bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis Prevalence and Predictors Among Health Care-Seeking People Screened for Cough of Any Duration in Ethiopia: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mohammed Hussen , Oljira Lemessa , Roba Kedir Teji , Ngadaya Esther , Manyazewal Tsegahun , Ajeme Tigest , Mnyambwa Nicholaus P. , Fekadu Abebaw , Yimer Getnet
Published: February 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This high burden is mainly attributed to low case detection and delayed diagnosis. We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of TB among health care-seeking people screened for cough of any duration in Ethiopia.

Methods

In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we screened 195,713 (81.2%) for cough of any duration. We recruited a sample of 1,853 presumptive TB (PTB) cases and assigned them into three groups: group I with cough ≥2 weeks, group II with cough of <2 weeks, and group III pregnant women, patients on antiretroviral therapy, and patients with diabetes. The first two groups underwent chest radiograph (CXR) followed by sputum Xpert MTB/RIF assay or smear microscopy. The third group was exempted from CXR but underwent sputum Xpert MTB/RIF assay or smear microscopy. TB prevalence was calculated across the groups and TB predictors were analyzed using modified Poisson regression to compute adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The overall prevalence of PTB was 16.7% (309/1853). Of the positive cases, 81.2% (251/309) were in group I (cough ≥2 weeks), 14.2% (44/309) in group II (cough of <2), and 4.5% (14/309) in group III (CXR exempted). PTB predictors were age group of 25–34 [aPR = 2.0 (95% CI 1.3–2.8)], history of weight loss [aPR = 1.2 (95% CI 1.1–1.3)], and TB suggestive CXRs [aPR = 41.1 (95% CI 23.2–72.8)].

Conclusion

The prevalence of confirmed PTB among routine outpatients was high, and this included those with a low duration of cough who can serve as a source of infection. Screening all patients at outpatient departments who passively report any cough irrespective of duration is important to increase TB case finding and reduce TB transmission and mortality.
Households' Food Insecurity and Their Association With Dietary Intakes, Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Under-five Children in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: El Bilbeisi Abdel Hamid , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Albelbeisi Ali , Abuzerr Samer , Elmadfa Ibrahim , Nasreddine Lara
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to determine the households' food insecurity and their association with dietary intakes, nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among under-five children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of under-five children. A total of 350 children and their proxy were selected from all Gaza strip governorates, using a cluster random sampling method. The Radimer/Cornell food-security scale was used. A 24-h dietary recall was employed for dietary intakes assessment. Nutrition-related KAP for feeding under-five children, anthropometric measurements, and demographic-socioeconomic characteristics were obtained with an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The children from food-insecure households had a high prevalence of moderate underweight (30.4%), stunting (32.8%), wasting (9.6%), and acute undernutrition (30.4%). Between food-insecure and food-secure groups there were significant differences in weight, height/length, mid-upper arm circumference, weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference z-scores, underweight, acute undernutrition, intakes of protein, fat, vitamin D, zinc, continued breastfeeding, having nutrition-related adequate knowledge, having nutrition-related positive attitudes, and achieved minimum dietary diversity score (P < 0.05 for all). Additionally, about (56.0%) food-insecure households have inadequate nutrition-related knowledge, (77.6%) have nutrition-related negative attitudes, and (95.2%) did not achieve a minimum dietary diversity score. In conclusion, the children from food-insecure households had a high prevalence of moderate underweight, stunting, wasting, and acute undernutrition. Moreover, low economic status, poor dietary intakes, low levels of nutrition-related KAP, and lack of dietary diversity could contribute to the high levels of food insecurity among under-five children.
Research on Health and Thermal Comfort of Unit-Type Student Apartments in the Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor
Authors: Wang Zanshe , Wu Yue , Jia Zhaoying , Gao Qi , Gu Zhaolin
Published: February 2022

Background

In China, the collective living mode of “multiple people living in one room” is widely used in college students' dormitories; the space environment has high personnel density and poor thermal comfort and healthy environment. The unit-type apartments were completed in the western China science and technology innovation harbor that considers personal independence and public activity spaces.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to explore the applicability, thermal comfort, healthy environment, and the correlation of influencing variables of the new unit-type apartment. Especially the influence of physical parameters on personal space under heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.

Method

The field investigations and questionnaires to conduct a personal study of architectural space, healthy environment, and thermal comfort were carried out, and the measurement tests of the building's physical environment were carried out in winter and summer semesters.

Results

The questionnaires survey shows that the privacy of the unit apartment is satisfactory, and the independent learning and communication is increased. The field measurement results show that due to the narrow space of the private room, the floor radiant heating mode still forms a hot and dry thermal environment in winter, and the temperature fluctuates significantly after the air conditioner is turned on in summer.

Conclusions

The unit-type apartments align with young students' physiological and psychological characteristics and the behavioral aspects of postgraduates, with high comprehensive satisfaction up to 80%. However, the indoor thermal environment quickly fluctuates due to the narrow independent space. Moreover, 90% of the window ventilation ratio shows that it has become the main measure to actively regulate the indoor climate, which is beneficial to students' health but increases energy waste and further aggravates the fluctuation of the thermal environment. More refined regulations should be executed for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Xanthogranulomatous Adrenalitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dai Xiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Du Yiqing , Lai Shicong , Wang Gongwei , Yu Luping , Zhang Xiaopeng , Xu Tao
Published: February 2022

Xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis (XGA) is a rare inflammatory condition of the adrenal glands, probably resulting from a combination of chronic infection and local bleeding. Herein, we present an exceedingly rare case of functional xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis occurring in a 44-year-old Chinese female patient. With a history of intermittent superficial infection and a high level of C-reactive protein for 6 months, she presented to the hospital without fever or flank pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 5-cm right adrenal mass, which showed iso-signal on T1WI and a slightly long signal or iso-signal on T2WI. The preoperative basal serum renin level of the patient was decreased and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio was increased. After laparoscopic radical adrenalectomy, the adrenal mass was diagnosed as xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis, which was confirmed by histological examination and immunohistochemical staining for CD68. One month after surgery, the serum renin and aldosterone to renin ratio of the patient dropped to normal levels. Our case shows that xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis may resemble functional adrenal neoplasms, both biochemically and radiologically. The most likely cause of xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis is chronic infection, especially gram-positive coccus infection. Xanthogranulomatous adrenalitis should be considered when clinical and radiological manifestations are not typical for other inflammatory diseases or adrenal neoplasms.
Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Patients Receiving Cerebral Reperfusion Therapy: A Stroke Databank Study in Brazil
Authors: Furlan Natalia Eduarda , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , Zanati Bazan Silmeia Garcia , Modolo Gabriel Pinheiro , Ferreira Natalia Cristina , Miranda Luana Aparecida , de Souza Juli Thomaz , Winckler Fernanda Cristina , Vidal Edison Iglesias de Oliveira , de Freitas Carlos Clayton Macedo , Martin Luis Cuadrado , Bazan Rodrigo
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Cerebral reperfusion therapy is recommended for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, the outcomes of patients receiving this therapy in middle- and low-income countries should be better defined. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of cerebral reperfusion therapy in patients with ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included patients with ischemic stroke treated with cerebral reperfusion therapy, including intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and IVT with MT. The primary outcomes were death and disability, assessed using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), and stroke severity, assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), after intervention and 90 days after ictus. The association between the type of treatment and the primary outcome was assessed using binary logistic regression after adjusting for confounding variables. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify the cutoff point of the NIHSS score that could best discriminate the mRS score in all types of treatments.

Results

Patients (n = 291) underwent IVT only (n = 241), MT (n = 21), or IVT with MT (n = 29). In the IVT with MT group, the incidence of death within 90 days increased by five times (OR, 5.192; 95% CI, 2.069–13.027; p = 0.000), prevalence of disability increased by three times (OR, 3.530; 95% CI, 1.376–9.055; p = 0.009) and NIHSS score increased after IVT (from 14.4 ± 6.85 to 17.8 ± 6.36; p = 0.045). There was no significant difference between the initial NIHSS score and that after MT (p = 0.989). Patients' NIHSS score that increased or decreased by 2.5 points had a sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.65, indicating severe disability or death in these patients.

Conclusion

Altogether, a 2.5-point variation in NIHSS score after reperfusion is an indicator of worse outcomes. In our particular context, patients receiving the combination of IVT and MT had inferior results, which probably reflects challenges to optimize MT in LMIC.
External Validation and Comparison of Two Nomograms Predicting the Probability of Lymph Node Involvement in Patients subjected to Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy and Concomitant Lymph Node Dissection: A Single Tertiary Center Experience in the MRI-Era
Authors: Frego Nicola , Paciotti Marco , Buffi Nicolò Maria , Maffei Davide , Contieri Roberto , Avolio Pier Paolo , Fasulo Vittorio , Uleri Alessandro , Lazzeri Massimo , Hurle Rodolfo , Saita Alberto , Guazzoni Giorgio Ferruccio , Casale Paolo , Lughezzani Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Introduction

To externally validate and directly compare the performance of the Briganti 2012 and Briganti 2019 nomograms as predictors of lymph node invasion (LNI) in a cohort of patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

Materials and Methods

After the exclusion of patients with incomplete biopsy, imaging, or clinical data, 752 patients who underwent RARP and ePLND between December 2014 to August 2021 at our center, were included. Among these patients, 327 (43.5%) had undergone multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) and mpMRI-targeted biopsy. The preoperative risk of LNI was calculated for all patients using the Briganti 2012 nomogram, while the Briganti 2019 nomogram was used only in patients who had performed mpMRI with the combination of targeted and systematic biopsy. The performances of Briganti 2012 and 2019 models were evaluated using the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis, calibrations plot, and decision curve analysis.

Results

A median of 13 (IQR 9–18) nodes per patient was removed, and 78 (10.4%) patients had LNI at final pathology. The area under the curves (AUCs) for Briganti 2012 and 2019 were 0.84 and 0.82, respectively. The calibration plots showed a good correlation between the predicted probabilities and the observed proportion of LNI for both models, with a slight tendency to underestimation. The decision curve analysis (DCA) of the two models was similar, with a slightly higher net benefit for Briganti 2012 nomogram. In patients receiving both systematic- and targeted-biopsy, the Briganti 2012 accuracy was 0.85, and no significant difference was found between the AUCs of 2012 and 2019 nomograms (p = 0.296). In the sub-cohort of 518 (68.9%) intermediate-risk PCa patients, the Briganti 2012 nomogram outperforms the 2019 model in terms of accuracy (0.82 vs. 0.77), calibration curve, and net benefit at DCA.

Conclusion

The direct comparison of the two nomograms showed that the most updated nomogram, which included MRI and MRI-targeted biopsy data, was not significantly more accurate than the 2012 model in the prediction of LNI, suggesting a negligible role of mpMRI in the current population.
Prediction of Injuries in CrossFit Training: A Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Moustakidis Serafeim , Siouras Athanasios , Vassis Konstantinos , Misiris Ioannis , Papageorgiou Elpiniki , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios
Published: February 2022

CrossFit has gained recognition and interest among physically active populations being one of the most popular and rapidly growing exercise regimens worldwide. Due to the intense and repetitive nature of CrossFit, concerns have been raised over the potential injury risks that are associated with its training including rhabdomyolysis and musculoskeletal injuries. However, identification of risk factors for predicting injuries in CrossFit athletes has been limited by the absence of relevant big epidemiological studies. The main purpose of this paper is the identification of risk factors and the development of machine learning-based models using ensemble learning that can predict CrossFit injuries. To accomplish the aforementioned targets, a survey-based epidemiological study was conducted in Greece to collect data on musculoskeletal injuries in CrossFit practitioners. A Machine Learning (ML) pipeline was then implemented that involved data pre-processing, feature selection and well-known ML models. The performance of the proposed ML models was assessed using a comprehensive cross validation mechanism whereas a discussion on the nature of the selected features is also provided. An area under the curve (AUC) of 77.93% was achieved by the best ML model using ensemble learning (Adaboost) on the group of six selected risk factors. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was evaluated in a comparative analysis with respect to numerous performance metrics including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, AUC and confusion matrices to confirm its clinical relevance. The results are the basis for the development of reliable tools for the prediction of injuries in CrossFit.
Turbulence Models Studying the Airflow around a Greenhouse Based in a Wind Tunnel and Under Different Conditions
Authors: Partheniotis Georgios , Kalamaras Sotirios D. , Martzopoulou Anastasia G. , Firfiris Vasileios K. , Fragos Vassilios P.
Published: February 2022

Turbulence phenomena created around a greenhouse due to different wind loads are key factors in its structural design and significantly affect the ventilation rates through its side and roof openings. Using the turbulence models of ANSYS FLUENT software to investigate the airflow around an arched-roof-greenhouse-shaped obstacle placed inside a wind tunnel was the aim of this study. Velocity and pressure areas around the obstacle were examined by selecting three different turbulence models (Standard, RNG and Realizable k–ε models) under three different airflow entry velocities (0.34, 1.00 and 10.00 m s−1) in the wind tunnel. All k–ε models showed that when the air velocity was intensified, the airflow was identified as turbulent. The horizontal velocity profile predicted more accurately the presence of vortices in contrast with the vector sum of the perpendicular velocity components. Vortices were formed upstream, above the roof and downstream of the obstacle, and the applied models showed that when airflow velocity increases, the size of the upstream vortex decreases. Finally, there was a strong indication from the modeling results that the vortex on the roof of the obstacle was an extension of the vortex that was created downstream.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Gene Sl1 Is Critical for Cadmium Tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum L.
Authors: Liu Chen-Xu , Yang Ting , Zhou Hui , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Qi Zhen-Yu , Zhou Jie
Published: February 2022

Heavy metal cadmium (Cd) at high concentrations severely disturbs plant growth and development. The E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in protein degradation is critical for plant tolerance to abiotic stress, but the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in Cd tolerance is largely unknown in tomato. Here, we characterized an E3 ubiquitin ligase gene Sl1, which was highly expressed in roots under Cd stress in our previous study. The subcellular localization of Sl1 revealed that it was located in plasma membranes. In vitro ubiquitination assays confirmed that Sl1 had E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Knockout of the Sl1 gene by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology reduced while its overexpression increased Cd tolerance as reflected by the changes in the actual quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation. Cd-induced increased activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were compromised in sl1 mutants but were enhanced in Sl1 overexpressing lines. Furthermore, the content of Cd in both shoots and roots increased in sl1 mutants while reduced in Sl1 overexpressing plants. Gene expression assays revealed that Sl1 regulated the transcript levels of heavy metal transport-related genes to inhibit Cd accumulation. These findings demonstrate that Sl1 plays a critical role in regulating Cd tolerance by relieving oxidative stress and resisting heavy metal transportation in tomato. The study provides a new understanding of the mechanism of plant tolerance to heavy metal stress.
The Smallest Singular Value Anomaly and the Condition Number Anomaly
Authors: Dax Achiya
Published: February 2022

Let A be an arbitrary matrix in which the number of rows, m, is considerably larger than the number of columns, n. Let the submatrix Ai,i=1,…,m, be composed of the first i rows of A. Let βi denote the smallest singular value of Ai, and let ki denote the condition number of Ai. In this paper, we examine the behavior of the sequences β1,…,βm, and k1,…,km. The behavior of the smallest singular values sequence is somewhat surprising. The first part of this sequence, β1,…,βn, is descending, while the second part, βn,…,βm, is ascending. This phenomenon is called “the smallest singular value anomaly”. The sequence of the condition numbers has a different character. The first part of this sequence, k1,…,kn, always ascends toward kn, which can be very large. The condition number anomaly occurs when the second part, kn,…,km, descends toward a value of km, which is considerably smaller than kn. It is shown that this is likely to happen whenever the rows of A satisfy two conditions: all the rows are about the same size, and the directions of the rows scatter in some random way. These conditions hold in a wide range of random matrices, as well as other types of matrices. The practical importance of these phenomena lies in the use of iterative methods for solving large linear systems, since several iterative solvers have the property that a large condition number results in a slow rate of convergence, while a small condition number yields fast convergence. Consequently, a condition number anomaly leads to a similar anomaly in the number of iterations. The paper ends with numerical experiments that illustrate the above phenomena.
Taking It Personally: 3D Bioprinting a Patient-Specific Cardiac Patch for the Treatment of Heart Failure
Authors: Matthews Niina , Pandolfo Berto , Moses Daniel , Gentile Carmine
Published: February 2022

Despite a massive global preventative effort, heart failure remains the major cause of death globally. The number of patients requiring a heart transplant, the eventual last treatment option, far outnumbers the available donor hearts, leaving many to deteriorate or die on the transplant waiting list. Treating heart failure by transplanting a 3D bioprinted patient-specific cardiac patch to the infarcted region on the myocardium has been investigated as a potential future treatment. To date, several studies have created cardiac patches using 3D bioprinting; however, testing the concept is still at a pre-clinical stage. A handful of clinical studies have been conducted. However, moving from animal studies to human trials will require an increase in research in this area. This review covers key elements to the design of a patient-specific cardiac patch, divided into general areas of biological design and 3D modelling. It will make recommendations on incorporating anatomical considerations and high-definition motion data into the process of 3D-bioprinting a patient-specific cardiac patch.
Shock Waves Enhance Expression of Glycosphingolipid Tumor Antigen on Renal Cell Carcinoma: Dynamics of Physically Unmasking Hidden Intracellular Markers Independent of Gene-Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hosano Nushin , Moosavi-Nejad Zahra , Satoh Makoto , Hosano Hamid
Published: February 2022

Antigens associated with tumors have proven valuable in cancer immunotherapy. Their insufficient expression in the majority of tumors, however, limits their potential value as therapeutic markers. Aiming for a noninvasive approach applicable in clinical practice, we investigated the possibility of using focused shock waves to induce membrane expression of hidden intracellular tumor markers. Here, we studied the in vitro effect of a thousand focused shock waves at 16 MPa overpressure on the membrane expression of a cytosolic glycosphingolipid, monosialosyl-galactosyl-globoside (MSGG). Double-staining flow cytometry with propidium-iodide and monoclonal antibody RM1 revealed an immediate increase in MSGG expression on renal carcinoma cells (18% ± 0.5%) that reached its peak value (20.73% ± 0.4%) within one hour after the shock waves. The results of immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the incorporation of MSGG into newly formed cytosolic vesicles and their integration with the cell membrane. Based on the enzymatic nature of MSGG production that is not controlled directly by genes, the immediate upregulation of MSGG membrane expression implies that a chain of mechanochemical events affecting subcellular structures are responsible for the shock-wave-induced antigenic modification. Physically unmasking hidden tumor antigens and enhancing their expression by focused shock waves presents a potential noninvasive method of boosting tumor immunogenicity as a theranostic strategy in cancer immunotherapy.
Medical Professional Enhancement Using Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Fetal Cardiac Ultrasound Screening
Authors: Sakai Akira , Komatsu Masaaki , Komatsu Reina , Matsuoka Ryu , Yasutomi Suguru , Dozen Ai , Shozu Kanto , Arakaki Tatsuya , Machino Hidenori , Asada Ken , Kaneko Syuzo , Sekizawa Akihiko , Hamamoto Ryuji
Published: February 2022

Diagnostic support tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) have exhibited high performance in various medical fields. However, their clinical application remains challenging because of the lack of explanatory power in AI decisions (black box problem), making it difficult to build trust with medical professionals. Nevertheless, visualizing the internal representation of deep neural networks will increase explanatory power and improve the confidence of medical professionals in AI decisions. We propose a novel deep learning-based explainable representation “graph chart diagram” to support fetal cardiac ultrasound screening, which has low detection rates of congenital heart diseases due to the difficulty in mastering the technique. Screening performance improves using this representation from 0.966 to 0.975 for experts, 0.829 to 0.890 for fellows, and 0.616 to 0.748 for residents in the arithmetic mean of area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic curve. This is the first demonstration wherein examiners used deep learning-based explainable representation to improve the performance of fetal cardiac ultrasound screening, highlighting the potential of explainable AI to augment examiner capabilities.
Targeting PSMA Revolutionizes the Role of Nuclear Medicine in Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Luining Wietske I. , Cysouw Matthijs C. F. , Meijer Dennie , Hendrikse N. Harry , Boellaard Ronald , Vis André N. , Oprea-Lager Daniela E.
Published: February 2022

Targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) protein has become of great clinical value in prostate cancer (PCa) care. PSMA positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly used in initial staging and restaging at biochemical recurrence in patients with PCa, where it has shown superior detection rates compared to previous imaging modalities. Apart from targeting PSMA for diagnostic purposes, there is a growing interest in developing ligands to target the PSMA-protein for radioligand therapy (RLT). PSMA-based RLT is a novel treatment that couples a PSMA-antibody to (alpha or beta-emitting) radionuclide, such as Lutetium-177 (177Lu), to deliver high radiation doses to tumor cells locally. Treatment with 177Lu-PSMA RLT has demonstrated a superior overall survival rate within randomized clinical trials as compared to routine clinical care in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The current review provides an overview of the literature regarding recent developments in nuclear medicine related to PSMA-targeted PET imaging and Theranostics.
Differential Effects on the Translation of Immune-Related Alternatively Polyadenylated mRNAs in Melanoma and T Cells by eIF4A Inhibition
Authors: Biswas Biswendu , Guemiri Ramdane , Cadix Mandy , Labbé Céline M. , Chakraborty Alina , Dutertre Martin , Robert Caroline , Vagner Stéphan
Published: February 2022

Targeting the translation initiation complex eIF4F, which binds the 5′ cap of mRNAs, is a promising anti-cancer approach. Silvestrol, a small molecule inhibitor of eIF4A, the RNA helicase component of eIF4F, inhibits the translation of the mRNA encoding the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) transcription factor, which, in turn, reduces the transcription of the gene encoding one of the major immune checkpoint proteins, i.e., programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in melanoma cells. A large proportion of human genes produce multiple mRNAs differing in their 3′-ends through the use of alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites, which, when located in alternative last exons, can generate protein isoforms, as in the STAT1 gene. Here, we provide evidence that the STAT1α, but not STAT1β protein isoform generated by APA, is required for silvestrol-dependent inhibition of PD-L1 expression in interferon-γ-treated melanoma cells. Using polysome profiling in activated T cells we find that, beyond STAT1, eIF4A inhibition downregulates the translation of some important immune-related mRNAs, such as the ones encoding TIM-3, LAG-3, IDO1, CD27 or CD137, but with little effect on the ones for BTLA and ADAR-1 and no effect on the ones encoding CTLA-4, PD-1 and CD40-L. We next apply RT-qPCR and 3′-seq (RNA-seq focused on mRNA 3′ ends) on polysomal RNAs to analyze in a high throughput manner the effect of eIF4A inhibition on the translation of APA isoforms. We identify about 150 genes, including TIM-3, LAG-3, AHNAK and SEMA4D, for which silvestrol differentially inhibits the translation of APA isoforms in T cells. It is therefore crucial to consider 3′-end mRNA heterogeneity in the understanding of the anti-tumor activities of eIF4A inhibitors.
Lipid Status of A2780 Ovarian Cancer Cells after Treatment with Ruthenium Complex Modified with Carbon Dot Nanocarriers: A Multimodal SR-FTIR Spectroscopy and MALDI TOF Mass Spectrometry Study
Authors: Nešić Maja D. , Dučić Tanja , Algarra Manuel , Popović Iva , Stepić Milutin , Gonçalves Mara , Petković Marijana
Published: February 2022

In the last decade, targeting membrane lipids in cancer cells has been a promising approach that deserves attention in the field of anticancer drug development. To get a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the drug [Ru(η5-Cp)(PPh3)2CN] (RuCN) on cell lipidic components, we combine complementary analytical approaches, matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) and synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Techniques are used for screening the effect of potential metallodrug, RuCN, without and with drug carriers (carbon dots (CDs) and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs)) on the lipids of the human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. MALDI TOF MS results revealed that the lysis of ovarian cancer membrane lipids is promoted by RuCN and not by drug carriers (CDs and N-CDs). Furthermore, SR-FTIR results strongly suggested that the phospholipids of cancer cells undergo oxidative stress after the treatment with RuCN that was accompanied by the disordering of the fatty acid chains. On the other hand, using (N-)CDs as RuCN nanocarriers prevented the oxidative stress caused by RuCN but did not prevent the disordering of the fatty acid chain packing. Finally, we demonstrated that RuCN and RuCN/(N-)CDs alter the hydration of the membrane surface in the membrane–water interface region.
Review of Therapeutic Strategies for Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Fukui Takafumi , Tachihara Motoko , Nagano Tatsuya , Kobayashi Kazuyuki
Published: February 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement (ALK) was first reported in 2007. ALK-rearranged NSCLC accounts for about 3–8% of NSCLC. The first-line therapy for ALK-rearranged advanced NSCLC is tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting ALK. Following the development of crizotinib, the first ALK-TKI, patient prognosis has been greatly improved. Currently, five TKIs are approved by the FDA. In addition, clinical trials of the novel TKI, ensartinib, and fourth-generation ALK-TKI for compound ALK mutation are ongoing. Treatment with angiogenesis inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors is also being studied. However, as the disease progresses, cancers tend to develop resistance mechanisms. In addition to ALK mutations, other mechanisms, including the activation of bypass signaling pathways and histological transformation, cause resistance, and the identification of these mechanisms is important in selecting subsequent therapy. Studies on tissue and liquid biopsy have been reported and are expected to be useful tools for identifying resistance mechanisms. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide information on the recent clinical trials of ALK-TKIs, angiogenesis inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chemotherapy to describe tissue and liquid biopsy as a method to investigate the mechanisms of resistance against ALK-TKIs and suggest a proposed treatment algorithm.
Recent Advances of Deep Learning for Computational Histopathology: Principles and Applications
Authors: Wu Yawen , Cheng Michael , Huang Shuo , Pei Zongxiang , Zuo Yingli , Liu Jianxin , Yang Kai , Zhu Qi , Zhang Jie , Hong Honghai , Zhang Daoqiang , Huang Kun , Cheng Liang , Shao Wei
Published: February 2022

With the remarkable success of digital histopathology, we have witnessed a rapid expansion of the use of computational methods for the analysis of digital pathology and biopsy image patches. However, the unprecedented scale and heterogeneous patterns of histopathological images have presented critical computational bottlenecks requiring new computational histopathology tools. Recently, deep learning technology has been extremely successful in the field of computer vision, which has also boosted considerable interest in digital pathology applications. Deep learning and its extensions have opened several avenues to tackle many challenging histopathological image analysis problems including color normalization, image segmentation, and the diagnosis/prognosis of human cancers. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive up-to-date review of the deep learning methods for digital H&E-stained pathology image analysis. Specifically, we first describe recent literature that uses deep learning for color normalization, which is one essential research direction for H&E-stained histopathological image analysis. Followed by the discussion of color normalization, we review applications of the deep learning method for various H&E-stained image analysis tasks such as nuclei and tissue segmentation. We also summarize several key clinical studies that use deep learning for the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers from H&E-stained histopathological images. Finally, online resources and open research problems on pathological image analysis are also provided in this review for the convenience of researchers who are interested in this exciting field.
Intercellular Communication in the Brain through Tunneling Nanotubes
Authors: Khattar Khattar E. , Safi Janice , Rodriguez Anne-Marie , Vignais Marie-Luce
Published: February 2022

Intercellular communication is essential for tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding how cells interact with each other is paramount, as crosstalk between cells is often dysregulated in diseases and can contribute to their progression. Cells communicate with each other through several modalities, including paracrine secretion and specialized structures ensuring physical contact between them. Among these intercellular specialized structures, tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are now recognized as a means of cell-to-cell communication through the exchange of cellular cargo, controlled by a variety of biological triggers, as described here. Intercellular communication is fundamental to brain function. It allows the dialogue between the many cells, including neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, glial cells, microglia, necessary for the proper development and function of the brain. We highlight here the role of TNTs in connecting these cells, for the physiological functioning of the brain and in pathologies such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and gliomas. Understanding these processes could pave the way for future therapies.
Boosting the Electrocatalytic Activity of Nickel-Iron Layered Double Hydroxide for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction byTerephthalic Acid
Authors: Li Guoqi , Zhang Jihao , Li Lin , Yuan Chunze , Weng Tsu-Chien
Published: February 2022

The development of a new type of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst to reduce the energy loss in the process of water electrolysis is of great significance to the realization of the industrialization of hydrogen energy storage. Herein, we report the catalysts of NiFe double-layer hydroxide (NiFe-LDH) mixed with different equivalent terephthalic acid (TPA), synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The catalyst synthesized with the use of the precursor solution containing one equivalent of TPA shows the best performance with the current density of 2 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 270 mV, the Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1, and excellent stable electrocatalytic performance for OER. These catalysts were characterized in a variety of methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and Raman spectrum proved the presence of TPA in the catalysts. The lamellar structure and the uniform distribution of Ni and Fe in the catalysts were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of NiFe-LDH with and without TPA, the changes in the peak positions of Ni and Fe spectra indicate strong electronic interactions between TPA and Ni and Fe atoms. These results suggest that a certain amount of TPA can boost catalytic activity.
High Selectivity Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Anti-Chlorine Corrosion Strategies in Seawater Splitting
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Liu Yang , Qiu Hao , Su Chao , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2022

Seawater is one of the most abundant and clean hydrogen atom resources on our planet, so hydrogen production from seawater splitting has notable advantages. Direct electrolysis of seawater would not be in competition with growing demands for pure water. Using green electricity generated from renewable sources (e.g., solar, tidal, and wind energies), the direct electrolytic splitting of seawater into hydrogen and oxygen is a potentially attractive technology under the framework of carbon-neutral energy production. High selectivity and efficiency, as well as stable electrocatalysts, are prerequisites to facilitate the practical applications of seawater splitting. Even though the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is thermodynamically favorable, the most desirable reaction process, the four-electron reaction, exhibits a high energy barrier. Furthermore, due to the presence of a high concentration of chloride ions (Cl−) in seawater, chlorine evolution reactions involving two electrons are more competitive. Therefore, intensive research efforts have been devoted to optimizing the design and construction of highly efficient and anticorrosive OER electrocatalysts. Based on this, in this review, we summarize the progress of recent research in advanced electrocatalysts for seawater splitting, with an emphasis on their remarkable OER selectivity and distinguished anti-chlorine corrosion performance, including the recent progress in seawater OER electrocatalysts with their corresponding optimized strategies. The future perspectives for the development of seawater-splitting electrocatalysts are also demonstrated.
Hypertension Predisposition and Thermoregulation Delays in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Geronikolou Styliani , Bacopoulou Flora , Chryssanthopoulos Stavros , Cokkinos Dennis V. , Chrousos George P.
Published: February 2022

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder in which clinical, sonographic, and endophenotypic features have been underinvestigated or inconclusive, especially in the early stages of the disease (adolescence/young adulthood). Objective: This prospective pilot study focused on the differences of multiple physiological functions between Greek adolescent/young adult females suffering from PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)- matched healthy controls. Study design: Nineteen PCOS patients and eighteen healthy controls (aged 13 to 23 years) were studied for: (i) biochemical and hormonal dysfunction by measuring circulating glucose, insulin, and androgen levels; (ii) arterial stiffness with pulse wave analysis (PWA) by Sphygmocord; (iii) intima-media thickness (IMT) by ultrasound; (iv) heart rate variability (HRV) by Task Force Monitor; and (v) QT, QRS, QT, P, QRSD by electrocardiogram (ECG). Statistical analysis included Hedge’s g correction for small samples bias, and the results are shown using the Hedge’s g effect size and 95% CI, in line with precision medicine prerequisites. Results: Significant differences in pulse wave velocity (PWV) (g = 0.964 [0.296, 1.632]), subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) carotid (g = −0.679 [−1.329, −0.030]), pulse pressure (PP) carotid (g = 0.942 [0.275, 1.608]), systolic pressure (SP) carotid (g = 0.785 [0.129, 1.440]), free-testosterone (g = 0.677 [0.042, 0.312]), and Delta4-androstenedione (g = 0.735 [0.097, 0.373]) were observed between PCOS patients and controls. No differences were detected in the remaining endocrine and PWA or ECG biomarkers. Conclusions: Our multidisciplinary approach showed early onset of vascular dysfunction, predisposition to hypertension, thermoregulation delays, and metabolic syndrome changes in adolescent/young adult PCOS.
A Video Analytics System for Person Detection Combined with Edge Computing
Authors: Maltezos Evangelos , Lioupis Panagiotis , Dadoukis Aris , Karagiannidis Lazaros , Ouzounoglou Eleftherios , Krommyda Maria , Amditis Angelos
Published: February 2022

Ensuring citizens’ safety and security has been identified as the number one priority for city authorities when it comes to the use of smart city technologies. Automatic understanding of the scene, and the associated provision of situational awareness for emergency situations, are able to efficiently contribute to such domains. In this study, a Video Analytics Edge Computing (VAEC) system is presented that performs real-time enhanced situation awareness for person detection in a video surveillance manner that is also able to share geolocated person detection alerts and other accompanied crucial information. The VAEC system adopts state-of-the-art object detection and tracking algorithms, and it is integrated with the proposed Distribute Edge Computing Internet of Things (DECIoT) platform. The aforementioned alerts and information are able to be shared, though the DECIoT, to smart city platforms utilizing proper middleware. To verify the utility and functionality of the VAEC system, extended experiments were performed (i) in several light conditions, (ii) using several camera sensors, and (iii) in several use cases, such as installed in fixed position of a building or mounted to a car. The results highlight the potential of VAEC system to be exploited by decision-makers or city authorities, providing enhanced situational awareness.
Efficient Ho:YVO4 Laser Double-Pass-Pumped by a Wavelength-Stabilized Laser Diode
Authors: Li Yuhai , Zhang Cheng , Ji Qinggang
Published: February 2022

A Ho:YVO4 laser double-pass-pumped with a 1.91 μm wavelength-stabilized laser diode is presented in this paper. The maximum output power was up to 8.7 W, with a wavelength of 2052.4 nm and a slope efficiency of 37.4%. The M2 factors in the x and y directions were 1.8 and 1.6 at the maximum output power, respectively.
Amphibian Biomass Export from Geographically Isolated Wetlands: Temporal Variability, Species Composition, and Potential Implications for Terrestrial Ecosystems
Authors: Earl Julia E. , Blomquist Sean M. , Harper Elizabeth B. , Hocking Daniel J. , Hunter Malcolm L. , Johnson Jarrett R. , Osbourn Michael S. , Patrick David A. , Popescu Viorel D. , Rittenhouse Tracy A. G. , Rothermel Betsie B.
Published: February 2022

Recently metamorphosed amphibians transport substantial biomass and nutrients from wetlands to terrestrial ecosystems. Previous estimates (except 1) were limited to either a subset of the community or a single year. Our goal was to examine temporal variability in biomass export of all amphibians within breeding ponds and the composition of that export. We completely encircled ponds with drift fences to capture, count, and weigh emerging recently metamorphosed individuals in Maine (four wetlands, six years) and Missouri (eight wetlands, 2–4 years). We estimated total amphibian biomass export, export scaled by pond surface area, species diversity, and percentage of biomass from anurans. Biomass export and export composition varied greatly among ponds and years. Our estimates were of similar magnitude to previous studies. Amphibian biomass export was higher when species diversity was low and the proportion of anurans was higher. Biomass estimates tended to be highest for juvenile cohorts dominated by a single ranid species: green frogs (Missouri) or wood frogs (Maine). Ranid frogs made up a substantial proportion of amphibian biomass export, suggesting that terrestrial impacts will likely occur in the leaf litter of forests. Future studies should examine the impacts of ranid juveniles on terrestrial ecosystem dynamics.
Graphene: Chemistry and Applications for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Joy Roshny , Balakrishnan Neethu T. M , Das Akhila , Shafeek Shimna , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Zaghib Karim , Jaffarali Jabeen Fatima Manamkeri , Reddy Mogalahalli Venkatesh Venkatashamy , Raghavan Prasanth
Published: February 2022

In the present era, different allotropes of carbon have been discovered, and graphene is the one among them that has contributed to many breakthroughs in research. It has been considered a promising candidate in the research and academic fields, as well as in industries, over the last decade. It has many properties to be explored, such as an enhanced specific surface area and beneficial thermal and electrical conductivities. Graphene is arranged as a 2D structure by organizing sp2 hybridized C with alternative single and double bonds, providing an extended conjugation combining hexagonal ring structures to form a honeycomb structure. The precious structure and outstanding characteristics are the major reason that modern industry relies heavily on graphene, and it is predominantly applied in electronic devices. Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) foremostly utilize graphene as an anode or a cathode, and are combined with polymers to use them as polymer electrolytes. After three decades of commercialization of the lithium-ion battery, it still leads in consumer electronic society due to its higher energy density, wider operating voltages, low self-discharge, noble high-temperature performance, and fewer maintenance requirements. In this review, we aim to give a brief review of the domination of graphene and its applications in LIBs.
Impact of Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends on Partially Premixed Combustion Equipment: NOx Emission and Operational Performance
Authors: Glanville Paul , Fridlyand Alex , Sutherland Brian , Liszka Miroslaw , Zhao Yan , Bingham Luke , Jorgensen Kris
Published: February 2022

Several North American utilities are planning to blend hydrogen into gas grids, as a short-term way of addressing the scalable demand for hydrogen and as a long-term decarbonization strategy for ‘difficult-to-electrify’ end uses. This study documents the impact of 0–30% hydrogen blends by volume on the performance, emissions, and safety of unadjusted equipment in a simulated use environment, focusing on prevalent partially premixed combustion designs. Following a thorough literature review, the authors describe three sets of results: operating standard and “ultra-low NOx” burners from common heating equipment in “simulators” with hydrogen/methane blends up to 30% by volume, in situ testing of the same heating equipment, and field sampling of a wider range of equipment with 0–10% hydrogen/natural gas blends at a utility-owned training facility. The equipment was successfully operated with up to 30% hydrogen-blended fuels, with limited visual changes to flames, and key trends emerged: (a) a decrease in the input rate from 0 to 30% H2 up to 11%, often in excess of the Wobbe Index-based predictions; (b) NOx and CO emissions are flat or decline (air-free or energy-adjusted basis) with increasing hydrogen blending; and (c) a minor decrease (1.2%) or increase (0.9%) in efficiency from 0 to 30% hydrogen blends for standard versus ultra-low NOx-type water heaters, respectively.