bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Organ Omics-Based Prediction for Adaptive Radiation Therapy Eligibility in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lam Sai-Kit , Zhang Yuanpeng , Zhang Jiang , Li Bing , Sun Jia-Chen , Liu Carol Yee-Tung , Chou Pak-Hei , Teng Xinzhi , Ma Zong-Rui , Ni Rui-Yan , Zhou Ta , Peng Tao , Xiao Hao-Nan , Li Tian , Ren Ge , Cheung Andy Lai-Yin , Lee Francis Kar-Ho , Yip Celia Wai-Yi , Au Kwok-Hung , Lee Victor Ho-Fun , Chang Amy Tien-Yee , Chan Lawrence Wing-Chi , Cai Jing
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To investigate the role of different multi-organ omics-based prediction models for pre-treatment prediction of Adaptive Radiotherapy (ART) eligibility in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods and Materials

Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images, radiotherapy dose and contour data of 135 NPC patients treated at Hong Kong Queen Elizabeth Hospital were retrospectively analyzed for extraction of multi-omics features, namely Radiomics (R), Morphology (M), Dosiomics (D), and Contouromics (C), from a total of eight organ structures. During model development, patient cohort was divided into a training set and a hold-out test set in a ratio of 7 to 3 via 20 iterations. Four single-omics models (R, M, D, C) and four multi-omics models (RD, RC, RM, RMDC) were developed on the training data using Ridge and Multi-Kernel Learning (MKL) algorithm, respectively, under 10-fold cross validation, and evaluated on hold-out test data using average area under the receiver-operator-characteristics curve (AUC). The best-performing single-omics model was first determined by comparing the AUC distribution across the 20 iterations among the four single-omics models using two-sided student t-test, which was then retrained using MKL algorithm for a fair comparison with the four multi-omics models.

Results

The R model significantly outperformed all other three single-omics models (all p-value<0.0001), achieving an average AUC of 0.942 (95%CI: 0.938-0.946) and 0.918 (95%CI: 0.903-0.933) in training and hold-out test set, respectively. When trained with MKL, the R model (R_MKL) yielded an increased AUC of 0.984 (95%CI: 0.981-0.988) and 0.927 (95%CI: 0.905-0.948) in training and hold-out test set respectively, while demonstrating no significant difference as compared to all studied multi-omics models in the hold-out test sets. Intriguingly, Radiomic features accounted for the majority of the final selected features, ranging from 64% to 94%, in all the studied multi-omics models.

Conclusions

Among all the studied models, the Radiomic model was found to play a dominant role for ART eligibility in NPC patients, and Radiomic features accounted for the largest proportion of features in all the multi-omics models.
Is Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Related to Helicobacter pylori?
Authors: Huang Yan , Gu Min , Wu Qi , Zhu Juanfen , Wu Jian , Wang Peipei , Wang Meihua , Luo Judong
Published: January 2022

Background

Laryngeal carcinoma is a primary malignant tumor originating from the laryngeal mucosa. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have confirmed that Helicobacter pylori may play a role in the occurrence and development of laryngeal cancer. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and emphasize the relationship between laryngeal cancer and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods

We actively searched for systematic reviews of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane libraries to select studies that met the recommended guidelines. A total of 1756 patients with laryngeal cancer were included in this study to assess the association of Helicobacter pylori in the larynx with laryngeal cancer. A subassessment of the risk of bias for each study that met the inclusion criteria was carried out. To illustrate the reasons for heterogeneity, we performed a subgroup analysis to determine the type of study, the quality of the article, the diagnostic method, and the impact of exposure factors.

Results

The meta-analysis included a total of 17 case-control studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori in the larynx and laryngeal cancer. Our meta-analysis showed that Helicobacter pylori infection in the larynx significantly increased the risk of malignant tumors in the larynx (odds ratio, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.83-4.78; P<0.00001; I2 = 86%). They still existed when we controlled for patients’ exposure to smoking factors (odds ratio, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.89–7.88).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed an association between Helicobacter pylori and laryngeal cancer. These findings are consistent with the understanding that chronic inflammatory tissue insult may lead to the development of malignancy. Controlling risk factors will help us identify patients with an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.
Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Genomic and Clinical Characteristics of TRPV Channel-Related Genes
Authors: Wang Xiaoxuan , Li Guanghao , Zhang Yidan , Li Lanfang , Qiu Lihua , Qian Zhengzi , Zhou Shiyong , Wang Xianhuo , Li Qiang , Zhang Huilai
Published: January 2022

Background

Transient Receptor Potential channels (TRPs), a class of ion channels, were first described two decades ago. Many TRP family members are major participants in nociception and integration of heat and pain signals. Recent studies have revealed that subfamilies of this channel, such as members of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels, play important roles in breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of TRPVs in 9125 tumor samples of 33 cancer types using multi-omics data extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified differences in mRNA expression in a pan-cancer analysis, and the genomic characteristics of single nucleotide variations, copy number variations, methylation features, and miRNA–mRNA interactions using data from TCGA. Finally, we evaluated the sensitivity and resistance to drugs targeting TRPV channel-related genes using the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) and the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. Finally, we validated the drug sensitive data and the importance of TRPV6 in two cancer cell lines using q-PCR assay, CCK8 assay, EdU assay and scratch assay.

Results

Extensive genetic alterations in TRPV channel-related genes and differences in gene expression were associated with the activity of cancer marker-related pathways. TRPV channel-related genes can be used as prognostic biomarkers. Several potential drugs, such as lapatinib, that may target TRPV channel-related genes were identified by mining the genomics of drug sensitivity.

Conclusion

This study revealed the genomic changes and clinical characteristics of TRPV channel-related regulatory factors in 33 types of tumors. This analysis may help uncover the TRPV channel-related genes associated with tumorigenesis. We also proposed novel strategies for tumor treatment.
Metabolism-Associated Gene Signatures for FDG Avidity on PET/CT and Prognostic Validation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Hyunjong , Choi Joon Young , Joung Je-Gun , Joh Jae-Won , Kim Jong Man , Hyun Seung Hyup
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The prognostic value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was established in previous reports. However, there is no evidence suggesting the prognostic value of transcriptomes associated with tumor FDG uptake in HCC. It was aimed to elucidate metabolic genes and functions associated with FDG uptake, followed by assessment of those prognostic value.

Methods

Sixty HCC patients with Edmondson–Steiner grade II were included. FDG PET/CT scans were performed before any treatment. RNA sequencing data were obtained from tumor and normal liver tissue. Associations between each metabolism-associated gene and tumor FDG uptake were investigated by Pearson correlation analyses. A novel score between glucose and lipid metabolism-associated gene expression was calculated. In The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset, the prognostic power of selected metabolism-associated genes and a novel score was evaluated for external validation.

Results

Nine genes related to glycolysis and the HIF-1 signaling pathway showed positive correlations with tumor FDG uptake; 21 genes related to fatty acid metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway demonstrated negative correlations. Seven potential biomarker genes, PFKFB4, ALDOA, EGLN3, EHHADH, GAPDH, HMGCS2, and ENO2 were identified. A metabolic gene expression balance score according to the dominance between glucose and lipid metabolism demonstrated good prognostic value in HCC.

Conclusions

The transcriptomic evidence of this study strongly supports the prognostic power of FDG PET/CT and indicates the potential usefulness of FDG PET/CT imaging biomarkers to select appropriate patients for metabolism-targeted therapy in HCC.
Global PARITY: Study Design for a Multi-Centered, International Point Prevalence Study to Estimate the Burden of Pediatric Acute Critical Illness in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Abbas Qalab , Holloway Adrian , Caporal Paula , López-Barón Eliana , Agulnik Asya , Remy Kenneth E. , Appiah John A. , Attebery Jonah , Fink Ericka L. , Lee Jan Hau , Hooli Shubhada , Kissoon Niranjan , Miller Erika , Murthy Srinivas , Muttalib Fiona , Nielsen Katie , Puerto-Torres Maria , Rodrigues Karla , Sakaan Firas , Rodrigues Adriana Teixeira , Tabor Erica A. , von Saint Andre-von Arnim Amelie , Wiens Matthew O. , Blackwelder William , He David , Kortz Teresa B. , Bhutta Adnan T.
Published: January 2022

Background

The burden of pediatric critical illness and resource utilization by children with critical illness in resource limited settings (RLS) are largely unknown. Without specific data that captures key aspects of critical illness, disease presentation, and resource utilization for pediatric populations in RLS, development of a contextual framework for appropriate, evidence-based interventions to guide allocation of limited but available resources is challenging. We present this methods paper which describes our efforts to determine the prevalence, etiology, hospital outcomes, and resource utilization associated with pediatric acute, critical illness in RLS globally.

Methods

We will conduct a prospective, observational, multicenter, multinational point prevalence study in sixty-one participating RLS hospitals from North, Central and South America, Africa, Middle East and South Asia with four sampling time points over a 12-month period. Children aged 29 days to 14 years evaluated for acute illness or injury in an emergency department) or directly admitted to an inpatient unit will be enrolled and followed for hospital outcomes and resource utilization for the first seven days of hospitalization. The primary outcome will be prevalence of acute critical illness, which Global PARITY has defined as death within 48 hours of presentation to the hospital, including ED mortality; or admission/transfer to an HDU or ICU; or transfer to another institution for a higher level-of-care; or receiving critical care-level interventions (vasopressor infusion, invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive mechanical ventilation) regardless of location in the hospital, among children presenting to the hospital. Secondary outcomes include etiology of critical illness, in-hospital mortality, cause of death, resource utilization, length of hospital stay, and change in neurocognitive status. Data will be managed via REDCap, aggregated, and analyzed across sites.

Discussion

This study is expected to address the current gap in understanding of the burden, etiology, resource utilization and outcomes associated with pediatric acute and critical illness in RLS. These data are crucial to inform future research and clinical management decisions and to improve global pediatric hospital outcomes.
Case Report: Neonatal Complex Congenital Heart Disease With Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery From the Right Pulmonary Artery: Analysis of Missed Diagnosis and Improvement Procedures
Authors: Bing Zhen , Liu Leilei , Chen Rui , Cao Qian , Ge Wen
Published: January 2022

The anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery is a rare type of congenital disease. It is even rarer when combined with complex congenital heart diseases requiring surgical intervention in the neonatal period. Because it has no clinical manifestations in the neonatal period, it is easier to miss diagnosis when combined with complex congenital heart disease. To avoid a missed diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the right pulmonary artery, preoperative echocardiography should routinely explore the orifice of the coronary artery. However, the preoperative examination can lead to missed diagnosis due to the influence of the examiner's experience, equipment, and other factors. After thoracotomy, exploring the orifice position of the left and right coronary arteries can avoid a missed diagnosis of the abnormal origin of coronary arteries. An exploration of the coronary artery is mainly recommended for children with complex congenital heart disease in the neonatal period and children with congenital heart disease combined with unexplained cardiac insufficiency and abnormal mitral valve development.
Building Valveless Impedance Pumps From Biological Components: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Sarvazyan Narine
Published: January 2022

Valveless pumping based on Liebau mechanism entails asymmetrical positioning of the compression site relative to the attachment sites of the pump’s elastic segment to the rest of the circuit. Liebau pumping is believed to play a key role during heart development and be involved in several other physiological processes. Until now studies of Liebau pump have been limited to numerical analyses, in silico modeling, experiments using non-biological elements, and a few indirect in vivo measurements. This review aims to stimulate experimental efforts to build Liebau pumps using biologically compatible materials in order to encourage further exploration of the fundamental mechanisms behind valveless pumping and its role in organ physiology. The covered topics include the biological occurrence of Liebau pumps, the main differences between them and the peristaltic flow, and the potential uses and body sites that can benefit from implantable valveless pumps based on Liebau principle. We then provide an overview of currently available tools to build such pumps and touch upon limitations imposed by the use of biological components. We also talk about the many variables that can impact Liebau pump performance, including the concept of resonant frequencies, the shape of the flowrate-frequency relationship, the flow velocity profiles, and the Womersley numbers. Lastly, the choices of materials to build valveless impedance pumps and possible modifications to increase their flow output are briefly discussed.
Cold Acclimation for Enhancing the Cold Tolerance of Zebrafish Cells
Authors: Wang Huamin , Wang Ying , Niu Minghui , Hu Linghong , Chen Liangbiao
Published: January 2022

Cold stress is an important threat in the life history of fish. However, current research on the tolerance mechanisms of fish to cold stress is incomplete. To explore the relevant molecular mechanisms enabling cold stress tolerance in fish, here we studied ZF4 cells subjected to short-term (4 days) low temperature stress and long-term (3 months) low temperature acclimation. The results showed that cell viability decreased and the cytoskeleton shrank under short-term (4 days) low temperature stress, while the cell viability and the cytoskeleton became normal after cold acclimation at 18°C for 3 months. Further, when the cells were transferred to the lower temperature (13°C), the survival rate was higher in the acclimated than non-acclimated group. By investigating the oxidative stress pathway, we found that the ROS (reactive oxygen species) content increased under short-term (4 days) cold stress, coupled with changes in glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity levels. In addition, overproduction of ROS disrupted physiological cellular homeostasis that generated apoptosis via the activation of the mitochondrial pathway. However, when compared with the non-domesticated group, both ROS levels and apoptosis were lowered in the long-term (3 months) domesticated cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that cold acclimation can improve the low temperature tolerance of the cells. This exploration of the mechanism by which zebrafish cells tolerate cold stress, thus contributes to laying the foundation for future study of the molecular mechanism of cold adaptation in fish.
Ion Transport Regulation by TRPV4 and TRPV1 in Lens and Ciliary Epithelium
Authors: Delamere Nicholas A. , Shahidullah Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Aside from a monolayer of epithelium at the anterior surface, the lens is formed by tightly compressed multilayers of fiber cells, most of which are highly differentiated and have a limited capacity for ion transport. Only the anterior monolayer of epithelial cells has high Na, K-ATPase activity. Because the cells are extensively coupled, the lens resembles a syncytium and sodium-potassium homeostasis of the entire structure is largely dependent on ion transport by the epithelium. Here we describe recent studies that suggest TRPV4 and TRPV1 ion channels activate signaling pathways that play an important role in matching epithelial ion transport activity with needs of the lens cell mass. A TRPV4 feedback loop senses swelling in the fiber mass and increases Na, K-ATPase activity to compensate. TRPV4 channel activation in the epithelium triggers opening of connexin hemichannels, allowing the release of ATP that stimulates purinergic receptors in the epithelium and results in the activation of Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) and SFK-dependent increase of Na, K-ATPase activity. A separate TRPV1 feedback loop senses shrinkage in the fiber mass and increases NKCC1 activity to compensate. TRPV1 activation causes calcium-dependent activation of a signaling cascade in the lens epithelium that involves PI3 kinase, ERK, Akt and WNK. TRPV4 and TRPV1 channels are also evident in the ciliary body where Na, K-ATPase is localized on one side of a bilayer in which two different cell types, non-pigmented and pigmented ciliary epithelium, function in a coordinated manner to secrete aqueous humor. TRPV4 and TRPV1 may have a role in maintenance of cell volume homeostasis as ions and water move through the bilayer.
Timeline of Multi-Organ Plasma Extravasation After Bleomycin-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Kitzerow Oliver , Zucker Irving H. , Lisco Steven J. , Wang Han-Jun
Published: January 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by the abrupt onset of clinically significant hypoxemia in the context of non-hydrostatic pulmonary edema. Acute lung injury is associated with cytokine release and plasma extravasation (PEx) that can cause pulmonary edema and subsequently acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, it is critical we understand the relationship between ALI and lung PEx. In addition, it is also important to assess PEx in the lungs and other organs post-ALI since ALI/ARDS often causes multi-organ failure. We hypothesized that ALI induces time-dependent lung PEx, which promotes extravasation in the heart, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, in a time-dependent manner. To test our hypothesis, we administered bleomycin or saline via tracheal intubation in 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats. At the terminal experiments, Evans Blue was injected (IV) through the femoral vein to allow for the visualization of PEx. Plasma extravasation of desired organs was evaluated at 3-, 7-, 14-, 21-, and 28-days after bleomycin or saline treatment by evaluating Evans Blue concentrations calorimetrically at fluorescence excitation wavelength of 620 nm (bandwidth 10 nm) and an emission wavelength of 680 nm (bandwidth 40 nm). Data show that ALI induces lung PEx beginning at day 3 and peaking between 7 and 21 days. Extravasation was also seen in all organs at varying degrees beginning at day 3 and peaking between days 7 and 14. Resolution appears to start after day 21 and continues past day 28. We conclude that ALI caused by bleomycin incites a time-dependent PEx of the lungs and multiple other organs.
Mechanical Stress Modulates Calcium-Activated-Chloride Currents in Differentiating Lens Cells
Authors: Ebihara Lisa , Acharya Pooja , Tong Jun-Jie
Published: January 2022

During accommodation, the lens changes focus by altering its shape following contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle. At the cellular level, these changes in shape may be accompanied by fluid flow in and out of individual lens cells. We tested the hypothesis that some of this flow might be directly modulated by pressure-activated channels. In particular, we used the whole cell patch clamp technique to test whether calcium-activated-chloride channels (CaCCs) expressed in differentiating lens cells are activated by mechanical stimulation. Our results show that mechanical stress, produced by focally perfusing the lens cell at a constant rate, caused a significant increase in a chloride current that could be fully reversed by stopping perfusion. The time course of activation and recovery from activation of the flow-induced current occurred rapidly over a time frame similar to that of accommodation. The flow-induced current could be inhibited by the TMEM16A specific CaCC blocker, Ani9, suggesting that the affected current was predominantly due to TMEM16A chloride channels. The mechanism of action of mechanical stress did not appear to involve calcium influx through other mechanosensitive ion channels since removal of calcium from the bath solution failed to block the flow-induced chloride current. In conclusion, our results suggest that CaCCs in the lens can be rapidly and reversibly modulated by mechanical stress, consistent with their participation in regulation of volume in this organ.
Deep Learning-Based Analytic Models Based on Flow-Volume Curves for Identifying Ventilatory Patterns
Authors: Wang Yimin , Li Qiasheng , Chen Wenya , Jian Wenhua , Liang Jianling , Gao Yi , Zhong Nanshan , Zheng Jinping
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Spirometry, a pulmonary function test, is being increasingly applied across healthcare tiers, particularly in primary care settings. According to the guidelines set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), identifying normal, obstructive, restrictive, and mixed ventilatory patterns requires spirometry and lung volume assessments. The aim of the present study was to explore the accuracy of deep learning-based analytic models based on flow–volume curves in identifying the ventilatory patterns. Further, the performance of the best model was compared with that of physicians working in lung function laboratories.

Methods

The gold standard for identifying ventilatory patterns was the rules of ATS/ERS guidelines. One physician chosen from each hospital evaluated the ventilatory patterns according to the international guidelines. Ten deep learning models (ResNet18, ResNet34, ResNet18_vd, ResNet34_vd, ResNet50_vd, ResNet50_vc, SE_ResNet18_vd, VGG11, VGG13, and VGG16) were developed to identify patterns from the flow–volume curves. The patterns obtained by the best-performing model were cross-checked with those obtained by the physicians.

Results

A total of 18,909 subjects were used to develop the models. The ratio of the training, validation, and test sets of the models was 7:2:1. On the test set, the best-performing model VGG13 exhibited an accuracy of 95.6%. Ninety physicians independently interpreted 100 other cases. The average accuracy achieved by the physicians was 76.9 ± 18.4% (interquartile range: 70.5–88.5%) with a moderate agreement (κ = 0.46), physicians from primary care settings achieved a lower accuracy (56.2%), while the VGG13 model accurately identified the ventilatory pattern in 92.0% of the 100 cases (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The VGG13 model identified ventilatory patterns with a high accuracy using the flow–volume curves without requiring any other parameter. The model can assist physicians, particularly those in primary care settings, in minimizing errors and variations in ventilatory patterns.
Tetraploidy Confers Superior in vitro Water-Stress Tolerance to the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) by Reinforcing Hormonal, Physiological, and Biochemical Defensive Systems
Authors: Abdolinejad Ruhollah , Shekafandeh Akhtar
Published: January 2022

The fig tree is a well-adapted and promising fruit tree for sustainable production in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. Recently, Iran’s dryland fig orchards have been severely damaged due to prolonged severe and consecutive drought periods. As emphasized in many studies, ploidy manipulated plants have a significantly enhanced drought tolerance. In the current study, we compared the induced autotetraploid explants of two fig cultivars (‘Sabz’ and ‘Torsh’) with their diploid control plants for their water stress tolerance under in vitro conditions using different polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%). After 14 days of implementing water stress treatments, the results revealed that both tetraploid genotypes survived at 20% PEG treatments. Only ‘Sabz’ tetraploid explants survived at 25% PEG treatment, while both diploid control genotypes could tolerate water stress intensity only until 15% PEG treatment. The results also demonstrated that the tetraploid explants significantly had a higher growth rate, more leaf numbers, and greater fresh and dry weights than their diploid control plants. Under 15% PEG treatment, both tetraploid genotypes could maintain their relative water content (RWC) at a low-risk level (80–85%), while the RWC of both diploid genotypes drastically declined to 55–62%. The ion leakage percentage also was significantly lower in tetraploid explants at 15% PEG treatment. According to the results, these superiorities could be attributed to higher levels of stress response hormones including abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid at different PEG treatments, the robust osmotic adjustment by significantly increased total soluble sugar (TSS), proline, and glycine betaine contents, and augmented enzymatic defense system including significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in tetraploid genotypes, compared to their diploid control genotypes. Consequently, the current study results demonstrated that the ‘Sabz’ tetraploid genotype had a significantly higher water stress tolerance than other tested genotypes.
Oxidative RNA Modifications as an Early Response of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Exposed to Copper and Lead
Authors: Chmielowska-Bąk Jagna , Shcheglova Ekaterina , Rosik Konrad , Yushin Nikita , Zinicovscaia Inga , Deckert Joanna
Published: January 2022

Plant exposure to metals is associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which mediate the oxidation of various molecules including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The aim of the present study is the evaluation of the impact of short-term Cu and Pb treatment on oxidative events in the roots of soybean seedlings, with special emphasis on RNA oxidation. The results show that an increase in total RNA oxidative modification, 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHG), constitutes a very early response to both applied metals, observed already within the first hour of treatment. Exposure to Cu and Pb resulted also in the increase in superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide levels and intensified lipid peroxidation. However, these responses were most prominent after longer treatment times. On the other hand, no changes were observed in the level of protein carbonylation. It can be concluded that 8-OHG enrichment in total RNA constitutes one of the earliest reactions to metals, which precedes the symptoms of oxidative stress.
The Differences in the Performance Profiles Between Native and Foreign Players in the Chinese Basketball Association
Authors: Wang Xing , Han Bin , Zhang Shaoliang , Zhang Liqing , Lorenzo Calvo Alberto , Gomez Miguel-Ángel
Published: January 2022

The aim of the study was to (i) use an clustering analysis method to classify and identify native and foreign basketball players into similar groups based on game-related statistics; (ii) use the Pearson’s Chi-square test to identify the key clusters that affect whether a team enters the playoffs; and (iii) use the classification tree analysis to stimulate the prediction of team ability and the construction of the team roster. The sample consisted of 422 foreign players and 1,775 native players across 9 seasons from 2011 to 2019. The clustering process allowed for the identification of nine native and six foreign player performance profiles. In addition, two clusters (p < 0.001, ES = 0.33; p < 0.001, ES = 0.28) of native players and one cluster (p < 0.05, ES = 0.16) of foreign players were identified that had a significant impact on team ability. These results provide alternative references for basketball staff concerning the process of evaluating native and foreign player performance in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Test Format and Local Dependence of Items Revisited: A Case of Two Vocabulary Levels Tests
Authors: Ha Hung Tan
Published: January 2022

Local item dependence (LID) is one of the most critical assumption in the Rasch model when it comes to the validity of a test. As the field of vocabulary assessment is calling for more clarity and validity for vocabulary tests, such assumption becomes more important than ever. The article offers a Rasch-based investigation into the issue of LID with the focus on the two popular formats of Vocabulary Levels Tests (VLT): multiple-choice and matching. A Listening Vocabulary Levels Test (LVLT) and an Updated Vocabulary Levels Test (UVLT) were given to a single cohort of 311 university students in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. The analyses of raw score and standardized residuals correlations were conducted. The findings found no relationship between the 4-option, multiple-choice format of the LVLT and item local dependence. However, results from score and standardized residuals correlations analyses showed a strong link between the 3-item-per-cluster, matching format and item local dependence. The study calls for greater attention to the format of future vocabulary tests and support the use of meaning-recall formats in vocabulary testing.
Professional Quality of Life Among Physicians and Nurses Working in Portuguese Hospitals During the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Serrão Carla , Martins Vera , Ribeiro Carla , Maia Paulo , Pinho Rita , Teixeira Andreia , Castro Luísa , Duarte Ivone
Published: January 2022

Background

In the last 2 weeks of January 2021, Portugal was the worst country in the world in incidence of infections and deaths due to COVID-19. As a result, the pressure on the healthcare system increased exponentially, exceeding its capacities and leaving hospitals in near collapse. This scenario caused multiple constraints, particularly for hospital medical staff. Previous studies conducted at different moments during the pandemic reported that COVID-19 has had significant negative impacts on healthcare workers’ psychological health, including stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and sleep disturbances. However, there are many uncertainties regarding the professional quality of life of hospital nurses and physicians. To address gaps in previous research on secondary traumatic stress, we focused on healthcare workers working in hospitals affected by a major traumatic event: the third wave of COVID-19.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to identify the contribution of personal and work-related contextual variables (gender, age, parental status, occupation, years of experience, working with patients affected by COVID-19) on professional quality of life of healthcare workers.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with a web-based questionnaire given to physicians and nurses working in a hospital setting. A total of 853 healthcare professionals (276 physicians and 586 nurses; median age 37 years old) participated in the survey assessing professional quality of life compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. Factors of professional quality of life were assessed using regression analysis.

Results

Most of the participants showed moderate (80%; n = 684) or high (18%; n = 155) levels of compassion satisfaction, whereas the majority of them experienced moderate levels of burnout (72%; n = 613) and secondary traumatic stress (69%; n = 592). The analyzed variables demonstrated no differences between professionals who were directly or not involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. Parental status was found to be a significant factor in compassion satisfaction. Female gender was significantly associated with more susceptibility to secondary traumatization. Factors that may potentially contribute to burnout include years of professional experience and the number of work hours per week.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new challenge for the healthcare system. Burnout and secondary traumatic stress can lead to medical errors and impact standards of patient care, particularly compromising compassionate care. It is therefore recommended that hospitals develop psychoeducational initiatives to support professionals in dealing with barriers to compassion.
European Validation of the Self-Evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS): A Large Multinational and Multicenter Study
Authors: Dollfus Sonia , Mucci Armida , Giordano Giulia M. , Bitter István , Austin Stephen F. , Delouche Camille , Erfurth Andreas , Fleischhacker W. Wolfgang , Movina Larisa , Glenthøj Birte , Gütter Karoline , Hofer Alex , Hubenak Jan , Kaiser Stefan , Libiger Jan , Melle Ingrid , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Papsuev Oleg , Rybakowski Janusz K. , Sachs Gabriele , Üçok Alp , Brando Francesco , Wojciak Pawel , Galderisi Silvana
Published: January 2022

Background

Negative symptoms are usually evaluated with scales based on observer ratings and up to now self-assessments have been overlooked. The aim of this paper was to validate the Self-evaluation of Negative Symptoms (SNS) in a large European sample coming from 12 countries. We wanted to demonstrate: (1) good convergent and divergent validities; (2) relationships between SNS scores and patients' functional outcome; (3) the capacity of the SNS compared to the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) to detect negative symptoms; and (4) a five-domain construct in relation to the 5 consensus domains (social withdrawal, anhedonia, alogia, avolition, blunted affect) as the best latent structure of SNS.

Methods

Two hundred forty-five subjects with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia completed the SNS, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the BNSS, the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale. Spearman's Rho correlations, confirmatory factor analysis investigating 4 models of the latent structure of SNS and stepwise multiple regression were performed.

Results

Significant positive correlations were observed between the total score of the SNS and the total scores of the PANSS negative subscale (r = 0.37; P < 0.0001) and the BNSS (r = 0.43; p < 0.0001). SNS scores did not correlate with the level of insight, parkinsonism, or the total score of the PANSS positive subscale. A positive correlation was found between SNS and CDSS (r = 0.35; p < 0.0001). Among the 5 SNS subscores, only avolition subscores entered the regression equation explaining a lower functional outcome. The 1-factor and 2-factor models provided poor fit, while the 5-factor model and the hierarchical model provided the best fit, with a small advantage of the 5-factor model. The frequency of each negative dimension was systematically higher using the BNSS and the SNS vs. the PANSS and was higher for alogia and avolition using SNS vs. BNSS.

Conclusion

In a large European multicentric sample, this study demonstrated that the SNS has: (1) good psychometric properties with good convergent and divergent validities; (2) a five-factor latent structure; (3) an association with patients' functional outcome; and (4) the capacity to identify subjects with negative symptoms that is close to the BNSS and superior to the PANSS negative subscale.
A Well-Designed Implement for Promoting Population Health and Property via Insurance
Authors: Liu Zhengqiao , Zhao Li , Wu Yang-Che , Chuang Ming-Che , Wang Mei-Chih
Published: January 2022

The frequency and intensity of catastrophes (including natural disasters and pandemics) rise and damage the population's health, life and property more seriously. In order to protect population health and wealth via full insurance indemnity, many countries set up a public catastrophe insurance scheme (PCIS) to maintain the function of catastrophe insurance markets. Little literature discusses the smart payment way of contributions charged by PCIS. This article design a model to describe the upward trend and cyclic frequency and intensity of catastrophic events. Such characteristics also promote the business cycle of the insurance industry. We analyze the changes in catastrophic insurer's capital structures under three cases of that the volume-based charges to the PCIS may come from equity holders or policyholders or both. PCIS may entail a shift of equity capital toward minimum solvency requirements, and then adverse incentives regarding insurer's security level arise. Various numerical experiments illustrate the changes in equity position, default probabilities, or expected policyholder deficits. The results show that the payment way of contributions should be designed carefully, not only with regard to PCIS's finance balance but also the resultant incentives and effects.
Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work of Patients Acquiring COVID-19 in the Workplace: A Study Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Müller Katrin , Zwingmann Katharina , Auerswald Tina , Berger Ivo , Thomas Andreas , Schultz Anna-Lena , Wilhelm Eva , Weber Rainer-Christian , Kolb Franziska , Wastlhuber Alois , Meder Sylvia , Stegbauer Michael
Published: January 2022

Background

In 2020, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) developed into a worldwide pandemic. The course of COVID-19 is diverse, non-specific, and variable: Affected persons suffer from physical, cognitive, and psychological acute and long-term consequences. The symptoms influence everyday life activities, as well as work ability in the short or long-term. Healthcare professionals are considered particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 compared to the general population. In Germany, COVID-19 is recognized as an occupational disease or a work-related accident under certain conditions. Disease-specific rehabilitation is recommended for patients following acute COVID-19 to recover physical and neuropsychological performance and to improve work ability. Currently, there are limited findings on the short-term or long-term impact of COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident, as well as on rehabilitation programs and associated influencing factors. Thus, the present research project will investigate these questions.

Methods

For this observational cohort study, post-acute patients with COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident according to the insurance regulations for COVID-19 will be recruited at the BG Hospital for Occupational Disease in Bad Reichenhall, Germany. All participants will complete a comprehensive multimodal and interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program for a duration of at least 3 weeks, beginning after their acute COVID-19 infection and depending on their individual indication and severity of disease. Participants will complete medical, functional, motor, psychological, and cognitive measurements at four time points (at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of inpatient rehabilitation; 6 (T3) and 12 (T4) months after the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation).

Discussion

The present research project will help to assess and describe long-term effects of COVID-19 as a recognized occupational disease or work-related accident on physical and neuropsychological health, as well as on everyday activities and work ability of affected insured persons. In addition, this study will investigate influencing factors on severity and course of COVID-19. Furthermore, we will examine rehabilitation needs, measures, occurring specifics, and the feasibility of the rehabilitation procedure and disease development in the patients. The results of the intended study will further advance common recommendations for targeted and tailored rehabilitation management and participation in inpatient rehabilitation.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.drks.de, identifier: DRKS00022928.
Development of a Robotic Surgery Training System
Authors: Trute Robin Julia , Zapico Carlos Suárez , Christou Andreas , Layeghi Daniel , Craig Stewart , Erden Mustafa Suphi
Published: January 2022

Robotic Surgery is getting widely spread and applied to more and more clinical cases due to its advantages compared to open surgery, for both the patients and surgeons. However, Robotic Surgery requires a different set of skills and learning compared to open and also laparoscopic surgery. Tele-operation for a robotic system with hand controllers, the delay in the hand commands to be translated into robotic movements, slowness of the robotic movements, remote 2D or 3D vision of the actual operation, and lack of haptic feedback are some of the challenges that Robotic Surgery poses. Surgeons need to go through an intensive training for Robotic Surgery, and the learning and skill development continues throughout their early professional years. Despite the importance of training for Robotic Surgery, there are not yet dedicated, low-cost, and widespread training platforms; rather, surgeons mostly train with the same Robotic Surgery system they use in surgery; hence institutions need to invest on a separate surgical setup for training purposes. This is expensive for the institutions, it provides very limited access to the surgeons for training, and very limited, if any, access to researchers for experimentation. To address these, we have developed in our laboratory a low-cost, and experimental Robotic Surgery Trainer. This setup replicates the challenges that a Robotic Surgery system poses and further provides widespread access through internet connected control of the actual physical system. The overall system is composed of equipment that a standard engineering laboratory can afford. In this paper, we introduce the Robotic Surgery Training System and explain its development, parts, and functionality.
Water Quality Sampling Frequency Analysis of Surface Freshwater: A Case Study on Bristol Floating Harbour
Authors: Coraggio Elisa , Han Dawei , Gronow Claire , Tryfonas Theo
Published: January 2022

Water quality monitoring is essential to understanding the complex dynamics of water ecosystems, the impact of human infrastructure on them and to ensure the safe use of water resources for drinking, recreation and transport. High frequency in-situ monitoring systems are being increasingly employed in water quality monitoring schemes due to their much finer temporal measurement scales possible and reduced cost associated with manual sampling, manpower and time needed to process results compared to traditional grab-sampling. Modelling water quality data at higher frequency reduces uncertainty and allows for the capture of transient events, although due to potential constraints of data storage, inducement of noise, and power conservation it is worthwhile not using an excessively high sampling frequency. In this study, high frequency data recorded in Bristol's Floating Harbour as part of the local UKRIC Urban Observatory activities is presented to analyse events not captured by the current manual sampling and laboratory analysis scheme. The frequency components of the time-series are analysed to work towards understanding the necessary sampling frequency of temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM), turbidity and conductivity as indicators of water quality. This study is the first of its kind to explore a statistical approach for determining the optimum sampling frequency for different water quality parameters using a high frequency dataset. Furthermore, it provides practical tools to understand how different sampling frequencies are representative of the water quality changes.
The Immersive Mental Rotations Test: Evaluating Spatial Ability in Virtual Reality
Authors: Lochhead Ian , Hedley Nick , Çöltekin Arzu , Fisher Brian
Published: January 2022

Advancements in extended reality (XR) have inspired new uses and users of advanced visualization interfaces, transforming geospatial data visualization and consumption by enabling interactive 3D geospatial data experiences in 3D. Conventional metrics (e.g., mental rotations test (MRT)) are often used to assess and predict the appropriateness of these visualizations without accounting for the effect the interface has on those metrics. We developed the Immersive MRT (IMRT) to evaluate the impact that virtual reality (VR) based visualizations and 3D virtual environments have on mental rotation performance. Consistent with previous work, the results of our pilot study suggest that mental rotation tasks are performed more accurately and rapidly with stereo 3D stimuli than with 2D images of those stimuli.
Does a Small Body Have a Negative Impact on Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery?
Authors: Shirasaka Tomonori , Kunioka Shingo , Kikuchi Yuta , Isikawa Natsuya , Kanda Hirotsugu , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) in patients with a small body presents surgeons with a technically difficult surgical maneuver. We hypothesized that physique might negatively influence the safety and technical complexity of MIMVS.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent MIMVS in our institution between May 2014 and April 2020. These patients were categorized into two groups. The first group was the small physique group (n = 20) consisting of patients with a stature <150 cm. The second group was the normal physique group (n = 101) consisting of patients with a stature >150 cm. The primary endpoint was freedom from death and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The secondary endpoint was freedom from moderate or severe mitral regurgitation.

Results

Cardiopulmonary bypass time (130 ± 29 vs. 156 ± 55 min, p = 0.02) and aortic cross-clamp time (75 ± 27 vs. 95 ± 39 min, p = 0.03) were significantly shorter in the small physique group. Both in the early and midterm periods, there was no significant difference in the mortality (early, 5.0 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.30. midterm, 5.0 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.09), MACCE (early, 5.0 vs. 6.9%, p = 0.65. midterm, 5.0 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.93) and the residual MR (early, 0 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.66. midterm, 5.0 vs. 4.9%, p = 0.93) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Small physique is not a hurdle for MIMVS in terms of the safety of the operation.