bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Key Genes Related to Immune Infiltration of Cirrhosis via Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Du Tong-Yue , Zheng Yi-Shan
Published: January 2022

BackgroundAccumulating researches have indicated that cirrhosis is a vital risk factor for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nevertheless, the underlying immune-related molecular mechanism remains indistinct.MethodsGene expression profiles of GSE89377 and GSE139602 were investigated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to cirrhosis. Enrichment analysis for DEGs was explored. CIBERSORT algorithm was used for evaluating DEGs immune infiltration. The String and Cytoscape database were utilized for analyses hub DEGs with a high tight connection, and the association between hub DEGs and immune cells infiltration was analyzed by Spearman method. Finally, the underlying molecular mechanism of the key DEGs was predicted via KEGG pathway analysis.ResultsIn all, 299 DEGs were attained among them 136 and 163 were up and down-regulated respectively. Then Enrichment function of DEGs and CIBERSORT algorithm showed that they are significant in immune and inflammatory responses. Four hub DEGs (ACTB, TAGLN, VIM, SOX9) were identified. Subsequently, the immune infiltration findings indicated that, the hub DEGs highly related immune cells. Finally, KEGGs pathways were predicted related with ACTB. ConclusionsThis study revealed key DEGs may implement inflammatory immune responses with cirrhosis, which could be used as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Object Based Modelling for the Irrigation Suitability using Hydrogeochemical Parameters and Land use Dynamics in the Lower Ganga
Authors: Hasan Mohd Sayeed Ul , Rai Abhishek Kumar
Published: January 2022

The north Indian Ganga basin is one of the densely populated basins of the world. Most agricultural and industrial contaminants drained throughout the river length are likely to be accumulated in the lower part of the Ganga basin. We used ten derived irrigation suitability parameters, which are obtained from 495 sampling points locations, besides using long term climate data (GLDAS_NOAH025_M) using “Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution” (TOPSIS) model to get the irrigation suitability map. Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) using TOPSIS helps make the best choices from the available finite number of alternatives based on their ranking. The obtained entropy weight for irrigation suitability parameters such as Electrical Conductivity (Ec), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium Hardness (MH), Sodium Percent (Na%), Total Hardness (TH), Kelly’s ratio (KR), Permeability Index (PI), Chloride concentration (Cl−), Groundwater Level Fluctuation (GWLF), and lang factor (Df) are found to be 0.08, 0.14, 0.02, 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.01, 0.32, 0.29 and 0.01 respectively. We find that SAR, Cl−, and GWLF controls the water quality for irrigation in the Lower Ganga basin since these parameters have relatively higher entropy weights (more than 0.10). The results obtained from the computed performance index or the closeness coefficient show that the area percent having very good, good, and very poor groundwater quality in the Lower Ganga basin is 34.67%,42.36%, and 22.97%, respectively. The LULC change pattern indicates that the percentage change of water and agricultural land was -11.96 and -0.86%, whereas an increase in the settlement area of 131.42% for the period between 2000 and 2015.
Proteasome Inhibitor Immunotherapy for the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Assessing the A549 Lung Cancer Cell Microenvironment and the Role of M1, M2a and M2c ‘Hydrocortisone-Polarised’ Macrophages
Authors: Öztürk Selin Engür , DİKMEN Miriş
Published: January 2022

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, primarily as a result of metastases. In this metastasis, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is essential. Interaction with the cancer cell microenvironment is primarily dependent on M1- and M2-polarized macrophage. In this study, we revealed the EMT-associated activity of M1, M2a and M2c macrophages in A549 lung cancer cells. We established a co-culture model of A549 lung cancer cells utilizing THP-1-derived M1/M2 polarised macrophages to explore the involvement of macrophages in the immune response, apoptosis, and EMT in lung cancer. Although multiple polarising agents are routinely used for M1 and M2 conversion, we assessed a new possible polarising agent, hydrocortisone. M1 increased A549 cell sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors and decreased A549 cell viability by inducing apoptosis. EMT was induced in the presence of M2c macrophages in A549 cells by the levels of vimentin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, NF-kB, CCL-17. We also revealed the antiproliferative effects of bortezomib and ixazomib on A549 cells in both 2D and 3D cultures. Our findings could help develop an immunotherapeutic strategy by shedding light on a previously undiscovered part of the EMT pathway. Furthermore, additional investigation may reveal that polarising tumour-associated macrophages to M1 and eliminating the M2a or particularly the M2c subtype are effective anti-cancer strategies.
Online Symptoms Self-Assessment During Covid-19 Pandemic: an Analysis of a Covid-19 Portal Responses from Canada.
Authors: Egbujie Bonaventure , Francisco Krizia , Alarakhia Mohamed , Hirdes John
Published: January 2022

Background: Covid-19 case was first identified in Canada on January 25, 2020, on a Toronto resident who had travelled to Wuhan China, and not long after, the WHO declared the viral infection a pandemic. Ontario health West created an online self-assessment portal that allowed individuals in the health region and adjourning areas to report any covid related symptoms.Method: Record level data obtained the Ontario Health West self-assessment portal were analyzed. Descriptive statistics using charts and graphs were used to characterize the distribution of responses to the portal. In-depth analysis using correlation, lead-lag analysis, and trend comparison with actual Public Health Canada covid-19 cases for the region were also conducted.Results: A total of 34,144 distinct responses were recorded on the portal between April 10 and July 29, 2020, with 1,250 (3.7%) responding positively to one of the emergency symptoms questions. Trend analysis showed a peak portal response in May 2020 with a smaller rise subsequently in July 2020, coinciding with actual covid-19 peak in the region. The five most reported symptoms on the portal were sore throat (17.2%), headache (12.9%), fatigue (12.3%), digestive problems (12.2%) and cough (9.1%). For four sub-regions, trend of self-report on the portal positively lagged actual public health covid-19 cases, while for one sub-region, the trend positively led the actual public health covid-19 cases for the area.Conclusion: We found correlation between online covid-19 self- assessment data and the confirmed covid-19 cases in the Southwestern region of Ontario. Trends in the covid-19 associated emergency symptoms reported on the portal also tracked confirmed covid-19 cases in the community. Peak response to the portal coincided with the peak volume of confirmed cases in Ontario during the first wave of covid-19 pandemic in Canada, suggesting some consistency between the experiences of portal users and patterns of COVID-19 illness in the community. The portal was a useful tool at the person-level because it provided guidance to individuals about how to access appropriate health services according to the symptoms that they reported and connected them with primary care, reducing unnecessary visit to health facilities for covid-19 related care.
Assessment of Activity of Chalcone Compounds as Inhibitors of 3-Chymotrypsin Like Protease (3CLPro) of SARS-CoV-2: in Silico Study
Authors: Mathpal Shalini , Joshi Tushar , Sharma Priyanka , Pande Veena , Chandra Subhash
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 is still pandemic due to emerging of the various variant of concern of SARS-CoV2. Hence it is devastating the world, causing significant economic as well as social chaos. This needs great effort to search and develop effective alternatives along with vaccination. Therefore to continue drug discovery endeavors, we used chalcone derivatives to find an effective drug candidate against SARS-CoV2. Chalcone is a common simple scaffold that exists in many diets as well as in traditional medicine. Natural as well as synthetic chalcones have shown numerous interesting biological activities and are also effective in fighting various diseases. Hence various computational methods were applied to find out potential inhibitors of 3CLPro using a library of 3000 compounds of chalcones. Firstly the screening by structure-based pharmacophore model yielded 84 hits that were subjected to molecular docking. The top 10 docked compounds were characterized for stability by using 100 nanoseconds (ns) molecular dynamic (MD) simulation approach. Further, the binding free energy calculation by MMPBSA showed that four compounds bind to 3CLPro enzyme with high affinity i.e., -87.962(KJ/mol), -66.125 (KJ/mol), -59.589(KJ/mol), and -66.728(KJ/mol) respectively. Since chalcone is a common simple scaffold that is present in many diets as well as in traditional medicine, we suggest that screened compounds may emerge as promising drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2. These compounds may be investigated in vitro to evaluate the efficacy againstSARS-CoV-2.
SorCS2 Dynamically Interacts with TrkB and GluN2B to Control Neurotransmission and Huntington’s Disease Progression
Authors: Salašová Alena , Degn Niels Sanderhoff , Paveliev Mikhail , Madsen Niels Kjærgaard , Benito Saray López , Casarotto Plinio , Ovesen Peter Lund , Vestergaard Benedicte , Udrea Andreea Cornelia , Kisiswa Lilian , Woloszczuková Lucie , Faress Islam , Nabavi Sadegh , Castrén Eero , Arévalo Juan Carlos , Holm Mai Marie , Kjølby Mads Fuglsang , Bølcho Ulrik , Nykjaer Anders
Published: January 2022

Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction and loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in dorsal striatum. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) sustains functionality and integrity of MSNs, and thus reduced BDNF signaling is integral to the disease. Mutations in BDNF receptor SorCS2 were recently identified in HD patients. Our study investigates the role of SorCS2 in MSNs biology and in HD progression. Methods: We derived a double transgenic line by crossbreeding SorCS2 deficient (KO) mice with the HD mouse model R6/1. Subsequently, we characterized the SorCS2 KO; R6/1 line by a set of behavioral and biochemical studies to evaluate phenotypes related to HD. Moreover, in combination with electrophysiology and super resolution microscopy techniques, we addressed the molecular mechanism by which SorCS2 controls synaptic activity in MSNs neurons. Results: We show that SorCS2 is expressed in MSNs with reduced levels in R6/1 HD model, and that SorCS2 deficiency exacerbates the disease progression in R6/1 mice. Furthermore, we find that SorCS2 binds TrkB and the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B, which is required to control neurotransmission in corticostriatal synapses. While BDNF stimulates SorCS2-TrkB complex formation to enable TrkB signaling, it disengages SorCS2 from GluN2B, leading to enrichment of the subunit at postsynaptic densities. Consequently, long-term potentiation (LTP) is abolished in SorCS2 deficient mice, despite increased striatal TrkB and unaltered BDNF expression. However, the addition of exogenous BDNF rescues the phenotype. Finally, GluN2B, but not GluN2A, currents are also severely impaired in the SorCS2 KO mice. Conclusions: We formulate a novel molecular mechanism by which SorCS2 acts as a molecular switch. SorCS2 targets TrkB and GluN2B into postsynaptic densities to enable BDNF signaling and NMDAR dependent neurotransmission in the dorsal striatum. Remarkably, the binding between SorCS2 and TrkB or GluN2B, respectively, is mutually exclusive and controlled by BDNF. This mechanism provides an explanation why deficient SorCS2 signaling severely aggravates HD progression in mice. Moreover, we provide evidence that this finding might represent a general mechanism of SorCS2 signaling found in other brain areas, thus increasing its relevance for other neurological and psychiatric impairments.
Command-Filtered Adaptive Neural Network Backstepping Quantized Control for Fractional-order Nonlinear Systems with Asymmetric Actuator Dead-zone via Disturbance Observer
Authors: Yu Jinzhu , Li Shenggang , Liu Heng
Published: January 2022

An adaptive neural network (NN) backstepping quantized control based on command filter and disturbance observer is proposed for fractional-order nonlinear systems with asymmetric actuator dead-zone and unknown external disturbance in this paper. An adaptive NN mechanism is designed to estimate unknown functions, and a command filter is introduced to estimate the virtual control variable as well as its derivative, so the ``explosion of complexity" issue can be avoided existed in the classical backstepping method. To handle the unknown external disturbance, a fractional-order disturbance observer is developed. Moreover, a hysteresis-type quantizer is used to quantify the final input signal to overcome the system performance damage caused by the actuator dead-zone. The quantized input signal can ensure that all the involved signals keep bounded and the tracking error converges to an arbitrarily small region of the origin. Finally, two examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Attributes Inequality in Multidimensional Poverty MeasuresFuzzy Modeling
Authors: Belhadj Besma
Published: January 2022

Poverty is recently considered to be a multidimensional one. That is to say the poor can suffer multiple disadvantages at the same time. This paper aims to further develop and refine the multidimensional poverty measure using Fuzzy Sets Theory (FST). The application of FST starts with the choice of membership functions and the rules to manipulate to integrate attributes inequality in multidimensional poverty measure. An application based on individual well-being data from Tunisian households in 2015 is presented to illustrate use proposed concepts. JEL classification: P46; I32; D81; C00;
Hounsfield Units Value is a Better Predictor of Bone Mineral Density Than the Vertebral Bone Quality Score of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Li Wenshuai , Zhu Houze , Tong Tong , Hua Zijian , Zhao Xuan , Shen Yong , Wang Linfeng
Published: January 2022

Background: Computed tomography Hounsfield unit (HU) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score are both alternative tool to the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) scan T-score to quantify the bone quality. However, it is not known which method more accurately reflects vertebral bone mineral density. Purpose: To evaluate the best method for evaluating vertebral bone mineral density in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.Methods: Eighty-five patients who had at most two vertebrae with severe degeneration at L1–L4 were retrospectively reviewed.HU value was measured by axial CT image, VBQ score was calculated by T1-weighted lumbar MRI image, and L1-L4 T-score and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by DEXA.The correlation of the vertebral HU value and VBQ score to the T-score was analyzed.Results: There were 52 female and 33 male patients. The average age was 57.18±9.65 years . HU values had a positive correlation with BMD and T-score. The correlation coefficients between HU and T-score was 0.751(<0.001) for L1; 0.699(<0.001) for L2; 0.618(<0.001) for L3; 0.543(<0.001) for L4; and 0.677(<0.001) for L1-4.However,VBQ score had a negative correlation with BMD and T-score. The correlation coefficients between VBQ score and T-score was -0.231(<0.05) for L1; -0.246(<0.05) for L2; -0.268(<0.05) for L3; -0.252(<0.05) for L4; and -0.346(<0.01) for L1-4. The correlation coefficients of HU value at L1–L4 were higher than the correlation coefficients of VBQ score . Conclusions: HU value was a better predictor of vertebral bone mineral density than VBQ score in patients with lumbar degenerative disease.
Cancer-related Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Aggressive Lymphoma Undergoing Standard Chemotherapy: a Longitudinal Feasibility Study
Authors: Gates Priscilla , Krishnasamy Meinir , Wilson Carlene , Hawkes Eliza A , Dore Vincent , Perchyonok Yuliya , Rowe Christopher C , Walker Adam K , Vardy Janette L , de Ruiter Michiel , Cushion Tania , Dhillon Haryana M , Gough Karla
Published: January 2022

PurposeCancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the feasibility of collecting longitudinal data on cognition in patients with newly diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard therapy with curative intent via self-report, neuropsychological assessment, peripheral markers of inflammation and neuroimaging. An exploration and description of patterns of cancer-related cognitive impairment over the course of treatment and recovery was also explored. MethodsEligible participants completed repeated measures of cognition including self-report, neuropsychological assessment, blood cell–based inflammatory markers, and neuroimaging at three pre-specified time-points, Time 1 (T1) – pre-treatment (treatment naïve), Time 2 (T2) – mid-treatment, and Time 3 (T3) – six to eight weeks post-completion of treatment. ResultsOf 33 eligible participants, 30 (91%, 95% CI: 76%, 97%) were recruited over 10 months. The recruitment rate was 3 patients/month (95% CI: 2.0, 4.3 patients/month). Reasons for declining included feeling overwhelmed and rapid treatment commencement. Mean age was 57 years (SD=17 years) and 16/30 (53%) were male. Most patients (20/30, 67%) had diffuse large B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma (4/30, 13%). The neuroimaging sub-study was optional, 11/30 participants (37%) were eligible to take part, and all agreed. Retention and compliance with all assessments was very high at all time-points. Only one patient was withdrawn from the study due to disease progression.ConclusionsFindings from this study demonstrate that it is feasible to longitudinally assess cognitive status and impairment in people with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma during their initial treatment and recovery and larger studies should be undertaken within other cancer groups.
Struggling With Extensive Informed Consent Procedures for Cancer Trails – Is There Even a Benefit for the Patients?
Authors: Tilch Marie-Kristin , Moringlane Alice , Schranz Melanie , Theobald Matthias , Hess Georg
Published: January 2022

PurposeInformed consent procedures in clinical trials often differ in length and complexity to those in clinical routine care. Little is known about the benefit of extensive procedures as intended in clinical trials compared to procedures in routine cancer treatment. MethodsIn two different clinical studies performed at a comprehensive cancer center, we compared patients’ comprehension and satisfaction of current informed consent procedures in routine clinical care with the level of comprehension and satisfaction of patients treated within clinical trials. Patients with a new cancer diagnosis and recent informed consent received a questionnaire about satisfaction, comprehension, time management and physician-patient relationship of the informed consent process. Patients in cohort 1 consented to cancer treatment within a clinical trial and were additionally interviewed in a structured way; patients in cohort 2 consented to “standard” chemotherapy and received a follow-up questionnaire after 6 months. ResultsIn cohort 1, 82 patients completed the questionnaire and had an additional structured interview. They were treated in 41 different trials, receiving up to 40 pages of educational material. In cohort 2, 89 patients completed the first and 52 completed the follow-up questionnaire after receiving a standard informed consent form of 6 pages. Subjective understanding and satisfaction with the information provided was equally very high. However, deficits in objective understanding were observed in both cohorts. ConclusionExtensive informed consent procedures for clinical cancer trials have not been associated with a higher level of satisfaction or measurable objective understanding, therefore the benefit seems to be limited.
Implementing The Multi Expression Programming, Nonlinear Regression, Artificial Neural Network, and M5P-Tree Models to Predict The Long-Term of Compressive Strength of Cement- Mortar Modified With Fly Ash
Authors: Abdalla Aso , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: January 2022

In the recent decade, supplementary cementing ingredients have become an essential part of various strength ranges of concrete and cement-mortar mix design. Examples are natural materials, by-products, industrial wastes, and materials that require less energy and time to generate. Fly ash is one of the most widely utilized additional cementing ingredients. Fly ash is a by-product substance produced by coal combustion. It's being used in cement mortar and concrete as a pozzolanic substance. It has demonstrated significant influence in improving liquid and solid properties of cement mortar, such as compressive strength. Multi Expression Programming (MEP) is employed in this study to estimate the compressive strength (CS) of cement mortar modified with fly ash. The outcomes of this model were compared and evaluated with several other models such as the Nonlinear Regression model (NLR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and M5P-tree models that have been used in the construction fields. The input parameters included water/cement ratio (w/c), curing time (t days), and fly ash content (FA %), while the target property was compressive strength up to 360 days of curing. Four hundred fifty (450) data are collected from previous literature on modifying cement mortar with fly ash for that purpose. The water/cement ratio ranged from 0.24 to 1.2, and the fly ash was used to replace cement up to 55% (%wt. of dry cement). Based on the Coefficient of Determination (R2), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Scatter Index (SI), Objective (OBJ), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), t-test value, the uncertainty of 95%, Performance Index (ρ), and boxplot for actual and predicted compressive strength. The MEP model performed better than other developed models according to evaluation tools. The compressive strength was also correlated with flexural and splitting tensile strengths using different nonlinear models.
Inflammatory Cytokines Response to Isometric Handgrip Exercise and the Effects of Duration and Intensity of the Isometric Effort in Prehypertensive Subjects
Authors: OGBUTOR GODSDAY UDOJI , Nwangwa Eze Kingsley , Ogbeivor Collins , Ezeonu Nkemakonam , Chukwuemeka Ephraim , Ugoeze Chinedu Francis , Ezunu Emmanuel , Nwabueze Zuwaira Odegua , John Igweh Chukwuka
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Chronic low grade systemic inflammation has been identified as a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The potential for physical exercise to induce anti-inflammatory effect is now increasingly being explored but there is paucity of data regarding the effects isometric exercise on inflammatory cytokines. The objective of this study was to investigate the responses of selected inflammatory cytokines to isometric handgrip exercise and identify possible effects of intensity and duration of the isometric effort on these variables. CASE PRESENTATION: A total of one hundred and ninety two (N=192) sedentary pre-hypertensive subjects, aged between 30-50years were recruited into the study and randomly distributed into three groups of 64 subjects each. The subjects performed a 24 consecutive day’s isometric hand grip exercise at 30% Maximum Voluntary Contraction. At the end of the 24 days, the group one (GP1) discontinued with the exercise protocol while the group two (GP2) continued the exercise protocol for another 24 consecutive days and the group three (GP3) continued with the exercise protocol for another 24 consecutive days but at 50%MVC. The parameters used to assess for the inflammatory cytokine variables included interleukin 10, interleukin 6 and tumor necrotic factor. At the end of the study, there was an increase in the resting values of interleukin 10 across the three groups while the resting values of interleukin 6 and tumor necrotic factor reduced significantly across groups. CONCLUSIONS: The reductions noted in the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokines could have a positive impact in the management of chronic diseases. It was also found that increase in intensity and/or duration produced more proportionate effect.
Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends Related to Carbon Sources for Nitrogen Removal in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Li Yuan , Ni Jin , Liu Feng , Zhu Wenbin , Wu Chuanfu , Wang Qunhui , Gao Ming
Published: January 2022

The low organic carbon content of municipal wastewater weakens the effectiveness of biological nitrogen removal. Here, we review recent trends in carbon sources for nitrogen removal during wastewater treatment. A bibliometric analysis, using the Science Citation Index Expanded database from the Web of Science, was performed to analyze articles published in this field from 2000 to 2019. The major points are the following: (1) the publications from China ranked 1st, followed by the USA and Japan during the statistical period. In terms of research institutions, the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the largest contributor with the most publications. (2) Based on the trend analysis of keywords, future research hotspots are discussed, showing that of the related research on external carbon sources, the research focus on traditional carbon sources (methanol, ethanol, etc.) has decreased. The research focused on alternative carbon sources, such as sludge hydrolytic acidification liquid, fermentation liquid of food waste, agricultural waste, and biodegradable polymers, has increased. (3) New nitrogen removal technologies without external carbon sources, such as anammox is becoming increasingly popular. (4) In the study of nitrogen removal, more attention is paid to the change in the microbial community, and the biological mechanism of nitrogen removal is discussed from a microscopic perspective.
Mapping the Forest Fire Risk Zones Using Artificial Intelligence with Risk Factors Data
Authors: Sevinç Volkan
Published: January 2022

Geographical information system data has been used in forest fire risk zone mapping studies commonly. However, forest fires are caused by many factors, which cannot be explained only by geographical and meteorological reasons. Human-induced factors also play an important role in occurrence of forest fires and these factors depend on various social and economic conditions. This article aims to prepare a fire risk zone map by using a data set consisting of nine human-induced factors, three natural factors, and a temperature factor causing forest fires. Moreover, an artificial intelligence method, k-means, clustering algorithm was employed in preparation of the fire risk zone map. Turkey was selected as the study area as there are social and economic varieties among its zones. Therefore, the forestry zones in Turkey were separated into three groups as low, moderate, and high-risk categories and a map was provided for these risk zones. The map reveals that the forestry zones on the west coast of Turkey are under high risk of forest fire while the moderate risk zones mostly exist in the southeastern zones. The zones located in the interior parts, in the east, and on the north coast of Turkey have comparatively lower forest fire risks.
A Patient With Femoral Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica Due To Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Yang Cuiping , Lu Shengjun , Pei Hong , Chen Shunguang , Liao Quanming
Published: January 2022

Background: Osteitis fibrosa cystica is a rare benign, lytic bone lesion attributed to hyperparathyroidism. The high level of parathyroid hormone cause rapid bone loss.Case presentation: The patient is a 50-year-old male complaining of severe sustained pain of the right knee joint. Imaging studies were suspicious for a benign tumor of the right distal femur. Biopsy under CT guidance showed numerous osteoclast aggregation and hemosiderin deposition around the bone trabeculae. Blood tests disclosed significantly elevated parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, serum alkaline phosphatase. Parathyroid ultrasonography and CT scan showed a solid mass in front of the trachea at the thoracic entrance plane. After resection of the mass, the clinical symptoms were relieved and the radiological findings were significantly improved, which further confirmed the diagnosis.Conclusions: Metabolic diseases-associated bone lesions require a comprehensive diagnosis of multiple inspection items.An interprofessional team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of Osteitis fibrosa cystica will provide the best outcome.
Local Tsunamigenic Sources In Greece, Identified By Pattern Recognition
Authors: O.V Novikova , A.I. Gorshkov
Published: January 2022

This study is an attempt to determine potential tsunamigenic morphostructural nodes in mainland Greece using pattern recognition algorithms. The earthquakes that have produced local tsunamis in the region were confined to morphostructural nodes whose locations were found by morphostructural zoning. The recognition problem consisted in separating all nodes in the region into the tsunamigenic class and the non-tsunamigenic class based mainly on the geomorphologic parameters of the nodes. The data on tsunamigenic earthquakes in Greece for training the Cora-3 algorithm were taken from the GHTD global historical catalog of tsunamigenic events (http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/tsu_db.shtml). The recognition procedure resulted in determining 27 tsunamigenic nodes, with most of these being situated in the southern tip of the Peloponnese Peninsula, as well as in the gulfs of Corinth and Patras. Three tsunamigenic nodes were identified in the area of the Malian Gulf on the Aegean coast of Greece. According to the relevant literature, most local tsunamis in Greece were initiated by submarine slides and slumps due to earthquakes. According to the characteristic geomorphologic features derived in this study, the tsunamigenic nodes are situated in settings of contrasting relief characterized by steep slopes. This favors submarine landslides when subjected to earthquake excitation. The results reported in this paper form a basis for developing a methodology to be used in long-term tsunami hazard assessment, supplying information on local potential tsunamigenic sources required for tsunami regionalization of coastal areas in Greece.
How Do People with Late Bedtimes use Social Media?
Authors: Wang Shixiong , Xu Yajuan , Tian Xianyun , Song Yu , Luo Yanyu , Zhu Mingmin
Published: January 2022

Background: The use of social media before bedtime usually results in late bedtimes, which is a prevalent cause of insufficient sleep among the general population of most countries. However, it is still unclear how people with late bedtimes use social media, which is crucial for adopting targeted behavior interventions to prevent insufficient sleep. Methods: In this study, we randomly selected 100000 users from Sina Weibo and collected all their posting through web crawling. The posting time was proposed as a proxy to identify nights on which a user stays up late. A text classifier and topic model were developed to identify the emotional states and themes of their posts. We also analyzed their posting/reposting activity, time-use patterns, and geographical distribution. Results: Our analyses show that habitually late sleepers express fewer emotions and use social media more for entertainment and getting information. People who rarely stay up late feel worse when staying up late, and they use social media more for emotional expression. People with late bedtimes mainly live in developed areas and use smartphones more when staying up late. Conclusion: This study depicts the online behavior of people with late bedtimes, which helps understand them and thereby adopt appropriately targeted interventions to avoid insufficient sleep.
Impact of Salvage Cytotoxic Chemotherapy on Prognosis in Patients with Recurrence After Radical Cystectomy: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Koguchi Dai , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Ikeda Masaomi , Taoka Yoshinori , Hirayama Takahiro , Murakami Yasukiyo , Utsunomiya Takuji , Matsuda Daisuke , Okuno Norihiko , Irie Akira , Iwamura Masatsugu
Published: January 2022

Background

In patients experiencing disease recurrence after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer, data about the impact of clinicopathologic factors, including salvage treatment using cytotoxic chemotherapy, on the survival are scarce. We investigated the prognostic value of clinicopathologic factors and the treatment effect of salvage cytotoxic chemotherapy (SC) in such patients.
Methods

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical data for 86 patients who experienced recurrence after RC. Administration of SC or of best supportive care (BSC) was determined in consultation with the urologist in charge and in accordance with each patient’s performance status, wishes for treatment, and renal function. Statistical analyses explored for prognostic factors and evaluated the treatment effect of SC compared with BSC in terms of cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results

Multivariate analyses showed that liver metastasis after RC (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 3.85; P = 0.01) and locally advanced disease at RC (HR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.46; P = 0.03) are independent risk factors for worse CSS in patients experiencing recurrence after RC. In a risk stratification model, patients were assigned to one of two groups based on liver metastasis and locally advanced stage. In the high-risk group, which included 68 patients with 1–2 risk factors, CSS was significantly better for patients receiving SC than for those receiving BSC (median survival duration: 9.4 months vs. 2.4 months, P = 0.005). The therapeutic effect of SC was not related to a history of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusions

The present study indicated the potential value of 1st-line SC in patients experiencing recurrence after RC even with advanced features, such as liver metastasis after RC and locally advanced disease at RC.
Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (Teas) In The Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Ren Xiaotong , Yang Jiarui , Yuan Hao , Zhang Rong , Li Xuemin
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To assess effectiveness and safety of the Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS) treatment in alleviating symptoms and signs of dry eye disease (DED).Methods: Patients diagnosed with DED at the Peking University Third Hospital Eye Center from December 2020 to February 2021 were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to 5mA, 3mA, or 0mA Group respectively. DED signs and symptoms were evaluated before and 30min after treatment. We compared the clinical improvement among the three groups and between each two groups. Results: A total of 63 patients were included. 5mA Group had best efficacy in all the signs and most of symptoms (P<0.05), and the symptoms scores in 3mA Group were also significantly improved after treatment except pain, watering and increased secretions (P<0.05). In the comparisons between before and after treatment between each two groups, 5mA Group showed greater improvement in the signs and most of symptoms than other two groups(P<0.05). In addition, 3mA Group had greater improvement than 0mA Group in the symptoms of asthenopia (P=0.018) and blurred vision (P=0.001). During the treatment, we hadn’t gotten any adverse events from patients.Conclusions: TEAS treatment was effective in the treatment of DED, and 5mA provided greater signs and symptoms relief. TEAS might be a new therapeutic option for the treatment of DED.
East Asian Monsoon Forcing And North Atlantic Subtropical High Modulation of Summer Great Plains Low-Level jet
Authors: Malloy Kelsey , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: January 2022

Dynamic influences on summertime seasonal United States rainfall variability are not well understood. A major cause of moisture transport is the Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ). Using observations and a dry atmospheric general circulation model, this study explored the distinct and combined impacts of two prominent atmospheric teleconnections – the East Asian monsoon (EAM) and North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) – on the Great Plains LLJ in the summer. Separately, a strong EAM and strong western NASH are linked to a strengthened LLJ and positive rainfall anomalies in the Plains/Midwest. Overall, NASH variability is more important for considering the LLJ impacts, but strong EAM events amplify western NASH-related Great Plains LLJ strengthening and associated rainfall signals. This occurs when the EAM-forced Rossby wave pattern over North America constructively interferes with low-level wind field, providing upper-level support for the LLJ and increasing mid- to upper-level divergence.
Analysis of Influence Factors of Quality of Life of Lung Cancer Patients with Skin Adverse Drug Reactions Under Targeted Therapy
Authors: Du Ruofei , Wang Xin , Zhou Huiyue , Ma Lixia , Larcher Leon M. , Chen Changying , Wang Tao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study was to assess the status of quality of life and explore the possible factors correlated with quality of life among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with skin adverse drug reactions under targeted therapy.
Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study including 536 NSCLC patients with skin adverse drug reactions by targeted therapy in cancer outpatient clinics of three hospitals in China between May 2020 and May 2021. And we collected data with structured questionnaires and identified the relationships among coping style, self-management and quality of life by Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression algorithm.
Results

The total score of quality of life was 46±12.84 in 536 NSCLC patients with skin adverse drug reactions undergoing targeted therapy. In multiple linear regression analysis, we identified the significant factors associated with quality of life including age, education level, combination of medicine, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), stages of disease, facing, yield, symptom management, daily activity management, psychological and emotional management, self-efficacy and self-management (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

NSCLC patients with skin adverse drug reactions undergoing targeted therapy generally had a compromised quality of life. And the critical factors that affected the status of quality of life were age, education level, co-morbidity, the combinatorial application of drugs and stage of disease, self-management and coping styles.
Midline Mandibulotomy Approach for Oral Cavity and Oropharynx Tumors: Long-Term Experience in a Single Institution
Authors: López-Arcas José M , Vadillo Juan Manuel , Castillo José L Del , Lara Patricia A , Cebrián José L. , Ruiz-Sánchez Beatriz , Aragoneses Juan M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To describe our clinical experience with the use of the midline mandibulotomy approach for oral cavity and oropharynx tumors.Methods: Charts were reviewed retrospectively for 67 consecutive patients who underwent mandibulotomies over a 15-year period (2002-2017) as part of their treatment for oral and oropharyngeal malignancies, with an average follow-up of 57.7 months.Results: Sixty-seven patients underwent a mandibulotomy. There were 59 males (88%) with a mean age of 56.9 years and eight females (12%) with a mean age 56.5 years. The approach was a midline mandibulotomy in 50 patients (74.6%), a paramedian mandibulotomy in 10 patients (14.9%), and a posterior mandibulotomy in seven (10.44%: angle 1 (1.5%), body 5 (7.5%), and ramus 1 (1.5%).In the group of patients undergoing median or paramedian mandibulotomies, adequate exposure of the lesion was achieved in all cases with a significant lower rate of complications (13,4%) (p<0.005) compared to the posterior mandibulotomy group (37,5%) .Conclusions: The results of the study confirm that the anterior mandibulotomy approach provides excellent exposure for oral and oropharyngeal tumors, with a significant lower complication rate compared to the posterior mandibulotomy approach.Until minimally invasive Robotic technology is not widespread, conventional techniques such as midline mandibulotomy approaches, with “modern-times” refinements still have their place in head and neck oncology surgery
Discussing Anthropogenic Global Warming from an Econometric Perspective: A Change in Forecasting Based on the ARIMA Paleoclimate Time Series Model
Authors: Santos Gilmar Veriato Fluzer , Cordeiro Lucas Gamalel , Rojo Claudio Antonio , Leismann Edison Luiz
Published: January 2022

Global warming has divided the scientific community worldwide with predominance for anthropogenic alarmism. This article aims to project a climate change scenario using a stochastic model of paleotemperature time series and compare it with the dominant thesis. The ARIMA model – an integrated autoregressive process of moving averages, known as Box-Jenkins - was used for this purpose. The results showed that the estimates of the model parameters were below 1°C for a scenario of 100 years which suggests a period of temperature reduction and a probable cooling, contrary to the prediction of the IPCC and the anthropogenic current of an increase in 1.50° C to 2.0° C by the end of this century. Thus, we hope with this study to contribute to the discussion by adding a statistical element of paleoclimate in counterpoint to the current consensus and to placing the debate in a long-term historical dimension, in line with other research present in climate sciences and statistics.
Neonatal Outcomes In Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes At Periviable Gestational Age
Authors: Herzlich Jacky , Mangel Laurence , Halperin Ariel , Lubin Daniel , Marom Ronella
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To examine the outcomes of preterm infants born to women with preterm premature rupture of membranes at periviable gestational age.Methods: This is a retrospective study analyzing data on singleton deliveries complicated by prolonged premature rupture of membranes occurring before 24 weeks of gestation. Neonatal outcomes including birth weight, Apgar score, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, hearing impairment and mortality were evaluated.Results: Ninety four preterm infants who were born after a prolonged premature rupture of membranes of at least 7 days were included in the study.Median gestational week at onset of membrane rupture was 27.1 ± 4.2 weeks (range 17 - 33) and median latency period in days was 16 ± 21.8 (range 7 - 105). We found that the survival rate to discharge within neonates born after prolonged rupture of membrane at gestational week less than 24 weeks is 79.2%. These neonates did not show an increased rate of major morbidities compared to neonates born following membrane rupture at gestational week 24 to 27. Conclusion: We described a high survival rate without major morbidities following prolonged preterm membrane rupture before viability.
Ferroptosis-Related Long Non-coding RNA Predicts Prognosis Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Congyue , Zhang Chaoqun , Zhou Huifang , Hu Zhankai , Sun Dianxing
Published: January 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignancy globally, and ferroptosis is an iron-dependent cell death process. Furthermore, aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) driving HCC development and progression has increased attention. Materials and Methods: We collected lncRNA expression profiles associated with ferroptosis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and FerrDb databases and clinicopathological and overall survival (OS) information to determine the association between ferroptosis-related lncRNAs(FRlncRNAs) and survival of HCC patients by co-expression analysis. A prognostic lncRNA model of 22 differentially expressed lncRNAs was constructed using Cox regression analysis and the LASSO algorithm. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that a high-risk lncRNAs profile was associated with poor prognosis in HCC. Our risk assessment model outperformed conventional clinical data in predicting the prognosis of HCC. Result: GSEA revealed immune and tumor-related pathways in individuals in the high- and low-risk groups. In addition, TCGA showed that T cell functions, including B cells, Cytolytic, macrophages, MHC-class-I, mast cells, neutrophils, NK cells, helper T cells, Type-I-IFN, and Type-II-IFN, were significantly different between high and low-risk groups. Immune checkpoints such as TNFSF18, IDO2, CD276, NRP1, and TNFSF4 were also differentially expressed between the two risk groups. Conclusions: Our findings provide a robust prognostic and immune response prediction model for HCC patients based on lncRNAs associated with ferroptosis.
Individualized Folic Acid Supplementation based on Polymorphisms of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) and Methionine Synthase Reductase (MTRR), Compared with Traditional Folic Acid Supplementation, Reduces Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yu Xiaoying , Diao Le , Du Baoying , Wang Ying , Xv Xiaoqin , Yu Anqi , Zhao Jiangman
Published: January 2022

Backgroud: Folic Acid (FA) may contribute to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but existing studies are inconsistent. We examined the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, A1298C and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G polymorphisms of pregnant women in China, and compared the effects of individualized folate supplementation and traditional FA supplementation on GDM.Methods: The genotype distributions and allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T, A1298C and MTRR A66G polymorphisms in 968 pregnant women (case group) were tested. FA metabolism was ranked at four levels, and then pregnant women of different levels are supplemented with different doses of FA at different periods. The case group was followed up for pregnancy complications and compared with 1,940 pregnant women traditionally supplemented with FA in the same hospital (control group).Results: The allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T were 63.3% (C) and 36.7% (T), those of MTHFR A1298C were 79.3% (A) and 20.7% (C), and those of MTRR A66G were 75.0% (A) and 25.0% (G). Compared with control group, the incidence of GDM in the case group were significantly lower, especially in high-risk pregnant women after FA supplementation.Conclusion: Traditional FA supplementation based on personal habits is controversial, but the use of polymorphisms of genes to clarify the FA metabolism of pregnant women, appropriate, timely and accurate supplementation of FA can effectively reduce gestational diabetes, especially for high-risk pregnant women.