bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic efficacy of RDW in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism for in-hospital mortality and adverse events
Authors: Asbagh Amirhosein Ghafouri , Hassannezhad Sina , Nateghian Hooman , Ghaffari Samad , Mousavi Saeid
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Increased red cell distribution width (RDW) is linked to pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) severity and is associated with inflammation during the acute phase of the PTE. In this study, we aimed to measure the predictive value of RDW for in-hospital mortality and major cardiopulmonary adverse events.
Methods: Data from 801 patients with the diagnosis of PTE were retrospectively reviewed. We divided patients into two groups based on experiencing Major Adverse Cardiopulmonary Events (MACPE), which includes mortality, thrombolysis, mechanical ventilation, and surgical embolectomy during hospitalization. Then the collected medical records were compared between the groups. In-hospital mortality and MACPE were our primary and secondary measured outcomes, respectively.
Results: Mean RDW was 14.28 ± 1.44 in the whole population and was higher in the MACPE group (P-value= 0.024). RDW with the cut-off point of 14.05% has both sensitivity and specificity of 54% (AUC=0.555, CI=0.509 - 0.601) in predicting in-hospital MACPE, but with the cut-off point of 13.75%, it has a higher performance in predicting in-hospital death (AUC=0.650, CI=0.575 – 0.726). Patients with the RDW ≥ 13.75% had a higher mortality rate than the others (P-value=0.003). RDW remained an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality but not MACPE after conducting a multivariable analysis (P-value= 0.009, 0.397 resp.)
Conclusion: the mortality caused by pulmonary embolism can be predicted using RDW as an easily accessible marker, but it performs poorly in predicting in-hospital MACPE.
Research on the fabrication of continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 composites by means of ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Liu Jiaqing , Zhai Zhanyu , Li Ziying , Tang Huaping
Published: November 2022

Because of the high viscosity and poor fluidity of thermoplastic resin, it is easy to form void in thermoplastic composites fabricated by traditional methods. The introduction of ultrasonic vibration into the fabrication of thermoplastic composites promotes the flow of thermoplastic resin and improve the quality of thermoplastic composites. In this study, continuous carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (CF/PA 6) composites were fabricated by ultrasonic vibration. The effects of ultrasonic amplitude and welding time on the temperature variations of the CF/PA 6 stack during the fabrication process were firstly studied. Meanwhile, the process of impregnation evolution was observed. Then, the quality of CF/PA 6 composites with different ultrasonic vibration parameters were evaluated from the aspects of carbon fiber (CF) fabric structure, carbon fiber diameter, void content, fiber volume fraction, and the flexural strength. The results show that increasing the ultrasonic amplitude and welding time can increase the fiber volume fraction and decrease the void content of CF/PA 6 composites. However, increasing ultrasonic amplitude and welding time result in a smaller carbon fiber diameter and worse CF-PA 6 interface properties. The CF fabric structure is sensitive to ultrasonic vibration parameters. Ultrasonic amplitude and welding time exceeding a certain threshold reduce the flexural strength of CF/PA 6 composites. The flexural strength of the composites is improved by increasing the ultrasonic amplitude and welding time within a limited window. Different from flexural strength, the flexural modulus of the composite increases with the increase of ultrasonic amplitude and welding time due to more compact CF fabrics in the composite laminates. In addition, the failure mode of composites is sensitive to the ultrasonic vibration parameters.
The effects of grain size and temperature on mechanical properties of CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Zhang Can , Han Ben , Shi Mingxing
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the molecular dynamics method was used to analyze mechanical properties and microscopic deformation mechanisms of CoCrNi medium-entropy alloy with different average grain sizes at various temperatures. Its elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio were first calculated by the constant pressure molecular dynamics method. It is found that the elastic modulus increases with the average grain size increasing and is reduced at elevated temperatures. However, its Poisson's ratio decreases with the average grain size increasing and is not sensitive to temperatures. Simulations of simple tension were carried out and the results show that: (1) when the average grain size exceeds 15.2 nm, its yield stress and maximum flow stress decreased with the average grain size raising (Hall-Petch relationship), in this situation it is speculated that the dislocation slips and deformation twins within the grains dominate the plastic deformation; (2) when the grain size is smaller than 15.2 nm, the two stress parameters instead increase with the average grain size increasing (Inverse Hall-Petch relationship), such a plastic deformation mechanism is understood mainly due to grain boundaries migrations and grain rotations. In the end, as temperature effects on microscopic deformation mechanisms are concerned, it is found that more dislocations tend to be plugged near grain boundaries which have lower mobility at lower temperatures. Accordingly, the two stress parameters increase as the temperature decreases.
Evaluation of epigenetic methylation biomarkers for the detection of colorectal cancer using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Petit Joel , Carroll Georgia , Zhao Jie , Roper Ellise , Pockney Peter , Scott R. J.
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Screening programs allow early diagnosis and have improved the clinical management of this disease. Aberrant DNA methylation is increasingly being explored as potential biomarkers for many types of cancers. In this study we investigate the methylation of ten target genes in 105 CRC and paired normal adjacent tissue samples using a MethylLight droplet digital PCR (ML-ddPCR) assay. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the diagnostic performance of all target genes individually and in combination. All 515 different combinations of genes showed significantly higher levels of methylation in CRC tissue. The combination of multiple target genes into a single test generally resulted in greater diagnostic accuracy when compared to single target genes. Our data indicates that aberrant DNA methylation in a specific selection of target genes illustrates very strong potential for use as a screening marker for CRC.
Stimulus-induced drift inhibition revealed by retinal eye-tracking
Authors: Ziv Inbal , Meina Michał , Tamborski Szymon , Gorgol Joanna , Szkulmowski Maciej , Bonneh Yoram
Published: November 2022

It is now well established that the movement of the eyes, which occurs constantly even during fixation, tends to “freeze” in response to perceptual events, with a magnitude and time course that depends on the stimulus properties, attention, and anticipation. This “freeze” or oculomotor inhibition (OMI) was found for microsaccades, blinks, smooth-pursuit, and catch-up saccades; yet remains unclear whether it also applies to ocular drift. Since video-based eye-trackers are known to produce positional artifacts, we used here data from a high-speed and precision retinal imaging eye-tracker (FreezEye Tracker, FET). The observers (n = 15) watched a series of flashed Gabor patches, with different spatial frequency and contrast while their eyes were tracked. We analyzed the data by removing the saccades, aligning the traces, and computing four drift measures relative to the stimulus onset: (1) velocity, (2) area, (3) diffusion, and (4) heat map. We found that all measures produced a highly significant modulation over time. The overall drift velocity, area, and diffusion followed the microsaccade inhibition pattern, whereas the heat map peaks showed the opposite pattern. The drift inhibition was also stimulus dependent, showing shorter onset and prolonged release estimates for more salient stimuli, matching the microsaccade OMI for the onset but showing the opposite for the release. Overall, the results confirm that the oculomotor inhibition effect can be generalized for ocular drift, but its opposite stimulus dependency for inhibition release and the shifted time course may suggest a complex interdependency between drift and saccades.
Urinary Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 promotes non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) development through ECM1/MMP9 pathway
Authors: Zhang Yu-hang , Wang Wenyu , Zhao Gang , Cui Yimin
Published: November 2022

Background: Increasing evidence points to the urinarymicrobiota as a possible key susceptibility factor for early-stage bladder cancer(BCa) progression. However, its underlying mechanism interpretation is often insufficient, given that various environmental conditions have affected the composition of urinary microbiota. Herein, we sought to rule out confounding factors and clarify how urinary Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 promoted non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) development.
Methods: Differentially abundant urinary microbiota of 51 NMIBC patients and 47 healthy controls as the Cohort 1 were firstly determined by metagenomics analysis. Then we modeled the coculture of NMIBC organoids with candidate urinary Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 in anaerobic condition and explored differentially expressed genes of NMIBC organoids by RNA-Seq. Furthermore, we dissected the mechanisms involved into Eubacterium sp. CAG:581-induced extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) upregulation. Finally, we used multivariate Cox modeling to investigate the clinical relevance of urinary Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 16S ribosomal RNA (16SrRNA) levels with the prognosis of 406 NMIBC patients as the Cohort 2.
Results: Eubacterium sp. CAG:581infection accelerated the proliferation of NMIBC organoids (P < 0.01); ECM1 and MMP9 were the most upregulated gene induced by increased colony forming units (CFU) gradient of Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 infection, via phosphorylating ERK1/2 in NMIBC organoids of the Cohort 1. Excluding the favorable impact of potential contributing factors, ROC curve of the Cohort 2 manifested its 3-year AUC value as 0.79 and the cut-off point of Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 16SrRNA as 10.3 (delta CT value).
Conclusion: Our evidence suggests that urinary Eubacterium sp. CAG:581 promoted NMIBC progression through ECM1/MMP9 pathway, which may serve as the promising noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for NMIBC.
Protoscolex evagination and pre-worm maintenance with bile are key processes for adult worm development of Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis in vitro
Authors: Maimaitizunong Palitaji , Li Jun , Wu Chuanchuan , Tian Mengxiao , Qi Wenjing , Jiao Hongjie , Zhang Hui , Gong Qiaoqiao , Guo Gang , Zhang Yalou , Zhang Wenbao
Published: November 2022

Background: In vitro cultivation of Echinococcus is essential for vaccine development to prevent transmission of echinococcosis to dogs. We optimized the conditions for Echinococcusprotoscolex evagination and adult worm development in vitro, including those of water, bile, bile salt, trypsin, and serum in the culture system.
Results: Short stimulation (2 × 20 s) with water significantly increased the evagination of protoscoleces (pre-worms) of both E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. However, medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS) invaginated 92% of these evaginated protoscoleces. Preculture of the evaginated protoscoleces in no-serum RPMI1640 medium containing dog bile or bile salt for three days maintained 80.5% of the evaginated protoscoleces. Dog serum gel-base maintained 79.8% of the evaginated protoscoleces developing adult worms, which was higher than newborn bovine serum gel-base. The rapidly developing worms had 3–4 progloids after 56 days of culture. E. granulosus worms were longer and wider in size than E. multilocularis after five weeks of in vitro culture.
Conclusions: Brief stimulation with water for proscolex evagination and pre-worm maintenance in no-serum medium are crucial for in vitro worm development of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Dog serum gel-base and bile salts are important for long-term tapeworm development.
This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81830066, U1803282)
Comparison of morphological and metabolic imaging of COVID-19 pneumonia in a prospective clinical study
Authors: Czibor Sándor , Száraz Lili , Simon Judit , Dombai Brigitta , Gyebnár János , Szántó Péter , Magyar Máté , Dey Damini , Szakács László , Zsarnóczay Emese , Müller Veronika , Merkely Béla , Györke Tamás , Maurovich-Horvat Pál
Published: November 2022

Purpose To evaluate morphological and metabolic findings in novel coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19) with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT).
Materials and methods This was a single-centre, prospective clinical trial enrolling consecutive patients who required hospitalisation due to COVID-19 infection. All patients underwent routine chest CT on admission and a follow-up FDG-PET/CT scan on the 7th day of hospitalisation. COVID-19 related lung alterations, such as ground-glass opacity (GGO) and consolidation were quantified with semi-automated software using deep learning (DL) and metabolic parameters were expressed with PET-based metabolic inflammatory volume (MIV) and total inflammatory activity (TIA). The primary outcome was defined as increased inflammatory state on PET scan, with the median MIV and TIA being the cut-off value.
Results Forty-four patients were enrolled (25 men; median [IQR] age: 52 [49-61] years). The median [IQR] MIV and TIA were 209 [73-517] ml and 499 [155-1429], respectively. The percentage of GGO and total lung CT severity scores at baseline CT showed weak correlation with MIV and TIA (r=0.33-0.39; p=0.13-0.34). At follow-up, we detected a strong correlation between all chest CT abnormalities and MIV and TIA (r=0.77; p<0.01 and r=0.75; p<0.01, respectively), as well as between CT severity scores and MIV and TIA (r=0.77; p<0.01 and r=0.75; p<0.01, respectively). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics revealed that the extent of chest CT abnormalities on follow-up was an independent predictor of high inflammatory state (OR [by 1% change] =1.11 for both MIV and TIA; p=0.018 for MIV and p=0.021 for TIA). Also, a model encompassing CT abnormalities, interleukin-6 and lactate-dehydrogenase levels at follow-up showed high predictive values for inflammatory state, with an area-under-the-curve (AUC) on receiver operating characteristics analysis of 0.88.
Conclusion The metabolic inflammatory volume and activity of COVID-19-pneumonia showed good correlation with morphological changes on CT imaging performed 7 days after patient hospitalization. Combining CT and laboratory data (lactate dehydrogenase and interleukin-6 levels), FDG-PET-based lung inflammatory status could effectively be predicted.
Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05009563). Registered 17 August 2021 (retrospectively registered), first patient enrolled: 13 January 2021.
Development of new effective activated carbon supported alkaline adsorbent used for removal phenolic compounds from refinery waste water in a fixed bed adsorption column
Authors: Humadi Jasim I. , Nawaf Amer. T. , Khamees Luay Ahmed , Abd-Alhussain Yasser A. , Muhsin Hussain F. , Ahmed Mustafa A. , Ahmed Marwan M.
Published: November 2022

Phenolic compounds are the major contaminates in wastewater, which can have a considerable negative influence on the environment and health of human. Adsorption is an efficient process that is widely applied in order to eliminate phenol in wastewater. In recent, Adsorption process has acquired a lot of attentiveness owing to its relative moderate operating conditions. However, adsorption process needs considerable ameliorations in terms of adsorbent modification, process type, productivity, and conversion rate. This work studies the development of a fast and effective adsorption process in a fixed bed adsorption column (FBAC) in order to reach safe and continuous elimination of phenolic compounds. Several adsorption parameters (reaction temperature, adsorbent bed height, feed flow rate and kind of adsorbent) were studied to achieve the highest removal of phenolic compounds. The adsorption process was conducted in the presence of two type of adsorbents (activated carbon (AC), and KOH/AC), 73% and 94% of phenol elimination were attained, respectively, at 10 cm bed height, 1 ml/s feed flow rate, and 75 °C reaction temperature. The adsorbents activity was investigated after six consecutive adsorption cycles at the best process conditions, and the adsorbents show high stability in terms of phenolic compounds adsorption. After that, the spent adsorbents were regenerated by utilizing various solvents (methanol, ethanol and iso-octane), and the results show that iso- octane achieved highest regeneration efficiency. The adsorption process was implemented in the adsorption column that the performance is possibly to be adjusted at an industrial scale since it can be scaled up predictably.
Urinary tract infections among adults with decompensated liver cirrhosis at a large urban health facility in Uganda
Authors: Sekimpi Maria , Seremba Emmanuel , Ocama Ponsiano , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline
Published: November 2022

Background
Decompensated cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally affecting close to 10.6 million people of which an estimated 28,877 are in Uganda. Bacterial infections including urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an increasing cause of short-term mortality in this sub-population. Data on UTIs among patients with cirrhosis are scarce in Uganda and other settings in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which suffer a high burden of liver diseases. We determined the prevalence, microbiologic spectrum and antibacterial sensitivity patterns of UTIs among patients with decompensated cirrhosis at a large urban health facility in Uganda.
Methods
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis presenting to a tertiary care centre in Uganda were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical features of UTI were captured and urine samples collected. Urinalysis and urine culture studies were conducted to determine presence of UTIs and antibacterial susceptibility patterns. Urinalysis results of ≥ 5 white cells per high power field and or culture findings of ≥ 104CFUs/ml defined UTI. Analysis was done using STATA 16.0 and findings summarized in percentages.
Results
Irrespective of symptomatology, prevalence of UTI was 37.1% (106/286) on either urinalysis alone 11/286 (3.9%), urine culture alone 77/286 (26.9%) or both 18/286 (6.3%). The most common bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (40.1%) and Enterococcus spp (22.9%). The majority of isolates were resistant to fluoroquinolones, penicillins and third generation cephalosporins. Multidrug resistant organisms particularly ESBL and MRSA constituted 32.7% of the bacterial isolates.
Conclusion
Urinary tract infection is common among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, occurring in one third of patients with cirrhosis and are commonly caused by gram negative bacteria resistant to commonly recommended antibacterial agents in Uganda. Regardless of symptomatology, we recommend screening of patients with decompensated cirrhosis for UTI at presentation.
Neural activation of food reward and cognitive control regions in young females
with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa versus healthy controls
Authors: Eddy Kamryn , Plessow Franziska , Breithaupt Lauren , Becker Kendra , Slattery Meghan , Mancuso Christopher , Izquierdo Alyssa , De Water Avery Van , Kahn Danielle , Dreier Melissa , Deckersbach Thilo , Thomas Jennifer , Holsen Laura , Misra Madhusmita , Lawson Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN (AtypAN) are complex neurobiological illnesses that typically onset in adolescence with an often treatment-refractory and chronic illness trajectory. Aberrant eating behaviors in this population have been linked to abnormalities in food reward and cognitive control, but prior studies have not examined respective contributions of clinical characteristics and metabolic state. Research is needed to identify specific disruptions and inform novel intervention targets to improve outcomes. Fifty-nine females with AN (n = 34) or AtypAN (n = 25), ages 10–22 years, all ≤ 90% expected body weight, and 34 age-matched healthy controls (HC) completed a validated neuroimaging food motivation paradigm pre- and post- standardized meal, and we used ANCOVA models to investigate main and interaction effects of Group and Appetitive State on blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) activation. We found main effects of Group with greater BOLD activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), hippocampus, caudate, and putamen for AN/AtypAN versus HC groups, and in the three-group model including AN, AtypAN, and HC groups, where differences were primarily driven by greater activation in AtypAN versus HC groups. We found a main effect of Appetitive State with increased premeal BOLD activation in the hypothalamus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and caudate for models that included AN/AtypAN and HC groups, and in BOLD activation in the nucleus accumbens for the model that included AN, AtypAN, and HC groups. There were no interaction effects of Group with Appetitive State for any of the models. Our findings suggest robust feeding-state independent group effects reflecting greater activation of reward-related brain regions as well as cognitive control regions across AN and AtypAN that may override observed increased activation of reward regions, in turn supporting the maintenance of a negative energy balance in this clinical population.
Studying charge-carrier intercalation/deintercalation in energy storage materials by optical spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Xuancheng , Huan Yu , Sun Ningqiang , Su Yuanhui , Shen Xuesong , Li Guoqing , Zhang Jiaqi , wei tao
Published: November 2022

Understanding how charge-carrier intercalation/deintercalation that affects the charge-discharge process is essential for the development of efficient energy storage materials. So far, a clear understanding about the relationship of charge-discharge process of energy storage materials with the corresponding changes of energy band structure is still lacking. Here, using optical spectroscopy (RGB value, reflectivity, transmittance, UV-vis, XPS, UPS) to study α-Co(OH)2 electrode working in KOH electrolyte as research object, we provide direct experimental evidence that: 1) the intercalation of OH– ions will reduce the valence/conduction band (VB and CB) and band gap energy (Eg) values; 2) the deintercalation of OH– ions corresponds with the reversion of VB, CB and Eg to the initial values; 3) the color of Co(OH)2 electrode also exhibit regular variations in Red-Green-Blue (RGB) value during the charge-discharge process.
Quantifying Whole Bladder Biomechanics Using the Novel Pentaplanar Reflected Image Macroscopy System
Authors: Hennig Grant , Saxena Pragya , Broemer Eli , Herrera Gerald M. , Roccabianca Sara , Tykocki Nathan R.
Published: November 2022

Optimal bladder compliance is essential to urinary bladder storage and voiding functions. Calculated as the change in filling volume per change in pressure, bladder compliance is used clinically to characterize changes in bladder wall biomechanical properties that associate with lower urinary tract dysfunction. But because this method calculates compliance without regard to wall structure or wall volume, it gives little insight into the mechanical properties of the bladder wall during filling. Thus, we developed Pentaplanar Reflected Image Macroscopy (PRIM): a novel ex vivo imaging method to accurately calculate bladder wall stress and stretch in real time during bladder filling. The PRIM system simultaneously records intravesical pressure, infused volume, and an image of the bladder in 5 distinct visual planes. Wall thickness and volume were then measured and used to calculate stress and stretch during filling. As predicted, wall stress was nonlinear; only when intravesical pressure exceeded ~ 15 mmHg did bladder wall stress rapidly increase with respect to stretch. This method of calculating compliance as stress vs stretch also showed that the mechanical properties of the bladder wall remain similar in bladders of varying capacity. This study demonstrates how wall tension, stress and stretch can be measured, quantified, and used to accurately define bladder wall biomechanics in terms of actual material properties and not pressure/volume changes. This method is especially useful for determining how changes in bladder biomechanics are altered in pathologies where profound bladder wall remodeling occurs, such as diabetes and spinal cord injury.
Psychometrics of the Persian version of Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice Questionnaire (German Revised - PPCEP-GR)
Authors: Abdoli Mohajer , Fetz Katharina , Molavynejad Shahram , Nia Hamid Sharif , Asadizaker Marziyeh
Published: November 2022

Background
In order to improve the provision of palliative care by nurses, it is necessary to have a tool that measures different dimensions of palliative care and the knowledge and performance of nurses in this field. The Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice Questionnaire (German Revised) is psychometrically evaluated for the first time in Iran.
Methods
To measure the psychometric properties of the tool, 360 nursing students (BSc, MSc, PhD) and clinical nurses completed the questionnaire. Validity of the tool was checked and quantitative and qualitative face validity of the tool was done by the target group. Then, content validity was evaluated by quantitative and qualitative methods (CVR-CVI) based on the opinions of the panel of experts. Construct validity of the instrument was performed with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA-CFA). The reliability of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and calculating Composite reliability and Omega coefficient.
Results
After conducting construct validity and factor analysis. 4 factors (Knowledge and skill of managing patients' pain and symptoms, Management of ethical and psychological issues in patients, communicating with patients and their families & Management of patients' exposure to grief and attitudes towards death) were extracted from the tool. The total variance was equal to (%43) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Composite reliability for factors fluctuated between (0.721–0.891) and (0.702–0.903).
Conclusion
Persian version of the Program in Palliative Care Education and Practice Questionnaire (German Revised Version; PPCEP-GR) is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to measure the knowledge and performance of nurses and nursing graduates in the field of palliative care.
Development of a MET-targeted single-chain antibody fragment as an anti-oncogene targeted therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Vafaei Rana , Khaki Zohreh , Salehi Malihe , Jalili Neda , Esmailinejad Mohammad Reza , Muhammadnajad Ahad , Nassiri Seyed Mahdi , Vajhi Alireza , Kalbolandi Shima Moradi , Mirzaei Roya , Farahmand Leila
Published: November 2022

The usage of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as a matter associated with the biopharmaceutical industry, is increasingly growing. Harmonious with this concept, we designed the exquisitely modeled anti-MET scFv against breast cancer by gene cloning, and expression using a bacterial host. Herein, we developed a recombinant scFv against MET and examined its preclinical efficacy for the reduction of tumor growth, invasiveness and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Expressed anti-MET scFv demonstrated high binding capacity (48.8%) toward MET-overexpressing cancer cells. The IC50 value of anti-MET scFv against MET-positive human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-435) was 11.4 nM whereas this value was measured as 47.01 nM in MET-negative cell line BT-483. Similar concentrations could also effectively induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-435 cancer cells. Moreover, this antibody fragment could reduce migration and invasion in MDA-MB-435 cells. Grafted breast tumors in Balb/c mice showed significant tumor growth suppression as well as reduction of blood-supply in response to recombinant anti-MET treatment. Histopathology and immunohistochemical assessments revealed higher rate of response to therapy. In our study, we designed and synthetized a novel anti-MET scFv which could effectively suppress MET-overexpressing breast cancer tumors.
Implementing an Immunotherapy Toxicity (IOTOX) GI Service Improves Outcomes in Patients with Immune Mediated Diarrhea and Colitis
Authors: Saji Alice , Chopra Maneera , Jacob Jake , Altan Mehmet , Alhalabi Omar , Shah Amishi Yogesh , Qiao Wei , Wang Yinghong , Thomas Anusha
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy but can lead to GI toxicity, termed immune mediated diarrhea and colitis (IMDC). Standardization of IMDC management and early GI consultation is imperative to control symptoms and prevent delays in cancer care. Therefore, we implemented an inpatient algorithm and a focused IOTOX GI service to measure outcomes.
Methods
Patients who received ICIs and were hospitalized with severe IMDC were grouped into a pre-interventional cohort in 2017, followed by implementation of the standardized algorithm in 2018, and then a post-interventional cohort of patients in 2019. Clinical data and patient outcomes were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis to determine the morbidity,, and overall survival.
Results
Our sample comprised 126 hospitalized patients with IMDC, with 59 patients in the pre-interventional 2017 cohort, and 67 patients in the post-interventional 2019 cohort. We found no significant differences in the clinical severity of IMDC symptoms between the two cohorts (p = 1.03) or median time from ICI exposure to development of IMDC (p = 0.495 respectively). After implementing the standardized algorithm, we observed higher rates of GI consultation (p < 0.001) in the post-treatment group. Patients in the post-treatment cohort showed decreased time to clinical remission (4 vs 10 days, p = 0.046), higher rate of GI follow up after hospital discharge (p = 0.038), fewer hospital re-admissions (p = 0.002), and significantly fewer recurrences of IMDC symptoms (p = 0.002). Overall survival was significantly higher for at least 2 years in patients who followed with GI post-discharge compared to those without follow up (p = 0.003).
Conclusion
Prompt GI consultation and monitoring of IMDC using a regimented approach can provide efficacious management, decrease time to clinical remission of symptoms, decrease re-admissions to the hospital, and improve overall patient outcomes.
Reforestation of grey mangroves (Avicennia marina) along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf
Authors: Farshid Zahra , Balef Reshad Moradi , Zendehboudi Tuba , Dehghan Niloofar , Mohajer Fatemeh , Kalbi Siavash , Hashemi Alireza , Afshar Alireza , Bafghi Tabandeh Heidari , Banshi Haniyeh , Tamadon Amin
Published: November 2022

Every ecosystem supports the lives of living things by providing direct and indirect benefits and services. Among these areas, mangrove forests are one of the most fertile ecosystems in the intertidal zones. These natural forests are one of the coastal ecosystems that not only provide a source of food for humans and animals, but also play a major role in protecting and stabilizing coastlines and controlling climate. Mangroves are a breeding ground and a safe habitat for a variety of marine vertebrates and invertebrates. Increasing gray mangrove forests, Avicenna marina along the north coasts of the Persian Gulf was performed. This article explains the experienced methods of propagation and foresting of this species. For the first time in the Persian Gulf, we reported a five-year evaluation of reforestation method of grey mangrove. Reforestation in the highest latitude of natural forests in the Persian Gulf did not have any side effects on growing of gray mangrove in the selected sites. As a result, increasing the area of ​​gray mangrove forests in the Persian Gulf improves the ecosystems of the tidal area. Increasing the chances of fishing and improving the economic conditions of the local communities around this bay will be some of the results of mangrove forestation. Furthermore, this is the first report of a simple method to train all the steps of grey mangrove reforestation.
Creation Techniques and Styles of Chinese Piano Works Supported by Edge Cloud Computing Technology
Authors: Liu Jingyuan
Published: November 2022

The purpose is to explore the application of the deep learning (DL) algorithm and edge cloud computing technology in the creation and innovation of Chinese piano music, understand the development history of Chinese piano music, the evolution of creative techniques, style characteristics, and innovation. Firstly, on the basis of the combination of traditional and modern techniques, using scientific research methods such as surveys and documents, a preliminary discussion and arrangement of a large number of piano music works are carried out from the three aspects of creation characteristics, techniques, and styles. Secondly, according to the characteristics of edge cloud computing technology, the application and embodiment of this technology in Chinese piano music creation and innovation are explained. Moreover, the DL algorithm is further introduced and improved to implement the piano music creation technique and style recognition model based on the Convolution, Long-short Term Memory, and Deep Neural Network (CLDNN) algorithm. Finally, the performance of the constructed model is analyzed through comparative experiments. The results reveal that by sorting relevant literature, the five major periods of Chinese piano music experience and a large number of classic piano repertoires can be clearly sorted out. It can be understood that piano music creation techniques and style changes will be an endless process, requiring more arduous learning by composers and theorists. Further analysis of the constructed model denotes that the recognition accuracy of the proposed model algorithm reaches 91.33%, which is obviously better than other algorithms. Therefore, the integration of the DL algorithm and other methods has certain research significance for exploring the creative techniques and style innovation of Chinese piano works.
Sensitivity of renal cell carcinoma to cuproptosis and cuproptosis related genes FDX1 combined with DLAT as an immunological and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Li Hongfang , Zhu Neng , Shi Yaning , Liu Qiaofa , Gu Jia , Qin Li
Published: November 2022

Background
Targeting cuproptosis is being considered as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of tumors. Nonetheless, the potential role of cuproptosis and its related genes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains elusive.
Methods
Cuproptosis differential genes (CDGs) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) were extracted by GSE53757 dataset and cuproptosis-related genes. The role of CDGs was comprehensively analyzed by multiple public databases. CDGs expression in clinical samples was verified by western blot assay. Cuproptosis inducer elesclomol was utilized to explore the sensitivity of ccRCC to cuproptosis. Drug targets of CDGs were predicted and validated through DrugBank database and molecular docking, respectively.
Results
The results found that FDX and DLAT exhibited significantly low expression in ccRCC tissues, which was validated in clinical samples. FDX1 and DLAT acted as independent prognostic factors for poor survival in ccRCC patients and showed a strong positive correlation. Functional analysis of differentially expressed genes that were positively or negatively correlated with both FDX1 and DLAT in ccRCC demonstrated that acetyl-CoA biosynthetic process and acetyl-CoA metabolic process were remarkably affected. The methylation levels and sites of FDX1 and DLAT genes were dramatically correlated with overall survival (OS) in ccRCC patients. FDX1 and DLAT expression was strongly correlated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints. Importantly, elesclomol significantly induced cell death in 786-O and A498 cells, and the expression of FDX1 and DLAT proteins was also markedly up-regulated. Docking results indicate that mitotane, adicicol and dihydrolipoic acid fit reasonably well in the FDX1 and DLAT ligand binding pockets, which may be potential drug targets for FDX1 and DLAT genes.
Conclusion
The present study implies for the first time the sensitivity of ccRCC to cuproptosis and the combination of targeted FDX1 and DLAT may be a novel therapeutic strategy to induce cuproptosis in ccRCC.
Different selection criteria may relax competition for denning sites between expanding and endemic predators on the low-Arctic tundra
Authors: Moizan Audrey , Rodrigues Chloe Warret , Roth James D.
Published: November 2022

Climate warming is favoring the expansion of non-native species onto the Arctic tundra, where they may compete over resources with native species. In the harsh tundra conditions, sympatric red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) may compete over denning sites, which are important for their reproduction and survival. We studied den selection by red and Arctic foxes in spring and summer, and their possible competition over this resource in an ecotone near Churchill, Manitoba, on the west coast of Hudson Bay, by examining patterns of den occupancy related to den characteristics and spacing patterns between neighbors. Based on 11 years of occupancy data for 42 tundra dens, we determined that red and Arctic foxes favored dens based on shelter quality in both spring and summer, rather than proximity of specific habitats (and thus specific prey). Mechanisms of den selection differed between species, which may promote co-existence, and areas of high den density were avoided by red foxes and preferred by Arctic foxes. We did not find evidence of exclusion of Arctic foxes by red foxes: spacing patterns showed that foxes spaced themselves based on their need for space, territoriality and food availability but not interference. In the current abiotic Arctic conditions, taiga species settling on the tundra could coexist with tundra endemics, at given density thresholds of both competitors. As Arctic conditions may become milder, an increase in newcomer abundance could disrupt the current balance that favors species coexistence.
Standard deviation of CT radiomic features among malignancies in each individual: Prognostic ability in lung cancer patients
Authors: Hongwei Si , Xinzhong Hao , Huiqin Xu , Shuqin Xue , Ruonan Wang , Li Li , Jianzhong Cao , Sijin Li
Published: November 2022

Purpose
It was reported that individual heterogeneity among malignancies (IHAM) might correlate well to the prognosis of lung cancer; however, seldom radiomic study is on this field. Standard deviation (SD) in statistics could scale average amount of variability of a variable; therefore, we used SD of CT feature (FeatureSD) among primary tumor and malignant lymph nodes (LNs) in an individual to represent IHAM, and its prognostic ability was explored.
Methods
The enrolled patients who had accepted PET/CT scans were selected from our previous study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03648151). The patients had primary tumor and at least one LN, and standardized uptake value of LN higher than 2.0 and 2.5 were enrolled as the cohort 1 (n = 94) and 2 (n = 88), respectively. FeatureSD from the combined or thin-section CT were calculated among primary tumor and malignant LNs in each patient, and were separately selected by the survival XGBoost method. Finally, their prognostic ability was compared to the significant patient characteristics identified by the Cox regression.
Results
In the univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, surgery, target therapy, and TNM stage were significantly against OS in the both cohorts. In the survival XGBoost analysis of the thin-section CT dataset, none FeatureSD could be repeatablely ranked on the top list of the both cohorts. For the combined CT dataset, only one FeatureSD ranked in the top three of both cohorts, but the 3 significant factors in the Cox regression were not even on the list. Both in the cohort 1 and 2, C-index of the model composed of the 3 factors could be improved by integrating the continuous FeatureSD; furthermore, that of each factor was obviously lower than FeatureSD.
Conclusion
Standard deviation of CT features among malignant foci within an individual was a powerful prognostic factor in vivo for lung cancer patients.
A modified laparoscopic surgery for congenital duodenal membranes in neonates
Authors: Hao Chen , Xiaogang Sun , yingjun Wang , Huiming Zheng , Wang Ruoyi , Chen Weixiu
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of a modified laparoscopic surgery for neonatal duodenal membrane.
Methods: A total of 23 neonates with congenital duodenal membrane were selected from Feb 2012 to Feb 2022. The patients were divided into the control group receiving duodenal membranes resection or rhomboid anastomosis, and the observation group receiving laparoscopic membranes incision, longitudinal incision and transverse suture for the duodenum. The clinical data of all cases were retrospectively reviewed. The operative time, estimated blood loss, time to initial oral feeding, length of stay (LOS), anastomotic obstruction, and incision dehiscence were compared between the two groups.
Results: The control group contained 12 children, with average operative time of 133.6±12.8 min, an estimated blood loss of 9.8±2.7 ml, a period of 7.7±2.2 days to initial oral feeding, and an LOS of 12.9±3.8 days. Bilious vomiting was observed in one patient at 15 days after surgery and cured with conservative treatment, and incision dehiscence in two patients and cured by tension-reduced suture. The observation group contained 11 children, with an operative time of 137.7±12.7 min, an estimated blood loss of 7.5±1.9 ml, a period of 6.1±0.9 days to initial oral feeding was, and an LOS of 11.2±2.0 days. There were no conversion to laparotomy, intraoperative or incision complications. Bilious vomiting was observed in one patient at 9 days after surgery and cured with conservative treatment. The period to initial oral feeding and LOS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). The incidence of incision infection in the control group was 16.7%. The patients were followed up for 3~36 months (mean 15.9 months), all showing normal development.
Conclusion: The modified laparoscopy is effective and safe to treat neonates with congenital duodenal membranes.
Study of Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Its Correlation to Age, Sex, Risk Factors, and Clinical Manifestations in Patients of Damascus Hospital.
Authors: Gherli Haia Marwan , Ahmad Aya , Shamieh Marwan , Alkharrat Leen
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim:
The purpose of this study was to the identification of clinical manifestations and risk factors for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in order to reduce complications, save patients' lives, and support the health system in Syria.
Methods:
This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the department of cardiology at Damascus Hospital in Damascus, Syria. We identified 125 patients with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy between 2013 and 2022. Patients’ clinical data were documented using Google Forms, and it was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results:
The most common age group in our study was the ages between 51-69 years which constituted 42%. As for sex, males constituted 69% of the sample, while females were only 31%. About 55% of the sample were smokers, and only 14% of patients were alcohol consumers. Patients who were diagnosed with DMC accounted for 80% of the sample. Symptoms included dyspnea which was the most common symptom among patients, with a percentage of 85%. The only statistical correlation with dilated cardiomyopathy was diabetes, as the percentage of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who were suffering from diabetes was 72%, compared to only 28% of those who suffer from diabetes and those who do not have dilated cardiomyopathy.
Conclusion:
DCM is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with structural and functional cardiomyopathy abnormalities. It is necessary not to neglect the family history of cardiac diseases due to its importance in diagnosing heart diseases especially in young patients.
Bioetika, zakoni i ne-ljudska živa bića
Authors: Kaluđerović Željko
Published: November 2022

U ovom radu analiziraju se normativni akti regulacije zaštite životinja na razini nacionalnih država (posebno Republike Srbije) i na razini nadnacionalnih organizacija i saveza država (Europsko vijeće i Europska unija). Autor posebni naglasak stavlja na pojmovnu artikulaciju izraza upotrijebljenih u dokumentima koji opserviraju zaštitu životinja. U članku se, iz praktičko-filozofijske perspektive, razmatraju pojmovi: (I) »životinja« (»svaki kralježnjak koji je u stanju osjećati bol, patnju, strah i stres«); (II) »dobrobit« (»osiguravanje uvjeta u kojima životinja može ostvariti svoje fiziološke i druge potrebe svojstvene vrsti«); (III) »zlostavljanje« (»svako postupanje ili nepostupanje sa životinjama kojim se namjerno ili iz nehaja izaziva bol, patnja, strah, stres, povreda, narušava genetska cjelovitost životinje i izaziva smrt«), kao i druge riječi koje su relevantne za razumijevanje dominantno antropocentričkog pristupa životinjama. Također, istražuju se teškoće s implementacijom postojećih zakona o zaštiti i dobrobiti životinja, koje su uvjetovane nedovoljno interioriziranim senzibilitetom kako službenih institucija, tako i građana – prema tzv. ne-ljudskim živim bićima. Autor pritom ističe da je veoma važno da institucije, kao i ljudi koji ih čine, postojećim spoznajama i uvidima ne zalaze ispod dostignutih civilizacijskih standarda etičko-moralne kulture te da različite teme u vezi odnosa prema životinjama promišljaju uz dužan oprez i svjesnost dilema s kojima se mogu susresti u profesionalnom radu i životu. Odgovarajući pluriperspektivni pristup, kao i svijest o odgovornosti, trebali bi rezultirati delikatnijim odnosom navedenih subjekata prema ne-ljudskom dijelu živih stvorenja.