bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoo: Selecting Transcriptomic and Methylomic Biomarkers by Ensembling Animal-Inspired Swarm Intelligence Feature Selection Algorithms
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Huang Lan , Zhou Fengfeng
Published: November 2021

Biological omics data such as transcriptomes and methylomes have the inherent “large p small n” paradigm, i.e., the number of features is much larger than that of the samples. A feature selection (FS) algorithm selects a subset of the transcriptomic or methylomic biomarkers in order to build a better prediction model. The hidden patterns in the FS solution space make it challenging to achieve a feature subset with satisfying prediction performances. Swarm intelligence (SI) algorithms mimic the target searching behaviors of various animals and have demonstrated promising capabilities in selecting features with good machine learning performances. Our study revealed that different SI-based feature selection algorithms contributed complementary searching capabilities in the FS solution space, and their collaboration generated a better feature subset than the individual SI feature selection algorithms. Nine SI-based feature selection algorithms were integrated to vote for the selected features, which were further refined by the dynamic recursive feature elimination framework. In most cases, the proposed Zoo algorithm outperformed the existing feature selection algorithms on transcriptomics and methylomics datasets.
Effects of Leisure Obstacles, Job Satisfaction, and Physical and Mental Health on Job Intentions of Medical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 Infection Risk and Workplace Stress
Authors: Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Lin Jan-Wei , Chen Chao-Chien , Hsu Chin-Hsien , Lai Bing-Sen , Lin Tzu-Yun
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leisure obstacles, job satisfaction, physical and mental health, and work intentions of medical workers in Taiwan. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical software were used to analyze 208 questionnaires by basic statistical tests, t-tests, and structural model analysis. Results: Under the epidemic, medical workers were unable to develop job identity due to low promotion opportunities and low job achievement. The lack of recreational exercise skills, time, and information created leisure obstacles. In addition, they were unable to express their true selves freely at work, which led to health problems such as reduced enthusiasm, mental weakness, and emotional irritability. In particular, female medical workers felt more strongly about the issues of leisure obstacles and the intention to stay in their jobs. The study found that the higher their job satisfaction, the higher their intention to stay in the job, while the more pronounced the leisure obstacles and physical and mental health problems, the more pronounced their intention to leave.
Clinical and Humanistic Outcomes of Community Pharmacy-Based Healthcare Interventions Regarding Medication Use in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Christopher Christina Malini , KC Bhuvan , Blebil Ali , Alex Deepa , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Ismail Norhasimah , Alrasheedy Alian A.
Published: November 2021

This review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the clinical and humanistic outcomes of community pharmacy-based interventions on medication-related problems of older adults at the primary care level. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the impact of various community pharmacy-based interventions from five electronic databases (namely, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL, APA PSYInfo, and Scopus) from January 2010 to December 2020. Consequently, we assessed these interventions’ clinical and humanistic outcomes on older adults and compared them with non-intervention. We included 13 RCTs in the current review and completed a meta-analysis with six of them. The included studies had a total of 6173 older adults. Quantitative analysis showed that patient education was significantly associated with an increase in the discontinuation of sedative–hypnotics use (risk ratio 1.28; 95% CI (1.20, 1.36) I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). Moreover, the qualitative analysis showed that medication reviews and education with follow-ups could improve various clinical outcomes, including reducing adverse drug events, reducing uncontrolled health outcomes, and improving appropriate medication use among the elderly population. However, medication review could not significantly reduce the number of older adults who fall (risk ratio 1.25; 95% CI (0.78, 1.99) I2 = 0%, p = 0.36) and require hospitalization (risk ratio 0.72; 95% CI (0.47, 1.12) I2 = 45%, p = 0.15). This study showed that community pharmacy-based interventions could help discontinue inappropriate prescription medications among older adults and could improve several clinical and humanistic outcomes. However, more effective community pharmacy-based interventions should be implemented, and more research is needed to provide further evidence for clinical and humanistic outcomes of such interventions on older adults.
The Effects of Different Fertilization Practices in Combination with the Use of PGPR on the Sugar and Amino Acid Content of Asparagus officinalis
Authors: Xekarfotakis Nikolaos , Chatzistathis Theocharis , Mola Magkdi , Demirtzoglou Triantafyllia , Monokrousos Nikolaos
Published: November 2021

The present study examined the effects of different nitrogen (NH4NO3) and potassium (KNO3) fertilization levels in combination with a nitrogen-fixing, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation on the carbohydrate (CHO), amino acid content, and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K) in the spears and the root system of asparagus plants. No significant differences were indicated between the different fertilization treatments regarding N, P, and K in the leaves and roots of asparagus. The inoculation of the asparagus fields with PGPR, no matter the type of the inorganic fertilizer, resulted in increased CHO and amino acid content of the foliage and roots of asparagus. The highest CHO content and amino acid content were recorded in the treatment that combined PGPR inoculation along with KNO3 fertilizer, indicating that higher K applications acted synergistically with the added PGPR.
Peer Support and Overdose Prevention Responses: A Systematic ‘State-of-the-Art’ Review
Authors: Mercer Fiona , Miler Joanna Astrid , Pauly Bernie , Carver Hannah , Hnízdilová Kristina , Foster Rebecca , Parkes Tessa
Published: November 2021

Overdose prevention for people who use illicit drugs is essential during the current overdose crisis. Peer support is a process whereby individuals with lived or living experience of a particular phenomenon provide support to others by explicitly drawing on these experiences. This review provides a systematic search and evidence synthesis of peer support within overdose prevention interventions for people who use illicit drugs. A systematic search of six databases (CINAHL, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) was conducted in November 2020 for papers published in English between 2000 and 2020. Following screening and full-text review, 46 papers met criteria and were included in this review. A thematic analysis approach was used to synthesize themes. Important findings include: the value of peers in creating trusted services; the diversity of peers’ roles; the implications of barriers on peer-involved overdose prevention interventions; and the stress and trauma experienced by peers. Peers play a pivotal role in overdose prevention interventions for people who use illicit drugs and are essential to the acceptability and feasibility of such services. However, peers face considerable challenges within their roles, including trauma and burnout. Future interventions must consider how to support and strengthen peer roles in overdose settings.
Spatial and Temporal Trends of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from Wastewater Treatment Plants over 6 Weeks in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Street Renée , Mathee Angela , Mangwana Noluxabiso , Dias Stephanie , Sharma Jyoti Rajan , Ramharack Pritika , Louw Johan , Reddy Tarylee , Brocker Ludwig , Surujlal-Naicker Swastika , Berkowitz Natacha , Malema Mokaba Shirley , Nkambule Sizwe , Webster Candice , Mahlangeni Nomfundo , Gelderblom Huub , Mdhluli Mongezi , Gray Glenda , Muller Christo , Johnson Rabia
Published: November 2021

Recent scientific trends have revealed that the collection and analysis of data on the occurrence and fate of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater may serve as an early warning system for COVID-19. In South Africa, the first COVID-19 epicenter emerged in the Western Cape Province. The City of Cape Town, located in the Western Cape Province, has approximately 4 million inhabitants. This study reports on the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewater of the City of Cape Town’s wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) during the peak of the epidemic. During this period, the highest overall median viral RNA signal was observed in week 1 (9200 RNA copies/mL) and declined to 127 copies/mL in week 6. The overall decrease in the amount of detected viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA over the 6-week study period was associated with a declining number of newly identified COVID-19 cases in the city. The SARS-CoV-2 early warning system has now been established to detect future waves of COVID-19.
Examining Opportunities, Challenges and Quality of Life in International Retirement Migration
Authors: Tang Yuan , Zolnikov Tara Rava
Published: November 2021

As the world has become more interconnected due to the invention and innovation of communication and transportation technologies, more individuals than ever before have been able to travel long distances. In recent years, a growing number of physically able adults in late adulthood have chosen to move across national borders to less costly countries in order to obtain better quality of life upon reaching retirement age. In light of this under-researched but increasingly popular retirement trajectory, this research aimed to provide more insight into the opportunities and challenges that international retired migrants have encountered while retiring abroad. Through the lens of humanistic theory, this research employed a systematic review of research literature, the majority of which were peer-reviewed studies published within the last five years. The reviewed studies (n = 22) conducted spanned four out of seven continents, with heavy emphasis on Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Research results indicated that many of the international retired migrants took advantage of the opportunities of pleasant weather, lower cost of living, and various amenities offered by their host countries to enhance their quality of life by engaging in an active and meaningful lifestyle. However, language barriers, lack of social support, rising healthcare costs, increases in the cost of living, uncertain political climate, and different healthcare practices in their host countries, presented considerable challenges to many international retirees.
Perceiving the Self and Emotions with an Anxious Mind: Evidence from an Implicit Perceptual Task
Authors: Feldborg Michella , Lee Naomi A. , Hung Kalai , Peng Kaiping , Sui Jie
Published: November 2021

Anxiety disorders cause mental distress and low wellbeing in many people worldwide. Theories of anxiety describe negative worldviews and self-views as maintaining factors of the disorders. Recent research in social cognition has found a link between depression and altered perceptual biases to emotions, but the same research on anxiety is still missing. In this study, we measured perceptual biases to emotional and self-related stimuli in sub-clinically anxious participants and healthy controls using a self-emotional shape-label matching task. Results demonstrate that anxious participants had a diminished perceptual self-bias compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the severity of anxiety was related to an emotional bias towards valanced other-related stimuli. The findings confirm the hypothesis that anxious individuals display an altered self-prioritisation effect in comparison with healthy individuals and that anxiety severity is linked to altered responses to emotionally valanced others. These findings have potential implications for early diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.
Releasing Operating Room Nursing Time to Care through the Reduction of Surgical Case Preparation Time: A Lean Six Sigma Pilot Study
Authors: Egan Patricia , Pierce Anthony , Flynn Audrey , Teeling Sean Paul , Ward Marie , McNamara Martin
Published: November 2021

Healthcare systems internationally are working under increasing demand to use finite resources with greater efficiency. The drive for efficiency utilises process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma. This study outlines a pilot Lean Six Sigma intervention designed to release nursing time to care within a peri-operative environment; this was achieved by collaborating with stakeholders to redesign the process for laparoscopic hernia surgical case preparation (set up) material. Across 128 laparoscopic hernia surgical cases, the pilot resulted in a 55% decrease in overall nursing time spent in gathering and preparing materials for laparoscopic hernia surgical cases, with a corresponding reduction in packaging waste. The major impact of releasing nursing time to care within busy Operating Room environments enabled nurses to focus on continuing to deliver high-quality care to their patients and reduce pressure expressed by the Operating Room nurses. The results have led to an ongoing review of other surgical procedures preparation to further release nursing time and will be of interest to perioperative teams internationally.
Regulatory Framework Implementation for the Prescription of Zolpidem in France, What Impact in the Older People?
Authors: Jobert Alexandra , Istvan Marion , Laforgue Edouard-Jules , Schreck Benoit , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline
Published: November 2021

Background: Zolpidem is one of the most prescribed hypnotic drugs. In 2001, the World Health Organization alerted a risk of pharmacodependence associated with zolpidem. The French health authority decided in 2017 to enforce security on the prescription of zolpidem to reduce those risks. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of regulatory framework implementation, secure prescription pad, on the prevalence and incidence of prescriptions of zolpidem according to the age. Methods: This study was based on an observational study using the French healthcare data system. Two age categories were defined: “younger” and “older” (<65 years, ≥65 years); in order to study the evolution of prevalence and incidence of zolpidem use in our two groups, two periods were defined, before and after the implementation of the measure. Results: The prevalence decreased in the younger population by 51% (4012 vs. 7948 consumers), while that of the older population decreased by 42% (4151 vs. 7282). This difference in our two groups, with a greater decrease in the younger people, is statistically significant compared to the older people. Conclusion: Our study showed that regulatory framework implementation and mandatory secure prescription pad is more effective for decreasing prevalence of zolpidem prescription for younger people compared to older people.
An Analysis of the Effects of Psychosocial Work Environment on the Retention Intentions of Primary Care Coordinators Nursing Patients with Chronic Illness
Authors: Lee Hyesoo , Shin Juh Hyun
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of psychosocial work environment on the retention intentions of care coordinators taking care of patients with chronic illness. A descriptive survey study was conducted with a convenience sample of care coordinators who organized patients and treatment teams that offered professional and persistent treatment. A total of 132 participants were recruited from 19 October to 19 November 2020. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé post hoc, and hierarchical multiple regression using SPSS 26.0. The results showed that work organization and job content (β = 0.254, p = 0.014) and value at the workplace (β = 0.245, p = 0.034) had significant effects on the retention intentions of participants. The final model of the study explained 40.1% of participants’ retention intentions (F = 11.830, p < 0.001). The development of educational programs and implementation of policies for improving the psychosocial work environment were found to be essential for increasing the retention intentions of professional care coordinators.
Allergic Diseases: A Comprehensive Review on Risk Factors, Immunological Mechanisms, Link with COVID-19, Potential Treatments, and Role of Allergen Bioinformatics
Authors: Aldakheel Fahad M.
Published: November 2021

The prevalence of allergic diseases is regarded as one of the key challenges in health worldwide. Although the precise mechanisms underlying this rapid increase in prevalence are unknown, emerging evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. The immune system, microbiota, viruses, and bacteria have all been linked to the onset of allergy disorders in recent years. Avoiding allergen exposure is the best treatment option; however, steroids, antihistamines, and other symptom-relieving drugs are also used. Allergen bioinformatics encompasses both computational tools/methods and allergen-related data resources for managing, archiving, and analyzing allergological data. This study highlights allergy-promoting mechanisms, algorithms, and concepts in allergen bioinformatics, as well as major areas for future research in the field of allergology.
Assessing the Effect of Climate Variables on the Incidence of Dengue Cases in the Metropolitan Region of Panama City
Authors: Navarro Valencia Vicente , Díaz Yamilka , Pascale Juan Miguel , Boni Maciej F. , Sanchez-Galan Javier E.
Published: November 2021

The present analysis uses the data of confirmed incidence of dengue cases in the metropolitan region of Panama from 1999 to 2017 and climatic variables (air temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity) during the same period to determine if there exists a correlation between these variables. In addition, we compare the predictive performance of two regression models (SARIMA, SARIMAX) and a recurrent neural network model (RNN-LSTM) on the dengue incidence series. For this data from 1999–2014 was used for training and the three subsequent years of incidence 2015–2017 were used for prediction. The results show a correlation coefficient between the climatic variables and the incidence of dengue were low but statistical significant. The RMSE and MAPE obtained for the SARIMAX and RNN-LSTM models were 25.76, 108.44 and 26.16, 59.68, which suggest that any of these models can be used to predict new outbreaks. Although, it can be said that there is a limited role of climatic variables in the outputs the models. The value of this work is that it helps understand the behaviour of cases in a tropical setting as is the Metropolitan Region of Panama City, and provides the basis needed for a much needed early alert system for the region.
Children’s Particulate Matter Exposure Characterization as Part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Thornburg Jonathan , Halchenko Yuliya , McCombs Michelle , Siripanichgon Nalyn , Dowell Erin , Cho Seung-Hyun , Egner Jennifer , Sayarath Vicki , Karagas Margaret R.
Published: November 2021

As part of the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, children 3 to 5 years of age participated in a personal PM2.5 exposure study. This paper characterizes the personal PM2.5 exposure and protocol compliance measured with a wearable sensor. The MicroPEM™ collected personal continuous and integrated measures of PM2.5 exposure and compliance data on 272 children. PM2.5, black carbon (BC), and brown carbon tobacco smoke (BrC-ETS) exposure was measured from the filters. We performed a multivariate analysis of woodstove presence and other factors that influenced PM2.5, BC, and BrC exposures. We collected valid exposure data from 258 of the 272 participants (95%). Children wore the MicroPEM for an average of 46% of the 72-h period, and over 80% for a 2-day, 1-night period (with sleep hours counted as non-compliance for this study). Elevated PM2.5 exposures occurred in the morning, evening, and overnight. Median PM2.5, BC, and BrC-ETS concentrations were 8.1 μg/m3, 3.6 μg/m3, and 2.4 μg/m3. The combined BC and BrC-ETS mass comprised 72% of the PM2.5. Woodstove presence, hours used per day, and the primary heating source were associated with the children’s PM2.5 exposure and air filters were associated with reduced PM2.5 concentrations. Our findings suggest that woodstove smoke contributed significantly to this cohort’s PM2.5 exposure. The high sample validity and compliance rate demonstrated that the MicroPEM can be worn by young children in epidemiologic studies to measure their PM2.5 exposure, inform interventions to reduce the exposures, and improve children’s health.
Degree of Accuracy of the BMI Z-Score to Determine Excess Fat Mass Using DXA in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Monasor-Ortolá David , Quesada-Rico Jose Antonio , Nso-Roca Ana Pilar , Rizo-Baeza Mercedes , Cortés-Castell Ernesto , Martínez-Segura Asier , Sánchez-Ferrer Francisco
Published: November 2021

Obesity is caused by fat accumulation. BMI Z-score is used to classify the different degrees of weight status in children and adolescents. However, this parameter does not always express the true percentage of body fat. Our objective was to determine the degree of agreement between the fat mass percentage measured by DXA and the stratification of weight according to BMI Z-score in the pediatric age group. We designed a descriptive cross-sectional study. The patients were classified as underweight/normal weight with Z-scores between −2 and +0.99, overweight from 1 to 1.99, obese from 2 to 2.99, and very obese ≥3. We included 551 patients (47% girls), with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.8 years (3.7–18 years). Higher BMI Z-scores were associated with a higher percentage of total fat (p < 0.001). However, there were important overlaps between both parameters, such that the BMI Z-score classified patients with the same percentage of total fat mass as having a different nutritional status classification. In conclusion, the stratification of weight status according to BMI Z-score revealed that 46.7% of patients had a fat percentage that did not correspond to their classification. For a more accurate weight assessment in clinical practice, we recommend combining anthropometric indices with diagnostic tools that better correlate with DXA, such as electrical bioimpedance.
Influence of Vision on Drivers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alvarez-Peregrina Cristina , Martinez-Perez Clara , Villa-Collar Cesar , Sánchez-Tena Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2021

Background: Driving is the main mode of transportation in many countries, and visual safety depends largely on good visual health. The objective of this study is to analyze the visual health of Spanish drivers; as well as analyze the difference between professional and non-professional drivers. Methods: A visual screening was carried out in Spanish drivers from all over Spain, in which the following tests were performed: monocular visual acuity in distance and near vision, visual field, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure and balance test binocular. Subsequently, a questionnaire was carried out on the patient’s driving data and ocular antecedents. Results: 74.5% of the drivers used glasses to drive, of which 61.5% used progressive glasses. However, 39.4% reported having difficulties seeing well. The mean visual acuity in the distance and near was 0.93 ± 0.13 and 0.94 ± 0.13, respectively. Significant differences have been found in accident risk based on visual acuity (p < 0.001). But no significant differences have been found in terms of visual field, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity, binocular balance and intraocular pressure (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Vision appears to play a key role in driving and a good visual assessment is recommended for early detection of visual problems that may affect road safety. A study with a larger sample size would be necessary to confirm the results of this pilot study.
Improved A-Star Algorithm for Long-Distance Off-Road Path Planning Using Terrain Data Map
Authors: Hong Zhonghua , Sun Pengfei , Tong Xiaohua , Pan Haiyan , Zhou Ruyan , Zhang Yun , Han Yanling , Wang Jing , Yang Shuhu , Xu Lijun
Published: November 2021

To overcome the limitation of poor processing times for long-distance off-road path planning, an improved A-Star algorithm based on terrain data is proposed in this study. The improved A-Star algorithm for long-distance off-road path planning tasks was developed to identify a feasible path between the start and destination based on a terrain data map generated using a digital elevation model. This study optimised the algorithm in two aspects: data structure, retrieval strategy. First, a hybrid data structure of the minimum heap and 2D array greatly reduces the time complexity of the algorithm. Second, an optimised search strategy was designed that does not check whether the destination is reached in the initial stage of searching for the global optimal path, thus improving execution efficiency. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, three different off-road path planning tasks were examined for short-, medium-, and long-distance path planning tasks. Each group of tasks corresponded to three different off-road vehicles, and nine groups of experiments were conducted. The experimental results show that the processing efficiency of the proposed algorithm is significantly better than that of the conventional A-Star algorithm. Compared with the conventional A-Star algorithm, the path planning efficiency of the improved A-Star algorithm was accelerated by at least 4.6 times, and the maximum acceleration reached was 550 times for long-distance off-road path planning. The simulation results show that the efficiency of long-distance off-road path planning was greatly improved by using the improved algorithm.
Massively Parallel Discovery of Loosely Moving Congestion Patterns from Trajectory Data
Authors: Hu Chunchun , Chen Si
Published: November 2021

The efficient discovery of significant group patterns from large-scale spatiotemporal trajectory data is a primary challenge, particularly in the context of urban traffic management. Existing studies on group pattern discovery mainly focus on the spatial gathering and moving continuity of vehicles or animals; these studies either set too many limitations in the shape of the cluster and time continuity or only focus on the characteristic of the gathering. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid to the equidirectional movement of the aggregated objects and their loose coherence moving. In this study, we propose the concept of loosely moving congestion patterns that represent a group of moving objects together with similar movement tendency and loose coherence moving, which exhibit a potential congestion characteristic. Meanwhile, we also develop an accelerated algorithm called parallel equidirectional cluster-recombinant (PDCLUR) that runs on graphics processing units (GPUs) to detect congestion patterns from large-scale raw taxi-trajectory data. The case study results demonstrate the performance of our approach and its applicability to large trajectory dataset, and we can discover some significant loosely moving congesting patterns and when and where the most congested road segments are observed. The developed algorithm PDCLUR performs satisfactorily, affording an acceleration ratio of over 65 relative to the traditional sequential algorithms.
Diabetes and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A New Look at Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Role of Novel Antidiabetic Agents
Authors: Vekic Jelena , Zeljkovic Aleksandra , Stefanovic Aleksandra , Giglio Rosaria Vincenza , Ciaccio Marcello , Rizzo Manfredi
Published: November 2021

Epidemiological data have demonstrated a significant association between the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, the processes inherent to T2DM, also play active roles in the onset and progression of CRC. Recently, small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, a typical characteristic of diabetic dyslipidemia, emerged as another possible underlying link between T2DM and CRC. Growing evidence suggests that antidiabetic medications may have beneficial effects in CRC prevention. According to findings from a limited number of preclinical and clinical studies, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) could be a promising strategy in reducing the incidence of CRC in patients with diabetes. However, available findings are inconclusive, and further studies are required. In this review, novel evidence on molecular mechanisms linking T2DM with CRC development, progression, and survival will be discussed. In addition, the potential role of GLP-1RAs therapies in CRC prevention will also be evaluated.
Functional Studies of Plant Latex as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds: Focus on Proteins and Alkaloids
Authors: Gracz-Bernaciak Joanna , Mazur Oliwia , Nawrot Robert
Published: November 2021

Latex, a sticky emulsion produced by specialized cells called laticifers, is a crucial part of a plant’s defense system against herbivory and pathogens. It consists of a broad spectrum of active compounds, which are beneficial not only for plants, but for human health as well, enough to mention the use of morphine or codeine from poppy latex. Here, we reviewed latex’s general role in plant physiology and the significance of particular compounds (alkaloids and proteins) to its defense system with the example of Chelidonium majus L. from the poppy family. We further attempt to present latex chemicals used so far in medicine and then focus on functional studies of proteins and other compounds with potential pharmacological activities using modern techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Despite the centuries-old tradition of using latex-bearing plants in therapies, there are still a lot of promising molecules waiting to be explored.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell: A Friend or Foe in Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Harrell Carl Randall , Volarevic Ana , Djonov Valentin G. , Jovicic Nemanja , Volarevic Vladislav
Published: November 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewable, multipotent stem cells that regulate the phenotype and function of all immune cells that participate in anti-tumor immunity. MSCs modulate the antigen-presenting properties of dendritic cells, affect chemokine and cytokine production in macrophages and CD4+ T helper cells, alter the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and regulate the generation and expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T regulatory cells. As plastic cells, MSCs adopt their phenotype and function according to the cytokine profile of neighboring tumor-infiltrated immune cells. Depending on the tumor microenvironment to which they are exposed, MSCs may obtain pro- and anti-tumorigenic phenotypes and may enhance or suppress tumor growth. Due to their tumor-homing properties, MSCs and their exosomes may be used as vehicles for delivering anti-tumorigenic agents in tumor cells, attenuating their viability and invasive characteristics. Since many factors affect the phenotype and function of MSCs in the tumor microenvironment, a better understanding of signaling pathways that regulate the cross-talk between MSCs, immune cells and tumor cells will pave the way for the clinical use of MSCs in cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, we summarize current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for the MSC-dependent modulation of the anti-tumor immune response and we discuss different insights regarding therapeutic potential of MSCs in the therapy of malignant diseases.
Virus Infection, Genetic Mutations, and Prion Infection in Prion Protein Conversion
Authors: Hara Hideyuki , Sakaguchi Suehiro
Published: November 2021

Conformational conversion of the cellular isoform of prion protein, PrPC, into the abnormally folded, amyloidogenic isoform, PrPSc, is an underlying pathogenic mechanism in prion diseases. The diseases manifest as sporadic, hereditary, and acquired disorders. Etiological mechanisms driving the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc are unknown in sporadic prion diseases, while prion infection and specific mutations in the PrP gene are known to cause the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc in acquired and hereditary prion diseases, respectively. We recently reported that a neurotropic strain of influenza A virus (IAV) induced the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc as well as formation of infectious prions in mouse neuroblastoma cells after infection, suggesting the causative role of the neuronal infection of IAV in sporadic prion diseases. Here, we discuss the conversion mechanism of PrPC into PrPSc in different types of prion diseases, by presenting our findings of the IAV infection-induced conversion of PrPC into PrPSc and by reviewing the so far reported transgenic animal models of hereditary prion diseases and the reverse genetic studies, which have revealed the structure-function relationship for PrPC to convert into PrPSc after prion infection.
The Alberta Newborn Screening Approach for Sickle Cell Disease: The Advantages of Molecular Testing
Authors: Zhou Janet R. , Ridsdale Ross , MacNeil Lauren , Lilley Margaret , Hoang Stephanie , Christian Susan , Blumenschein Pamela , Wolan Vanessa , Bruce Aisha , Singh Gurpreet , Wright Nicola , Parboosingh Jillian S. , Lamont Ryan E. , Sosova Iveta
Published: November 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a group of inherited red blood cell (RBC) disorders caused by pathogenic variants in the beta-globin gene (HBB), can cause lifelong disabilities and/or early mortality. If diagnosed early, preventative measures significantly reduce adverse outcomes related to SCD. In Alberta, Canada, SCD was added to the newborn screening (NBS) panel in April 2019. The primary conditions screened for are sickle cell anemia (HbS/S), HbS/C disease, and HbS/β thalassemia. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the first 19 months of SCD screening performance, as well as described our approach for screening of infants that have received a red blood cell transfusion prior to collection of NBS specimen. Hemoglobins eluted from dried blood spots were analyzed using the Bio-Rad™ VARIANT nbs analyzer (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA, USA). Targeted sequencing of HBB was performed concurrently in samples from all transfused infants. During the period of this study, 43 of 80,314 screened infants received a positive NBS result for SCD, and of these, 34 were confirmed by diagnostic testing, suggesting a local SCD incidence of 1:2400 births. There were 608 infants with sickle cell trait, resulting in a carrier frequency of 1:130. Over 98% of non-transfused infants received their NBS results within 10 days of age. Most of the 188 transfused infants and 2 infants who received intrauterine transfusions received their final SCD screen results within 21 ± 10 d of birth. Our SCD screening algorithm enables detection of affected newborns on the initial NBS specimen, independent of the reported blood transfusion status.
An Evaluation Study in Social Media Research: Key Aspects to Enhancing the Promotion of Efficient Organizations on Twitter
Authors: Brdesee Hani , Alsaggaf Wafaa
Published: November 2021

As social media has shifted from traditional to modern technical patterns, organizations have sought to take advantage of the presence of beneficiaries on social networks. They may serve customers, display ads, and respond to queries on social media accounts such as Twitter. The implementation of these services required a scientific study considering: (1) how to attract beneficiaries, (2) attraction times, and (3) measurement of the impact of that attraction. This study aimed to address these three points through an analysis of data from an educational organization’s Twitter account. We found that the interaction rates with tweets increased in the evening, and we identified the best times for the organization to reach more followers. We examined five months of data (an entire semester), analyzing thousands of tweets and their associated impressions, types of responses, integration ratio, and account usage. We also discovered that the quality of tweets had an impact on attracting new followers, particularly when tweeting media such as photos, videos, and other types of content. Finally, this research serves as a resource for educational organizations on new ways to publish accounts and foster organizational growth through electronic media.
Hyperparameter Tuning for Machine Learning Algorithms Used for Arabic Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Elgeldawi Enas , Sayed Awny , Galal Ahmed R. , Zaki Alaa M.
Published: November 2021

Machine learning models are used today to solve problems within a broad span of disciplines. If the proper hyperparameter tuning of a machine learning classifier is performed, significantly higher accuracy can be obtained. In this paper, a comprehensive comparative analysis of various hyperparameter tuning techniques is performed; these are Grid Search, Random Search, Bayesian Optimization, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Genetic Algorithm (GA). They are used to optimize the accuracy of six machine learning algorithms, namely, Logistic Regression (LR), Ridge Classifier (RC), Support Vector Machine Classifier (SVC), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Naive Bayes (NB) classifiers. To test the performance of each hyperparameter tuning technique, the machine learning models are used to solve an Arabic sentiment classification problem. Sentiment analysis is the process of detecting whether a text carries a positive, negative, or neutral sentiment. However, extracting such sentiment from a complex derivational morphology language such as Arabic has been always very challenging. The performance of all classifiers is tested using our constructed dataset both before and after the hyperparameter tuning process. A detailed analysis is described, along with the strengths and limitations of each hyperparameter tuning technique. The results show that the highest accuracy was given by SVC both before and after the hyperparameter tuning process, with a score of 95.6208 obtained when using Bayesian Optimization.
The Atherosclerotic Profile of a Young Symptomatic Population between 19 and 49 Years: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography or Coronary Artery Calcium Score?
Authors: Feuchtner Gudrun Maria , Beyer Christoph , Langer Christian , Bleckwenn Sven , Senoner Thomas , Barbieri Fabian , Luger Anna , Spitaler Philipp , Widmann Gerlig , Adukauskaite Agne , Dichtl Wolfgang , Friedrich Guy , Plank Fabian
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Whether coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) or the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) should be used for diagnosis of coronary heart disease, is an open debate. The aim of our study was to compare the atherosclerotic profile by coronary CTA in a young symptomatic high-risk population (age, 19–49 years) in comparison with the coronary artery calcium score (CACS). (2) Methods: 1137 symptomatic high-risk patients between 19–49 years (mean age, 42.4 y) who underwent coronary CTA and CACS were stratified into six age groups. CTA-analysis included stenosis severity and high-risk-plaque criteria (3) Results: Atherosclerosis was more often detected based on CTA than based on CACS (45 vs. 27%; p < 0.001), 50% stenosis in 13.6% and high-risk plaque in 17.7%. Prevalence of atherosclerosis was low and not different between CACS and CTA in the youngest age groups (19–30 y: 5.2 and 6.4% and 30–35 y: 10.6 and 16%). In patients older than >35 years, the rate of atherosclerosis based on CTA increased (p = 0.004, OR: 2.8, 95%CI:1.45–5.89); and was higher by CTA as compared to CACS (34.9 vs. 16.7%; p < 0.001), with a superior performance of CTA. In patients older than 35 years, stenosis severity (p = 0.002) and >50% stenosis increased from 2.6 to 12.5% (p < 0.001). High-risk plaque prevalence increased from 6.4 to 26.5%. The distribution of high-risk plaque between CACS 0 and >0.1 AU was similar among all age groups, with an increasing proportion in CACS > 0.1 AU with age. A total of 24.9% of CACS 0 patients had coronary artery disease based on CTA, 4.4% > 50% stenosis and 11.5% had high-risk plaque. (4) Conclusions: In a symptomatic young high-risk population older than 35 years, CTA performed superior than CACS. In patients aged 19–35 years, the rate of atherosclerosis was similar and low based on both modalities. CACS 0 did not rule out coronary artery disease in a young high-risk population.
Preoperative Predictors of Adverse Clinical Outcome in Emergent Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection in 15 Year Follow Up
Authors: Freundt Miriam , Kolat Philipp , Friedrich Christine , Salem Mohamed , Gruenewald Matthias , Elke Gunnar , Pühler Thomas , Cremer Jochen , Haneya Assad
Published: November 2021

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) has high mortality. Improvements in surgical technique have lowered mortality but postoperative functional status and decreased quality of life due to debilitating deficits remain of concern. Our study aims to identify preoperative conditions predictive of undesirable outcome to help guide perioperative management. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of 394 cases of AAAD who underwent repair in our institution between 2001 and 2018. A combined endpoint of parameters was defined as (1) 30-day versus hospital mortality, (2) new neurological deficit, (3) new acute renal insufficiency requiring postoperative renal replacement, and (4) prolonged mechanical ventilation with need for tracheostomy. Results: Total survival/ follow-up time averaged 3.2 years with follow-up completeness of 94%. Endpoint was reached by 52.8%. Those had higher EuroSCORE II (7.5 versus 5.5), higher incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) (9.2% versus 3.2%), neurological deficit (ND) upon presentation (26.4% versus 11.8%), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (14.4% versus 1.6%) and intubation (RF) before surgery (16.9% versus 4.8%). 7-day mortality was 21.6% versus 0%. Hospital mortality 30.8% versus 0%. Conclusions: This 15-year follow up shows, that unfavorable postoperative clinical outcome is related to ND, CAD, CPR and RF on arrival.
Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) in Patients with Early Ankylosing Spondylitis—Limited Utility
Authors: Nowakowska-Płaza Anna , Wroński Jakub , Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona , Głuszko Piotr
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) not only results in pathological ossification of the spine, but can also be associated with osteoporosis. Due to the presence of syndesmophytes and possible involvement of the hip joints, classical dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is of limited use in patients with advanced stages of AS. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a method complementary to DXA, providing additional information about bone microarchitecture. There is a growing body of evidence for the usefulness of TBS in AS patients. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of TBS in patients with AS. Methods: Patients with AS underwent DXA with additional TBS assessment. A cross-sectional analysis of the frequency of osteoporosis and bone microarchitecture deterioration and their association with patients’ characteristics was done. Results: A total of 51 male patients, mean age 40.7 years, were enrolled. Osteoporosis was diagnosed in seven patients (13.7%). Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) was higher (p < 0.001) than femoral BMD, indicating abnormal BMD readings in the spine caused by syndesmophytes. Patients with DXA-diagnosed osteoporosis had lower TBS (p = 0.03) and TBS T-score (p = 0.043) values compared to patients without osteoporosis. However, disturbed bone microarchitecture (TBS < 1.23) was present in only three patients (5.9%). None of the patients had a history of an osteoporotic fracture. A lower TBS T-score (p = 0.032) was demonstrated in patients with sacroiliitis grade 4 than in patients with sacroiliitis grade 2, with no significant differences in BMD and T-score values. Conclusion: Among patients with early AS, the clinical utility of TBS is limited—it does not add value to DXA.
The Influence of Visual Input on Electromyographic Patterns of Masticatory and Cervical Spine Muscles in Subjects with Myopia
Authors: Zieliński Grzegorz , Matysik-Woźniak Anna , Rapa Maria , Baszczowski Michał , Ginszt Michał , Zawadka Magdalena , Szkutnik Jacek , Rejdak Robert , Gawda Piotr
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to analyze the change of visual input on electromyographic patterns of masticatory and cervical spine muscles in subjects with myopia. After applying the inclusion criteria, 50 subjects (18 males and 32 females) with myopia ranging from −0.5 to −5.75 Diopters (D), were included in the study. Four muscle pairs were analyzed: the anterior part of the temporalis muscle (TA), the superficial part of the masseter muscle (MM), the anterior belly of the digastric muscle (DA), and the middle part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle belly (SCM) during resting and functional activity. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease within functional indices (FCI) for the sternocleidomastoid muscle (FCI SCM R, FCI SCM L, FCI SCM total) during clenching in the intercuspal position with eyes closed compared to eyes open. During maximum mouth opening, a statistically significant increase of functional opening index for the left temporalis muscle (FOI TA L) was observed. Within the activity index (AcI), there was a statistically significant decrease during clenching on dental cotton rollers with eyes closed compared to eyes open.
Associations between Zygoma Fracture and Post-Traumatic Headache: A Study among Taiwanese Population
Authors: Hsiao I-Han , Hsu Shao-Yun , Lin Mei-Chen , Shih Pin-Keng
Published: November 2021

Few studies have discussed the development of post-traumatic headache (PTH) after zygoma fracture. This research aimed to examine the association between zygoma fracture and PTH and its other associated factors. A total of 3043 patients with zygoma fracture and 3043 patients with non-fracture were included in this analysis. They were matched to a non-fracture cohort from the National Health Insurance database according to age, sex, and index year. The incidence of PTH and its association with zygoma fracture were assessed. The zygoma fracture cohort had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of PTH than the non-fracture cohort in a 10-year follow-up. The confounding risk factors of PTH included zygoma fracture, female sex, and comorbidities, including obesity and depression. Female patients under 40 years old who had zygoma fractures had a higher incidence of PTH than the non-fracture group. Moreover, patients with zygoma fractures commonly developed PTH within three months after injury. Female patients under 40 years old with precedent zygoma fractures had a higher incidence rate of PTH than those without fractures. Moreover, patients with zygoma fractures commonly developed PTH within three months after injury. Nevertheless, before widely applying our results, a prospective study must be conducted to verify the risk factors found in this study.