bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA MTCL1 promotes advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression by inhibiting C1QBP ubiquitin degradation and mediating beta-catenin activation
Authors: Wang Zheng , Sun Anqi , Yan Aihui , Yao Jian , Huang Haibo , Gao Ziming , Han Tao , Gu Jia , Li Ni , Wu Huizhe , Li Kai
Published: April 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in regulatory processes of ubiquitination and deubiquitination in various tumors at post-transcriptional epigenetic modification level. However, the underlying mechanism and its biological functions of circRNAs in the advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain obscure.

Methods

RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were applied to screen for circRNAs differentially expressed in LSCC tissues and cell lines. The candidate RNA-binding proteins and target signalling pathway were detected by RNA pull-down and mass spectrometry, in situ hybridization (ISH), immunohistochemistry (IHC), qRT-PCR assays, and bioinformatics analysis. The functional roles of these molecules were investigated using in vitro and in vivo experiments including EdU, transwell, wound healing, western blot assays, and the xenograft mice models. The molecular mechanisms were identified using RNA pull-down assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Co-IP, ISH, Ubiquitination assay, bioinformatics analysis, and the rescue experiments.

Results

Here, we unveil that microtubule cross-linking factor 1 circRNA (circMTCL1, circ0000825) exerts its critical oncogenic functions by promoting complement C1q-binding protein (C1QBP)-dependent ubiquitin degradation and subsequently activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling in laryngeal carcinoma initiation and development. Specifically, circMTCL1 was remarkably up-regulated in the paired tissues of patients with LSCC (n = 67), which predicted a worse clinical outcome. Functionally, circMTCL1 exerted oncogenic biological charactersistics by promoting cell proliferative capability and invasive and migrative abilities. Ectopic circMTCL1 augumented cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells, and this effect could be reversed by C1QBP knocking down in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circMTCL1 directly recruited C1QBP protein by harboring the specific recognized sequence (+ 159 − + 210), thereby accelerating the translation of C1QBP expression by inhibiting its ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated degradation. Importantly, the direct interaction of C1QBP with β-catenin protein was enhanced via suppressing the β-catenin phosphorylation and accelerating its accumulation in cytoplasm and nucleus.

Conclusion

Our findings manifested a novel circMTCL1-C1QBP-β-catenin signaling axis involving in LSCC tumorigenesis and progression, which shed new light on circRNAs-ubiquitous acidic glycoprotein mediated ubiquitin degradation and provided strategies and targets in the therapeutic intervention of LSCC.
Bacteria-driven hypoxia targeting delivery of chemotherapeutic drug proving outcome of breast cancer
Authors: Xiao Susu , Shi Huan , Zhang Yan , Fan Yu , Wang Li , Xiang Li , Liu Yanlin , Zhao Ling , Fu Shaozhi
Published: April 2022

Local hypoxia is a common feature of many solid tumors and may lead to unsatisfactory chemotherapy outcomes. Anaerobic bacteria that have an affinity to hypoxic areas can be used to achieve targeted drug delivery in tumor tissues. In this study, we developed a biocompatible bacteria/nanoparticles biohybrid (Bif@DOX-NPs) platform that employs the anaerobic Bifidobacterium infantis (Bif) to deliver adriamycin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (DOX-NPs) into breast tumors. The Bif@DOX-NPs retained the targeting ability of B. infantis to hypoxic regions, as well as the cytotoxicity of DOX. The biohybrids were able to actively colonize the hypoxic tumors and significantly increased drug accumulation at the tumor site. The DOX concentration in the tumor masses colonized by Bif@DOX-NPs was 4 times higher than that in the free DOX-treated tumors, which significantly prolonged the median survival of the tumor-bearing mice to 69 days and reduced the toxic side-effects of DOX. Thus, anaerobic bacteria-based biohybrids are a highly promising tool for the targeted treatment of solid tumors with inaccessible hypoxic regions.

Graphical Abstract
Multistage pH-responsive codelivery liposomal platform for synergistic cancer therapy
Authors: Zhao Ting , Liang Ce , Zhao Yanrong , Xue Xiangdong , Ma Zhao , Qi Jinlong , Shen Haitao , Yang Shaokun , Zhang Jia , Jia Qingzhong , Du Qing , Cao Deying , Xiang Bai , Zhang Hailin , Qi Xianrong
Published: April 2022

Background

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is utilized as a potent agent for cancer therapy through regulating the expression of genes associated with tumors. While the widely application of siRNAs in cancer treatment is severely limited by their insufficient biological stability and its poor ability to penetrate cell membranes. Targeted delivery systems hold great promise to selectively deliver loaded drug to tumor site and reduce toxic side effect. However, the elevated tumor interstitial fluid pressure and efficient cytoplasmic release are still two significant obstacles to siRNA delivery. Co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and siRNA represents a potential strategy which may achieve synergistic anticancer effect. Herein, we designed and synthesized a dual pH-responsive peptide (DPRP), which includes three units, a cell-penetrating domain (polyarginine), a polyanionic shielding domain (ehG)n, and an imine linkage between them. Based on the DPRP surface modification, we developed a pH-responsive liposomal system for co-delivering polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1) specific siRNA and anticancer agent docetaxel (DTX), D-Lsi/DTX, to synergistically exhibit anti-tumor effect.

Results

In contrast to the results at the physiological pH (7.4), D-Lsi/DTX lead to the enhanced penetration into tumor spheroid, the facilitated cellular uptake, the promoted escape from endosomes/lysosomes, the improved distribution into cytoplasm, and the increased cellular apoptosis under mildly acidic condition (pH 6.5). Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo study indicated that D-Lsi/DTX had a therapeutic advantage over other control liposomes. We provided clear evidence that liposomal system co-delivering siPLK-1 and DTX could significantly downregulate expression of PLK-1 and inhibit tumor growth without detectable toxic side effect, compared with siPLK-1-loaded liposomes, DTX-loaded liposomes, and the combinatorial administration.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate great potential of the combined chemo/gene therapy based on the multistage pH-responsive codelivery liposomal platform for synergistic tumor treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Demoralization in oral cancer inpatients and its association with spiritual needs, quality of life, and suicidal ideation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Ting-Gang , Huang Pei-Ching , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Yen Ting-Ting
Published: April 2022

Background

Demoralization is a common problem in oral cancer patients owing to the chronic and severe nature of their affliction. However, the association between demoralization and the patient’s spiritual needs, quality of life, and suicidal ideation remains unclear. This study aims to provide insights into possible links between demoralization among oral cancer patients and its effects on the patient’s spiritual needs, quality of life, and suicidal ideation.

Methods

We examined 155 Taiwanese oral cancer inpatients in Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, using the following three rating scales: (a) Demoralization Scale Mandarin Version (DS-MV), (b) Spiritual Interests Related to Illness Tool, and (c) The Taiwan Chinese versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Suicidal ideation was established if at least one of the two suicide-related items on the DS-MV scale were checked. We divided the participants into high- and low-demoralization groups, per the cutoff score of 30. We then explored group associations with sociodemographic features, quality of life, and spiritual needs. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine demoralization and its association between these variables.

Results

Fifty-five (35.5%) patients were categorized as having high demoralization (DS-MV scale score > 30), with scores for DS-MV for all patients being 27.2 ± 16.8. The rates of suicidal ideation were 29.1% (16/55) in the high-demoralization group and 2% (2/100) in the low-demoralization group, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 20.10 (4.41–91.55). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant effects of spiritual needs and global health status on the DS-MV scores (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses further confirmed that only overall quality of life scores < 62.5 and spiritual needs < 3.7 significantly predicted the occurrence of high demoralization.

Conclusion

High demoralization is associated with low satisfaction with spiritual needs, poor quality of life, and high risk of suicidal ideation. DS-MV may potentially be an effective tool for achieving holistic health care among oral cancer patients.
Measuring carer quality of life in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a systematic review of the reliability and validity of self-report instruments using COSMIN
Authors: Carlton Jill , Powell Philip A. ,   Project HERCULES Carer Group
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare, progressive, life-limiting genetic neuromuscular condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of informal caregivers. Carer quality of life is measured using heterogeneous self-report scales, yet their suitability for Duchenne remains unclear. This review aimed to identify and evaluate the reliability and validity of quality of life instruments in Duchenne carers.

Materials and methods

Systematic searches were conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Full research articles reporting data on multiple-item self-report quality of life instruments in informal Duchenne carers were included. Extracted evidence was qualitatively synthesised and evaluated, including risk of bias, against the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments. Duchenne carer collaborators (N = 17) helped rate the instruments’ content validity.

Results

Thirty-one articles featuring thirty-two quality of life instruments were included. Content validity was rated as “inconsistent” based on very low quality evidence. For Duchenne carer collaborators, the best instrument was PedsQL Family Impact Module. Only one instrument had evidence for structural validity (rated “unsatisfactory”) and measurement invariance (rated “satisfactory”). Instruments received “satisfactory” ratings for internal consistency and mixed ratings for construct validity and responsiveness. There was no evidence for reliability, measurement error, or criterion validity.

Discussion

Instruments used to measure Duchenne carer quality of life have limited and often inconsistent supportive psychometric evidence. Further work must investigate instruments’ measurement properties in Duchenne carers and/or the development of new tools. In the interim, we recommend considering the PedsQL Family Impact Module based on Duchenne carer ratings.
Systematic review update and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials of ovarian stimulation versus artificial cycle for endometrial preparation prior to frozen embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Wu Ling , Li Tin Chiu , Wang Chi Chiu , Zhang Tao , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term reproductive and long-term obstetric outcomes after endometrial preparations by ovarian stimulation protocols and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) prior to frozen embryo transfer (FET).

Method

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies. Primary outcome was live birth rate, secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, implantation and hCG-postive, cycle cancellation, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and abnormal placentation.

Results

Nine studies, including 8327 patients with PCOS, were identified. Live birth rate was significantly higher (RR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.03–1.19) and miscarriage rate (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.46–0.78) was significantly lower in stimulated protocol compared to the rates in HRT. While the rates of ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, implantation, hCG-positive, cycle cancellation and ectopic pregnancy showed no significant difference between the two protocols. Compared HRT with different stimulation protocols, significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.20–1.98) were found in letrozole group, but not in the other subgroups. For the obstetric outcomes, the preterm birth and preeclampsia rates were significantly lower in the stimulated group compared to that in the HRT group (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74–0.98; RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.40–0.82, respectively), while gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and abnormal placentation rates showed no significant difference.

Conclusions

The present data suggest that ovarian stimulation protocol as an endometrial preparation regimen prior to FET might be superior to HRT protocol with a significantly higher rate of live birth, lower risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and preeclampsia. Our study showed stimulated protocol is better than HRT regimen as an endometrial preparation for women with PCOS. However, quality of the evidence is low, more well-designed RCT studies are still needed to confirm the results before clinical recommendation, particularly direct comparisons between letrozole and other stimulated regimens.
Association between ethnicity and health knowledge among the floating population in China
Authors: Han Bingxue , Guan Hongyi , Guan Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

Health equity remains a priority concerns by central government in China. This study aimed to explore ethnic gaps in access to health knowledge categories and sources based on the survey data from a publicly available dataset.

Methods

Data were from 2015 China Migrants Dynamic Survey issued by The National Health Commission in China. Descriptive analyses were performed to reflect geodemographic differences in the floating population of ethnic minority (EMFP) and Han majority (HMFP) with Chi-square test. Ethnic gaps in access to health knowledge categories and sources were explored with Poisson regressions, logistic regressions, and bivariate ordered probit regressions.

Results

In the sample, most of participants had inadequate health information literacy. There were significant differences regarding geodemographic factors between EMFP and HMFP. Illiterate EMFP had likelihood to obtain less health knowledge categories (IRR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.77–0.84) and sources (IRR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.86) as compared to illiterate HMFP. Most of correlations between health knowledge categories and sources were weak in the samples of EMFP and HMFP.

Conclusion

Ethnic disparities in access to health knowledge categories and sources among the floating population in China were confirmed. Further effective efforts should be provided to reduce ethnic disparities in access to health knowledge under the ethnicity-orientated support of public health resource.
The global, regional, and national disease burden of breast cancer attributable to low physical activity from 1990 to 2019: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Yin Xiaolin , Zhang Tongchao , Zhang Yuan , Man Jinyu , Yang Xiaorong , Lu Ming
Published: April 2022

Background

To assess the spatiotemporal variation in female breast cancer attributable to low physical activity (LPA) at a global scale from 1990 to 2019, which is essential to promote physical activity, as well as prevent and control breast cancer.

Methods

The number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and the corresponding age-standardized rates (ASMR and ASDR) of LPA-related breast cancer in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to measure the related breast cancer burden by age and region. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to quantify the secular trend in breast cancer burden rates.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, globally, both breast cancer deaths and DALYs attributable to LPA nearly doubled, although the corresponding ASMR and ASDR decreased slightly, with EAPC of -0.46 (95% confidence interval: -0.52, -0.40) and -0.44 (95% confidence interval: -0.49, -0.39), respectively. The LPA-related breast cancer burden varied considerably across the world, with the highest-burden rates in Oceania, Tropical Latin America and Caribbean, and the fastest growth in North Africa and Middle East. The ASMR and ASDR showed a logarithmic association with the Socio-demographic Index, and a temporally upward trend in most of 204 countries regardless of the Socio-demographic Index or the ASMR in 1990.

Conclusions

Despite a decline in LPA-related breast cancer burden achieved in many countries during the last 3 decades like Bermuda, Myanmar, USA and China, an increase still occurred in most of 204 countries and territories, such as Solomon Islands, Equatorial Guinea, Japan and India. The findings can bring greater awareness to the importance of promoting physical activity for the local government to control the attributable breast cancer burden.
Evaluation of fetal diaphragm excursion and thickness in term pregnancies complicated with pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Acmaz Gokhan , Ozdemir Fatma , Acmaz Banu , Madendağ Yusuf , Madendag Ilknur Çöl , Muderris Iptisam Ipek
Published: April 2022

Background

Both pre-gestational (PGDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) make pregnancy complicated. Moreover in the literature GDM and PGDM have been held responsible for respiratory morbidity in newborns. Diaphragm ultrasound (DUS) is a valuable and noninvasive method that provides an opportunity to examine the diaphragmatic morphology and function. This study examined the quality of fetal diaphragmatic contractions in pregnant women complicated with GDM and PGDM.

Methods

A total of 105 volunteers who were separated into three groups; (1) A GDM group (n = 35), (2) a PGDM group (n = 35), and (3) a healthy non-diabetic control group (n = 35). All volunteers with the cephalic presentation and only male fetuses were examined in the 37th week of gestation. This cross sectional and case controlled study was performed at the perinatology clinic of the Erciyes University School of Medicine between 15.01.2020 and 01.08.2021. The thickness of fetal diaphragm (DT), diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) and costodiaphragmatic angle (CDA) was measured and recorded by ultrasound and examined on the video frame during the inspiration and expiration phases of respiration.

Results

Especially the PGDM group represented adversely affected diaphragm function parameters. DT inspiration, DT expiration, DE, CDA inspiration and DTF values were significantly different between PGDM and the control group. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was high among babies who were born to pregnancies complicated with PGDM or GDM.

Conclusions

The quality of fetal diaphragm movements is affected in pregnancies complicated with GDM and PGDM. The prolonged duration of diabetes may have additional adverse effects on diaphragm morphology and its function.
Rapid monitoring of flavonoid content in sweet tea (Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun) leaves using NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Tian Zhaoxia , Tan Zifeng , Li Yanjie , Yang Zhiling
Published: April 2022

Background

Sweet tea, which functions as tea, sugar and medicine, was listed as a new food resource in 2017. Flavonoids are the main medicinal components in sweet tea and have significant pharmacological activities. Therefore, the quality of sweet tea is related to the content of flavonoids. Flavonoid content in plants is normally determined by time-consuming and expensive chemical analyses. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology to measure three constituents of flavonoids, namely, total flavonoids, phloridin and trilobatin, in sweet tea leaves using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR).

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of principal component analysis (PCA) and NIR spectroscopy can distinguish sweet tea from different locations. In addition, different spectral preprocessing methods are used to establish partial least squares (PLS) models between spectral information and the content of the three constituents. The best total flavonoid prediction model was obtained with NIR spectra preprocessed with Savitzky–Golay combined with second derivatives (SG + D2) (RP2 = 0.893, and RMSEP = 0.131). For trilobatin, the model with the best performance was developed with raw NIR spectra (RP2 = 0.902, and RMSEP = 2.993), and for phloridin, the best model was obtained with NIR spectra preprocessed with standard normal variate (SNV) (RP2 = 0.818, and RMSEP = 1.085). The coefficients of determination for all calibration sets, validation sets and prediction sets of the best PLS models were higher than 0.967, 0.858 and 0.818, respectively.

Conclusions

The conclusion indicated that NIR spectroscopy has the ability to determine the flavonoid content of sweet tea quickly and conveniently.
Explainable AI for CNN-based prostate tumor segmentation in multi-parametric MRI correlated to whole mount histopathology
Authors: Gunashekar Deepa Darshini , Bielak Lars , Hägele Leonard , Oerther Benedict , Benndorf Matthias , Grosu Anca-L. , Brox Thomas , Zamboglou Constantinos , Bock Michael
Published: April 2022

Automatic prostate tumor segmentation is often unable to identify the lesion even if multi-parametric MRI data is used as input, and the segmentation output is difficult to verify due to the lack of clinically established ground truth images. In this work we use an explainable deep learning model to interpret the predictions of a convolutional neural network (CNN) for prostate tumor segmentation. The CNN uses a U-Net architecture which was trained on multi-parametric MRI data from 122 patients to automatically segment the prostate gland and prostate tumor lesions. In addition, co-registered ground truth data from whole mount histopathology images were available in 15 patients that were used as a test set during CNN testing. To be able to interpret the segmentation results of the CNN, heat maps were generated using the Gradient Weighted Class Activation Map (Grad-CAM) method. The CNN achieved a mean Dice Sorensen Coefficient 0.62 and 0.31 for the prostate gland and the tumor lesions -with the radiologist drawn ground truth and 0.32 with whole-mount histology ground truth for tumor lesions. Dice Sorensen Coefficient between CNN predictions and manual segmentations from MRI and histology data were not significantly different. In the prostate the Grad-CAM heat maps could differentiate between tumor and healthy prostate tissue, which indicates that the image information in the tumor was essential for the CNN segmentation.
Tree diet: reducing the treewidth to unlock FPT algorithms in RNA bioinformatics
Authors: Marchand Bertrand , Ponty Yann , Bulteau Laurent
Published: April 2022

Hard graph problems are ubiquitous in Bioinformatics, inspiring the design of specialized Fixed-Parameter Tractable algorithms, many of which rely on a combination of tree-decomposition and dynamic programming. The time/space complexities of such approaches hinge critically on low values for the treewidth tw of the input graph. In order to extend their scope of applicability, we introduce the Tree-Diet problem, i.e. the removal of a minimal set of edges such that a given tree-decomposition can be slimmed down to a prescribed treewidth $$tw'$$

t

w
′

. Our rationale is that the time gained thanks to a smaller treewidth in a parameterized algorithm compensates the extra post-processing needed to take deleted edges into account. Our core result is an FPT dynamic programming algorithm for Tree-Diet, using $$2^{O(tw)}n$$

2

O
(
t
w
)

n

time and space. We complement this result with parameterized complexity lower-bounds for stronger variants (e.g., NP-hardness when $$tw'$$

t

w
′

or $$tw-tw'$$

t
w
-
t

w
′

is constant). We propose a prototype implementation for our approach which we apply on difficult instances of selected RNA-based problems: RNA design, sequence-structure alignment, and search of pseudoknotted RNAs in genomes, revealing very encouraging results. This work paves the way for a wider adoption of tree-decomposition-based algorithms in Bioinformatics.
Genome wide noninvasive prenatal testing detects microduplication of the distal end of chromosome 15 in a fetus: a case report
Authors: Sahinbegovic Hana , Andres Stephanie , Langer-Freitag Sabine , Divane Aspasia , Ieremiadou Fotini , Mehmedbasic Senad , Catic Aida
Published: April 2022

Background

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is the most recent modality widely used in prenatal diagnostics. Commercially available NIPT has high sensitivity and specificity for the common fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. As future advancements in NIPT sequencing technology are becoming promising and more reliable, the ability to detect beyond aneuploidies and to expand detection of submicroscopic genomic alterations, as well as single-gene disorders might become possible.

Case presentation

Here we present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman, G2P1, who had NIPT screening which detected a terminal microduplication of 10.34 Mb on the long arm of chromosome 15 (15q26.1q26.3). Subsequent prenatal diagnostic testing including karyotype, microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were performed. Microarray testing confirmed and particularized a copy number gain of 10.66 Mb of the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 15. The G-banding cytogenetic studies yielded results consistent with unbalanced translocation between chromosome 15 and 18. To further characterize the abnormality involving the long arm of chromosome 18 and to map the genomic location of the duplicated 15q more precisely, FISH analysis using specific sub-telomeric probes was performed. FISH analysis confirmed that the extra duplicated segment of chromosome 15 is translocated onto the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 18 at band 18q23. Parental karyotype and FISH studies were performed to see if this unbalanced rearrangement was inherited from a healthy balanced translocation carrier versus being a de novo finding. Parental chromosomal analysis provided no evidence of a rearrangement between chromosome 15 and chromosome 18. The final fetal karyotype was reported as 46,XX,der(18)t(15;18)(q26.2;q23)dn.

Conclusions

In this case study, the microduplication of fetal chromosome 15q26.1q26.3 was accurately detected using NIPT. Our results suggest that further refinements in NIPT have the potential to evolve to a powerful and efficient screening method, which might be used to detect a broad range of chromosomal imbalances. Since microduplications and microdeletions are a potential reportable result with NIPT, this must be included in pre-test counseling. Prenatal diagnostic testing of such findings is strongly recommended.
miR-378-mediated glycolytic metabolism enriches the Pax7Hi subpopulation of satellite cells
Authors: Li Hu , Kang Lin , Wu Rimao , Li Changyin , Zhang Qianying , Zhong Ran , Jia Lijing , Zhu Dahai , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2022

Adult skeletal muscle stem cells, also known satellite cells (SCs), are a highly heterogeneous population and reside between the basal lamina and the muscle fiber sarcolemma. Myofibers function as an immediate niche to support SC self-renewal and activation during muscle growth and regeneration. Herein, we demonstrate that microRNA 378 (miR-378) regulates glycolytic metabolism in skeletal muscle fibers, as evidenced by analysis of myofiber-specific miR-378 transgenic mice (TG). Subsequently, we evaluate SC function and muscle regeneration using miR-378 TG mice. We demonstrate that miR-378 TG mice significantly attenuate muscle regeneration because of the delayed activation and differentiation of SCs. Furthermore, we show that the miR-378-mediated metabolic switch enriches Pax7HiSCs, accounting for impaired muscle regeneration in miR-378 TG mice. Mechanistically, our data suggest that miR-378 targets the Akt1/FoxO1 pathway, which contributes the enrichment of Pax7HiSCs in miR-378 TG mice. Together, our findings indicate that miR-378 is a target that links fiber metabolism to muscle stem cell heterogeneity and provide a genetic model to approve the metabolic niche role of myofibers in regulating muscle stem cell behavior and function.
The analysis of financial market risk based on machine learning and particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Liu Tao , Yu Zhongyang
Published: April 2022

The financial industry is a key to promoting the development of the national economy, and the risk it takes is also the largest hidden risk in the financial market. Therefore, the risk existing in the current financial market should be deeply explored under blockchain technology (BT) to ensure the functions of financial markets. The risk of financial markets is analyzed using machine learning (ML) and random forest (RF). First, the clustering method is introduced, and an example is given to illustrate the RF classification model. The collected data sets are divided into test sets and training sets, the corresponding rules are formulated and generated, and the branches of the decision tree (DT) are constructed according to the optimization principle. Finally, the steps of constructing the branches of DT are repeated until they are not continued. The results show that the three major industries of the regional economy account for 3.5%, 51.8%, 3.2%, 3.4%, and 3.8% of the regional GDP, respectively, the secondary industry makes up 44.5%, 43%, 45.1%, 44.8%, and 43.6%, respectively, and the tertiary industry occupies 20%, 3.7%, 52.3%, 52.9%, 54%, and 54.6%, respectively. This shows that with the development of the industrial structure under BT, the economic subject gradually shifts from the primary industry to the tertiary industry; BT can improve the efficiency of the financial industry and reduce operating costs and dependence on media. Meanwhile, the financial features of BT can provide a good platform for business expansion. The application of BT to the supply chain gives a theoretical reference for promoting the synergy between companies.
Epidemiology of Campylobacter infections among children of 0–24 months of age in South Africa
Authors: Samie Amidou , Moropeng Resoketswe Charlotte , Tanih Nicoline Fri , Dillingham Rebecca , Guerrant Richard , Bessong Pascal Obong
Published: April 2022

Background

Campylobacter spp. are one of the most frequent causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans throughout the world. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and the genotypic distribution of Campylobacter spp. and their association with diarrhoea and child growth in children of less than the age of two in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Methods

A total of 4280 diarrheal and non-diarrheal stool samples were collected on a monthly basis from children recruited at birth and followed up to 24 months. All stool samples were screened for the presence Campylobacter antigen using ELISA technique after which CAH 16S primer was used on the positive samples to confirm the presence of Campylobacter. Subsequently, the PCR positive samples were further characterised using species specific primers for Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

Results

Campylobacter antigen was detected in 564/4280 (13.2%). Campylobacter was more commonly found in diarrheal stools (20.4%) compared to non-diarrheal stools (12.4%) with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 7.345; p = 0.006). Throughout the year there were two main peaks of Campylobacter infection one in December- January and the second peak in June. The prevalence of Campylobacter increased with the age of the children up to 11 months after which the prevalence decreased. Out of 564 positive ELISA samples, 257 (45.6%) were confirmed to have 16S rRNA gene for Campylobacter spp. Furthermore, C. jejuni was found to be more prevalent (232/257) than C. coli (25/257) with a prevalence of 90.3% and 9.7%, respectively. Both C. jejuni and C. coli were significantly associated with diarrhea with statistical values of (χ2 = 22.224; p < 0.001) and (χ2 = 81.682; p < 0.001) respectively. Sequences generated from the analysis of hip gene confirmed the PCR positives samples were C. jejuni positive.

Conclusions

This study has delineated a high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in the study cohort. Moreover, C. jejuni was found to be more prevalent than C. coli both of which were associated with diarrhea. These findings are of clinical and epidemiological significance.
Household expenditure on non-Covid hospitalisation care during the Covid-19 pandemic and the role of financial protection policies in India
Authors: Garg Samir , Bebarta Kirtti Kumar , Tripathi Narayan
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite global guidance for maintaining essential non-Covid health services during the pandemic, there is a concern that existing services faced a major disruption. The access as well as affordability of healthcare could have suffered during the pandemic, especially in developing countries including India. There are no population based studies available in India on changes in access and financial risk for non-Covid hospitalisation during the pandemic. India has a policy of Publicly Funded Health Insurance (PFHI) to ensure access and financial protection for hospital care but no information is available on its performance during the pandemic. The current study was aimed to find out the change in access and financial protection for non-Covid hospitalisations during the Covid-19 pandemic and to examine the performance of PFHI in this context.

Methods

Panel data was analyzed, from two rounds of annual household surveys conducted in Chhattisgarh state for year 2019 and 2020. The survey followed a two-stage population based sample of around 3000 households, representative for the state. Two kinds of measures of catastrophic health expenditure were used – based on annual household consumption expenditure and on non-food consumption expenditure. Multivariate analysis was carried out to find determinants of utilisation and spending. In addition, Propensity Score Matching method was applied to find effect of PFHI schemes.

Results

Utilisation of hospital care per 1000 population reduced from 58.2 in 2019 to 36.6 during the pandemic i.e. in 2020. The share of public hospitals in utilisation increased from 60.1% in 2019 to 67.0% in 2020. Incidence of catastrophic expenditure was significantly greater during the pandemic. The median Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in private hospitals doubled from 2019 to 2020. The size of OOPE and occurrence of catastrophic expenditure were significantly associated with utilisation in private hospitals. Enrolment under PFHI schemes including the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogaya Yojana (PMJAY) was not effective in reducing OOPE or catastrophic expenditure.

Conclusion

While the utilisation of hospital care dropped during the pandemic, the private hospitals became further unaffordable. The government policy for financial protection through health insurance remained ineffective during the pandemic.
A 1-year cross-sectional study on the predominance of influenza among hospitalized children in a tropical area, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Authors: Lim Kai Joo , John Jecelyn Leaslie , Rahim Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul , Avoi Richard , Hassan Mohd Rohaizat , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Ibrahim Mohd Yusof , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: April 2022

Background

Children are at higher risk of influenza virus infection, and it is difficult to diagnose. They are also responsible for the transmission of influenza because of their longer viral shedding compared to adults. In Malaysia, studies on influenza in children are scarce, and as a result, policy decisions cannot be formulated to control the infection. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of influenza among children with upper respiratory symptoms in the Sabah state of Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study with a simple random sampling was conducted among children with upper respiratory symptoms in Sabah from 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020. Patients admitted to a pediatric ward of Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital who presented with a fever >38 °C and cough within 48 h of admission were enrolled in this study. A nasopharyngeal swab was taken, and influenza was diagnosed by lateral flow test. Clinical features of influenza-positive children were compared with children whose results were negative.

Results

A total of 323 nasopharyngeal samples were collected, and 66 (20.4%) of them were positive for influenza. Fifty-six (85%) were infected by influenza A whereas ten (15%) were by influenza B virus. Higher temperature (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.296–3.181), less activity (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.158–3.693), and seizure (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 1.614–10.978) on admission were significant risk factors associated with influenza in children. Meteorology parameters such as humidity and rainfall amount were statistically significant at 95% CI [1.133 (1.024–1.255)] and 95% CI [0.946 (0.907–0.986)].

Conclusion

The prevalence of influenza was high among children with upper respiratory symptoms, and they were infected predominantly with the influenza A virus. Children presented with seizures, less activity, and fever were the significant risk factors for influenza. Influenza vaccination should be prioritized as preventive measures for children.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms as important risk factors of diabetes among Middle East population
Authors: Akhlaghipour Iman , Bina Amir Reza , Mogharrabi Mohammad Reza , Fanoodi Ali , Ebrahimian Amir Reza , Khojasteh Kaffash Soroush , Babazadeh Baghan Atefeh , Khorashadizadeh Mohammad Erfan , Taghehchian Negin , Moghbeli Meysam
Published: April 2022

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that leads to the dysfunction of various tissues and organs, including eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. According to the World Health Organization, diabetes prevalence is 8.8% globally among whom about 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes. There are not any significant clinical manifestations in the primary stages of diabetes. Therefore, screening can be an efficient way to reduce the diabetic complications. Over the recent decades, the prevalence of diabetes has increased alarmingly among the Middle East population, which has imposed exorbitant costs on the health care system in this region. Given that the genetic changes are among the important risk factors associated with predisposing people to diabetes, we examined the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pathogenesis of diabetes among Middle East population. In the present review, we assessed the molecular pathology of diabetes in the Middle East population that paves the way for introducing an efficient SNP-based diagnostic panel for diabetes screening among the Middle East population. Since, the Middle East has a population of 370 million people; the current review can be a reliable model for the introduction of SNP-based diagnostic panels in other populations and countries around the world.
Demographic biases and assessment fairness in classroom: insights from Iranian university teachers
Authors: Rezai Afsheen , Namaziandost Ehsan , Miri Mowla , Kumar Tribhuwan
Published: April 2022

The literature indicates that the effects of sources of demographic biases on fairness in classroom assessment (CA) are under-researched in the Iranian higher education context. Hence, this study aims to explore the Iranian university teachers’ perceptions of the effects of demographic biases (e.g., gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic (SES)) on their assessment fairness. With this aim, fifteen university teachers were selected using a criterion sampling method at Ayatollah Borujerdi University, Iran. To gather the required data, a reflective written statement was completed by the participants. The participants’ responses were translated verbatim into English and subjected to a standard thematic coding analysis. Findings yielded three recurring themes: ‘gender bias is prevalent in assessment practices’, ethnicity bias affects adversely assessment practices, and ‘SES bias jeopardizes fairness in assessment practices’. The results evidenced that gender, ethnicity, and SES biases can act as a major source of score pollution in CA. This study ends with proposing a range of implications for different testing stakeholders.
Amplitude enhancement of short period GPS-TEC oscillations over rainfall area
Authors: Iyemori Toshihiko , Yamada Akiyasu , Aoyama Tadashi , Hozumi Kornyanat , Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Odagi Yoko , Sano Yasuharu , Pangsapa Vijak , Jarupongsakul Thanawat , Saito Akinori , Iguchi Masato
Published: April 2022

Correlation between rainfall and short period GPS-TEC (total electron content) variations are investigated by using the precipitation data obtained on the ground and estimated from satellite observations (JAXA/GSMaP) as a proxy of lower atmospheric wave activity. The GPS-TEC data obtained at a tropical station, PHIM, in Phimai, Thailand, for 2014–2020, and the data obtained at a mid-latitude station, NAKG, in Tokara Nakanoshima Island, Japan, for 2017–2019, are examined. A statistical analysis of MEM (maximum entropy method) power spectral density (PSD) in the period range from 50 to 1200 s over PHIM clearly shows an enhancement in the cases of rainfall from that in no-rainfall cases, in particular, on the dusk side. The enhancement is observed both acoustic wave periods less than 5–6 min and internal gravity wave periods more than 10 min. The enhancement after sunset could be an effect of strong rainfall more frequent on the dusk side than that in other local time, or it could suggest the importance of ionospheric electron density profile change for the TEC variation. On the other hand, the PSD does not show such clear enhancement over NAKG on the dusk side, although it shows a small enhancement on both dayside and night-side. A clear PSD bulge near the main vertical acoustic resonance periods, i.e., around 275 s, appears in the average PSD profile of the TEC at PHIM, which suggests that the resonance effect contribute to some extent the PSD enhancement under rainy condition. An event analysis also suggests the contribution of acoustic resonance to the enhancement of the short period TEC variation. A complicated spatial distribution of TEC oscillation over a rainfall area around PHIM, where the TEC oscillations with various periods co-exist, is presented.

Graphical Abstract
Pulpotomy for the Management of Irreversible Pulpitis in Mature Teeth (PIP): a feasibility study
Authors: Clarkson Jan E. , Ramsay Craig R. , Mannocci Francesco , Jarad Fadi , Albadri Sondos , Ricketts David , Tait Carol , Banerjee Avijit , Deery Chris , Boyers Dwayne , Marshman Zoe , Goulao Beatriz , Hamilton Alice R. , Banister Katie , Bell Rosanne , Brown Lori , Conway David I. , Donaldson Pina , Duncan Anne , Dunn Katharine , Fee Patrick , Forrest Mark , Glenny Anne-Marie , Gouick Jill , Gupta Ekta , Jacobsen Elisabet , Kettle Jennifer , MacLennan Graeme , Macpherson Lorna , McGuff Tina , Mitchell Fiona , van der Pol Marjon , Moazzez Rebecca , Roberston Douglas , Wojewodka Gabriella , Young Linda , Lamont Thomas
Published: April 2022

Background

Progression of dental caries can result in irreversible pulpal damage. Partial irreversible pulpitis is the initial stage of this damage, confined to the coronal pulp whilst the radicular pulp shows little or no sign of infection. Preserving the pulp with sustained vitality and developing minimally invasive biologically based therapies are key themes within contemporary clinical practice. However, root canal treatment involving complete removal of the pulp is often the only option (other than extraction) given to patients with irreversible pulpitis, with substantial NHS and patient incurred costs. The European Society of Endodontology’s (ESE 2019) recent consensus statement recommends full pulpotomy, where the inflamed coronal pulp is removed with the goal of keeping the radicular pulp vital, as a more minimally invasive technique, potentially avoiding complex root canal treatment. Although this technique may be provided in secondary care, it has not been routinely implemented or evaluated in UK General Dental Practice.

Method

This feasibility study aims to identify and assess in a primary care setting the training needs of general dental practitioners and clinical fidelity of the full pulpotomy intervention, estimate likely eligible patient pool and develop recruitment materials ahead of the main randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of full pulpotomy compared to root canal treatment in pre/molar teeth of adults 16 years and older showing signs indicative of irreversible pulpitis. The feasibility study will recruit and train 10 primary care dentists in the full pulpotomy technique. Dentists will recruit and provide full pulpotomy to 40 participants (four per practice) with indications of partial irreversible pulpitis.

Discussion

The Pulpotomy for the Management of Irreversible Pulpitis in Mature Teeth (PIP) study will address the lack of high-quality evidence in the treatment of irreversible pulpitis, to aid dental practitioners, patients and policymakers in their decision-making. The PIP feasibility study will inform the main study on the practicality of providing both training and provision of the full pulpotomy technique in general dental practice.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN17973604. Registered on 28 January 2021.

Protocol version

Protocol version: 1; date: 03.02.2021
A closed-form pricing formula for European options in an illiquid asset market
Authors: Pasricha Puneet , Zhu Song-Ping , He Xin-Jiang
Published: April 2022

This article addresses the problem of pricing European options when the underlying asset is not perfectly liquid. A liquidity discounting factor as a function of market-wide liquidity governed by a mean-reverting stochastic process and the sensitivity of the underlying price to market-wide liquidity is firstly introduced, so that the impact of liquidity on the underlying asset can be captured by the option pricing model. The characteristic function is analytically worked out using the Feynman–Kac theorem and a closed-form pricing formula for European options is successfully derived thereafter. Through numerical experiments, the accuracy of the newly derived formula is verified, and the significance of incorporating liquidity risk into option pricing is demonstrated.