bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bigger Picture in Stroke Prevention and Anticoagulation: Think Beyond Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: James Jennie
Published: October 2022

This symposium brought together experts in cardiology, nephrology, diabetology, and clinical pharmacology to discuss best practice when caring for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and comorbidities. They urged delegates to not only consider the issue of AF but also to think about protection in a broader sense, including comorbidities to improve outcomes for patients when it comes to stroke prevention. Dr Ruff spoke of the tremendous opportunity to reduce the burden of stroke by addressing important modifiable risk factors for stroke, focussing on AF and diabetes, and their link to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr Bonnemeier and Dr Kreutz discussed patients with AF and renal dysfunction, noting that CKD is a frequent comorbidity associated with increased risk of stroke and bleeding among patients with AF. The associated patient case study inspired debate about the challenges of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy in this patient group and highlighted that while decline in renal function is common in AF patients treated with OAC, the extent of decline may depend on which anticoagulant is used. Furthermore, available data from randomised control trials and recent retrospective analyses were shared which showed differences in the progression of CKD associated with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) versus the novel OAC (NOAC), such as rivaroxaban. Dr Patel and Dr Rossing focussed on diabetes and AF, stating that their frequent coexistence is a bad combination associated with substantially increased risks of death and cardiovascular (CV) events. Exploring the link between diabetes and CKD, they demonstrated the significant impact renal dysfunction has on the prognosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They additionally presented recent evidence from retrospective analyses comparing renal outcomes in patients with AF and diabetes treated with NOAC or VKA, noting that choice of anticoagulation may impact risk for renal outcomes.
“Felicity” and “Makarismos”: Hobbes on Happiness and His Intellectual Sources
Authors: Xia Erfan
Published: October 2022

I argue that Hobbes recommends a moderate conception of human happiness as secure and calm satisfaction of desires, which makes large-scale achievement of happiness possible in the context of human co-existence. First, I call attention to the importance of “felicity” in Hobbes’ political philosophy and survey its definitions in Hobbes’ works to challenge the prevalent understanding of this concept as inherently expansive and competitive. Second, I consider “felicity” in the structure of Hobbes’ political theory and argue that conceiving felicity as competitive and expansive is the cause of the impasse of the state of nature, while a moderate understanding of it, contained in the laws of nature, is the way to widespread improvement in felicity. In the last two sections, I speculate about the sources of Hobbes’ conception of happiness and highlight the probable influences of Montaigne and of the Greek ethical lesson against understanding happiness as ever greater prosperity.
ИНТЕГРИРУЮЩИЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ПРАВОСЛАВИЯ: ПОЧИТАНИЕ БОГОРОДИЦЫ КАК ПРОЯВЛЕНИЕ ДУХОВНОГО ЕДИНСТВА РУССКОГО И ВОСТОЧНОСЛАВЯНСКОГО МИРА (КОНЕЦ XX – НАЧАЛО XXI в.)
Authors: Листова Татьяна Александровна
Published: October 2022

Масштабы такой большой страны, как Россия, требуют учета всех возможных факторов усиления интеграции, в том числе религиозных. К таковым относится почитание Пресвятой Богородицы, получившей в народной религиозности статус покровительницы Москвы и России. Это почитание выдержало противодействие атеистической политики советской эпохи и получило новое звучание после 1991 г. В статье рассматриваются различные аспекты современной мариологии в контексте интеграции.
The scale of such a large country as Russia requires taking into account all possible factors of strengthening integration, including religious ones. These include the veneration of the Mother of God, who received the status of the patroness of Moscow and Russia in popular religiosity. This veneration withstood the opposition of the atheistic policy of the Soviet era and received a new resonance after 1991. The article examines various aspects of modern Mariology in the context of integration.
ПОНЯТИЕ МОНАШЕСТВА В ПРАВОСЛАВНОЙ АСКЕТИЧЕСКОЙ ЛИТЕРАТУРЕ XX в.
Authors: Наталья Тимуровна Энеева
Published: October 2022

В статье затрагивается важнейшая для христианского мировоззрения тема – отношение общества к монашеству. Оно видимым образом стало меняться еще в дореволюционный период, на что обращали внимание многие подвижники и святые того времени. В негативном отношении к монашеству общества, теряющего христианские корни, заключалось нежелание видеть рядом с собой другой пример жизни, что напоминало обличение совестью. Дух секулярного мира стал проникать и в монастыри и разлагать и эту духовную среду. Как можно было сохранить в этих условиях подлинные монашеские устои? Автор пишет, что такое противодействие можно было отыскать в трудах великих православных богословов-аскетов: святителей Игнатия Брянчанинова, Феофана Затворника и их продолжателей в XX веке – Иоанна Максимовича, Николая Велимировича, Серафима Соболева и других. Там была подлинная свобода от мирского духа и разъедающей душу секулярности, а позже – воинствующего атеизма и материализма. Автор говорит об особом пути монашеского служения в этом мире, «космического служения».
The article touches upon the most important topic for the Christian worldview – the attitude of society towards monasticism. It began to change in a visible way even in the pre-revolutionary period, which was noticed by many ascetics and saints of that time. The negative attitude towards monasticism of a society that was losing its Christian roots consisted in the unwillingness to see another example of life next to it, which was reminiscent of denunciation by conscience. The spirit of the secular world began to penetrate into monasteries and decompose this spiritual environment as well. How could genuine monastic foundations be preserved under these conditions? The author writes that such opposition could be found in the works of the great Orthodox ascetic theologians: Saints Ignatius Bryanchaninov, Theophan the Recluse and their successors in the 20th century – Ioann Maksimovich, Nikolai Velimirovich, Seraphim Sobolev and others. There was genuine freedom from worldliness and soul-corroding secularism, and later from militant atheism and materialism. The author speaks of a special way of monastic service in this world, «cosmic service».
РУССКИЙ СУНДУК КАК ИСТОРИЧЕСКИЙ ИСТОЧНИК
Authors: Пудов Глеб Александрович
Published: October 2022

История русского сундучного производства насчитывает не одну сотню лет. На протяжении веков сундук играл важную роль в культурной и экономической жизни страны. Поэтому со временем он приобрел значение ценного исторического источника. Тем не менее с этой стороны он еще не анализировался в научной литературе. Настоящая публикация призвана заполнить эту лакуну. Учитывая масштабность темы, автором выделены три ее главных аспекта: надписи и клейма на сундуках и шкатулках; международные связи в области культуры и экономики; эволюция инструментов и технологий. Все они рассмотрены на конкретных примерах. Были привлечены произведения из коллекции Русского музея и других отечественных и зарубежных музеев. Автор сделал вывод, что русский сундук как источник имеет несомненную ценность для исторической науки. Однако он весьма недооценен в этом качестве.
The history of Russian chest production has hundreds of years. For centuries, the chest has played an important role in the cultural and economic life of Russia. It acquired over time the value of a valuable historical source. However, it has not yet been analyzed in the scientific literature from this side. This paper aims to fill this gap. The author singled out three of main aspects: inscriptions and stamps on chests and caskets; international relations in the area of culture and economy; evolution of tools and technologies. All of them are examined on specific examples. The items from the collection of the Russian Museum and other domestic and foreign museums were involved. The author concluded that the Russian chest as a source is of undoubted value for historical science. This feature of chest is worthy of futher study.
Light-regulated gene expression in Bacteria: Fundamentals, advances, and perspectives
Authors: Ohlendorf Robert , Möglich Andreas
Published: October 2022

Numerous photoreceptors and genetic circuits emerged over the past two decades and now enable the light-dependent i.e., optogenetic, regulation of gene expression in bacteria. Prompted by light cues in the near-ultraviolet to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, gene expression can be up- or downregulated stringently, reversibly, non-invasively, and with precision in space and time. Here, we survey the underlying principles, available options, and prominent examples of optogenetically regulated gene expression in bacteria. While transcription initiation and elongation remain most important for optogenetic intervention, other processes e.g., translation and downstream events, were also rendered light-dependent. The optogenetic control of bacterial expression predominantly employs but three fundamental strategies: light-sensitive two-component systems, oligomerization reactions, and second-messenger signaling. Certain optogenetic circuits moved beyond the proof-of-principle and stood the test of practice. They enable unprecedented applications in three major areas. First, light-dependent expression underpins novel concepts and strategies for enhanced yields in microbial production processes. Second, light-responsive bacteria can be optogenetically stimulated while residing within the bodies of animals, thus prompting the secretion of compounds that grant health benefits to the animal host. Third, optogenetics allows the generation of precisely structured, novel biomaterials. These applications jointly testify to the maturity of the optogenetic approach and serve as blueprints bound to inspire and template innovative use cases of light-regulated gene expression in bacteria. Researchers pursuing these lines can choose from an ever-growing, versatile, and efficient toolkit of optogenetic circuits.
Self-organization in amoeboid motility
Authors: Callan-Jones Andrew
Published: October 2022

Amoeboid motility has come to refer to a spectrum of cell migration modes enabling a cell to move in the absence of strong, specific adhesion. To do so, cells have evolved a range of motile surface movements whose physical principles are now coming into view. In response to external cues, many cells—and some single-celled-organisms—have the capacity to turn off their default migration mode. and switch to an amoeboid mode. This implies a restructuring of the migration machinery at the cell scale and suggests a close link between cell polarization and migration mediated by self-organizing mechanisms. Here, I review recent theoretical models with the aim of providing an integrative, physical picture of amoeboid migration.
The association between heart failure and risk of fractures: Pool analysis comprising 260,410 participants
Authors: Liu Xiao-peng , Jian Xian-yu , Liang Dong-liang , Wen Jian-xiong , Wei Yi-hong , Wu Jian-di , Li Yi-Qun
Published: October 2022

Background

HF and osteoporosis shared many common etiological risk factors. However, studies exploring whether patients with HF were associated with a higher risk of osteoporotic fracture resulted in inconsistent findings. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the association between HF and the risk of incident fracture.

Methods

Following the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology group recommendations, we searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Cochran Library, and EMBASE) for related studies from inception to April 30, 2021. Studies evaluating the risk of incident fracture in patients with HF compared with those without HF were included for analysis. The random-effects models were used to combine the estimated hazard ratios (HRs) of incident fracture associated with HF.

Results

We included 8 observational studies for meta-analysis. The sample size ranged from 5,613 to 87,748 participants, with a total of 260,410 participants included. The median follow-up duration was 5.0 years. Random-effects model analyses showed that compared with control groups, patients with HF were associated with a higher risk of all incident fractures (HR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.30–2.16, P < 0.001) and hip fracture (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.28–3.77, P < 0.001). The risk of all incident fractures was increased in all subgroup analyses according to age, sample size, sex, and follow-up duration.

Conclusions

Patients with HF were associated with a higher risk of incident fracture, as well as hip fracture.
Washout DNA copy number analysis by low-coverage whole genome sequencing for assessment of thyroid FNAs
Authors: Wu Linfeng , Zhou Yuying , Guan Yaoyao , Xiao Rongyao , Cai Jiaohao , Chen Weike , Zheng Mengmeng , Sun Kaiting , Chen Chao , Huang Guanli , Zhang Xiaogang , Zhai Lijuan , Qian Ziliang , Shen Shu-rong
Published: October 2022

Background

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is defined as a papillary carcinoma measuring ≤ 10 mm. The current management of PTMC has become more conservative; however, there are high-risk tumor features that can be revealed only postoperatively. For thyroid cancer, BRAF mutations and somatic copy number variation (CNV) are the most common genetic events. Molecular testing may contribute to clinical decision-making by molecular risk stratification, for example predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis. Here, we build a risk stratification model based on molecular profiling of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) washout DNA (wDNA) for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients were recruited, FNA wDNA samples were analyzed using CNV profiling through low-coverage whole genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and BRAF mutation was analyzed using quantitative PCR. FNA pathology was reported as a Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) score. Ultrasound examination produced a Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) score.

Results

In total, 37 (63.8%) patients with a TIRADS score of 4A, 13 (22.4%) patients with a TIRADS score of 4B, and 8 (13.8%) patients with a TIRADS score of 4C were recruited after ultrasound examination. All patients underwent FNA with wDNA profiling. CNVs were identified in 17 (29.3%) patients. CNVs were frequent in patients with a BSRTC score of V or VI, including eight (47.1%) patients with a score of VI and five (29.4%) with a score of V, but not in patients with a score of III, II, or I (0%). BRAF mutation was not significantly correlated with BSRTC score. LN metastasis was found more frequently in CNV-positive (CNV+) than in CNV-negative (CNV–) patients (85.7% vs. 34.6%, odds ratio = 11.33, p = 0.002). In total, three molecular subtypes of thyroid nodules were identified in this study: 1) CNV+, 2) CNV– and BRAF positive (BRAF+), and 3) CNV– and BRAF negative (BRAF–). For the CNV+ subtype, 10 (83.3%) lesions with LN metastasis were found, including four (100%) small lesions (i.e. ≤ 5 mm). For the CNV– and BRAF+ nodules, LN metastases were detected in only seven (60.0%) larger tumors (i.e. > 5 mm). For CNV– and BRAF– tumors, LN metastasis was also frequently found in larger tumors only.

Conclusions

It is feasible to identify high-risk LN metastasis thyroid cancer from FNA washout samples preoperatively using wDNA CNV profiling using LC-WGS.
Global value chain embeddedness, digital economy and green innovation—Evidence from provincial-level regions in China
Authors: Pan Hui , Yang Ji , Zhou Haiyang , Zheng Xianrong , Hu Feng
Published: October 2022

With globalization and digitalization, participating in Global Value Chain (GVC) and developing digital economy have had a profound impact, which transforms China’s economy into a green and innovative one. This paper studies the intrinsic influential mechanism of GVC embeddedness and digital economy on green innovation and proposes some research hypotheses. Based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2002 to 2016, we constructed some core indicators such as GVC embeddedness, digital economy and green innovation. The ordinary panel model and spatial panel model are used to empirically test the impact of GVC embeddedness and digital economy on China’s green innovation at the provincial level. The research findings are: First, GVC embeddedness and digital economy have significant promotion effects on green innovation. Second, the development of digital economy will not only directly promote green innovation, but also indirectly promote green innovation by effectively promoting the integration of provincial economy into GVC. The results of mediating effect test show that GVC embeddedness has a partial mediating effect in the influential mechanism of digital economy to promote green innovation. Third, GVC embeddedness and green innovation have significant spatial spillover effects. It indicates that Chinese provinces (cities1) have significantly promoted green innovation in neighboring provinces through many possible channels and mechanisms in the process of participating in GVC, and the robustness test shows the stability of the spatial spillover mechanism. The findings provide useful policy implications for China’s deeply participating in GVC, vigorously developing digital economy and promoting green innovation.
Environmental effects of global value chain embedding in manufacturing industry in countries along the Belt and Road
Authors: Huang Hairong , Zhang Zhengyu , Jiang Fuxin
Published: October 2022

While embedding in the global value chain (GVC), avoiding becoming a “pollution shelter” is an urgent issue that needs to be solved for the low-carbon economic development of countries along the Belt and Road. This study empirically analyzes the impact of manufacturing GVC embedding on carbon emissions and its mechanism from the perspectives of the embedding position and degree of the GVC. It then carries out group regressions by different industries, value chain embedding modes, and so on. Finally, this study constructs static and dynamic panel models to verify the nonlinear relationship between manufacturing GVC embedding and carbon emissions. The results show that the improvement of the embedding position of GVC in the manufacturing industry promotes an increase in carbon emissions; the deeper the embedding degree of GVC, the more conducive it is to carbon emissions reduction. Compared with the service industry, the impact of manufacturing GVC embedding on carbon emissions is more significant; regardless of the value chain embedding model, the deeper the embedding degree, the more conducive it is to carbon emissions reduction. Technological progress can weaken the impact of GVC embedding on carbon emissions. There is a U-shaped relationship between the GVC embedding position and carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry and an inverted U-shaped relationship between the GVC embedding degree and carbon emissions. This study provides beneficial insights for countries along the Belt and Road to embed into the GVC to avoid falling into the dilemma of “pollution growth”.
Landscape of RNA-binding proteins in diagnostic utility, immune cell infiltration and PANoptosis features of heart failure
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Xueqin , Ren Peng , Wu Yu , Wang Yaoguo , Zhou Wenzheng , Wang Zhao , Chao Peng
Published: October 2022

Objective: Heart failure remains a global public health problem linked to rising morbidity and mortality. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial regulators in post-transcriptionally determining gene expression. Our study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the diagnostic utility and biological roles of RBPs in heart failure.

Methods: Genomic data of human failing and nonfailing left ventricular myocardium specimens were retrieved from the GEO datasets. Heart failure-specific RBPs were screened with differential expression analyses, and RBP-based subtypes were clustered with consensus clustering approach. GSEA was implemented for comparing KEGG pathways across subtypes. RBP-based subtype-related genes were screened with WGCNA. Afterwards, characteristic genes were selected through integrating LASSO and SVM-RFE approaches. A nomogram based on characteristic genes was established and verified through calibration curve, decision curve and clinical impact curve analyses. The abundance of immune cell types was estimated with CIBERSORT approach.

Results: Heart failure-specific RBPs were determined, which were remarkably linked to RNA metabolism process. Three RBP-based subtypes (namely C1, C2, C3) were established, characterized by distinct pathway activities and PANoptosis gene levels. C2 subtype presented the highest abundance of immune cells, followed by C1 and C3. Afterwards, ten characteristic genes were selected, which enabled to reliably diagnose heart failure risk. The characteristic gene-based nomogram enabled to accurately predict risk of heart failure, with the excellent clinical utility. Additionally, characteristic genes correlated to immune cell infiltration and PANoptosis genes.

Conclusion: Our findings comprehensively described the roles of RBPs in heart failure. Further research is required for verifying the effectiveness of RBP-based subtypes and characteristic genes in heart failure.
Comparing the taxonomic and functional profiles of gut microbiota from three pig breeds by metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Xu Taojie , Sun Haichao , Yi Lanlan , Yang Minghua , Zhu Junhong , Huang Ying , Pan Hongbin , Li Honghui , Li Weizhen , Zhao Hongye , Wei Hongjiang , Zhao Sumei
Published: October 2022

To investigate the difference of microbial communities among Diannan small-ear (DNSE), Dahe black (DHB) and Yorkshire (YS) pigs, we compared the microbial taxonomic and functional composition using a metagenomic approach. A total of 1,002,362 non-redundant microbial genes were identified, DHB and YS pigs had more similar genetic makeup compared with DNSE pigs. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Spirochetes were the three most abundant phyla for all pig breeds, and DNSE pigs had a higher abundance of Prevotella genus than DHB and YS pigs. The functional profiles varied among the three pig breeds, DNSE pigs had more active carbohydrate metabolism and more abundant antibiotic resistance genes than the other two pig breeds. Moreover, we found that peptide and macrolide resistances genes in DNSE pigs were more abundant than that in DHB pigs (p < 0.05). This study will help to provide a theoretical basis for the development of native pig breeds in Yunnan Province, China.
Magnitude of second-trimester-induced abortion and associated factors among women who received abortion service at public hospitals of Arba Minch and Wolayita Sodo towns, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abebe Mesfin , Mersha Abera , Degefa Nega , Molla Wondwosen , Wudneh Aregahegn
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Second-trimester abortion accounts for 10–15% of all induced abortions, with varying rates across countries, and is responsible for two-thirds of major abortion complications. It is also associated with higher medical costs, morbidity, and mortality rates than first-trimester abortion. Even though it is a significant burden, there is a lack of adequate information about second-trimester-induced abortion, especially in the study area. As a result, the primary purpose of this study is to fill this research gap and assess the magnitude and associated factors of second-trimester-induced abortion in the public hospitals of Arba Minch and Wolayita Sodo towns, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Systematic sampling was used to select 353 study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and record review by using Kobo collect version 3.1. Analysis was done by STATA 14. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of the second-trimester-induced abortion.

Results

The magnitude of second-trimester-induced abortion in the study setting was 23% (95%CI: 18.5%, 27.4%). The factors associated with second-trimester-induced abortion among women received abortion care services were respondent's age 25–29 and 30–34 years old (AOR = 0.38, 95%CI:0.15, 0.96 and (AOR = 0.31, 95%CI:0.10, 0.97, respectively), planned pregnancy (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI:0.11, 0.44), and delay confirming pregnancy (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI:1.15, 4.23).

Conclusion

This study showed that more than one-fifth of women who presented for abortion care services had second-trimester-induced abortions. Health institution organizations working on maternal health at various levels should provide counseling to women to help them early confirm their pregnancy and make decisions about whether or not to continue it as early as possible.
Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: A novel orientation for immunotherapy
Authors: Lin Yi , Zhou Xiaoting , Ni Yanghong , Zhao Xia , Liang Xiao
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic tumor, with the highest mortality rate. Numerous studies have been conducted on the treatment of ovarian cancer in the hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes. Immune cells have been revealed to play a dual function in the development of ovarian cancer, acting as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. Increasingly, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been proposed and confirmed to play a unique role in tumor development and treatment by altering immunosuppressive and cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, studies of immunometabolism have provided new insights into the understanding of the TIME. Targeting or activating metabolic processes of the TIME has the potential to be an antitumor therapy modality. In this review, we summarize the composition of the TIME of ovarian cancer and its metabolic reprogramming, its relationship with drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and recent research advances in immunotherapy.
Neuromimesis: Picturing the Humanities Picturing the Brain
Authors: Reilly Cate
Published: October 2022

What do neuroscientific visualizations of mental functioning depict? This article argues that neuroscientific imaging from Santiago Ramón y Cajal’s pen and ink drawings onward falls within the mimetic tradition, that dealing with the artistic representation of reality. Cajal’s iconic images of pyramidal neurons and glial cells surprisingly suggest a non-realist approach to picturing the brain and the mind that opens a new methodological link between humanities and neurosciences. In it, aesthetic works offer a perspective on mimetic practices in neurosciences, providing insight into representational strategies that make otherwise invisible psychic phenomena observable. This approach draws needed attention to the role of metaphor in neuroscientific research. It also reimagines how interdisciplinary scholarship might engage with works of art. While it is a common practice to read humanities objects featuring the brain and/or the mind in terms of their neuroscientific content, films likeThe Headless Woman(La mujer sin cabeza, dir.Martel, 2008), explored here, show that doing so can easily inhibit interpretations with greater explanatory bearing. Together, Cajal’s images and Martel’s film help elaborate a fresh methodological paradigm—distinct from that of neuropsychoanalysis—that situates aesthetic objects as a long-neglected tool for studying the brain by virtue of (not despite) their imaginative investments.
Learning and replaying spatiotemporal sequences: A replication study
Authors: Oberländer Jette , Bouhadjar Younes , Morrison Abigail
Published: October 2022

Learning and replaying spatiotemporal sequences are fundamental computations performed by the brain and specifically the neocortex. These features are critical for a wide variety of cognitive functions, including sensory perception and the execution of motor and language skills. Although several computational models demonstrate this capability, many are either hard to reconcile with biological findings or have limited functionality. To address this gap, a recent study proposed a biologically plausible model based on a spiking recurrent neural network supplemented with read-out neurons. After learning, the recurrent network develops precise switching dynamics by successively activating and deactivating small groups of neurons. The read-out neurons are trained to respond to particular groups and can thereby reproduce the learned sequence. For the model to serve as the basis for further research, it is important to determine its replicability. In this Brief Report, we give a detailed description of the model and identify missing details, inconsistencies or errors in or between the original paper and its reference implementation. We re-implement the full model in the neural simulator NEST in conjunction with the NESTML modeling language and confirm the main findings of the original work.
High systemic inflammation score is associated with adverse survival in skull base chordoma
Authors: Li Mingxuan , Bai Jiwei , Xiong Yujia , Shen Yutao , Wang Shuai , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo
Published: October 2022

Background

The systemic inflammation score (SIS), based on preoperative lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and albumin (ALB), was recently developed and is demonstrated to be a novel prognostic indicator in several cancers. However, data discussing the utility of SIS in chordoma are lacking. We aimed to investigate the distribution and the prognostic role of SIS in primary skull base chordoma patients undergoing surgery.

Material and methods

Preoperative SIS was retrospectively collected from 183 skull base chordoma patients between 2008 and 2014 in a single center. Its associations with clinical features and overall survival (OS) were further analyzed. The SIS-based nomogram was developed and evaluated by the concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The numbers of patients in the SIS 2, 1, and 0 group were 29 (15.8%), 60 (32.8%), 94 (51.4%), respectively. High SIS was associated with older age (p = 0.008), brainstem involvement of tumors (p = 0.039), and adverse OS (p < 0.001). Importantly, multivariate Cox analysis showed that high SIS independently predicts adverse OS. Furthermore, the nomogram based on SIS and clinical variables showed eligible performance for OS prediction in both training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

The SIS is a promising, simple prognostic biomarker, and the SIS-based nomogram serves as a potential risk stratification tool for outcome in skull base chordoma patients.
A framework for identification and classification of liver diseases based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Ding Huanfei , Fawad Muhammad , Xu Xiaolin , Hu Bowen
Published: October 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly seen liver disease. Most of HCC patients are diagnosed as Hepatitis B related cirrhosis simultaneously, especially in Asian countries. HCC is the fifth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the World. HCC incidence rates have been rising in the past 3 decades, and it is expected to be doubled by 2030, if there is no effective means for its early diagnosis and management. The improvement of patient’s care, research, and policy is significantly based on accurate medical diagnosis, especially for malignant tumor patients. However, sometimes it is really difficult to get access to advanced and expensive diagnostic tools such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET-CT)., especially for people who resides in poverty-stricken area. Therefore, experts are searching for a framework for predicting of early liver diseases based on basic and simple examinations such as biochemical and routine blood tests, which are easily accessible all around the World. Disease identification and classification has been significantly enhanced by using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in conjunction with clinical data. The goal of this research is to extract the most significant risk factors or clinical parameters for liver diseases in 525 patients based on clinical experience using machine learning algorithms, such as regularized regression (RR), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The results showed that RF classier had the best performance (accuracy = 0.762, recall = 0.843, F1-score = 0.775, and AUC = 0.999) among the five ML algorithms. And the important orders of 14 significant risk factors are as follows: Total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), direct bilirubin, hemoglobin, age, platelet, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, albumin, urea nitrogen, and white blood cells. ML classifiers might aid medical organizations in the early detection and classification of liver disease, which would be beneficial in low-income regions, and the relevance of risk factors would be helpful in the prevention and treatment of liver disease patients.
Combined endoscopic transethmoid and transconjunctival en bloc resection of optic nerve tumors in patients lacking functional vision
Authors: Shi Jieliang , Tu Yunhai , Xu Mingna , Wu Wencan
Published: October 2022

Background

Surgical treatment of optic nerve tumors is challenging. The study’s objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined endoscopic transethmoid and transconjunctival approach in patients without functional vision.

Design

A retrospective, noncomparative case series.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from all patients who had undergone tumor resection using this approach at the authors’ institution between 2015 and 2021. Preoperative assessments included magnetic resonance imaging and ophthalmological examinations, and re-assessments were conducted three months after surgery and regularly during the follow-up period.

Results

Seventeen patients, mean age 35 ± 19.0 years, were enrolled. Of these, 64.7% presented with visual acuity (VA) of light perception or no light perception. Gross total resection was realized in all patients. The average decline in exophthalmos was 3.63 ± 1.93 mm. Tumor histopathological analysis identified 12 optic nerve sheath meningiomas and 5 optic gliomas. The mean follow-up time was 30 months during which there was no local recurrence in any of the patients.

Conclusions

The combined endoscopic transethmoid and transconjunctival approach offers an additional choice for accessing optic nerve tumors. The procedure is both safe and effective and provides an alternative transcranial route to the orbit.
Health disparities in outcomes of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vara Emily , Gilbert Mileka , Ruth Natasha M.
Published: October 2022

Healthcare disparities exist throughout the United States, and disparities in healthcare delivery are responsible for a substantial portion of preventable morbidity and mortality. SLE disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minoritized groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. Specifically, Black females have a 3 to 4-fold increased risk of developing SLE than White females. Population studies funded through the Centers for Disease Control have examined variations in disease outcomes among the different populations around the United States. For example, studies have shown that lupus nephritis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, and thrombocytopenia are more likely to affect racial and ethnic minorities than Whites. In addition, the Center for Disease Control WONDER (Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) database found SLE was the seventh leading cause of death for all women aged 15–25 years and the fifth leading cause of death for African American and Hispanic females. From these studies, we know SLE primarily affects racial and ethnic minorities, but we do not know why these groups are at increased risk of developing the disease or have worse outcomes. By examining the underlying mechanisms of health disparities within our patient populations and mitigation strategies, we will further understand and provide better treatment for our patients. This review will discuss current research related to health disparities and health outcomes in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE).
Chronic inflammation, cancer development and immunotherapy
Authors: Wen Yalei , Zhu Yingjie , Zhang Caishi , Yang Xiao , Gao Yuchen , Li Mei , Yang Hongyan , Liu Tongzheng , Tang Hui
Published: October 2022

Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in cancer development. Cancer cells interact with adjacent cellular components (pro-inflammatory cells, intrinsic immune cells, stromal cells, etc.) and non-cellular components to form the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Interleukin 6 (IL-6), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), immune checkpoint factors and other pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by intrinsic immune cells in TME are the main mediators of intercellular communication in TME, which link chronic inflammation to cancer by stimulating different oncogenic signaling pathways and improving immune escape to promote cancer development. In parallel, the ability of monocytes, T regulatory cells (Tregs) and B regulatory cells (Bregs) to perform homeostatic tolerogenic functions is hijacked by cancer cells, leading to local or systemic immunosuppression. Standard treatments for advanced malignancies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have improved in the last decades. However, clinical outcomes of certain malignant cancers are not satisfactory due to drug resistance and side effects. The clinical application of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) has brought hope to cancer treatment, although therapeutic efficacy are still limited due to the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Emerging evidences reveal that ideal therapies including clearance of tumor cells, disruption of tumor-induced immunosuppression by targeting suppressive TME as well as reactivation of anti-tumor T cells by ICT. Here, we review the impacts of the major pro-inflammatory cells, mediators and their downstream signaling molecules in TME on cancer development. We also discuss the application of targeting important components in the TME in the clinical management of cancer.
Harnessing genetic resistance to rusts in wheat and integrated rust management methods to develop more durable resistant cultivars
Authors: Mapuranga Johannes , Zhang Na , Zhang Lirong , Liu Wenze , Chang Jiaying , Yang Wenxiang
Published: October 2022

Wheat is one of the most important staple foods on earth. Leaf rust, stem rust and stripe rust, caused by Puccini triticina, Puccinia f. sp. graminis and Puccinia f. sp. striiformis, respectively, continue to threaten wheat production worldwide. Utilization of resistant cultivars is the most effective and chemical-free strategy to control rust diseases. Convectional and molecular biology techniques identified more than 200 resistance genes and their associated markers from common wheat and wheat wild relatives, which can be used by breeders in resistance breeding programmes. However, there is continuous emergence of new races of rust pathogens with novel degrees of virulence, thus rendering wheat resistance genes ineffective. An integration of genomic selection, genome editing, molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection, and phenotypic evaluations is required in developing high quality wheat varieties with resistance to multiple pathogens. Although host genotype resistance and application of fungicides are the most generally utilized approaches for controlling wheat rusts, effective agronomic methods are required to reduce disease management costs and increase wheat production sustainability. This review gives a critical overview of the current knowledge of rust resistance, particularly race-specific and non-race specific resistance, the role of pathogenesis-related proteins, non-coding RNAs, and transcription factors in rust resistance, and the molecular basis of interactions between wheat and rust pathogens. It will also discuss the new advances on how integrated rust management methods can assist in developing more durable resistant cultivars in these pathosystems.
Soil metagenomic analysis on changes of functional genes and microorganisms involved in nitrogen-cycle processes of acidified tea soils
Authors: Lin Shunxian , Liu Zhijun , Wang Yuchao , Li Jiayu , Wang Gege , Ye Jianghua , Wang Haibin , He Haibin
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen (N) is the first essential nutrient for tea growth. However, the effect of soil acidification on soil N cycle and N forms in tea plantation are unclear. In this study, the nitrogen contents, soil enzyme activity and N mineralization rate in acidified soil of tea plantation were measured. Moreover, the effects of soil acidification on N cycling functional genes and functional microorganisms were explored by soil metagenomics. The results showed that the NH4+-N, available N and net N mineralization rate in the acidified tea soil decreased significantly, while the NO3--N content increased significantly. The activities of sucrase, protease, catalase and polyphenol oxidase in the acidified tea soil decreased significantly. The abundance of genes related to ammonification, dissimilatory N reduction, nitrification and denitrification pathway in the acidified tea soil increased significantly, but the abundance of functional genes related to glutamate synthesis and assimilatory N reduction pathway were opposite. In addition, the abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae,Actinomadura,Nitrospiraetc. microorganisms related to nitrification, denitrification and pathogenic effect increased significantly in the acidified tea soil. The correlation results showed that soil pH and N forms were correlated with soil enzyme activity, N cycling function genes and microbial changes. In conclusion, soil acidification results in significant changes in enzyme activity, gene abundance and microorganism involved in various N cycle processes in acidified tea soil, which leads to imbalance of soil N form ratio and is not conducive to N transformation and absorption of tea trees.
The implementation and evaluation of an athlete leadership development program with male youth ice hockey players
Authors: Boisvert Matthieu M. , Loughead Todd M. , Munroe-Chandler Krista J.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the current study was to implement and evaluate an athlete leadership development program in youth boys ice hockey. The sample consisted of 14 male U17 hockey players (M = 16.46, SD = 0.78) from one team playing in a competitive hockey league. The players participated in six leadership intervention workshops over the course of the season, and completed inventories measuring athlete leadership behaviours, cohesion, and collective efficacy pre-and post-intervention. In addition, a focus group was conducted to assess the impact of the athlete leadership development program at the end of the season. Bayesian t tests showed that the leadership program generally helped to maintain levels of athlete leadership behaviours, cohesion, and collective efficacy pre-and post-intervention. The results of the focus group following the intervention revealed the players believed the leadership development program helped buffer against the negative effects of their on-ice performances.
A validation of the Japanese adaptation of the Big Five Inventory-2
Authors: Yoshino Shinya , Shimotsukasa Tadahiro , Oshio Atsushi , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ueno Yuki , Mieda Takahiro , Migiwa Ifu , Sato Tatsuya , Kawamoto Shizuka , Soto Christopher J. , John Oliver P.
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to adapt a Japanese version of the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2-J) to examine its factor structure, reliability, validity, and measurement invariance. The BFI-2-J assesses five domains and 15 facets of the Big Five personality traits. We analyzed two datasets: 487 Japanese undergraduates and 500 Japanese adults. The results of the principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the domain-facet structure of the BFI-2-J was similar to that of other language versions. The reliability of the BFI-2-J is sufficient. The correlation coefficients between the BFI-2-J and the other Big Five and self-esteem measures supported convergent and discriminant validity. Moreover, we confirmed measurement invariance across age and sex groups in domain-level and facet-level models. The results suggest that the BFI-2-J is a good instrument for measuring the Big Five personality traits and their facets in Japan. The BFI-2-J is expected to be useful in Japanese personality research and international comparative research.
Conceptualization of head-heart-hands model for developing an effective 21st century teacher
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Haji Mat Said Seriaznita Binti , Umarlebbe Jameela Hanoon , Sobhani Farid Ahammad , Afrin Sadia
Published: October 2022

Celebrities, athletes and even politicians are frequently identified as role models for most impressionable students. But the reality is, outside of their own home, one of the greatest role models in a student's life is standing in front of the classroom. Teachers are people to look up to and emulate. This paper attempts to discover some of the essential qualities and skills that would help teachers and the students they teach achieve their full potentials, and also some key characteristics that contribute to teachers and instruction effectiveness. This paper also attempts to highlight the features of 3H (Head, Heart and Hands) model in effective instructional approach and theorizes that the 3H attributes in combination with Bloom's Taxonomy will produce effective 21st century teachers. Hence, this article endeavors to create awareness and contribute to the transformation of teachers toward reflective and visionary; confident and competent teachers. After all, effective teachers will inspire their talented students to live up to their full potentials. Effective 21st century teachers are in the best position to shape and equip students with the desired 21st century skills.