bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Granular Directed Rough Sets, Concept Organization and Soft Clustering
Authors: A Mani
Published: September 2022

Up-directed rough sets are introduced and studied by the present author in earlier papers. This is extended by her in two different granular directions in this research, with a surprising algebraic semantics. The granules are based on ideas of generalized closure under up-directedness that may be read as a form of weak consequence. This yields approximation operators that satisfy cautious monotony, while pi-groupoidal approximations (that additionally involve strategic choice and algebraic operators) have nicer properties. The study is primarily motivated by possible structure of concepts in distributed cognition perspectives, real or virtual classroom learning contexts, and student-centric teaching. Rough clustering techniques for datasets that involve up-directed relations (as in the study of Sentinel project image data) are additionally proposed. This research is expected to see significant theoretical and practical applications in related domains.
OR Vision: Objective, explainable assessment of surgical skill with deep learning
Authors: Khalid Shuja , Palter Vanessa , Grantcharov Teodor , Rudzicz Frank
Published: September 2022

Background Currently, evaluating surgical technical performance is inefficient and subjective [1,2,3,4] and the established rubrics for assessing surgical ability are open to interpretation. To power programs for surgical training and Maintenance of Certification (MOC), a reliable and validated solution is required. To this end, we draw upon recent advances in machine learning and propose a framework for objective and scalable assessment of technical proficiency.Methods Different machine learning models were trained to predict surgical performance on the public EndoVis19 and JIGSAWS datasets. The most important features were extracted by probing each machine learning model, and these features form the basis of the proposed algorithm. We internally tested the performance of this model on proprietary datasets from Surgical Safety Technologies (SST) and the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW). The performance of these models was assessed according to various statistical techniques such as precision, recall, f1-scores and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results OR Vision is a statistically-driven multi-stage machine learning tool that quantifies surgical skill objectively and explainably. Instrument motion, control, and coordination are quantified in terms of 150 objective metrics, extracted from tool motion tracked by the deep learning model. The N most highly correlated of these metrics (p<0.05) model surgical performance with quantifiable objective metrics (fine-motor precision, fluidity, tremor, disorder, etc.). These metrics are combined into clinically-weighted composite scores that represent the category-wise technical performance of surgeons. The OR Vision score discriminates between expert and novice surgeons with high precision (0.82-0.84) and provides constructive feedback in the form of a concise report for every participating member of the cohort. Each report provides a breakdown of user performance on statistically relevant categories.ConclusionA machine learning-based approach for identifying surgical skill is effective and meaningful and provides the groundwork for objective, precise, repeatable, cost-effective, clinically-meaningful assessments.
Sepsis prognostic scores accuracy in predicting adverse outcomes in children with sepsis admitted to the PICU from the Emergency Department: a 10-year single-center experience
Authors: Marchetto Luca , Comoretto Rosanna , Gregori Dario , Dalt Liviana Da , Amigoni Angela , Daverio Marco
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE: To compare the performance of several prognostic scores calculated in the first 24 hours of admission (“Day-1”) in predicting mortality and morbidity among critically ill children with sepsis presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department (PED) and then admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
METHODS: Single-center, retrospective cohort study in patients < 18 years with a diagnosis of sepsis visiting the PED and then admitted to the PICU. Sepsis prognostic scores – pSOFA (Schlapbach, Matics, Shime versions), qSOFA, qSOFA-L, PELOD-2, qPELOD-2, P-MODS – were calculated and their performance compared to Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and severe sepsis – International Consensus Conference on Pediatric Sepsis (ICCPS) derived criteria – using the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). Primary outcome was PICU mortality. Secondary outcomes were a composite of death and new disability (i.e., change from baseline admission POPC score ≥ 1), prolonged PICU Length of Stay (LOS) (> 5 days) and prolonged duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) (> 3 days).
RESULTS: Among 60 patients with sepsis, 4 (6.7%) died, 7 (11.7%) developed new disability, 26 (43.3%) experienced prolonged LOS, 21 (35%) prolonged invasive MV. The prognostic ability in mortality discrimination was significantly higher for organ-dysfunction scores, with PELOD-2 showing the best performance (AUROC 0.924, 95% CI 0.837-1.000), significantly better than SIRS 3 criteria (0.924 vs 0.509, p=0.009), SIRS 4 criteria (0.924 vs 0.509, p<0.001) and severe sepsis (0.924 vs 0.527, p<0.001). Among secondary outcomes, PELOD-2 performed significantly better than SIRS and severe sepsis to predict prolonged duration of invasive MV, while better than severe sepsis to predict mortality or new disability.
CONCLUSIONS: Day-1 organ-dysfunction scores performed better in predicting mortality and morbidity outcomes than ICCPS derived criteria. PELOD-2 was the organ-dysfunction score with the best performance for all outcomes.
Comparing the effectiveness and lubricity of a novel Shea lubricant to 2% Lidocaine gel for digital rectal examination: a randomized non-inferiority trial
Authors: Adanu Kekeli Kodjo , Iroko Davidson , Amegan-Aho Kokou , Adedia David , Ndudiri Orish Verner , Ali Mahamudu Ayamba , Oyortey Mawuenyo Attawa , Kpodonu Jacques
Published: September 2022

This study compared the level of lubricity and pain reduction of a novel shea lubricant to 2% lidocaine gel during digital rectal examination (DRE).Our research group performed a 9-week single blind non-inferiority trial at the Ho Teaching Hospital involving 153 patients. Primary outcome measure was the mean pain difference during the procedure using a Visual Analogue Scale. 75 and 78 patients were randomized to the shea lubricant and 2% lidocaine gel groups respectively. Analysis considered the per protocol population. The mean pain difference at end point was Δ -0.01. The 95% lower confidence interval was a -0.595 difference in means, above the non-inferiority (NI) limit of -0.720, thus establishing non-inferiority (Δ -0.01, 95% CI -0.59–0.57, NI -0.72). With secondary outcome measures, perianal pruritus (p = 0.728), discomfort (p = 0.446), bowel urgency (p = 0.077) and urinary urgency (p = 0.841) were similar except for bowel urgency which was worse for shea lubricant 30 minutes after DRE (p = 0.018). Shea lubricant had a better lubricity and ease of use (p = 0.002). While the novel shea lubricant achieved similar level of pain reduction as obtained with 2% lidocaine gel, it had better ease of performance and lubricity. This trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry on the 18/11/2020 with the unique identification number PACTR202011687956222.
Trend Analysis of Multi-level Determinants of Maternal and Newborn Postnatal Care Utilization in Pakistan from 2006 to 2018
Authors: Iqbal Sarosh , Maqsood Sidra , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian
Published: September 2022

Background
Postnatal care (PNC) is crucial for maternal and newborn health. Healthcare-seeking practices within the postpartum period help healthcare providers in early detection of complications related to childbirth and post-delivery period. This study aims to investigate trends of PNC utilization from 2006 to 2018, and to explore the effects of multi-level determinants of both maternal and newborn PNC in Pakistan.
Methods
Secondary data analysis of the last three waves of the nationally representative cross-sectional Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHSs) was conducted, including wave 2 (2006-07), wave 3 (2012-13), and wave 4 (2017-18), using the datasets of women aged 15–49 years. Analysis was limited to all those women who had delivered a child during the last 5 years preceding each wave of PDHS, leading to a sample size of 5,677, 7,446, and 6,711 women for waves 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine the association of maternal and newborn PNC utilization with multi-level determinants at individual, community, and institutional levels.
Results
In Pakistan, an upward linear trend in maternal PNC utilization was found, with an increase from 43.5–63.6% from 2006 to 2018. However, a non-linear trend was observed in newborn PNC utilization, with an upsurge from 20.6–50.5% from 2006 to 2013, nonetheless a decrease of 30.7% in 2018. Furthermore, the results highlighted that the likelihood of maternal and newborn PNC utilization was higher amongst older age women, who completed some years of schooling, were employed, had domestic and emotional autonomy, had caesarean sections, and delivered at health facilities through skilled birth attendants.
Conclusion
A difference in maternal and newborn PNC utilization was found in Pakistan, attributed to multiple individual (socio-demographic and obstetrics), community, and institutional level determinants. Overall, findings suggest the need to promote the benefits of PNC for early diagnosis of postpartum complications and to plan effective public health interventions to enhance women’s access to healthcare facilities and skilled birth assistance to save mothers’ and newborns’ lives.
Discovery of a Pyrrole-pyridinimidazole Derivative as Novel SIRT6 Inhibitor for Sensitizing Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Gemcitabine
Authors: Song Nannan , Guan Xian , Zhang Siqi , Wang Xue-kai , Lu Zhongxia , Chong Daochen , Wang Jennifer Yiyang , Yu Ri-Lei , Yu Wengong , Gu Yuchao , Jiang Tao
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive cancer, and is primarily treated with gemcitabine, with increasing resistance. SIRT6 as a member of sirtuin family plays important roles in lifespan and diverse diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the role of SIRT6 in the cytoprotective effect, it might be a potential anticancer drug target, and is associated with resistance to anticancer therapy. However, very few SIRT6 inhibitors have been reported. Here, we reported the discovery of a pyrrole-pyridinimidazole derivative, 8a, as a new non-competitive SIRT6 inhibitor, and studied its roles and mechanisms in the antitumor activity and sensitization of pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine. Firstly, we found a potent SIRT6 inhibitor compound 8a by virtual screening and identified by molecular and cellular SIRT6 activity assays. Then, we found that 8a can inhibit the proliferation, induce cell apoptosis and sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine treatment both in pancreatic cancer cells and xenograft models. Mechanistically, 8a inhibited the cell proliferation and survival signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK signal pathway, and markedly exacerbated DNA damage induced by gemcitabine. Overall, we demonstrate that 8a, a novel SIRT6 inhibitor, could be a promising potential drug candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Predictive value of indicators for left ventricular systolic dysfunction in HD patients
Authors: Liu Ying , He Zhangxiu , Xiu Hao , Ding Kai , Cao Jingsong , Hu Hengjing , Huang Hong , Tang Huifang
Published: September 2022

Background: To evaluate the role of dialysis duration, creatine, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) for predicting left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Participants with regular hemodialysis for more than three months between January 2017 and January 2022 were enrolled. Correlation analysis was used to assess the correlations among the clinical, serological and echocardiographic variables. The risk factors of LVSD were discussed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed to evaluate their predictive value.Results: The 237 HD patients were divided into two groups, NT-pro-BNP > 35000 pg/ml vs. NT-pro-BNP ≤ 35000 pg/ml. In HD patients with NT-pro-BNP ≤ 35000 pg/ml group, cTnT (r = -0.222, P = 0.011) and NT-pro-BNP (r = -0.248, P = 0.002) were significantly correlated with EF. Factors associated with LVSD and corresponding odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI by multivariate analysis were dialysis duration [0.158 (0.036, 0.689), P ＝ 0.010], creatine [0.255 (0.078, 0.833), P ＝ 0.020] and cTnT [10.858 (2.278, 51.758), P ＝ 0.000] in HD patients with NT-pro-BNP > 35000 pg/ml. In HD patients with NT-pro-BNP ≤ 35000 pg/ml, dialysis duration [0.266 (0.075, 0.938), P ＝ 0.034] and NT-pro-BNP [11.132 (2.904, 42.679), P ＝ 0.000] were both independent risk factors of LVSD in multivariate analysis. In HD patients with NT-pro-BNP > 35000 pg/ml group, the combination of dialysis duration and creatinine [(area under the curve (AUC): 0.664); P ＝ 0.002], dialysis duration and cTnT (AUC: 0.690 ; P ＝ 0.000), creatinine and cTnT (AUC: 0.702; P ＝ 0.000) and dialysis duration, creatinine and cTnT (AUC: 0.753; P ＝ 0.000) had the significantly statistic value to predict LVSD; In HD patients with NT-pro-BNP ≤ 35000 pg/ml group, the combination of dialysis duration and NT-pro-BNP had the best diagnostic value (AUC: 0.802; sensitivity: 89.55%; P < 0.000). Conclusion: Our results implicated that the combination of dialysis duration, creatine cTnT and NT-pro-BNP might be used for early prediction and management of LVSD in HD patients.
Identification and Characterization of the PAP Gene Family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Hou Lijiang , Wu Qiufang , Shang Zengzhen , Wang Jingshun , Gao Xinqiang
Published: September 2022

Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs), which are a family of metallo-phosphoesterase enzymes, are involved in phosphorus nutrition in plants. In this study, 9 low molecular weight (LMW) PAPs and 30 high molecular weight (HMW) PAPs were found, and these PAPs were classified into four subfamilies: 5 in sub. Ia-2, 9 in sub. Ib-1, 16 in sub. Ib-2, and 9 in sub. IIIb. Similar gene structures and conserved protein motifs of TaPAPs in wheat were identified in the same subfamilies. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the functions of different subgroup TaPAPs in wheat were multiple, and 9 TaPAPs could be secretory phosphatase due to its coding region contain a signal peptide and an N-terminal transmembrane helix. The expression patterns analysis showed that 17 TaPAP genes were constitutive expressed in wheat different tissues, the others were expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Interestingly, we found that one triplet TaPAPs named TaPAP4-4A/4B/4D, which belong to sub. IIIb, were highly expressed in root, spike, leaf and seed. The TaPAP4-4A gene was cloned and transplanted to Arabidopsis to assess the roles of sub. IIIb memebers. The results showed that TaPAP4-4A not only promote growth and development, but also increases the resistant to Pi-deficient stress by secreting more phosphatase. The aforementioned findings offer a scientific basis for the thorough comprehension of the wheat TaPAP gene family, which is beneficial for screening further candidate genes and developing new low phosphorus tolerant wheat types.
Provision of information by midwives for pregnant women in England on guidance on foods/drinks to avoid or limit
Authors: Lucy Beasant , Ingram Jenny , Tonks Rachel , Taylor Caroline
Published: September 2022

Background
The NHS website gives guidance for pregnant women in England on foods/drinks to avoid or limit because of microbiological, toxicological or teratogenic hazards. These include, for example, some types of soft cheeses, fish/seafood and meat products. This website and midwives are trusted sources of information for pregnant women, but the ways in which midwives can be supported to provide clear and accurate information are unknown.
Aims
The aims were to: (1) determine midwives’ accuracy of recall of information and confidence in delivering the guidance to women; (2) identify barriers to provision; (3) identify the ways in which midwives provide this information to women.
Methods
Registered Midwives practicing in England completed an online questionnaire. Questions included those on what information they provided and their confidence in delivering it, the ways they provided information on foods to avoid/limit, and what resources they used. Ethics approval was given by the University of Bristol.
Results
>10% of midwives (n = 122) were ‘Not at all confident’ in providing advice about seven items, including game meat/gamebirds (38% and 39%, respectively), herbal teas (13%) and cured meats (12%). Only 32% correctly recalled overall advice on eating fish, and only 38% the advice on tinned tuna. The main barriers to provision were lack of time in appointments and lack of training. The most usual methods of disseminating information were verbal (79%) and signposting to websites (55%).
Conclusion
Midwives were in general knowledgeable about foods and drinks to avoid/limit during pregnancy, but there were some foods for which they were unconfident, and some for which recall was mistaken. Delivery of guidance by midwives on foods to avoid or limit needs to be supported by appropriate training and access to resources. Further research on barriers to the delivery and implementation of the NHS guidance is needed.
Lagrangian duality in convex conic programming with simple proofs
Authors: Trnovska Maria , Hrdina Jakub
Published: September 2022

In this paper we study Lagrangian duality aspects in convex conic programming over general convex cones. It is known that the duality in convex optimization is linked with specific theorems of alternatives. We formulate and prove strong alternatives to the strict feasibility and analyze the relation between the boundedness of the optimal solution sets, and the existence of the relative interior points in the feasible set. We also provide sufficient conditions under which the duality gap is zero and the optimal solution sets are unbounded. As a consequence, we obtain several new sufficient conditions that guarantee the strong duality between primal and dual convex conic programs. Our proofs are based only on fundamental convex analysis and linear algebra results.
Randomized phase III trial of a neoadjuvant regimen of four cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) versus a shorter treatment of three cycles of FEC followed by three cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) in node-positive breast cancer (Neo-Shorter; NCT02001506)
Authors: Hwang Inhwan , Kim Jeong Eun , Jeong Jae Ho , Ahn Jin-Hee , Jung Kyung Hae , Son Byung Ho , Kim Hak Hee , Shin Junyoung , Lee Hee Jin , Gong Gyungyub , Kim Sung-Bae
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To determine whether six cycles of FEC3-D3 has a comparable efficacy to eight of AC4-D4.

Methods

The enrolled patients (pts) were clinically diagnosed with stage II or III breast cancer. The primary endpoint was a pathologic complete response (pCR), and the secondary endpoints were 3-year disease-free survival (3Y DFS), toxicities, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Results

Among the 248 pts enrolled, one case was ineligible for screening; 10 discontinued treatment due to progressive disease (7 and 3 in the AC4-D4 and FEC3-D3 arms), 16 dropped out due to a withdrawal of consent, and 3 were unable to complete the study (2 and 1 in the AC4-D4 and FEC3-D3 arms). The 218 pts who completed the surgery were included in the current analysis. The baseline characteristics of these subjects were well balanced between the two arms. By ITT analysis, pCR was achieved in 15/121 (12.4%) pts in the FEC3-D3 arm and 18/126 (14.3%) in the AC4-D4 arm (P = 0.40). With a median follow up of 64.1 months, the 3-year DFS was comparable between the two arms (77.0% in FEC3-D3 vs. 74.9% in AC4-D4; P = 0.82). The most common adverse event (AE) was Grade 3/4 neutropenia, which arose in 27/126 (21.4%) AC4-D4 arm pts vs 23/121 (19.0%) FEC3-D3 arm cases. The primary HRQoL domains were similar between the two groups (FACT-B scores at baseline, P = 0.35; at the midpoint of NACT, P = 0.20; at the completion of NACT, P = 0.44).

Conclusion

Both NACT AC4-D4 and FEC3-D3 show comparable outcomes in terms of pCR, three-year DFS, toxicities, and QoL Shorter neo-adjuvant FEC3-D3 could be an alternative to AC4-D4 for stage II or III operable breast cancer.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02001506. Registered December 5,2013
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02001506
Photocatalytic antiviral activity of zinc hydroxide for H1N1 virus under weak visible light
Authors: Ouyang Feng , Ren Zhaoyong , Liu Jingyuan , Li Hangliang , Gong Zhengya , Fan Youhua , Zha Xiaoxiong , Cao Gang , Bharti Bandna
Published: September 2022

Viral infections mainly occur in indoor environments, it is suggested that visible light-sensitive antiviral photocatalyst is highly desired. Here we developed a photocatalysis system based on zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) to efficiently generate antiviral radicals on mask surface under weak visible light. The weak visible light induced the Zn(OH)2 photocatalysis and completed the inactivation of H1N1 virus for short time. In addition, the inactivating efficiency was improved greatly by adding a natural washing agent layer. Our system could inactivate H1N1 influenza virus completely rapidly under the irradiation of weak visible light. The discovery will open up a new research field, and enrich and promote the development of photocatalysis theory and practice.
The aqueous extract of You-Gui-Yin improves renal microcirculatory disturbances in chronic renal failure rats by activating the EPO/PI3K/AKT/VEGF pathway
Authors: Xu Xiaogang , Chen Yijin , Yuan Zhiying , Wang Hongjin , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: September 2022

Background
You-Gui-Yin (YGY) is a traditional Chinese recipe used for treating renal function diseases which is recorded in Jingyue Quanshu written by Zhang Jingyue in Ming dynasty. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory,Insufficient kidney yang leads to blood blockage and tends to create localised blood microcirculation disorders. However, the mechanism by which Right Return Drink improves microcirculatory disorders has not been discovered.
Methods
The potential therapeutic effects of YGY extract on chronic renal failure were investigated in vivo using adenine-induced chronic renal failure rats. Firstly, we observed the therapeutic effects of YGY extract on renal impairment, histopathological patterns and serum biochemical parameters in adenine-induced chronic renal failure rats. Secondly, in pre-laboratory data, YGY was found to promote EPO production in rats and mice. Modern pharmacological studies have found that EPO has a role in angiogenesis, and that normal microvascular function and morphology are directly related to the performance of the renal microcirculation. Subsequently, to assess the effect of EPO on renal microcirculation, we monitored changes in renal microcirculation using EPO cKO mice, using photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Finally, the expression of renal EPO, EPOR, PI3K, p-PI3K (p110), AKT, p-AKT (Ser473), and VEGF proteins was examined by Western blot and other techniques to investigate the possible mechanisms of EPO-induced renal microcirculatory disorders and the possible intrinsic mechanisms of YGY extracts to improve microcirculation, and whether they are related to the promotion of angiogenesis and improving vascular function.
Results
EPO−/− mice produce significant pathological damage to the mouse kidney due to low levels of EPO protein, and the damage to their renal microcirculation is manifested by abnormal renal hemodynamics, and significant abnormalities in renal blood supply and oxygen saturation. YGY extract ameliorated the microcirculatory impairment in rats with chronic renal failure. In detail, YGY extract improved renal function by restoring the damaged renal capillary network, increasing renal blood flow, and expanding renal blood distribution to maintain vascular function. In addition, the expression of PI3K/AKT/VEGF pathway was significantly reduced in the kidney of EPO−/− mice, indicating that this pathway may be a relevant pathway for renal microcirculatory disorders caused by the lack of EPO. And the potential mechanism of YGY to improve microcirculatory disorders may be related to the activation of EPO/PI3K/AKT/VEGF pathway.
Conclusions
YGY extract was shown to prevent the deterioration of renal function and renal microcirculation in rats with adenine-induced chronic renal failure, possibly by a mechanism related to the activation of the EPO/VEGF signalling pathway.
Hope for a new knee: a qualitative study on decision-making process for total knee replacement in Taiwanese women
Authors: Huang Ching Han , Wang Chen Ti , Lin Mei Hsiang , Chen Yun Yee , Chen Shu Wen
Published: September 2022

Background: Total knee replacement (TKR) can alleviate knee osteoarthritis (OA) effectively. Many women undergo TKR; however, research on women’s decision-making process remains scant. This study aimed to explore the decision-making process for undergoing TKR among Taiwanese women.
Methods: A qualitative approach was used. Through purposive sampling, a total of 20 women aged > 40 years with knee OA undergoing TKR were recruited from a teaching hospital of Northern Taiwan. Data were collected 3–5 days and 6–8 weeks after TKR through in-depth interviews, observation, and field records and analyzed with constant comparative analysis.
Results: “Hope for a new knee,” the core theme for TKR-related decision-making, comprised three stages (including six themes): before decision (impacts of pain and seeking nonsurgical methods), decision (intrinsic and extrinsic motivation), and after decision (assessing physical function and achieving the golden phase of rehabilitation).
Conclusion: Women expected to have a new life after undergoing TKR. Impacts of pain and concern of becoming a burden on the family were main factors influencing the Taiwanese women’s decision for a TKR. These women strove to overcome difficulties related to post-TKR rehabilitation. An individual teaching programs and psychological support for women is imperative. The findings of women’s values and preferences for a TKR surgery will be helpful to develop an interventional decision support for shared decision-making.
Selection of red fluorescent protein for genetic labeling of mitochondria and intercellular transfer of viable mitochondria
Authors: Taiko Isamu , Takano Chika , Nomoto Masayuki , Hayashida Shingo , Kanemaru Kazunori , Miki Toshio
Published: September 2022

The phenomenon of intercellular mitochondrial transfer has attracted great attention in various fields of research, including stem cell biology. Elucidating the mechanism of mitochondrial transfer from healthy stem cells to cells with mitochondrial dysfunction may lead to the development of novel stem cell therapies to treat mitochondrial disorders, among other advances. To visually evaluate and analyze the mitochondrial transfer process, dual fluorescent labeling systems are often used to distinguish the mitochondria of donor and recipient cells. Although enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) has been well-characterized for labeling mitochondria, other colors of fluorescent protein have been less extensively evaluated in the context of mitochondrial transfer. Here, we generated different lentiviral vectors with mitochondria-targeted red fluorescent proteins, including DsRed, mCherry mKOκ, and TurboRFP. Among these proteins, mitochondria-targeted DsRed and its variant mCherry often generated bright aggregates in the lysosome while other proteins did not. We further validated that TurboRFP-labeled mitochondria were successfully transferred from amniotic epithelial cells, one of the candidates for donor stem cells, to mitochondria-damaged recipient cells without losing the membrane potential. Our study provides new insight into the genetic labeling of mitochondria with red fluorescent proteins, which may be utilized to analyze the mechanism of intercellular mitochondrial transfer.
The risk of ocular adverse events after anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies is dose-independent: a prospective observation report
Authors: Sato Maho , Kubono Hirohisa , Yamashita Kazuya , Nagamoto Takashi , Ofuji Yoshiko , Fukumoto Ryuki , Akagi Hideko , Kawamura Mari , Suzuki Kotaro
Published: September 2022

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) cause ICI-related adverse events (irAEs) such as dry eye and uveitis, sometimes necessitating the suspension of ICI treatment. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first prospective study on ocular irAEs. In this study, we aimed to identify early changes in ocular irAE and control conditions without suspending ICI treatment.
Methods
22 participants who began ICI treatment between July 2020 and July 2021 in Keiyu Hospital, Japan (3 women and 19 men; age, 69.1 ± 7.9 years, range, 53–83 years) were prospectively evaluated. The patients underwent ocular examinations before and 1, 3, and every 2 months after the initial dose of ICI. Examinations included measurement of aqueous flare and central choroidal thickness (CCT).
Results
Among the 22 participants, 6 developed systemic irAEs. Of these 6 patients, one experienced ocular pain after ICI treatment, likely due to dry eye disease. We did not observe any change in CCT or aqueous flare, even in patients with systemic AEs. This result suggests that ocular irAE is dose- independent, and we cannot predict whether the patient have risks of presenting irAE by following up ocular findings.
Conclusions
Ocular irAEs occur dose-independently.
A Novel walk-forward NLP-based approach for generating industry-specific lexicons from news articles
Authors: Sudhakar K
Published: September 2022

The Press releases are a valuable resource for financial traders, and scholars have long exploited them to construct algorithmic stock price predictions. We present novel walk-forward NLP-based approach for generating industry-specific lexicons from news articles, with the goal of dynamically capturing the relationship between words used in these documents and daily stock price fluctuations .We also create a binary classification system that uses our lexicons to forecast the amount of future price fluctuations for individual firms. Then, using press material released by globally famous sources and collected within the Financial Times dataset, we test our methodology in an experimental research conducted on three different industries of the NIFTY-50 Stock Market Data. The prediction accuracy allows us to evaluate the relationship between words and prices as well as estimate our lexicons' prediction potency.
Association between the weight-adjusted-waist index and cardiovascular disease among US adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016
Authors: Xie Feng , Li Meng , Li Kai , Wu Yanqing
Published: September 2022

Background
As a new obesity-related index, the weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) appears to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in East Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the association between WWI and the risk of CVD in United States (US) adults.
Methods
The data were obtained from the 2009–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). WWI was calculated as waist circumference divided by the square root of weight, and CVD was ascertained based on self-reported physician diagnoses. Multivariable regression analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the association between WWI and CVD.
Results
A total of 21,040 participants were included, with the mean age being 47.11 ± 16.79 years. There was a positive linear relationship between WWI and the odds of CVD (P = 0.310). After adjusting for all covariates, each unit of increased WWI was associated with a 48% increased risk of CVD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.74). Moreover, compared with the lowest quintile (< 10.3 cm/√kg), the multivariable-adjusted OR was 3.18 (95% CI: 1.81–5.60) in the highest quintile (≥ 11.8 cm/√kg). Besides, subgroup analyses showed that stronger associations between WWI and CVD were detected in participants younger than 50 years of age (P for interaction < 0.001).
Conclusions
High levels of WWI were significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD in US adults, particularly in people under 50 years of age. These findings indicate that WWI may be an intervention indicator to reduce the risk of CVD in the general adult population.
Nano-magnetite supported N-heterocyclic carbene-gold complex with pendant ferrocenyl group as a multi- modal anti-breast cancer agent
Authors: Patil Pradnya V. , Bansode Prakash A. , Gajare Shivanand P. , Deshmukh Ajit H. , Tiwari Arpita P. , Khot Vishwajeet M. , Pore Dattaprasad M. , Rashinkar Gajanan S.
Published: September 2022

A novel nano-magnetite supported N-heterocyclic carbene-gold complex with pendant ferrocenyl group has been prepared by using a multi-step procedure. The complex displayed significantly higher anticancer activity against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line with IC50 = 32.38 µg/mL as compared with standard drug 5-fluorouracil (IC50 = 25.29 µg/mL) in the MTT assay. The in-ovo antiangiogenic activity of the complex using chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay showed significant decrease in secondary blood vessels indicating that it is efficient angiogenesis inhibitor. The hyperthermia studies of the complex revealed a significant specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 246.974 Wg-1 with therapeutic temperature of 46.8 oC.
Association between muscle mass/strength loss and healthcare costs/quality of life for patients with colorectal cancer: results from the ongoing longitudinal EnCoRe Study
Authors: Beaudart Charlotte , Drost Ruben M W A , Evers Silvia M A A , Paulus Aggie T G , Weijenberg Matty P , Kenkhuis Marlou-Floor , Hiligsmann Mickaël
Published: September 2022

Purpose:To assess the associations between muscle parameters of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and costs/Quality-Adjusted Life-Years (QALYs).Methods:CRC patients from the ‘Energy for Life after ColoRectal Cancer’ (EnCoRe) study in the Netherlands were included. Muscle strength and mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC) were considered and two-year total societal costs and QALYs were measured. Linear multiple regressions were used to measure the associations between baseline muscle parameters and total two-year costs/QALYs. Linear mixed-model regressions were used to assess? the associations between muscle parameters evolution and total two-year costs/QALYs.Results:194 (133 men, 61 women; mean age 65.9 years) participants were included in the analyses. Lower values of muscle strength and MUAMC at baseline seem to be predictive of higher outpatient costs and higher treatment costs, respectively. In longitudinal analyses, the decrease of muscle strength over two years was associated with higher outpatient cost and the decrease of MUAMC was associated with higher treatment costs. No other significant associations between baseline muscle parameters or evolution of these muscle parameters and costs were found. Regarding QALYs, a two-year decrease of muscle strength seems to be associated with lower QALYs. However, a two-year decline of MUAMC was associated with higher QALYs.Conclusion:Some limited associations were found between muscle parameters and costs/QALYs of CRC patients. The present analyses are however limited by the low variations of muscle parameters over time. Indeed, only a limited decrease of muscle strength was observed in the cohort study. Further longitudinal studies would be needed to investigate the relationships between muscle mass, muscle strength and costs of patients suffering from cancer more profoundly.Implications for cancer survivors:Even if results revealed limited evidence to suggest associations between muscle parameters and costs/QALYs in cancer patients, lower values of muscle strength and MUACM seems to be predictive of higher treatment costs. Targeting muscle parameters in cancer treatment rehabilitation may decrease further treatment costs of CRC patients.
Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation of Non-Mass Enhancement Associated with Malignant Breast Cancer Masses
Authors: Nguyen Derek Le , Lotfalla Mira , Cimino-Mathews Ashley , Habibi Mehran , Ambinder Emily Bayle
Published: September 2022

Objective: To determine pathologic correlation of NME associated directly with malignant index masses on preoperative MRI and determine imaging characteristic predictors of malignant outcomes to inform surgical management.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed breast MRI examinations performed for extent of disease in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from 7/1/16 to 9/30/19. Inclusion criteria were limited to patients with a malignant index mass and the presence of NME extending from the mass margins. Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test were used to analyze cancer, patient, and imaging characteristics associated with the NME diagnosis and determine predictors of malignant outcomes.
Results: This study included 58 patients (mean age 58 ± 12 years). Malignant outcomes for mass-associated NME occurred in 63.8% (37/58) of cases: 43.2% (16/37) in situ and 56.8% (21/37) invasive carcinoma. Longer span of mass-associated NME and lower Ki-67 index were significant predictors of malignant mass-associated NME (p<0.05). The presence of calcifications correlating with mass-associated NME was not a significant predictor of malignant outcomes (p=0.19). Span of disease measured on MRI overestimates the true span of disease on histologic evaluation (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in span of disease measured on mammography when correlating calcifications were present and true span of disease on histologic evaluation (p=0.27).
Conclusion: The majority of mass-associated NME on preoperative MRI is malignant (63.8%). Longer span of mass-associated NME and lower Ki-67 index were significantly associated with malignant outcomes. However, total span of disease measured on MRI tends to overestimate the true histologic span of disease.
Epitranscriptome marks detection and localization of RNA modifying proteins in mammalian ovarian follicles
Authors: Dubuc Karine , Marchais Mathilde , Gilbert Isabelle , Bastien Alexandre , Nenonene Karen E , Khandjian Edward W , Viger Robert S , Robert Claude
Published: September 2022

Background
Most of the resources that support the early development of the embryo are stored in the oocyte. Clearing of maternal resources and activation of the embryonic genome to produce its own mRNA transcripts marks the maternal-to-embryo transition. Dependence on stored mRNA can last from a few hours to several days, depending on animal species. The mechanisms regulating stabilization and recruitment of stored maternal transcripts have not yet been described in full detail but are known to involve reversible polyadenylation and modulation of 3’UTR-mediated elements. RNA epigenetic modifications, new players in this field, have an important role in RNA regulation and stabilization.
Results
The objectives of this study were first to determine if some of post-transcriptional methylation of stored mRNA is greater in oocytes than in somatic cells. We found that m6A, known to be the most prevalent and involved in various aspects of RNA metabolism and physiological functions, is particularly abundant in porcine oocyte mRNA compared to somatic tissues. The second objective was to compare the epitranscriptome machinery, such as methyltransferases (“writers”), binding proteins (“readers”) and demethylases (“erasers”) catalyzing the different process, in follicles and oocytes of different mammalian species by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The expression and localization patterns of these proteins differ between mice, pigs and cows ovaries and oocytes. m5C-associated proteins were generally less abundant. In contrast, m6A-associated proteins were expressed strongly during the early and late stages of folliculogenesis. Transzonal projections were found to contain more granules bearing the m5C mark in mice but both m5C and m6A methylation marks in association with mature oocytes of pigs and cows. Eraser proteins showed the greatest interspecies diversity in terms of distribution in the germinal tissues.
Conclusions
So far, few studies have looked at the oocyte and ovarian epitranscriptomic profile. Our findings indicate that a hitherto unrecognized species-specific layer of transcript regulation occurs at the RNA level and might be consequential during the oocyte transcriptional silencing period.
Analysis of epidemiological trends of and risk factors for tooth loss among 35- to 44-year-old adults in Guangdong, southern China, 1995-2015
Authors: Jiang Linxin , Li Jianbo , Yang Zijing , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhong Xiong , Huang Yi , Liu Bincheng , Wu Linmei , Huang Shaohong , Fan Weihua
Published: September 2022

Background
This study analyzed an epidemiological survey of oral health status among a representative population of adults aged 35–44 years in Guangdong Province from 1995 to 2015. The main purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and trends in tooth loss, derive related risk factors, provide theoretical evidence to support research on tooth loss in adults, help other cities explore comprehensive tooth loss intervention projects, and provide a relevant policy basis for health care planning decisions.
Methods
The data of 1408 participants of three cross-sectional, representative oral epidemiological surveys in Guangdong Province in 1995, 2005, and 2015 were analyzed. Basic demographic information, socioeconomic status, caries and periodontal statuses, personal lifestyle factors, and dental health care behaviors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to estimate their associations with tooth loss.
Results
This study found that the mean number of missing teeth (MT) and the prevalence of tooth loss (MT > 0) among adults aged 35–44 years in Guangdong Province did not change significantly in the first decade (1995–2005) but decreased significantly in the second decade (2005–2015) (0.942 and 40.8% in 1995, 0.989 and 42.9% in 2005, and 0.628 and 33.3% in 2015, respectively). The mean number of MT by tooth position was highest for the first molar, followed by the second molar, and both were larger in the mandible than in the maxilla. Education level, caries, and periodontal pocket (periodontal probing depth ≥ 4 mm) in 1995 and 2005 and sex, residence, caries, and periodontal pocket in 2015 were significantly associated with the prevalence of tooth loss.
Conclusions
Although tooth retention has improved in recent decades (1995–2005), measures to prevent tooth loss in adults, especially first molar loss, need to be continued in the future. Moreover, efforts to prevent tooth loss among women, those living in rural areas, and those suffering from caries and periodontal pocket need to be strengthened.
Towards Circular Economy by Valorization of Waste Upholstery Textile Fibers in Fibrous Wood-Based Composites Production
Authors: Suchorab Barbara , Wronka Anita , Kowaluk Grzegorz
Published: September 2022

The aim of the research was to utilize textile waste by adding upholstery fabric fibers with different content (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight referred to dry wood fibers), to HDF boards and analyze the selected physical and mechanical properties of the obtained boards. Tests of mechanical (modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength, surface soundness, internal bond, screw withdrawal resistance) and physical (density profile, swelling in thickness after immersion in water, water absorption) properties were performed. The results show, that the increasing content of textile fibers in HDF panels has the strongest negative influence on mechanical properties, especially internal bond, and screw withdrawal resistance. Modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture also decrease, but still fulfill the requirements of European standards. No significant influence of raising content of textile fibers on HDF thickness swelling and water absorption has been found. It can be concluded, that, depending on further application of HDF, it is possible to utilize the recovered upholstery textile fibers as an addition to wood fibers when producing HDF panels. It is also a step toward the carbon storage extension, which is fixed in textile fibers.
Statement of Novelty
The present work intends to prove the potential of upcycling the waste upholstery textile fibers by elaborating on MDF-type boards as a high value-added alternative to the current management of this kind of textile waste; this represents a cascading and added-value of this fibrous material in a circular economy, as it generates a new products. The results have shown the high competitiveness of these waste upholstery textile fibrous materials for the production of MDF-type boards.
Cold Plasma Treatment and Peleg Model Application to Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Pathan F. L. , Trimukhe A. M. , Deshmukh R. R. , Annapure U. S.
Published: September 2022

Food preservation in the present era seems to be driven by plasma processing due to its efficiency in controlling microorganism at very less temperatures. Legumes are mostly soaked before cooking. Peleg model fitting for six chickpea cultivars after plasma treatment was studied when these were soaked in distilled water at ambient temperature. The cold plasma treatment of 40, 50 and 60 watts each with an exposure time of 10, 15, 20 minutes was applied. The Cold plasma treatment shown an increase in the water absorption rate of chickpea cultivars with respect to changing plasma parameters, but there was no change in the water absorption capacity of the samples. K1 (Peleg rate constant) decreased from 32.3 to 4.3 x 10− 3 (h % −1) for all the six chickpea cultivars consistently as plasma power and treatment time increased, which shown the increase in water absorption rate. K2 (Peleg capacity constant) ranged from 9.4 to 12 x 10− 3 (h % −1) for all the six chickpea cultivars. It did not increase or decrease consistently as plasma power and treatment time increased which shown no effect of plasma treatment on water absorption capacity. Peleg model fitting was found successful to show the correlation of water absorption of chickpea cultivars. The model fit was in the range from R2 ≥ 0.9873 to 0.9981 for all the six chickpea cultivars with increasing soaking time and cold plasma treatment.