau
Authors: GORAJCZYK MARTA Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

W pracy omówiono następujące zagadnienia: losy księży ze Zgromadzenia Księży Misjonarzy Wincentego a Paulo w Krakowie, aresztowanych 15 lipca 1940 r.; ich pobyt w areszcie na Montelupich w Krakowie, w niemieckich obozach koncentracyjnych Auschwitz i Dachau w latach 1940–1945 i problem KZ-syndromu. Praca powstała na podstawie materiałów znajdujących się w Archiwum Polskiej Prowincji Zgromadzenia Księży Misjonarzy i innych archiwach kościelnych oraz opracowań naukowych. Celem pracy było odtworzenie historii aresztowania oraz osadzenia księży misjonarzy w niemieckich obozach koncentracyjnych, ustalenie listy zamordowanych oraz udokumentowanie losów tych, którzy przeżyli.
Varones violentados por su pareja: una primera aproximación a la experiencia de estudiantes duranguenses mexicanos
Authors: Sánchez-Soto María de la Luz , Lechuga-Quiñones Angélica María , Flores-Saucedo Martina Partricia , Estrada-Martínez Sergio
Published: April 2022

La violencia de pareja ha sido explorada en menor medida desde la perspectiva de los hombres como víctimas. Poco se conoce sobre las características y las circunstancias en que los varones experimentan este fenómeno. El presente estudio tuvo como propósito estimar la presencia y recurrencia de violencia emocional, física, sexual y económica en el papel de receptor, en varones estudiantes universitarios duranguenses, así como su comparación respecto a algunas variables sociodemográficas. Para ello, se aplicó un cuestionario a 232 hombres estudiantes de una universidad pública en Durango, México, a través de un muestreo aleatorio, estratificado y por conglomerados. El 95 % de los varones reportó haber sido víctima de algún tipo de violencia de pareja al menos una vez y el 69 %, de forma recurrente. El 6.7% de los estudiantes reportó tener hijos, condición que se encontró relacionada con la presencia de violencia económica (razón de prevalencia, RP= 2.30 [1.35-3.94] y su recurrencia RP= 3.31 [1.8-5.55]); asimismo, presencia de violencia sexual (RP= 2.60 [1.60-4.21] y su recurrencia RP= 3.53 [1.90-5.92]). La proporción de hombres víctimas de violencia es alta en comparación con otros estudios. Para finalizar, los datos permiten respaldar la necesidad de contar con programas de sensibilización, prevención y atención a los varones víctimas de violencia.
Online Mixed-Integer Optimization in Milliseconds
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Stellato Bartolomeo
Published: April 2022

We propose a method to approximate the solution of online mixed-integer optimization (MIO) problems at very high speed using machine learning. By exploiting the repetitive nature of online optimization, we can greatly speed up the solution time. Our approach encodes the optimal solution into a small amount of information denoted as strategy using the voice of optimization framework. In this way, the core part of the optimization routine becomes a multiclass classification problem that can be solved very quickly. In this work, we extend that framework to real-time and high-speed applications focusing on parametric mixed-integer quadratic optimization. We propose an extremely fast online optimization method consisting of a feedforward neural network evaluation and a linear system solution where the matrix has already been factorized. Therefore, this online approach does not require any solver or iterative algorithm. We show the speed of the proposed method both in terms of total computations required and measured execution time. We estimate the number of floating point operations required to completely recover the optimal solution as a function of the problem dimensions. Compared with state-of-the-art MIO routines, the online running time of our method is very predictable and can be lower than a single matrix factorization time. We benchmark our method against the state-of-the-art solver Gurobi obtaining up to two to three orders of magnitude speedups on examples from fuel cell energy management, sparse portfolio optimization, and motion planning with obstacle avoidance.

Summary of Contribution: We propose a technique to approximate the solution of online optimization problems at high speed using machine learning. By exploiting the repetitive nature of online optimization, we learn the mapping between the key problem parameters and an encoding of the optimal solution to greatly speed up the solution time. This allows us to significantly improve the computation time and resources needed to solve online mixed-integer optimization problems. We obtain a simple method with a very low computing time variance, which is crucial in online settings.
Knowledge, practice and perceptions on exclusive breastfeeding among lactating mothers in rural primary health facilities in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Amoo Tumilara Busayo , Anjola Adewunmi
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims

Exclusive breastfeeding is important for the growth and development of infants. Thus, it is important to examine the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and factors that may affect it. This study aimed to assess nursing mothers' knowledge on and practice of exclusive breastfeeding, the relationship between knowledge and practice and factors perceived to influence exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected data using a self-designed questionnaire from mothers of children aged 0–6 months, at two primary health centres, Leslie and Igbogidi, in Ogun State, Nigeria. Participants were assessed on their knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding, as well as their perceptions of factors that influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to assess the relationship between participants' knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding.

Results

The majority (76.0%) of mothers had adequate knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding. However, only 58.5% practised exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding (P<0.000).

Conclusions

Participants' knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding did not coincide with its practice. Mothers should be supported through education and resources in order to improve rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Lateral Incisor Root Resorption: A Consequence of Ectopic Maxillary Canine Teeth
Authors: Cooper Jessica , Storey Madeleine , Srinivasan Vidya
Published: April 2022

Root resorption of permanent teeth is a recognized complication of ectopic maxillary permanent canines. This type of resorption is sometimes missed and can be diagnosed at the late presentation stage. Treatment of external resorption is complex and can require extraction of the affected tooth. This review provides an insight into the current evidence and guidance related to the interceptive treatment of displaced permanent maxillary canines to minimize the risk of resorption of adjacent teeth. Supported by two clinical cases, it looks into treatment options and long-term management of lateral incisors with external root resorption of varying severities.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Primary care practitioners are best placed to recognize displaced maxillary permanent canines in a timely manner, and so, root resorption of adjacent teeth may be prevented.
Characterization of Excess Death in the Mexican State of Guanajuato, During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ecological Study
Authors: Lona Elia Lara- , Díaz-Chávez Christian Andrés , -Vargas Gilberto Flores , Raygoza Nicolás Padilla- , Olivos Efraín Navarro- , Martínez-García Francisco Javier , Díaz-Martínez Daniel Alberto
Published: April 2022

Due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19, the total number of annual deaths increased in Mexico during 2020. To analyze the mortality in the Mexican state of Guanajuato from 2015 to 2020, we designed an ecological study. We used the registries of deaths in the vital statistics database of the Epidemiological and Statistical Subsystem of Deaths that includes age, sex, cause of death, epidemiological week of death as variables. Mortality Rates, Rates Ratios, Difference of Rates, Adjusted Mortality Rates, Adjusted Rates Ratios, and Difference of Rates were computed as part of the statistical analysis. To show the patterns regarding deaths in Guanajuato Sate from 2015 to 2020, we also calculated some dendrograms. The difference between the number of deaths in 2020 and 2019 is 13,286, while, in previous years, the differences were under 3000. The percentage of males that died (59.30%) shows an increment in 2020. Also, the mean age increased in 2020 (62.9 ± 22.56). The gender ratio of deaths (males/females) is greater than 1 in all the age groups except for those over 80. The age and geographic patterns of deaths changed in 2020. The 3rd cause of death among the top 10 leading causes is COVID-19. It has been detected an excess of mortality in 2020, although the integrity of the record is questionable since COVID-19 is an emergent disease. The highest effect is observed among males and older people. This situation has changed the age and geographic patterns of death in Guanajuato state. The long-term consequences on society remain to be observed.
Classification of Cervical Cytology Overlapping Cell Images with Transfer Learning Architectures
Authors: V. Mulmule Pallavi , D. Kanphade Rajendra
Published: April 2022

Cervical cell classification is a clinical biomarker in cervical cancer screening at early stages. An accurate and early diagnosis plays a vital role in preventing the cervical cancer. Recently, transfer learning using deep convolutional neural networks; have been deployed in many biomedical applications. The proposed work aims at applying the cutting edge pre-trained networks: AlexNet, ImageNet and Places365, to cervix images to detect the cancer. These pre-trained networks are fine-tuned and retrained for cervical cancer augmented data with benchmark CERVIX93 dataset available publically. The models were evaluated on performance measures viz; accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F-Score, MCC and kappa score. The results reflect that the AlexNet model is best for cervical cancer prediction with 99.03% accuracy and 0.98 of kappa coefficient showing a perfect agreement. Finally, the significant success rate makes the AlexNet model a useful assistive tool for radiologist and clinicians to detect the cervical cancer from pap-smear cytology images.