bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional interaction between endothelin-1 and ZEB1/YAP signaling regulates cellular plasticity and metastasis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Sestito Rosanna , Tocci Piera , Roman Celia , Di Castro Valeriana , Bagnato Anna
Published: April 2022

Background

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) encompasses a highly dynamic and complex key process which leads to metastatic progression. In high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HG-SOC), endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor (ETAR) signaling promotes EMT driving tumor progression. However, the complex nature of intertwined regulatory circuits activated by ET-1 to trigger the metastatic process is not fully elucidated.

Methods

The capacity of ET-1 pathway to guide a critical transcriptional network that is instrumental for metastatic growth was identified in patient-derived HG-SOC cells and cell lines through immunoblotting, q-RT-PCR, co-immunoprecipitation, in situ proximity ligation, luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and publicly available databases. Functional assays in HG-SOC cells and HG-SOC xenografts served to test the inhibitory effects of ET-1 receptors (ET-1R) antagonist in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We demonstrated that ET-1/ETAR axis promoted the direct physical ZEB1/YAP interaction by inducing their nuclear accumulation in HG-SOC cells. Moreover, ET-1 directed their engagement in a functional transcriptional complex with the potent oncogenic AP-1 factor JUN. This led to the aberrant activation of common target genes, including EDN1 (ET-1) gene, thereby creating a feed-forward loop that sustained a persistent ET-1/ZEB1 signaling activity. Notably, ET-1-induced Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling mediated the activation of YAP/ZEB1 circuit driving cellular plasticity, invasion and EMT. Of therapeutic interest, treatment of HG-SOC cells with the FDA approved ET-1R antagonist macitentan, targeting YAP and ZEB1-driven signaling, suppressed metastasis in vivo in mice. High gene expression of ETAR/ILK/YAP/AP-1/ZEB1 was a strong predictor of poor clinical outcome in serous ovarian cancer patients, indicating the translational relevance of this signature expression.

Conclusions

This study provides novel mechanistic insights of the ET-1R-driven mediators that support the ability of HG-SOC to acquire metastatic traits which include the cooperation of YAP and ZEB1 regulatory circuit paving the way for innovative treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer.
Systematic evaluation of colorectal cancer organoid system by single-cell RNA-Seq analysis
Authors: Wang Rui , Mao Yunuo , Wang Wendong , Zhou Xin , Wang Wei , Gao Shuai , Li Jingyun , Wen Lu , Fu Wei , Tang Fuchou
Published: April 2022

Background

Patient-derived organoid culture is a powerful system for studying the molecular mechanisms of cancers, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. There are two main types of 3D culture methods for colonic cells, but the similarities and differences between gene expression patterns in different culture media remain largely unexplored.

Results

Here, we establish patient-derived organoids from colorectal cancer patients and perform single-cell RNA-Seq for pairwise samples from seven patients for both organoids and their corresponding tumor and normal tissues in vivo. We find that organoids derived from tumor tissues faithfully recapitulate the main gene expression signatures of cancer cells in vivo. On the other hand, organoids derived from normal tissues exhibited some tumor-like features at the whole transcriptome level but retained normal genomic features, such as CNVs, point mutations, and normal global DNA methylation levels, for both cultural media. More importantly, we show that conditioned medium outperforms chemical-defined medium in long-term culture of tumor epithelial cells. Finally, we mutually exchange the culture medium for the organoids and find that after interchanging the medium, the organoid cells basically maintain the transcriptome characteristics of the original medium.

Conclusions

Our work gives a thorough evaluation of both the cultural conditions and the biological features of organoids of CRC patients.
Relationship between scapular control during isometric shoulder flexion and scapular motion during baseball pitching: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nomura Yuki , Toda Hajime , Katayose Masaki , Watanabe Shun , Yoshida Masahiro , Yoshida Makoto , Yamamoto Keizo
Published: April 2022

Background

A baseball pitcher with decreased scapular control may not be able to achieve suitable scapular motion at maximum shoulder external rotation (MER) of baseball pitching during the pitching action. It is common clinically to compare scapular control of the throwing and non-throwing arms to detect side-to-side differences. However, it remains unclear whether scapular control is different between the throwing and non-throwing arms. Moreover, no data exist on the relationship between scapular control and scapular motion at MER of pitching. Primarily, this study aimed to compare scapular control during isometric shoulder flexion between the throwing and non-throwing arms. Secondly, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between scapular control during isometric shoulder flexion and scapular motion at MER of pitching.

Methods

Fifteen healthy collegiate baseball pitchers (age, 20.2 ± 1.9 years; height, 1.76 ± 0.05 m; body mass, 73.3 ± 6.7 kg) were recruited. An optical motion tracking system was used to assess scapular motion. Scapular control was defined as the amount of change in the scapular internal rotation angle, downward rotation angle, and anterior tilt angle during isometric shoulder flexion. We assessed scapular position at MER of pitching.

Results

No significant differences were detected for any of the scapular angles during isometric shoulder flexion between the throwing and non-throwing arms. The amount of change in the scapular internal rotation angle, scapular downward rotation angle, and scapular anterior tilt angle during isometric shoulder flexion had a significant relationship with the scapular downward rotation angle at MER.

Conclusions

No side-to-side difference was noted in scapular control during isometric shoulder flexion in healthy collegiate baseball pitchers at the group level. Further studies are required to understand the side-to-side differences at the individual level. Additionally, there was a relationship between scapular control during isometric shoulder flexion and scapular position at MER. These findings suggest that clinicians may consider using isometric shoulder flexion to assess scapular control in baseball pitchers.
Feasibility and usability of GPS data in exploring associations between training load and running-related knee injuries in recreational runners
Authors: Cloosterman Kyra L. A. , Fokkema Tryntsje , de Vos Robert-Jan , van Oeveren Ben , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M. A. , van Middelkoop Marienke
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of the present study was to explore the feasibility of collecting GPS data and the usability of GPS data to evaluate associations between the training load and onset of running-related knee injuries (RRKIs).

Methods

Participants of the INSPIRE-trial, a randomized-controlled trial on running injury prevention, were asked to participate in this study. At baseline, demographic variables were collected. Follow-up questionnaires assessed information on RRKIs. Participants with a new reported RRKI and uninjured participants were sent a GPS export request. Weekly GPS-based training distances were used to calculate Acute:Chronic Workload Ratios (ACWRs).

Results

A total of 240 participants (62.7%) tracked their running training sessions with the use of a GPS-enabled device or platform and were willing to share their GPS data. From the participants (N = 144) who received a GPS export request, 50.0% successfully shared their data. The majority (69.4%) of the shared GPS data were usable for analyses (N = 50). GPS data were used to present weekly ACWRs of participants with and without an RRKI eight weeks prior to RRKI onset or running event.

Conclusions

It seems feasible to collect GPS data from GPS-enabled devices and platforms used by recreational runners. The results indicate that GPS data is usable to calculate weekly ACWRs to evaluate associations between training load and onset of RRKIs in recreational runners. Therefore, GPS-based ACWR measures can be used for future studies to evaluate associations between training load and onset of RRIs.
A cartilage-forming tumor of the mandibular angle: a case report
Authors: Ismail Ayman , Boujguenna Imane , Hattab Koussay , Mansouri Nadia , El Ganouni Najat Cherif Idrissi , Idrissi Mariem Ouali , Hazmiri Fatima Ezzahra , Rais Hanane
Published: April 2022

Background

Mandible can be the site of benign or malignant lesions of different origins, including odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions. Cartilage-forming tumors have been rarely reported at this site. Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant cartilage-producing neoplasm that is extremely rare in the mandible. The rarity of cartilage-forming tumor occurrence in the mandible can make diagnosis difficult for pathologists, as they do not expect this type of tumor at this anatomical site. Here we report a case of chondrosarcoma of mandibular angle.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old Moroccan male patient consulted a dentist for wisdom tooth pain. Wisdom tooth extraction was conducted. After 6 months, the patient reported the recurrence of pain associated with swelling in the mandibular area and paresthesia along the path of the mandibular nerve. A panoramic radiograph demonstrated a mixed radiolucent–opaque lesion involving the mandibular angle. Computed tomography showed a large osteolytic spontaneously hypointense and multilobulated lesion. A biopsy was done. Histopathological examination revealed sheets and irregular lobules of atypical cells presenting cartilaginous differentiation. Tumor cells showed severe nuclear atypia and were located within a hyaline cartilage matrix. Some foci of necrosis were noted. Osteoid deposits were not found. The patient was diagnosed with grade III chondrosarcoma and underwent a right segmental mandibulectomy with submandibular lymph node dissection. Macroscopically, the tumor was localized in the mandibular angle with extension in the mandibular body. Histopathology confirmed the previous diagnosis of grade III chondrosarcoma and did not show any lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Owing to many histological similarities, grade III chondrosarcoma must be distinguished from chondroblastic osteosarcoma and metastatic lesions. In addition, chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the jawbones has a worse prognosis than chondrosarcoma, making the distinction between these two malignant tumors the most important concern of the pathologist when dealing with a cartilage-forming tumor at this site. Surgery with wide excision margins remains the best therapeutic approach, while the role of radiotherapy is controversial. The management of mandibular chondrosarcoma requires a multidisciplinary approach involving maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and oncologists.
CircCRIM1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression via the miR-34c-5p/FOSL1 axis
Authors: He Weifeng , Zhou Xiangqi , Mao Yini , Wu YangJie , Tang Xiyang , Yan Sijia , Tang Sanyuan
Published: April 2022

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignancy with multiple risk factors (Epstein–Barr virus, etc.) that seriously threatens the health of people. CircRNAs are known to regulate the tumorigenesis of malignant tumours, including NPC. Moreover, circCRIM1 expression is reported to be upregulated in NPC. Nevertheless, the impact of circCRIM1 on NPC progression is not clear.

Methods

An MTT assay was performed to assess cell viability. In addition, cell invasion and migration were assessed by the transwell assay. Dual luciferase assays were performed to assess the association among circCRIM1, miR-34c-5p and FOSL1. Moreover, RT-qPCR was applied to assess mRNA levels, and protein levels were determined by Western blot.

Results

CircCRIM1 and FOSL1 were upregulated in NPC cells, while miR-34c-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of circCRIM1 significantly decreased the invasion, viability and migration of NPC cells. The miR-34c-5p inhibitor notably promoted the malignant behaviour of NPC cells, while miR-34c-5p mimics exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, circCRIM1 could bind with miR-34c-5p, and FOSL1 was identified to be downstream of miR-34c-5p. Furthermore, circCRIM1 downregulation notably inhibited the proliferation and invasion of NPC cells, while this phenomenon was significantly reversed by FOSL1 overexpression.

Conclusion

Silencing circCRIM1 inhibited the tumorigenesis of NPC. Thus, circCRIM1 might be a novel target for NPC.
Exploring the form of big data products and the supporting systems
Authors: Ye Yazhen , Zhang Yao , Zhu Yangyong
Published: April 2022

There have been studies and practices about forms and supporting systems of single-type data products. However, little literature is dedicated to these factors of big data products, which are huge in volume and contain a variety of different types of data. For example, we do not know the form of data composed of a relation table and a digital video file at the same time. The lack of certain forms of big data products makes it impossible to design its base unit for measuring. It also causes difficulties in pricing and valuation of big data products, and further causes issues of circulation and supporting services. In this paper, we analyze the challenges of productizing big data. By referring to information media such as books, a product form and supporting systems of big data products based on Data Box are proposed. Different from previous studies, we focus on the system-level design and systematically study the pipeline including containerization, circulation, pricing, protection and etc. The proposed Data Box-based big data products and supporting systems can have a positive influence on the research, exploitation, exchange, and circulation of big data products.
Adaptive multiple imputations of missing values using the class center
Authors: Phiwhorm Kritbodin , Saikaew Charnnarong , Leung Carson K. , Polpinit Pattarawit , Saikaew Kanda Runapongsa
Published: April 2022

Big data has become a core technology to provide innovative solutions in many fields. However, the collected dataset for data analysis in various domains will contain missing values. Missing value imputation is the primary method for resolving problems involving incomplete datasets. Missing attribute values are replaced with values from a selected set of observed data using statistical or machine learning methods. Although machine learning techniques can generate reasonably accurate imputation results, they typically require longer imputation durations than statistical techniques. This study proposes the adaptive multiple imputations of missing values using the class center (AMICC) approach to produce effective imputation results efficiently. AMICC is based on the class center and defines a threshold from the weighted distances between the center and other observed data for the imputation step. Additionally, the distance can be an adaptive nearest neighborhood or the center to estimate the missing values. The experimental results are based on numerical, categorical, and mixed datasets from the University of California Irvine (UCI) Machine Learning Repository with introduced missing values rate from 10 to 50% in 27 datasets. The proposed AMICC approach outperforms the other missing value imputation methods with higher average accuracy at 81.48% which is higher than those of other methods about 9 – 14%. Furthermore, execution time is different from the Mean/Mode method, about seven seconds; moreover, it requires significantly less time for imputation than some machine learning approaches about 10 – 14 s.
Detecting Denial of Service attacks using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Kumari Kimmi , Mrunalini M.
Published: April 2022

Currently, Distributed Denial of Service Attacks are the most dangerous cyber danger. By inhibiting the server's ability to provide resources to genuine customers, the affected server's resources, such as bandwidth and buffer size, are slowed down. A mathematical model for distributed denial-of-service attacks is proposed in this study. Machine learning algorithms such as Logistic Regression and Naive Bayes, are used to detect attacks and normal scenarios. The CAIDA 2007 Dataset is used for experimental study. The machine learning algorithms are trained and tested using this dataset and the trained algorithms are validated. Weka data mining platform are used in this study for implementation and results of the same are analysed and compared. Other machine learning algorithms used with respect to denial of service attacks are compared with the existing work.
Bioproduction of quercetin using recombinant thermostable glycosidases from Dictyoglomus thermophilum
Authors: Yu Shiqin , Shan Xiaoyu , Lyv Yunbin , Zhou Jingwen
Published: April 2022

Quercetin is an essential ingredient in functional foods and nutritional supplements, as well as a promising therapeutic reagent. Also, the green technique to produce quercetin via rutin biotransformation is attractive. Genes encoding two thermostable glycosidases from Dictyoglomus thermophilum were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, which were applied in rutin biotransformation to produce highly pure quercetin at a high temperature. The production of biocatalysts were scaled up in a 5-L bioreactor, yielding a several-fold increase in total enzyme activity and a quercetin production of 14.22 ± 0.26 g/L from 30 g/L of rutin. Feeding strategies were optimized to boost biomass and enzyme production, achieving an activity of 104,801.80 ± 161.99 U/L for rhamnosidase and 12,637.23 ± 17.94 U/L for glucosidase, and a quercetin yield of 20.24 ± 0.27 g/L from the complete conversion of rutin. This study proposes a promising approach for producing high-quality quercetin in an industrial setting.

Graphical Abstract
An approach for elucidating dermal fibroblast dedifferentiation in amphibian limb regeneration
Authors: Satoh Akira , Kashimoto Rena , Ohashi Ayaka , Furukawa Saya , Yamamoto Sakiya , Inoue Takeshi , Hayashi Toshinori , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: April 2022

Urodele amphibians,Pleurodeles waltlandAmbystoma mexicanum, have organ-level regeneration capability, such as limb regeneration. Multipotent cells are induced by an endogenous mechanism in amphibian limb regeneration. It is well known that dermal fibroblasts receive regenerative signals and turn into multipotent cells, called blastema cells. However, the induction mechanism of the blastema cells from matured dermal cells was unknown. We previously found that BMP2, FGF2, and FGF8 (B2FF) could play sufficient roles in blastema induction in urodele amphibians. Here, we show that B2FF treatment can induce dermis-derived cells that can participate in multiple cell lineage in limb regeneration. We first established a newt dermis-derived cell line and confirmed that B2FF treatment on the newt cells provided plasticity in cellular differentiation in limb regeneration. To clarify the factors that can provide the plasticity in differentiation, we performed the interspecies comparative analysis between newt cells and mouse cells and found thePde4bgene was upregulated by B2FF treatment only in the newt cells. Blocking PDE4B signaling by a chemical PDE4 inhibitor suppressed dermis-to-cartilage transformation and the mosaic knockout animals showed consistent results. Our results are a valuable insight into how dermal fibroblasts acquire multipotency during the early phase of limb regenerationviaan endogenous program in amphibian limb regeneration.
Perceived roles, benefits and barriers of virtual global health partnership initiatives: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Umphrey Lisa , Paasi George , Windsor William , Abongo Grace , Evert Jessica , Haq Heather , Keating Elizabeth M. , Lam Suet Kam , McHenry Megan S. , Ndila Carolyne , Nwobu Charles , Rule Amy , Tam Reena P. , Olson Daniel , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: April 2022

Background

Virtual global health partnership initiatives (VGHPIs) evolved rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure partnership continuity. However the current landscape for VGHPI use and preference is unknown. This study aimed to increase understanding of GH partners’ perspectives on VGHPIs.

Methods

From 15 October to 30 November 2020, An online, international survey was conducted using snowball sampling to document pandemic-related changes in partnership activities, preferences for VGHPIs, and perceived acceptability and barriers. The survey underwent iterative development within a diverse author group, representing academic and clinical institutions, and the non-profit sector. Participants from their professional global health networks were invited, including focal points for global health partnerships while excluding trainees and respondents from the European Economic Area. Analysis stratified responses by country income classification and partnership type. Authors used descriptive statistics to characterize responses, defining statistical significance as α = 0.05.

Results

A total of 128 respondents described 219 partnerships. 152/219 (69%) partnerships were transnational, 157/219 (72%) were of > 5 years duration, and 127/219 (60%) included bidirectional site visits. High-income country (HIC) partners sent significantly more learners to low- to middle-income country (LMIC) partner sites (p < 0.01). Participants commented on pandemic-related disruptions affecting 217/219 (99%) partnerships; 195/217 (90%) were disruption to activities; 122/217 (56%) to communication; 73/217 (34%) to access to professional support; and 72/217 (33%) to funding. Respondents indicated that VGHPIs would be important to 206/219 (94%) of their partnerships moving forward. There were overall differences in resource availability, technological capacity, and VGHPI preferences between LMIC and HIC respondents, with a statistically significant difference in VGHPI acceptability (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding VGHPIs’ perceived barriers.

Conclusions

The pandemic disrupted essential partnership elements, compounding differences between LMIC and HIC partners in their resources and preferences for partnership activities. VGHPIs have the potential to bridge new and existing gaps and maximize gains, bi-directionality, and equity in partnerships during and after COVID-19.
Computer 3D modeling of radiofrequency ablation of atypical cartilaginous tumours in long bones using finite element methods and real patient anatomy
Authors: Rivas Loya Ricardo , Jutte Paul C. , Kwee Thomas C. , van Ooijen Peter M. A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive technique used for the treatment of neoplasms, with a growing interest in the treatment of bone tumours. However, the lack of data concerning the size of the resulting ablation zones in RFA of bone tumours makes prospective planning challenging, needed for safe and effective treatment.

Methods

Using retrospective computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data from patients treated with RFA of atypical cartilaginous tumours (ACTs), the bone, tumours, and final position of the RFA electrode were segmented from the medical images and used in finite element models to simulate RFA. Tissue parameters were optimised, and boundary conditions were defined to mimic the clinical scenario. The resulting ablation diameters from postoperative images were then measured and compared to the ones from the simulations, and the error between them was calculated.

Results

Seven cases had all the information required to create the finite element models. The resulting median error (in all three directions) was -1 mm, with interquartile ranges from -3 to 3 mm. The three-dimensional models showed that the thermal damage concentrates close to the cortical wall in the first minutes and then becomes more evenly distributed.

Conclusions

Computer simulations can predict the ablation diameters with acceptable accuracy and may thus be utilised for patient planning. This could allow interventional radiologists to accurately define the time, electrode length, and position required to treat ACTs with RFA and make adjustments as needed to guarantee total tumour destruction while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
Evolution of Indian cuisine: a socio-historical review
Authors: Antani Vishu , Mahapatra Santosh
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to present a socio-historical review of Indian cuisine and its evolution. Based on a thorough analysis of a wide range of documents, the investigation focuses on four eras, each having a significant and lasting effect on Indian cuisine. Parallels have been drawn to modern Indian cuisine wherever possible. This study follows the advances in Indian cuisine through the prehistoric era, into the Vedic era, where religious scriptures, especially the Hindu scriptures, affected what was cooked during the time, followed by the invasion of the subcontinent by the Mughals. Finally, the effects of European colonization on Indian cuisine are critically analysed and an attempt is made to examine threads, if any, connecting culinary preferences of people across these phases. The results of the analysis indicate the intriguing impact of intricate connections among several sociocultural factors on the evolution of Indian cuisine. At the end of the paper, a few areas are identified for future exploration.
The culinary culture, characteristics, and nutritional value of Su cuisine in China
Authors: Li Huilun , Ma Guansheng
Published: April 2022

Su cuisine (Jiangsu cuisine) belongs to the Eight Great Cuisines in China. The origin of Su cuisine can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 B.C). The flourish of Su cuisine was the outcome of the economic boom in Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) Dynasties. The choice of ingredients is diverse since the region are rich in natural resources. After strict selection of ingredients and exquisite preparation of food, most dishes of Su cuisine have a fine presentation and a natural taste. Famous for the highly skilled processing technique, subtle flavor, and delicate appearance, Su cuisine is widely served on various occasions, including the state banquets of China. Currently, Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine are well accepted globally, while the international popularity and influence of Su cuisine remain low. Therefore, this article aims to introduce the culinary culture, characteristics, and traditional dishes of Su cuisine in detail. Moreover, a palatable taste is not equivalent to desirable health outcomes. The wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and high-quality animal proteins used in Su cuisine is allied with the recommended healthy eating behavior. On the other hand, some traditional Su cuisine dishes are rich in refined carbohydrates. Thus, we performed a literature review of the current scientific evidence regarding the health effect and nutritional value of Su cuisine. The related literature was searched in Chinese and English using the CNKI, WanFang Data, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase database.
Investigating expressed RNA variants that are related to disease severity in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with mild-to-severe disease
Authors: Okendo Javan , Okanda David
Published: April 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to be a significant public health challenge globally. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus, and the understanding of what constitutes expressed RNAseq variants in healthy, convalescent, severe, moderate, and those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is yet to be presented. We characterize the different expressed RNAseq variants in healthy, severe, moderate, ICU, and convalescent individuals.

Materials and methods

The bulk RNA sequencing data with identifier PRJNA639275 were downloaded from Sequence Reads Archive (SRA). The individuals were divided into: (1) healthy, n = 34, moderate, n = 8, convalescent, n = 2, severe, n = 16, and ICU, n = 8. Fastqc version 0.11.9 and Cutadapt version 3.7 were used to assess the read quality and perform adapter trimming, respectively. STAR was used to align reads to the reference genome, and GATK best practice was followed to call variants using the rnavar pipeline, part of the nf-core pipelines.

Results

Our analysis demonstrated that different sets of unique RNAseq variants characterize convalescent, moderate, severe, and those admitted to the ICU. The data show that the individuals who recover from SARS-CoV-2 infection have the same set of expressed variants as the healthy controls. We showed that the healthy and SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals display different sets of expressed variants characteristic of the patient phenotype.

Conclusion

The individuals with severe, moderate, those admitted to the ICU, and convalescent display a unique set of variants. The findings in this study will inform the test kit development and SARS-CoV-2 patients classification to enhance the management and control of SARS-CoV-2 infection in our population.
Prognostic tools at hospital arrival in acute myocardial infarction: copeptin and hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Pintado María-Consuelo , Maceda Lara , Trascasa María , Arribas Ignacio , De Pablo Raúl
Published: April 2022

Background

Prompt evaluation and treatment of acute coronary syndrome has demonstrated to reduce mortality. Although several biomarkers have been studied for risk stratification and prognostic purposes, none is recommended to guide treatment based on its prognostic value. Copeptin and hepatocyte growth factor have been associated with poor outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early prognostic value of measurements of copeptin and hepatocyte growth factor for hospital mortality risk and 1-year-follow-up mortality, in patients with acute myocardial infarction. In our retrospective observational study, we measured hepatocyte growth factor and copeptin in blood samples collected at hospital arrival in patients with acute myocardial infarction; and follow-up them until 1-year.

Results

84 patients with were included in the study, mainly male (65%) with a median age of 70.3 ± 13.56 years. Hospital mortality was 11.9%. Plasma levels of copeptin at hospital arrival were statistically significant higher in patients who died during hospital admission (145.60 pmol/L [52.21–588.50] vs. 24.79 pmol/L [10.90–84.82], p 0.01). However, we found no statistically significant association between plasma levels of hepatocyte growth factor and hospital mortality (381.05 pg/ml [189.95–736.65] vs. 355.24 pg/ml [175.55–521.76], p 0.73). 1-year follow-up mortality was 21.4%. Plasma levels of copeptin at hospital arrival were higher in those patients who died in the following year (112.28 pmol/L [25.10–418.27] vs. 23.82 pmol/L [10.96–77.30], p 0.02). In the case of HGF, we also find no association between hepatocyte growth factor plasma levels and 1 -year follow-up mortality (350.00 pg/ml [175.05–555.08] vs. 345.53 pg/ml [183.68–561.15], p 0.68).

Conclusions

In patients with acute myocardial infarction measurement of copeptin at hospital arrival could be a useful tool to assess the prognosis of these patients, since their elevation is associated with a higher hospital mortality and higher 1-year follow-up mortality. We have not found this association in the case of hepatocyte growth factor measurement.
Association between male sex hormones and tramadol abuse
Authors: Abdel-Moneim Wafaa Mohamed , Fawzy Mohammed , Mohammed Sarah Abdelsamee , Abdellah Nora Zeidan
Published: April 2022

Background

Tramadol dependence is prevalent across Egypt. The allegation that it can improve sexual function is the main reason for its popularity among young men. This study aims to determine the serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in tramadol abusers.

Results

Serum testosterone (5.18 ± 1.95) and LH (7.79 ± 1.63) of abusers showed highly significant lower levels than control subjects, while FSH showed no significant difference between abusers and controls. There was no significant difference of hormonal levels in subjects according to the duration of abuse and dose of tramadol.

Conclusions

The results indicate that tramadol abuse causes a pronounced lowering of testosterone and LH levels that is not correlated to the duration of abuse and dose of tramadol.
Role of shear wave elastography in assessment of chronic allograft nephropathy
Authors: Barsoum Nadine R. , Elsisy Ali E. , Mohamed Moataz F. , Hassan Amr A.
Published: April 2022

Background

The principal cause of renal graft loss after the first year is chronic allograft nephropathy which is represented histologically by tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. Its early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent late graft failure. Ultrasound is unequivocally the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of renal transplants in the immediate postoperative period and for long-term follow-up. Ultrasound shear wave elastography is an imaging technique based on estimation of the elastic properties of tissues.

Elastography is performed in the same clinical setting with conventional B-mode ultrasonography. Tissue elasticity is displayed as an absolute number and color-coded real-time estimation. So, it can be used in screening and diagnosing chronic allograft nephropathy. However, the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of renal parenchymal complications still relies on tissue biopsy. Many studies have proved the high specificity of ultrasound elastography in decreasing the number of unnecessary biopsies.

Results

In our study, we included 36 patients with biopsy-proven chronic allograft nephropathy. All patients had a B-mode ultrasound examination and followed by ultrasound shear wave elastography in the same session. The results were compared to the histopathological results.

Time since transplantation was directly correlated with mean renal stiffness, revealing that with longer time of transplantation renal stiffness and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) percentage increased with r = 0.72, 0.90 and p value < 0.001.

Antero-posterior (AP) diameter of the renal graft was significantly correlated with mean renal stiffness as the larger the AP diameter, the higher the mean kidney stiffness with r = 0.47, 0.73 and p value 0.001.

Sensitivity analysis showed that US shear wave elastography through mean kidney stiffness can significantly predict moderate Banff score of renal fibrosis using cutoff value 28.67 kPa with sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 90%, AUC 0.91 and p value < 0.001.

Conclusion

Shear wave elastography (SWE) may be useful for the prediction of fibrosis in renal transplant patients, especially in the case of moderate Banff score, where the accuracy reached 87.5% using a cutoff value 28.67 kPa.

We conclude that US SWE can be of great help during the regular follow-up of renal transplant patients. It can act as a screening tool to identify patients with stiffness values that suggest moderate tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, so eventually helping in the early diagnosis, management and help in selecting patients who are candidate for biopsy and in avoiding the repeated unnecessary biopsies for others.
Modification of reconstruction threshold algorithm in two-dimensional LFMCW compressive radar
Authors: Ghanem Sameh
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the Compressive Sensing theory has an important effect on many communication system’s performances, and one of these applications is the radar system. Applying CS in the radar such as Linear Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (LFMCW) radar signals has many advantages but suffers from the processing time in the two-dimensional processing. The performance of the LFMCW radar signals is achieved by using both conventional Complex Approximate Message Passing (CAMP) and adaptive recovery algorithms using a suitable reduction factor in both range and Doppler directions. In this paper, a modification is made to the adaptive CAMP algorithm to enhance the radar detection performance compared to both the conventional and adaptive algorithms under the same conditions. One of the main problems in radar detection is off-pin targets, which can be overcome using a certain filter in both range and Doppler directions. A comparison is achieved among these algorithms concerning detection performance using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves and the resolution performance in both range and Doppler directions. During the system analysis, it was found that an enhancement was achieved using the modified algorithm in the radar performance without any degradation in both range and Doppler resolution compared with the other algorithms.
Cariprazine as a treatment for negative psychotic symptoms in first-episode psychosis: case series
Authors: Demjaha Arsime , Iacoponi Eduardo , Hansen Lars , Peddu Pradeep , McGuire Philip
Published: April 2022

Negative psychotic symptoms are among the most disabling features of schizophrenia, and are strongly associated with relatively poor clinical and functional outcomes. However, there are no effective treatments for negative symptoms, and this represents a major unmet clinical need. Recent research has shown that negative symptoms are already present in many patients at illness onset. There is evidence that cariprazine may improve negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia. However, its utility in treating negative symptoms in the early stage of the disorder is unclear. Here, we report six cases of patients with first-episode psychosis who were treated with cariprazine.
Longitudinal Changes in Physical Activity during Pregnancy: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies
Authors: MITRO SUSANNA D. , PEDDADA SHYAMAL , GLEASON JESSICA L. , HE DIAN , WHITCOMB BRIAN , RUSSO LINDSEY , GREWAL JAGTESHWAR , ZHANG CUILIN , YISAHAK SAMRAWIT F. , HINKLE STEFANIE N. , BUCK LOUIS GERMAINE M. , NEWMAN ROGER , GROBMAN WILLIAM , SCISCIONE ANTHONY C. , OWEN JOHN , RANZINI ANGELA , CRAIGO SABRINA , CHIEN EDWARD , SKUPSKI DANIEL , WING DEBORAH , GRANTZ KATHERINE L.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Exercise in pregnancy is associated with many perinatal benefits, but patterns of home, work, and commuting activity are not well described. We investigated longitudinal activity in singleton and twin pregnancy by activity domain and maternal characteristics.

Methods

In the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies cohorts, 2778 women with singleton and 169 women with twin gestations reported activity using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire at up to six or seven study visits, respectively. Metabolic equivalent of task-hours per week (MET-h·wk−1) was calculated from reported activity. Baseline measurements (obtained between 10 and 13 wk) reflected past year activity. Linear mixed models estimated MET-h·wk−1 by domain (household/childcare, occupational, inactive, transportation, sports/exercise), self-reported race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander), prepregnancy body mass index (<25, 25 to < 30, ≥30 kg·m−2), parity (0, ≥1), baseline activity (quartiles), and plurality (singleton, twin).

Results

Household/caregiving activity made up the largest fraction of reported MET-h·wk−1 at baseline (42%), followed by occupational activity (28%). Median summed activity declined 47%, from 297 to 157 MET-h·wk−1, between 10 and 40 wk, largely driven by changes in household/caregiving (44% decline), and occupational activity (63% decline). Sports/exercise activity declined 55% but constituted only 5% of reported MET-h·wk−1 at baseline. At baseline, non-Hispanic Black women reported significantly higher activity than non-Hispanic White or Hispanic women, but differences did not persist across pregnancy. Across gestation nulliparous women reported significantly lower activity than parous women. Women with singleton gestations reported significantly more activity than women with twins from weeks 26 to 38. Baseline activity level was strongly associated with later activity levels.

Conclusions

Measuring domains of activity beyond exercise, and collecting longitudinal measurements, is necessary to fully describe activity in diverse populations of pregnant women.
Brain Structure and Function Predict Adherence to an Exercise Intervention in Older Adults
Authors: MORRIS TIMOTHY P. , BURZYNSKA AGNIESZKA , VOSS MICHELLE , FANNING JASON , SALERNO ELIZABETH A. , PRAKASH RUCHIKA , GOTHE NEHA P. , WHITFIELD-GABRIELI SUSAN , HILLMAN CHARLES H. , MCAULEY EDWARD , KRAMER ARTHUR F.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Individual differences in brain structure and function in older adults are potential proxies of brain reserve or maintenance and may provide mechanistic predictions of adherence to exercise. We hypothesized that multimodal neuroimaging features would predict adherence to a 6-month randomized controlled trial of exercise in 131 older adults (age, 65.79 ± 4.65 yr, 63% female), alone and in combination with psychosocial, cognitive, and health measures.

Methods

Regularized elastic net regression within a nested cross-validation framework was applied to predict adherence to the intervention in three separate models (brain structure and function only; psychosocial, health, and demographic data only; and a multimodal model).

Results

Higher cortical thickness in somatosensory and inferior frontal regions and less surface area in primary visual and inferior frontal regions predicted adherence. Higher nodal functional connectivity (degree count) in default, frontoparietal, and attentional networks and less nodal strength in primary visual and temporoparietal networks predicted exercise adherence (r = 0.24, P = 0.004). Survey and clinical measures of gait and walking self-efficacy, biological sex, and perceived stress also predicted adherence (r = 0.17, P = 0.056); however, this prediction was not significant when tested against a null test statistic. A combined multimodal model achieved the highest predictive strength (r = 0.28, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that there is a substantial utility of using brain-based measures in future research into precision and individualized exercise interventions older adults.
O risco de conflito regulatório no transporte de gás natural
Authors: Dantas Bruno , Kellner Alexander Leonard Martins
Published: April 2022

Gás natural normalmente é transportado em sistemas fechados por meio de dutos. Contudo, há outros modais possíveis para efetuar o transporte deste material, como o rodoviário. Esse método, inclusive, foi ressaltado pela Lei no 14.134/2021, que dispõe sobre atividades relativas ao transporte de gás natural entre outras providências. Apesar de trazer expressamente o modal rodoviário como alternativa, a lei não delimita de forma clara o papel do regulador competente, e esta omissão incrementa o risco de conflitos normativos proveniente de decisões divergentes dadas por diferentes reguladores. Este artigo se propõe a analisar por meio do método lógico indutivo, junto com a devida revisão bibliográfica, as inconsistências regulatórias que podem ocorrer e fornecer parâmetros para a coordenação regulatória entre os atores envolvidos. Em relação à hipótese de que a Lei no 14.134/2021 teria o condão de gerar conflitos regulatórios concluiu-se positivamente; diante deste cenário foram apresentadas balizas iniciais para solução do problema.
Objawy zbieractwa patologicznego w wybranych zaburzeniach psychicznych. Przegląd możliwości terapeutycznych.
Authors: Senger Michał , Doruch Patrycja , Rogacka Karolina , Kędziora–Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: April 2022

Wstęp i cele. Zbieractwo patologiczne należy do kategorii zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsywnych i pochodnych. Choroba charakteryzuje się trudnością w wyrzucaniu przedmiotów przez chorego oraz silnym stresem i lękiem w sytuacji ich utraty. Rozpowszechnienie zbieractwa patologicznego wśród społeczeństw Europy oraz Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki oceniane jest na 2-6%. Podstawą leczenia zbieractwa patologicznego jest psychoterapia, głównie w postaci terapii poznawczo-behawioralnej. Farmakoterapia ma natomiast dyskusyjną skuteczność.

Celem pracy jest przedstawienie powiązań między wybranymi schorzenia psychicznymi oraz zbieractwem patologicznym, a także możliwości terapeutycznych w przypadku ich współistnienia.

Niniejsza praca stanowi przegląd literatury z lat 2013-2021.

Opis stanu wiedzy. Przegląd piśmiennictwa pozwala na zauważenie wielu powiązań psychopatologicznych pomiędzy wybranymi schorzeniami psychicznymi a zbieractwem patologicznym. Objawy zbieractwa czasami występują w towarzystwie takich zaburzeń psychicznych jak depresja, zaburzenia ze spektrum autyzmu, zespół nadpobudliwości psychoruchowej z deficytem uwagi, zaburzenia psychotyczne oraz otępienia. Obecność objawów zbieractwa wpływa na przebieg tych schorzeń oraz ich leczenie.

Podsumowanie. Zbieractwo patologiczne należy do jednostek rzadkich oraz opornych na leczenie, zwłaszcza jeżeli towarzyszy innym chorobom psychicznym. Pomimo istnienia pozytywnych doniesień w literaturze o sposobach leczenia w stanach ich współistnienia, wymagane są kolejne badania z większą ilością uczestników aby potwierdzić ich skuteczność.
The importance of cyber security in journalism
Authors: Sherf Elad
Published: April 2022

More and more headlines are shedding light on the crazy numbers and statistics surrounding cyber attacks globally, making a clear case for robust security. For those in journalism, the coverage on the growing number of cyber attacks on reporters has been particularly eye-opening, following a string of attacks on well-known journalists, using the cyber weapon Pegasus.
Influence of Acculturation in Yunnan’s Ethnic Minority College Students on Their Academic Achievement: The Moderating Role of Learning Motivation
Authors: Tu Chia-Ching , Yang Dong , Mou Yu Qing
Published: April 2022

This study examined the effect of Yunnan’s ethnic minority college students’ acculturation on their academic achievement under the risk of the Matthew effect. Additionally, the role played by learning motivation in the relationship between ethnic minority college students’ acculturation and academic achievement was explored. A total of 403 valid questionnaires were collected from four areas in Yunnan province, China. Consequently, the Acculturation Scale, Academic Achievement Scale, and Learning Motivation Scale were used for measurement materials. These items of scales were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences) and AMOS (analysis of a moment structures) softwares were used for data analyses. In addition, items were analyzed through item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and regression analysis. These results indicated that ethnic minority college students with low acculturation and learning motivation or high acculturation and low learning motivation can become objects of the Matthew effect. However, this study also observed that in certain students, high acculturation and high learning motivation can prevent the Matthew effect. Thus, high acculturation is crucial for improving academic achievement in ethnic minority college students. A level of high learning motivation is a powerful moderator promoting the academic achievement of students with high acculturation.