bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of an Antibody Specific for AMIGO2 Improves Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Liver Metastases and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Goto Keisuke , Osaki Mitsuhiko , Izutsu Runa , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sasaki Ryo , Tanio Akimitsu , Satofuka Hiroyuki , Kazuki Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Manabu , Kugoh Hiroyuki , Ito Hisao , Oshimura Mitsuo , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Okada Futoshi
Published: October 2021

Instruction: The human amphoterin-induced gene and open reading frame (AMIGO) was identified as a novel cell adhesion molecule of type I transmembrane protein. AMIGO2 is one of three members of the AMIGO family (AMIGO1, 2, and 3), and the similarity between them is approximately 40% at the amino acid level. We have previously shown that AMIGO2 functions as a driver of liver metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis of AMIGO2 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) using a commercially available anti-AMIGO2 mouse monoclonal antibody clone sc-373699 (sc mAb) correlated with liver metastasis and poor prognosis. However, the sc mAb was found to be cross-reactive with all three molecules in the AMIGO family. Methods: We generated a rat monoclonal antibody clone rTNK1A0012 (rTNK mAb) for human AMIGO2. The rTNK mAb was used to re-evaluate the association between AMIGO2 expression and liver metastases/clinical outcomes using the same CRC tissue samples previously reported with sc mAb. Results: Western blot analysis revealed that a rTNK mAb was identified as being specific for AMIGO2 protein and did not cross-react with AMIGO1 and AMIGO3. The rTNK mAb and sc mAb showed higher AMIGO2 expression, which correlates with a high frequency of liver metastases (65.3% and 47.5%, respectively), while multivariate analysis showed that AMIGO2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for liver metastases (p = 7.930E-10 and p = 1.707E-5). The Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that the rTNK mAb (p = 0.004), but not sc mAb (p = 0.107), predicted worse overall survival in patients with high AMIGO2 expression. The relationship between AMIGO2 expression and poor disease-specific survival showed a higher level of significance for rTNK mAb (p = 0.00004) compared to sc mAb (p = 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that the developed rTNK1A0012 mAb is an antibody that specifically recognizes AMIGO2 by immunohistochemistry and can be a more reliable and applicable method for the diagnostic detection of liver metastases and worse prognosis in patients with high AMIGO2-expressing CRC.
Combination of rGO/S, N/TiO2 for the Enhancement of Visible Light-Driven Toluene Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Winayu Birgitta Narindri Rara , Mao Wan-Hua , Chu Hsin
Published: October 2021

Toluene is one type of common volatile organic compound (VOC) that is produced by daily products and is harmful to human health. Therefore, the degradation of toluene is critical to improving indoor air quality value. Photocatalytic degradation is considered an efficient and safe method to convert toluene into water and carbon dioxide without the formation of a secondary pollutant. Performance improvement of TiO2, a typically applied photocatalyst, has advantages in light absorption and electron transfer process. In this study, the TiO2 improvement was carried out by the doping of sulfur and nitrogen (S, N) elements along with various reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The composition of 0.1wt%rGO/S0.05N0.1TiO2 performed higher photocatalytic degradation of toluene due to the elevation of specific surface area, formation of oxygen-containing functional group, and chemical defect structure. However, a higher amount of rGO addition creates the shielding effect and inhibits the light penetration. Moreover, the relative humidity and applied temperature influence the photocatalytic activity through the competitive adsorption or increase the collisions frequency, respectively. During the photocatalytic degradation using 0.1wt%rGO/S0.05N0.1TiO2, toluene will be converted into benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, water, and carbon dioxide.
Longitudinal evaluation of five nasopharyngeal carcinoma animal models on the microPET/MR platform
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Xue Zhichao , Tan Kel-Vin , Yuan Hui , Tsang Anna Chi Man , Tsao Sai Wah , Khong Pek-Lan
Published: October 2021

Purpose
We longitudinally evaluated the tumour growth and metabolic activity of two well-established nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) animal models (C666-1, C17) and three novel models (Xeno76, Xeno23 and NPC43) using a microPET/MR system. With a better understanding of the interplay between tumour growth and metabolic characteristics of these NPC models, we aim to provide insights for the selection of appropriate NPC cell line/xenograft models to assist novel drug discovery and evaluation.
Methods
Mice were imaged by [18F]FDG microPET/MR twice a week for consecutive 3–7 weeks. [18F]FDG uptake was quantified by standardized uptake value (SUV) and presented as SUVmean tumour-to-liver ratio (SUVRmean). Longitudinal tumour growth patterns and metabolic patterns were recorded. SUVRmean and histological characteristics were compared across the five NPC models. Cisplatin was administrated to one selected optimal tumour model, C17 to evaluate our imaging platform.
Results
We found variable tumour growth and metabolic patterns across different NPC tumour types. C17 has an optimal growth rate and higher tumour metabolic activity compared with C666-1. C666-1 has a fast growth rate but is low in SUVRmean at endpoint due to necrosis as confirmed by H&E. NPC43 and Xeno76 have relatively slow growth rates and are low in SUVRmean, due to severe necrosis. Xeno23 has the slowest growth rate, and a relative high SUVRmean. Cisplatin showed the expected therapeutic effect in the C17 model in marked reduction of tumour size and metabolism.
Conclusion
Our study establishes an imaging platform that characterizes the growth and metabolic patterns of different NPC models, and the platform is well able to demonstrate drug treatment outcome supporting its use in novel drug discovery and evaluation for NPC.
Integration of Clinical and Transcriptomics Reveals Reprogramming of the Lipid Metabolism in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Li Yanyan , Zhao Jungang , Chen Renpin , Chen Shengwei , Xu Yilun , cai Weiyang
Published: October 2021

Background: Lipid metabolism has a profound impact on gastric cancer (GC) progression and is a newly targetable vulnerability for cancer therapy. Given the importance of lipids in cancer cellular processes, in this study we employed lipidomic clinical and transcriptomic data of GC to connect the variations of lipid metabolism changes.Method: We constructed a clinical nomogram based on the lipid factors and other clinical items. Then by using multi-omics techniques, we established a lipid-related gene signature for individualized prognosis prediction in patients with GC. Moreover, a total of 1357 GC cases were then applied to evaluate the robustness of this model. WGCNA was used to identify co-expression modules and enriched genes associated with GC lipid metabolism. The role of key genes ACLY in GC was further investigated.Results: The prognostic value of the lipidomic signature was analyzed using Cox regression model, and clinical nomogram was established. Among them, we observed overexpression of ACLY significantly increased the levels of intracellular free fatty acid and triglyceride, and activate AKT/mTOR pathway to promote cancer development.Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings delineated a GC clinical and lipidomic signature and revealed that GC exhibited a reprogramming of lipid metabolism in association with an altered expression of lipid metabolism-associated genes. Among them, ACLY significantly promoted GC lipid metabolism and increased cancer cell proliferation, suggesting that this pathway can be targetable as a metabolic vulnerability in future GC therapy.
Research-ready data for multi-cohort analyses: The Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) C-Surv data model
Authors: Bauermeister Sarah , Bauermeister Joshua R , Bridgman Ruth , Felici Caterina , Newbury Mark , North Laura , Orton Christopher , Squires Emma , Thompson Simon , Young Simon , Gallacher John E
Published: October 2021

Research-ready data (that curated to a defined standard) increases scientific opportunity and rigour by integrating the data environment. The development of research platforms has highlighted the value of research-ready data, particularly for multi-cohort analyses. Following user consultation, a standard data model (C-Surv), optimised for data discovery, was developed using data from 12 Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) population and clinical cohort studies. The model uses a four-tier nested structure based on 18 data themes selected according to user behaviour or technology. Standard variable naming conventions are applied to uniquely identify variables within the context of longitudinal studies. The data model was used to develop a harmonised dataset for 11 cohorts. This dataset populated the Cohort Explorer data discovery tool for assessing the feasibility of an analysis prior to making a data access request. It was concluded that developing and applying a standard data model (C-Surv) for research cohort data is feasible and useful.
The Comparison of Breast Cancer in Southern China and America: A Multicentre Study in China Versus SEER Database
Authors: Niu Yingjie , Zhang Fan , Chen Dong , Ye Guolin , Li Yong , Zha Yong , Chen Wenlin , Liu Dequan , Liao Xiaoming , Huang Qinghua , Tang Wei , Cai Gengxi , Guo Rong , Li Hongyang , Tang Shicong
Published: October 2021

Background and Objective: There are different characteristics of BC in developing countries and developed countries. We intend to study the factors which influence the survival and prognosis of BC between southern China and the United States. Methods: To study the two groups BC patients in southern China from 2001 to 2016 and SEER database from 1975 to 2016. To register, collect and analyze the clinicopathological features and treatment information. Results: Our study found that there are significant differences in tumor size, positive lymph node status and KI-67 between southern China and SEER cohort (P<0.000). Conclusions: The age, tumor size, positive-node and KI-67 may cause the difference of morbidity and mortality of BC patients in southern China and SEER cohort.
Successful treatment of a symptomatic unicameral calcaneus bone cyst by cement injection using a double needle technique under CT guidance: a case report
Authors: Abrishami Alireza , Zadeh Arezou Hashem , Ghanaati Hossein
Published: October 2021

Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are benign cavitary lesions which most commonly affect adolescent males in the first two decades of life. They are mainly asymptomatic, but can manifest with pain or pathological fractures. A 16-year old girl presented with an 8-day history of pain and swelling over the right calcaneal region. On local examination, tenderness was the only noteworthy sign and all routine laboratory tests conducted revealed normal results. Despite numerous proposed methods for the management of calcaneus SBCs, the optimal approach towards these lesions remains controversial. Here, a novel method utilizing a minimally invasive technique is proposed to successfully manage these lesions. In an outpatient setting, under conscious sedation, two interosseous needles were simultaneously inserted into the cyst under the guidance of CT fluoroscopy. Without aspiration, a radiopaque bone cement mixture was injected into the cyst from one needle until the cessation of serosanguineous fluid efflux from the second needle. Over a one-year follow-up period, the patient recovered without any complications. Bone cement injection using a double needle technique under CT fluoroscopy guidance is a feasible and safe method to treat symptomatic unicameral calcaneal bone cysts.
An Association Study Between VDR and HER2 in Breast Cancers Reveals the Potential of Combined Diagnosis and Prognosis
Authors: Dai Aimei , Han Ruilin , Chen Dongjing
Published: October 2021

Background: Breast cancer is generally acknowledged as a heterogeneous disease, with complete characterization and underlying technologies available to predict outcomes. Biomarkers, especially the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), are keys to characterize breast cancer and optimize the patients’ clinical outcomes. Vitamin D has an anti-cancer effect in breast cancer, which is related to the expression level of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Despite these remarkable achievements, there is limited focus on the combined effects of VDR and HER2, which may provide specific diagnostic and prognostic potential in breast cancers. Results: In this study, we evaluated the association between VDR and HER2-status-related clinical prognostic characters by processing the breast cancer data of 2433 cases obtained from cBioPortal, discovering a high and positive correlation between VDR and HER2 in breast cancer. We also found substantial genes that are significantly correlated with both VDR and HER2 expressions. Those negatively correlated are enriched with pathways involving translations, showing a quite different mechanism from previous studies. Moreover, the survival analysis reveals that higher VDR copy number aberration (CNA) or HER2 expression shows significantly higher death rates in breast cancer patients.Conclusion: Our study reveals new mechanisms of coordinated function between VDR and HER2 in repressing cell translation, and prognosis or therapies targeted to VDR CNA and HER2 expression involving cell translations may be a potentially combined strategy in treating breast cancer.
Saliva As A Non-Invasive Specimen For COPD Assessment
Authors: Melo-Dias Sara , Valente Carla , Andrade Lília , Marques Alda , Sousa Ana
Published: October 2021

Background: People with COPD have been reported to bear a distinct airway microbiota from healthy individuals based on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and sputum samples. Unfortunately, the collection of these samples involves invasive procedures preventing its regular use. Non-invasive samples from the upper airways could constitute an interesting alternative, but its relationship with COPD is still underexplored.We examined the merits of saliva to identify the typical profile of COPD microbiota and test its association with the disease.Methods: Outpatients with COPD and age-sex matched healthy controls were recruited and characterised based on clinical parameters and 16S rRNA profiling of salivary microbiota. A clustering analysis based on patients’ microbiota beta-diversity and logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the microbiota composition and COPD. Results: 128 individuals participated (70 patients and 58 controls). Differential abundance analyses showed differences in patients comparable to the ones previously observed in samples from the lower respiratory tract, i.e., an increase in Proteobacteria (particularly Haemophilus) and loss of microbiota diversity. An unsupervised clustering analysis separated patients in two groups based on microbiota composition differing significantly in the frequency of patients hospitalized due to severe acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and in the frequency of GOLD D patients. Furthermore, a low frequency of Prevotella was associated with a significantly higher risk of recent severe AECOPD and of being GOLD D.Conclusion: Salivary microbiota showed an association with COPD, particularly with severe exacerbations, supporting the use of this non-invasive specimen for future studies of heterogeneous respiratory diseases like COPD.
Latent Myofascial Trigger Points Release Therapy for Adult Cough Variant Asthma
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Zhang Wenwen , Tian Tian , Bai He , Hu Qiya , Qi Feng
Published: October 2021

Background:Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). However, it’s precise mechanism is not clear yet. The date show that latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) can induce autonomic phenomena, such as over secretion, airway hyper-responsiveness, and so on. Therefore, we assumed that latent MTrPs might disrupt the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic, which might play an essential role in the etiology of CVA.Results:Recurrence rate was lower in the intervention group than the control group (36w, 5.0% vs. 34.5%, P=0.001). There were significant between-group differences in change from baseline to 36 weeks in VAS (5.80±1.20 to 1.70±1.49 and 5.53±1.21 to 3.18±2.04, respectively; 95%CI, -2.00 to -1.00; P=0.001); ACT-scores (12.78±1.86 to 21.38±2.65 and 13.09±1.97 to 18.53±3.00, respectively; 95%CI, 2.00 to 4.00; P<0.001); ACQ5-scores (2.35±0.86 to 0.85±0.55 and 2.38±0.50 to 1.52±0.62, respectively; 95%CI, -1.00 to -0.40; P<0.001); AQLQ-scores (119.65±17.55 to 174.40±18.22 and 126.22±15.58 to 151.69±24.04, respectively; 95%CI, 14.00 to 34.00; P<0.001); Rate of rescue medication used (36w, 5.0% vs. 29.1%, P=0.003). Fewer adverse events were founded between the two groups (7.5% vs. 14.5%, P=0.462). Conclusions:Compared with budesonide-formoterol plus montelukast therapy, latent MTrPs injection therapy provided a long-acting, practical, short treatment course and safety methods for CVA. The findings indicated that latent MTrPs might play a vital role in the pathogenesis of CVA.Clinical Trials Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100044079. Registered 9 March 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: In-Silico Molecular Docking Study of SFPQ Protein to Identify a Potential Therapeutic Compound
Authors: Kovvali Omkar
Published: October 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, known as ALS, is a neurodegenerative disease that passes the death sentence on 15 new people every day, leaving a patient struggling to move their fingers. At the molecular level, motor neuron death causes the inability for the muscles to function as normal. After researchers studied motor neuron death in ALS patients’ cells, they found that in all diseased cells, the SFPQ protein, a vital nuclear DNA/RNA binding protein, left the nucleus (its original location) and ended up in the cytoplasm. Since this defect was a molecular hallmark of ALS, solving this problem could stop motor neuron death. To treat this molecular hallmark, the in-silico process was used to sift through thousands of potential molecules to find the best one to use. The in-silico method was used to identify a lead molecule (NLS 551) that passed all the in-silico tests and brought the SFPQ protein back into the nucleus. If successful, this identified molecule could serve as the base for an ALS treatment.
Dietary Acid Load and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: koor Behrooz ebrahimzadeh , Mousavizadeh Ali , PourAnsari Pardis , Jounaghani Milad Nasiri , Mohammadian Zahra , Khazaei Yasamin
Published: October 2021

Background: Kidney diseases are prevalencing rapidly. The nutritional transition has caused the diet of Iran community to increase the dietary acid load (DAL) and thus exacerbate metabolic disorders. Therefore, our goal was to determine the DAL of the diet in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the study population was composed of 90 patients with renal insufficiency. DAL was included of Potential Renal Acid Load(PRAL), Net EndogeneusAcid Production(NEAP) and Net Acid Excretion(NAE) that were extracted using data of food frequency questionnaire and their correlation with anthropometric and biochemical indices such as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and creatinine were analyzed by SPSS v.26 software with a significance level of < 0.05.Results: Mean of dietary acid load of participants were 17.15±9.85,-8.7±0.35 and 59.04±10.9 mEq/day for PRAL, NEAP and NAE respectively. Daily intake of energy (P<0.001) and protein percent of energy (P<0.01) in third tertile (T3) of PRAL were significant higher than first tertile (T1). Mean of age (P<0.05) and blood creatinine concentration (P<0.01) were significant higher in T1 than T1 of NEAP index and GFR was significant low (P<0.05). Daily energy intake (p<0.05), blood calcium concentration (p<0.05) and GFR (p<0.05) were significantly more in higher tertiles of NAE index. Based on Crude General linear model, the higher tertiles of PRAL compared to first tertile had significant lower GFR (P<0.05). In adjustment model, T3 group had more not significant GFR than T1 group. Only in model II adjustment, T2 group of NAE compared to T1, had higher GFR. Mean difference of GFR did not significant across tertiles of NEAP index. In case of Creatinine, based on model I adjustment, T3 group of NAE had more creatinine concentration than T1 group (P<0.01). T3 group of NEAP than T1 group had significant lower creatinine in crude and modelI adjustment (P<0.01). Discussion: Dietary Acid Load was associated with kidney function in CKD patients. In order to obtain logical results and to understand the cause-and-effect relationships, long-term studies with larger populations and consideration of blood factors such as blood bicarbonate are recommended.
LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 Promotes the Odontoblastic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Via Regulating miR-153-3p/RUNX2 Axis
Authors: Lu Xiaohui , Zhang Jiawen , Lu Yuanzhou , Xing Jing , Lian Min , Feng Guijuan , Huang Dan , Wang Chenfei , Shen Nimei , feng xingmei
Published: October 2021

Background and Objective: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play a key role in the odontoblastic differentiation. This study aimed to explore the role of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 in the odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and its possible mechanism. Methods: The expression of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1, miR-153-3p, RUNX2 in the odontoblastic differentiation was detected by qRT-PCR. Interaction between LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 and miR-153-3p and interaction between miR-153-3p and RUNX2 were detected by dual-luciferase assay. The cell viability of DPSCs was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and the effect of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 and miR-153-3p on the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs was observed by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and Western blot for RUNX2, DSPP, DMP-1.Results: During odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, the expression of LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 increased, miR-153-3p expression decreased, and RUNX2 expression increased. Dual-luciferase assay showed that LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 sponges miR-153-3p and miR-153-3p targets on RUNX2. After LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 and miR-153-3p expressions of DPSCs were changed, the cell viability was not notably changed, but the odontoblastic differentiation was notably changed which was confirmed with alizarin red staining, ALP activity and Western blot for RUNX2, DSPP, DMP-1.Conclusion: LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1 promotes the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs via regulating miR-153-3p/RUNX2 axis, which may provide a therapeutic clue for odontogenesis.
Urban Growth Modeling Considering Educational Institutions In Qazvin, Iran: An Investigation Into The Performance of Three ANFIS Methods
Authors: Ghobadiha Yousef , Motieyan Hamid
Published: October 2021

Due to increasing urbanization, the rapid expansion of urban spaces has become a major environmental concern over the last few decades. Therefore, modeling the urban expansion as a complex system has been scrutinized in recent years; however, determining the rules that lead to the expansion of urban areas has always been a challenging factor in this field, especially for disaggregated models like cellular automata (CA). To overcome this issue, in this research, an Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is proposed to enhance the simulation of urban growth through the automatic production of transition rules. The ANFIS can be associated with several inputs division methods, such as ANFIS accompanied by grid partitioning (ANFIS-GP), subtractive clustering (ANFIS-SC), and fuzzy c-means clustering (ANFIS-FCM). Hence, twenty-two ANFIS models based on Landsat images for the time interval from 2000 to 2010 and using different division methods were trained to investigate their effect on the efficiency of ANFIS in urban growth modeling. To examine the efficiency, the Cellular Automata-based Markov Chain (CA-MC) as a popular method was developed, and the simulation accuracy of CA-MC and the most accurate ANFIS models were obtained through comparison with observed data. The most accurate ANFIS-SC model had a Kappa of 0.76 and an overall accuracy of 93.41% for the 2019 simulated map. The results from this study reveal that the ANFIS model is effective at simulating urban expansion and the ANFIS-SC is superior to CA-MC, ANFIS-GP, and ANFIS-FCM models in urban expansion modeling.
Multiomics Combined Analysis of Low-Phosphorus and Drought Stresses in Lotus Japonicus
Authors: Peijie+ Ma , Yajiao+ Li , Jianhong Shu , Ziyuan Wang , Xi Chen , Xiaoli Wang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLotus japonicus is a perennial herb in Leguminosae. It is a good feed source and improves soil. It is also an excellent honey source and medicinal plant. Low-phosphorus and drought stresses are among the main abiotic stress factors limiting the production of pulse roots. MethodsIn this experiment, the effects of low-phosphorus and drought stresses on Baimai roots were analyzed under three treatments: control (zl1), low-phosphorus stress (zl2) and drought stress (zl3). Results A total of 2176, 3026 and 2980 differentially expressed genes were screened in zl1 vs. zl2, zl1 vs. zl3 and zl2 vs. zl3, respectively. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in functions related to cells, membranes, ion binding, enzyme activity and resistance to low-phosphorus and drought stresses. The enriched KEGG pathways included the MAPK signaling pathway-plant, flavor biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and plant hormone signal transmission. In particular, a large number of differentially expressed genes were enriched in the response to plant hormone signal transmission pathways among different treatments, and gene expression changes were analyzed. In addition, the differentially expressed genes identified under drought stress and the phase response genes identified under osmotic stress were upregulated. Differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the important metabolic pathways of flavonoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism. Differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in GO terms related to cell, membrane, ion binding and enzyme activity functions, and the main enriched KEGG pathways included the ribosome, starch and sucrose metabolism and plant hormone signal transmission pathways. ConclusionIn conclusion, these results of transcriptome, metabolome and proteome sequencing are helpful for understanding the response mechanisms, gene changes, metabolite changes and protein changes in Baimai roots under low-phosphorus and drought stress conditions to lay a foundation for future research on Lotus japonicus.
Using Deep Learning To Uncover The Relation Between Age and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Kaiser Micha , Otterbach Steffen , Sousa-Poza Alfonso
Published: October 2021

This study applies a machine learning (ML) approach to around half a million observations from the German Socio-Economic Panel to assess the relation between life satisfaction and age. We show that with our ML-based approach it is possible to isolate the effect of age on life satisfaction across the lifecycle without explicitly parameterizing the complex relationship between age and other covariates – this complex relation is taken into account by a feedforward neural network. Our results show a clear U-shape relation between age and life satisfaction across the lifespan, with a minimum at around 55 years of age.
Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Clinical Trials Among Women with Ovarian Cancer: Results of The Acto Study
Authors: Mosconi Paola , Roberto Anna , Cerana Nicoletta , Colombo Nicoletta , Didier Florence , D'Incalci Maurizio , Lorusso Domenica , Peccatori Fedro Alessandro , Particpants Network of Clinicians Particpants Network of Clinicians
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAlthough there are several initiatives by research groups, regulatory authorities, and scientific associations to engage citizens/patients in clinical research, there are still obstacles to participation. Among the main discouraging aspects are incomplete understanding of the concepts related to the clinical trial, and the scant, sometimes confused, explanations given. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional multicenter study is to investigate knowledge, attitudes and trust in clinical research.We conducted a survey among women with ovarian cancer at their first follow-up visit or first therapy session, treated in centers belonging to the Mario Negri Gynecologic Oncology (MaNGO) and Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian Cancer (MITO) groups. A questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and experience was assembled ad hoc after a literature review and a validation process involving patients of the Alliance against Ovarian Cancer (ACTO).ResultsFrom 25 centers 348 questionnaire were collected; 73.5% of responders were 56 years or older, 54.8% had a high level of education, more than 80% had no experience of trial participation. Among participants 59% knew what clinical trials are and 71% what the informed consent is. However more than half did not know the meaning of the term randomization. More than half (56%) were in favor of participating in a clinical trial, but 35% were not certain. Almost all responders acknowledged the doctor’s important role in decision-making. Patients associations were recognized as playing a powerful role in the design and planning of clinical trials. ConclusionsThis study helps depict the knowledge and attitudes of women with ovarian cancer in relation to clinical trial, suggesting initiatives aimed at improving trials’ culture, literacy and compliance, and fresh ways of communication between doctors and patients.
Objective Disassembly Sequence Planning of Used Mobile Phones Based on Improved Hybrid Graph Disassembly Model
Authors: Yin Fengfu , Wang Xiaodong , Li Hongrui , Sun Huadong , Yu Suiran , Li Lin
Published: October 2021

To solve the problems of environmental pollution and waste of resources caused by used mobile phones, the study of objective disassembly sequence planning is carried out for used mobile phones. In view of the connection of mobile phone parts with multiple parts and the need to disassemble components, the concepts of containment, exclusion, and components are integrated into the hybrid graph. An improved hybrid graph is proposed and the improved hybrid graph disassembly model suitable for mobile phone disassembly is established. The ant colony algorithm is used to search for the optimal disassembly sequence, with the objective of minimum disassembly time. Finally, the improved hybrid graph disassembly model is applied to obtain the disassembly solution of HUAWEI Honor 6. The experimental results demonstrate that the disassembly sequence generated by the improved hybrid graph disassembly model can describe the actual disassembly process of disassembling components with less disassembly time.
Transcriptome Analysis of Genes Associated with Autolysis of Coprinus Comatus
Authors: Guo Hong-Bo , Zhang Zhi-Fei , Wang Si-Yu , Yang Ji-Kang , Xing Xi-Yao , Qi Xiao-Jian , Yu Xiao-Dan
Published: October 2021

Coprinus comatus, widely known as “Jituigu”, is an important commodity and food in China. The yield of C. comatus, however, is substantially reduced by the autolysis of the fruiting bodies after harvest. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism underlying this autolysis, we divided the growth of C. comatus fruiting bodies into four stages: infant stage (I), mature stage (M), discolored stage (D), and autolysis stage (A). We then subjected these stages to de novo transcriptomic analysis using high-throughput Illumina sequencing. A total of 12,946 unigenes were annotated and analyzed with the Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between stages I and M, M and D, and D and A. Because the changes from M to D are thought to be related to autolysis, we focused on the DEGs between these two stages. We found that the pathways related to metabolic activity began to decline in the transition from M to D. In contrast, expression levels of chitinases, β-1,3-glucanases, and the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 related to degradation of cell walls were higher in D than in M. In addition, 20 genes of interest were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR to verify their expression profiles at the four developmental stages. This study, which is the first to describe the transcriptome of C. comatus, provides a foundation for future studies concerning the molecular basis of the autolysis of its fruiting bodies.
Exploring Polygenic Contributors To Subgroups of Comorbid Conditions In Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Klein Louis , D’Urso Shannon , Eapen Valsamma , Hwang Liang-Dar , Lin Ping-I
Published: October 2021

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have heterogeneous comorbid conditions. This study examined whether comorbid conditions in ASD are associated with polygenic risk scores (PRS) of ASD or PRS of comorbid conditions in non-ASD specific populations. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were obtained from 1,386 patients with ASD from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) study. After excluding individuals with missing clinical information concerning comorbid conditions, a total of 707 patients were included in the study. A total of 18 subgroups of comorbid conditions (’topics’) were identified using a machine learning algorithm, topic modeling. PRS for ASD were computed using a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 18,381 cases and 27,969 controls. From these 18 topics, Topic 6 (over-represented by allergies) (p = 1.72 x 10−3) and Topic 17 (over-represented by sensory processing issues such as low pain tolerance) (p = .037) were associated with PRS of ASD. For associated topics, we further assessed their associations with PRS of their corresponding comorbid conditions based on non-ASD specific populations. However, these two topics were not associated with the PRS of allergies and chronic pain disorder, respectively. Characteristics of the present AGRE sample and those samples used in the original GWAS for ASD, allergies, and chronic pain disorder, may differ due to significant clinical heterogeneity that exists in the ASD population. Additionally, the AGRE sample may be underpowered and therefore insensitive to weak PRS associations due to a relatively small sample size. Findings imply that susceptibility genes of ASD may contribute more to the occurrence of allergies and sensory processing issues in individuals with ASD, compared with the susceptibility genes for their corresponding phenotypes. Since these comorbid conditions (i.e., allergies and pain sensation issues) cannot be attributable to the corresponding comorbidity-specific biological factors in non-ASD individuals, clinical management for these comorbid conditions may still depend on treatments for core symptoms of ASD.
How paediatricians investigate early developmental impairment: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Atherton Mark , Hart Anthony R
Published: October 2021

Background

Early developmental impairment (EDI) is common and has many aetiologies and, therefore, potential investigations. There are several published guidelines recommending aetiological investigations, and paediatricians’ views of them varies. Little is known on the thought processes underlying clinical decisions in investigating EDI. This study aimed to describe the thought processes affecting clinical decisions on the investigation of EDI within a nationalised health care system.
Methods

A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured qualitative interviews performed in person or via video link with paediatricians who see children with EDI in England. As part of the interview, a case study of a fictional disease, Cavorite deficiency, modelled on biotinidase deficiency, was given to participants with the cost of testing, incidence and likelihood it would respond to treatment. This allowed exploration of cost without encumbrance from predisposing views and training on the condition. Thematic analysis was performed by iterative approach. Where participants stated they wanted to redirect money from investigations to treatment, were that even possible, we asked which services they would like to be better funded in their area.
Results

Interviews were conducted with 14 consultant paediatricians: 9 Community / Neurodisability, 2 General paediatricians, and 3 Paediatric Neurologists. Two themes were identified: the value of an aetiological diagnosis to families and managing risk and probability when investigating EDI. The latter contained 4 subthemes: ‘circumspection’ involved blanket investigations chosen irrespective of phenotype and high regard for guidelines; ‘accepting appropriate risk’ involved participants choosing investigations based on clinical phenotype, recognising some aetiologies would be missed; consultants found they ‘transitioned between practices’ during their career; and ‘improved practice’ was thought possible with better evidence on how to stratify investigations based on phenotype. Services that were most frequently reported to need additional funding were therapy services, early community developmental services, management of behaviour, sleep and mental health, and educational support.
Conclusions

There are many factors that influence paediatricians’ choice of aetiological investigation in EDI, but clinical factors are the most important. Paediatricians want better evidence to allow them to select the right investigations for each child without a significant risk of missing an important diagnosis.
Prognostic Factors for Persistent Symptoms in Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: an Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Déry Julien , Ouellet Béatrice , de Guise Élaine , Bussières Ève-Line , Lamontagne Marie-Eve
Published: October 2021

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an increasing public health problem, because of its persistent symptoms and several functional consequences. Understanding the prognosis of a condition is an important component of clinical decision-making and can help to guide prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI. Prognosis of mTBI has stimulated several empirical primary research papers and many systematic reviews leading to the identification of a wide range of factors. We aim to synthesize these factors to get a better understanding of their breadth and scope.Methods: We conducted an overview of systematic reviews. We searched in databases systematic reviews synthesizing evidence about prognosis of persistent symptoms after mTBI in the adult population. Two reviewers independently screened all references and selected eligible reviews based on eligibility criteria. They extracted relevant information using an extraction grid. They also rated independently the risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. We synthesized evidence into a comprehensive conceptual map to facilitate the understanding of prognostic factors that have an impact on persistent post-concussion symptoms.Results: From the 3857 references retrieved in database search, we included 25 systematic reviews integrating the results of 312 primary articles published between 1957 and 2019. We examined 35 prognostic factors from the systematics reviews. No single prognostic factor demonstrated convincing and conclusive results. However, age, sex and multiple concussions showed an affirmatory association with persistent post-concussion outcomes in systematic reviews.Conclusion: We highlighted the need of a comprehensive picture of prognostic factors related to persistent post-concussion symptoms. We believe that these prognostic factors would guide clinical decision and research related to prevention and intervention regarding persistent post-concussion symptoms.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020176676
Statin Use is Associated With The Reduction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Liver Surgery
Authors: Khajeh Elias , Moghadam Arash Dooghaie , Eslami Pegah , Ali-Hasan-Al-Saegh Sadeq , Ramouz Ali , Shafiei Saeed , Ghamarnejad Omid , Abbasi Sepehr , Rupp Christian , Springfeld Christoph , Carvalho Carlos , Probst Pascal , Mousavizadeh Seyed Mostafa , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common form of cancer worldwide. Although surgical treatments have an acceptable cure rate, tumor recurrence is still a challenging issue. In this meta-analysis, we investigated whether statins prevent HCC recurrence following liver surgery.
Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Central were searched. The Outcome of interest was the HCC recurrence after hepatic surgery. Pooled estimates were represented as hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) using a random-effects model. Summary effect measures are presented together with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
Results

The literature search retrieved 1,362 studies excluding duplicates. Nine retrospective studies including 44,219 patients (2,243 in the statin group and 41,976 in the non-statin group) were included in the qualitative analysis. Patients who received statins had a lower rate of recurrence after liver surgery (HR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.31– 0.54; p <0.001). Moreover, Statins decreased the recurrence one year after surgery (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.16–0.47; P < 0.001), three years after surgery (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.15–0.33; P < 0.001), and five years after surgery (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.19–0.42; P < 0.001). The certainty of evidence for the outcomes was moderate.
Conclusion

Statins increase the disease-free survival of patients with HCC after liver surgery. These drugs seem to have chemoprevention effects that decrease the probability of HCC recurrence after liver transplantation or liver resection.
Prolonged PT and APTT Results Caused by Combined Usage of Rivaroxaban and Celecoxib: a Case Report
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Hongmin , Shi Xinrong , Liu Shuye
Published: October 2021

Background: Data related to coagulation in patients or changes of coagulation parameters induced by rivaroxaban combined celecoxib remains scarce in a community setting. Case presentation: We reported a 79-year-old woman was sent to the emergency department of our hospital for intracerebral hemorrhage of left thalamus on February 7th, 2021. On March 25th, after taking rivaroxaban combined celecoxib, her prothrombin time (PT: 23.0 sec) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT: 46.3 sec) results were longer than her historical results ((13.0-13.9) sec and (31.7-35.1) sec), the results were not consistent with her clinical symptoms. It turns out that this is unusual side effects of drug combination. After withdrawal the medicine of celecoxib, the results of PT and APTT returned to normal.Conclusions: Although this situation only occurs in a small number of patients, the accumulation of clinical experience can help doctors save their lives. For boosting the safety of clinical medications, doctors should strengthen the evaluations of bleeding risk.
“This is streets ahead of what we used to do”: Staff perceptions of virtual clinical pharmacy services in rural and remote Australian hospitals
Authors: Allan Julaine , Webster Emma , Chambers Brett , Nott Shannon
Published: October 2021

Background:
The use of medications is the most common intervention in healthcare. However, unsafe medication practices and medication errors are a leading cause of injury and avoidable harm in healthcare systems across the world. A Virtual Clinical Pharmacy Service (VCPS) was introduced in rural and remote New South Wales public hospitals to support safe and effective use of medications. In this model clinical pharmacy services are delivered via a telehealth cart at the patient’s bedside and through electronic medical and pharmaceutical record systems. The aim of this research was to understand healthcare staff perspectives of the VCPS and identify areas for improvement.
Methods:
A qualitative approach informed by Appreciative Inquiry was used to investigate healthcare staff perceptions of the VCPS. Focus group discussions (n=15) with hospital staff and medical officers were conducted via videoconference at each study site. Focus groups explored issues, benefits and barriers three months after service implementation. Transcribed data was analysed using thematic analysis and team discussion to synthesise themes.
Results:
Focus group participants identified the value of the VCPS to patients, to the health service and to themselves. They also identified enhancements to increase value for each of these groups. Perceived benefits to patients included access to specialist medication advice and improved medication knowledge. Staff valued access to an additional, trusted workforce who provided back-up and guidance. Staff also reported confidence in improved patient safety and identification of medication errors. Enhanced compliance with antimicrobial stewardship and hospital accreditation standards were beneficial to the health service. Suggested improvements included extending virtual service hours and widening patient eligibility to include aged care patients.
Conclusions:
The VCPS brought a positive, collegiate culture regarding medications. Healthcare staff perceived the VCPS was effective and an efficient way for the health service to supply pharmacy services to smaller hospitals. The ease of use, model of delivery, availability, local knowledge and responsiveness of highly skilled pharmacists was the key to user satisfaction.
Time-Rescaling Regression Method for Exponential Decay Time Series Predictions
Authors: Shintani Masaru , Umeno Ken
Published: October 2021

The exponential law has been discovered in various systems around the world. In this study, we introduce two existing and one proposed analytical method for exponential decay time-series predictions. The proposed method is given by a linear regression that is based on rescaling the time axis in terms of exponential decay laws. We confirm that the proposed method has a higher prediction accuracy than existing methods by performance evaluation using random numbers and verification using actual data. The proposed method can be used for analyzing real data modeled with exponential functions, which are ubiquitous in the world.