bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Autophagy-Related lncRNA are Prognostic Biomarkers for Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Haoyue , Wang Xiangpu , Feng Zhien , Chen Renji , Han Zhengxue
Published: September 2021

Background: Currently, no systematic analysis has been conducted to assess the potential of multiple autophagy-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) to predict the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). we investigated the prognostic potential of autophagy-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in HNSCC patients. Methods: Patient information and Autophagy-associated genes were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Human Autophagy data resource. Autophagy-related lncRNAs were determined through Lasso and Cox regression analyses. Then, on the basis of autophagy- related lncRNAs, a risk score and a nomogram were constructed for estimation of prognostic outcomes for HNSCC patients. These models were verified internally using the TCGA and. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for gene functional analyses. Results: Three autophagy-related lncRNAs (AC002401.4, AC245041.2 and TMEM44-AS1) that are associated with HNSCC were identified. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score is an independent prognostic indicator (p ≤ 0.001), with its ability to predict prognosis being higher than that of other clinicopathological indicators (AUC=0.732). Concordance index of the nomogram was 0.712, and AUC values for one-year, three-year and five-year survival rates were 0.730, 0.745 and 0.728, respectively. Internal verifications revealed that this nomogram had a good ability to predict prognosis. Functional analysis showed that the genes were mostly enriched in autophagy and tumor-related cascades. Conclusion: The autophagy-related lncRNAs model can predict the prognosis of patients with HNSCC.Trial registration: Prospective, Observational, Real-world Oral Malignant Tumors Study (POROMS), NCT02395367. Registered 23 March 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02395367
Safety and feasibility of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in the management of giant ovarian cysts
Authors: Chang Shuzhen , Zhang Wei , Peng Linyv , Zhou Haiyan , Li-ping HAN
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in the treatment of giant ovarian cysts.
Methods

A total of 76 patients with giant ovarian cyst (diameter ≥ 10 cm) who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2018 to May 2021 were divided into experimental cohort (single-port laparoscopic cohort) (n = 30) and control cohort (traditional laparoscopic cohort) (n = 46).The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative cyst fluid spillage rate, application of postoperative analgesic drugs, postoperative first anus exhaust time, incidence rate of perioperative complications, length of postoperative hospital stay and other clinical indicators were summarized and analyzed between the two cohorts.
Results

The LESS cohorts had an earlier onset of age[ (27.6 ± 8.4) ,years of age], shorter of operation time [(82.2 ± 16.0)min], less of intraoperative blood loss [( 17.5 (10-22.5) ml)] as compared with traditional laparoscopic cohort[ (40.9 ± 15.5 )years of age, (102.7 ± 26.2)min, (20 (18.7–35) )m,P ༜ 0.05]. The first postoperative exhaust time,the rate of postoperative analgesic drugs, incidence rate of perioperative complications and postoperative hospital stay in two cohorts were in the similar line.
Conclusion

After adequate evaluation and screening of patients, the size of ovarian cysts cannot be the reason for refusing LESS surgery. It is safe and feasible for clinical promotion in the management of giant ovarian cysts.
Comparison of Serum MOTS-c Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls
Authors: Tekin Selma , Bir Levent Sinan , Avci Esin , Senol Hande , Tekin Işık , Cinkir Ufuk
Published: September 2021

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major global problem as its pathogenesis is understood more clearly, therapeutic options expand accordingly. Mitochondrial open-reading-frame of the twelve S rRNA–c (MOTS-c) is a novel mitochondria-derived protein acting on metabolic homeostasis.
Objective

The main objectives of this report are giving an idea of the role of serum MOTS-c in the pathophysiology of the disease in MS patients, investigating whether the mechanism of MOTS-c.
Methods

Forty-three patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS and 41 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. MOTS-c, fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid panel, and body-mass index were assessed.
Results

The patients’ MOTS-c levels remained significantly lower than the controls, while their fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR values were higher. Our multivariate logistic regression analysis established that increased MOTS-c levels could be a protective factor from the development of MS disease. The area under the ROC curve for MOTS-c was calculated as 0.782 (95% CI: 0.684–0.879, p = 0.0001).
Conclusions

Our study is the first to scrutinize MOTS-c levels in MS patients. We tried to provide clinical evidence that MOTS-c could act as a highly discriminative biomarker between MS patients and controls and hold great promise for new therapeutic options.
Research on Trade Data Encryption of Tobacco Enterprises Based on Adversarial Neural Network
Authors: Yi Zhang
Published: September 2021

In order to overcome the problems of long encryption process, low data security and poor anti attack rate of traditional tobacco enterprise trade data encryption methods, a trade data encryption of tobacco enterprises based on adversarial neural network is proposed. This method optimizes the traditional neural network by generating countermeasure network, so as to form adversarial neural network. In the adversarial neural network, the encryption processing of tobacco enterprise trade data is completed through data feature classification, design of tobacco enterprise trade data encryption protocol and data encryption channel. The experimental results show that the encryption process of this method takes between 6s-20s, and the encryption efficiency is high, and this method can effectively scramble the original arrangement of the data, so as to effectively hide the effective information in the tobacco enterprise trade data, improve the anti attack rate of the data, and effectively improve the security of the data.
Downregulation of Exosomal miR-26a-5p Promotes Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Metastasis in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Gong Xiaodi , Yang Linlin , Li Lijuan , Gao Xiaoyan , Ni Ting , Yang Xiaoming , Fan Qiong , Cui Yunxia , Sun Xiao , Wang Yudong
Published: September 2021

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) patients with lymph node (LN) metastasis have poor prognosis. However, the potential biomarkers that predict LN metastasis and the molecular mechanism of tumor-induced peritumoral lymphangiogenesis have not been well explored. Cancer-secreted exosomal miRNAs are emerging mediators of cell-cell communication in the tumor environment.Methods: Exosomes were isolated with a differential centrifugation method and confirmed by Transmission electron microscopy, NanoSight analysis, and Western blot. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing of exosomes derived from EC patients and healthy donors were performed. FISH and qRT-PCR were used to detect the indicated miRNA expression. Exosomal miRNA transferred to cells were confirmed by immunofluorescence and confocal microscope. siRNA and plasmid transfections as well as viral infection were performed to manipulate gene expression. A series of in vitro and in vivo phenotype experiments (tube formation, migration, and popliteal LN metastasis model) were performed to investigate the role of indicated miRNA in EC. RNA sequencing was used to select the underlying transcription factor, and luciferase activity assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Results: Our data showed that serum exosomal miR-26a-5p was significantly reduced in EC patients, and its level was positively associated with LN metastasis. Loss of miR-26a-5p promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of EC cells, and miR-26a-5p could be transferred from EC cells-secreted exosomes into human lymphatic endothelial cell (HLEC). Mechanistically, miR-26a-5p could regulate LEF1/c-myc/VEGFA axis via binding to its direct downstream target lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), consequently promoting HLEC tube formation and migration in vitro, facilitating lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis in vivo. Re-expression and knockdown of LEF1 could respectively promote and rescue the effects induced by exosomal miR-26a-5p. Moreover, we demonstrated that transcriptional factor EB (TFEB) directly induced miR-26a-5p expression.Conclusions: Our results show that exosomal miR-26a-5p/LEF1/c-myc/VEGFA axis is dysregulated and plays a critical role in LN metastasis and exosomal miR-26a-5p may be used as a blood-based biomarker for EC patients with LN metastasis.
Petrographic Composition of the Coal Within the Benue Trough, Nigeria, With a Consideration of the Paleodepositional Setting
Authors: Mangs Ayuba Danmangu , Wagner Nikki Jane , Moroeng Mavin Ofentse , Lar Uriah Alexander
Published: September 2021

The petrographic composition of coals hosted in the Benue Trough, Nigeria are presented and discussed in terms of paleodepositional setting that influenced the coal-bearing formations. The Benue Trough is a failed arm of the triple ‘RRr’ junction of an inland sedimentary basin that extends in a NE-SW direction from the Gulf of Guinea in the south, to the Chad Basin in the north. A total of twenty-nine (29) coal samples were obtained from 19 coal localities in the Upper (UBT), Middle (MBT), and Lower Benue Trough (LBT). The proximate data indicates the coal samples have a high volatile matter content, low ash yield, and high calorific value (24.82 MJ/Kg, on average). The sulphur values are generally low (average of 0.94 %). The coal samples are generally high in vitrinite, with an average of 59.3% by volume (mineral-matter free). Variation was noted in the inertinite content for the three sub-region samples. Liptinite macerals were not commonly observed in the studied samples and are absent in the MBT samples. The MBT coal samples reported a higher gelification index than the UBT and the LBT samples. Comparison of the array of coal facies models show the MBT samples are different from the UBT and LBT samples, concurring with the characterisation data. In view of the modified equations and the plots used, interpreting depositional environment accurately from just a single model is quite challenging.
One pot three component synthesis of substituted 3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-9,10-diphenylacridine-1,8(2H,5H,9H,10H)-diones catalyzed by efficient In2O3-SiO2
Authors: Tayde Deepak Totaram , Navgire Madhukar E. , Lande Machhindra K.
Published: September 2021

A convenient, One pot synthesis of heterocyclic nucleous acridine derivative compound has been achieved those are having very much attention in medicinal chemistry because of their extensive application in biology. The mixture of dimedone, substituted benzaldehyde and aniline were catalyzed by efficient In2O3-SiO2 heterogeneous reusable catalyst in ethanol to obtain the desired acridine derivatives with good yield. Hydrothermal method used to synthesize In2O3-SiO2 catalytic material. This catalytic material were characterized by using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). Our synthetic strategy features high yield, simple work up procedure, non-toxic, clean, and easy recovery and reusability of the catalytic system.
Cisplatin-based Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Improved the Survival of Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma After Induction Chemotherapy by Reducing Early Treatment Failure
Authors: Yang Xing-Li , Zhang Lu-Lu , Kou Jia , Zhou Guan-Qun , Wu Chen-Fei , Sun Ying , Lin Li
Published: September 2021

PurposeLimited data are available on the time course of treatment failures and the nature and duration of concurrent cisplatin benefit in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).MethodsIn total, 3123 patients with stage III-IVa NPC receiving IC followed by concurrent cisplatin or not were analysed. The cut-off value of treatment failure was calculated using the minimum P-value approach. Random survival forest (RSF) model was to simulate the cumulative probabilities of treatment failure (locoregional recurrence and /or distant metastasis) over-time, as well as the monthly time-specific, event-occurring probabilities, for patients at different treatment groups. ResultsBased on subsequent prognosis, early locoregional failure (ELRF) should be defined as recurrence within 14 months (P = 1.47×10-3), and early distant failure (EDF) should be defined as recurrence within 20 months (P = 1.95×10-4). A cumulative cisplatin dose (CCD) > 200 mg/m2 independently reduced the risk of EDF (hazard ratio (HR), 0.351; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.169-0.732; P = 0.005). Better failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) were observed in concurrent chemotherapy settings ([0 mg/m2 vs. 1-200 mg/m2 vs. >200 mg/m2]: FFS: 70.4% vs. 74.4% vs. 82.6%, all P < 0.03; OS: 79.5% vs. 83.8% vs. 90.8%, all P < 0.01). In the monthly analysis, treatment failure mainly occurred during the first 4 years, and the risk of distant failure in patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy never exceeded that of patients without concurrent chemotherapy.ConclusionLocoregional failure that developed within 14 months and/or distant failure within 20 months had poorer subsequent survival. Concurrent chemotherapy provides a significant FFS benefit, primarily by reducing EDF, translating into a long-term OS benefit.
Clinical-pathological Characteristics and Prognostic Factors for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma in the Elderly
Authors: Pan Dan , Wang Mengyao , Liu Wencheng , Li Yan , Sang Lixuan , Chang Bing
Published: September 2021

Background: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by atypical symptoms, difficult diagnosis, variable course and poor prognosis, and it develops mainly in the elderly. The authors aimed to identify the clinical-pathological characteristics, prognosis, and prognostic factors in the elderly MPM patients.Methods: From the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER) database, 1492 patients with MPM from 1975 to 2016 were selected and divided into the elderly group (≥65) and the adult group (<65). We compared the clinical-pathological characteristics and treatment methods of elderly group (N=665) and adult group (N=827). At the same time, we analyzed specific selected clinical-pathological parameters and prognostic factors for the elderly MPM patients.Results: Compared with the adult group, the elderly group had a higher percentage of male patients (P = 0.017), white patients (P = 0.043), a lower proportion of insured patients (P < 0.001), married patients (P < 0.001), patients with peritoneal tumors (P = 0.006), patients who underwent surgery (P < 0.001), and chemotherapy (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the differentiation grade between the two groups (P = 0.003). The elderly patients had a shorter median survival time compared with the adult patients (6 months vs 19 months). Uninsured (hazard ratio (HR): 5.187, P = 0.005), sarcomatoid type (HR: 3.913, P <0.001), poorly differentiated (HR: 3.900, P < 0.001), distant metastasis (HR: 1.735, P = 0.001), no cancer-directed surgery (HR: 1.733, P < 0.001), and no chemotherapy (HR: 1.532, P < 0.001) were independently associated with poorer prognosis of elderly MPM patients.Conclusion: Compared with the adult patients, elderly MPM patients had higher male ratio, poor differentiation and relatively conservative treatment. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate of elderly MPM patients was significantly lower than that of adult patients. Insurance status, histology type, differentiation grade, stage, surgery status, and chemotherapy status were all independent prognostic factors for elderly MPM patients.
A comparative dosemetric study of bilateral breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy with HT and VMAT
Authors: Liu Xuhong , Xia Yaoxiong , Chang Li , Chen Xiao
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the dosimetric differences in helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans of bilateral breast cancer after modified radical mastectomy.Methods: Ten patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) who received modified radical mastectomy were selected for study. Two radiotherapy treatment plans, including HT and VMAT, were created for each patient. The prescribed doses of bilateral breast cancer and dual target volumes were given 25 times at 50Gy. The dosemetric parameters of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OARs) between HT and VMAT plans were compared and evaluated. Results: For PTV, HT had a higher V95 than that of VMAT plans (99.23 ± 0.61 % vs 98.17± 1.08 %, p=0.024). The conformity index (CI) between two techniques was statistically equivalent (0.812 ± 0.03 vs 0.793 ± 0.04, p=0.322) and the homogeneity index (HI) was reduced from 0.127 to 0.105 (p=0.007) when compared with that of VMAT. For OARs, HT had significantly lower Dmax for spinal cord and V5 for heart when compared with those of VMAT plans (16.68 Gy and 20.93% vs 38.82 Gy and 30.26%, respectively) (p<0.001). HT plans showed significantly lower V5, V10 and V20, that resulted in lower Dmean for the lungs (13.38 Gy vs 14.28Gy, p=0.013). However, VMAT showed specific advantages on V10, V20 and V30 for the heart and V5 and V10 for the liver when compared with those of HT plans (p<0.01). The Dmean for the heart and liver between the two techniques was not significantly different (p>0.05). HT plans also showed greater monitor units (MUs) and beam on time. Conclusion: HT had better PTV coverage and HI and showed better protections for the spinal cord and lungs compared with those of VMAT plans. HT plans effectively reduced the low-dose volume (V5) of the heart, while VMAT plans reduced V10, V20 and V30 for the heart. Both HT and VMAT plans exhibited similar Dmean for the heart and liver. The treatment efficiency of VMAT is higher than that of HT plans, and therefore, physicians need to choose a reasonable radiotherapy plan according to patient's conditions.
Critical Re-evaluation of the Slope Factor of the Operational Model of Agonism Short Title: Slope Factor of the Operational Model of Agonism
Authors: Jakubík Jan , Randáková Alena , Nelic Dominik
Published: September 2021

Although being a relative term, agonist efficacy is a cornerstone in the proper assessment of agonist selectivity and signalling bias. The operational model of agonism (OMA) has become successful in the determination of agonist efficacies and ranking them. In 1985, Black et al. introduced the slope factor to the OMA to make it more flexible and allow for fitting steep as well as flat concentration-response curves. Functional analysis of OMA demonstrates that the slope factor implemented by Black et al. affects relationships among parameters of the OMA. Fitting of the OMA with Black et al. slope factor to concentration-response curves of experimental as well as theoretical data (homotropic allosteric modulation, substrate inhibition and non-competitive auto-inhibition) resulted in wrong estimates of operational efficacy and affinity. In contrast, fitting of the OMA modified by the Hill coefficient to the same data resulted in correct estimates of operational efficacy and affinity. Therefore OMA modified by the Hill coefficient should be preferred over Black et al. equation for ranking of agonism and subsequent analysis, like quantification of signalling bias, when concentration response curves differ in the slope factor.
Different Phases of ATS Use Call for Different Interventions: a Large Qualitative Study in Europe
Authors: Liebregts Nienke , Rigoni Rafaela , Petruželka Benjamin , Barták Miroslav , Rowicka Magdalena , Zurhold Heike , Schiffer Katrin
Published: September 2021

Background: Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) are globally widely used. However, there is limited understanding of what influences different phases of ATS use, as well as whether this varies by type of ATS user (groups). The ATTUNE study investigated which factors shape individual ATS use patterns. In this article, we report on these phases into and out of ATS use, and propose a set of recommendations for prevention, harm reduction and treatment of the different phases of ATS use.Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews (n= 237) were conducted in five different European countries with participants who had used ATS, varying from a few times in a lifetime to daily. Results: Most ATS users consumed amphetamine only (28%), followed by amphetamine and MDMA (17%). Yet, types of ATS used differed between the countries. We found that that ATS users have various motives for and dynamic patterns of ATS use with alternating phases of increase, continuation and decrease. Cessation was pursued in different ways and for diverse reasons, such as mental health problems and maturing out. Availability seemed not an issue, regardless of the type of user, phase or country.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that tailor-made interventions are needed for the diverse user types and different phases or patterns of ATS use, to reduce possible harms of use. We recommended a set of interventions for the different ATS phases. These include drug checking services, peer-led information, self-management of ATS use, mental health support to help people cope with stressful life events and prevent uncontrolled use, and follow-up support after treatment.
Consistent Genes Associated With Structural Changes in Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum
Authors: Xu Jinping , Wang Chao , Zhang Jinhuan , Zhuo Junjie , Hu Qingmao
Published: September 2021

Background:Previous studies showed no obvious symptoms but subtle structural brain changes in a long preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD), then localized cortical and sub-cortical atrophy in MCI, and spread aggressively to nearly whole brain neurodegeneration in AD. However, the neurobiological and pathogenic substrates underlying these structural changes across AD spectrum remain largely understood.Methods: We obtained structural MRI imaging from ADNI datasets, including 83 early-stage mild cognitive impairments (EMCI), 83 late-stage mild cognitive impairments (LMCI), 83 AD, and 83 normal controls (NC), and aimed to explore structural changes across the full clinical AD spectrum and their genetic mechanism. Partial least square regressions and Spearman correlations were performed to explore how these changes associated with gene expression level obtained from Allen Human Brain Atlas. Finally, functional enrichment analyses were conducted using Metascape analysis to explore ontological pathways of the consistent genes. Results:We identified significant volume atrophy in left thalamus, left cerebellum, and bilateral middle frontal gyrus across AD spectrum. These structural changes were positively associated with gene expression levels of ABCA7, SORCS1, SORL1, PILRA, PFDN1, PLXNA4, TRIP4, and CD2AP, whereas were negatively associated with gene expression levels of CD33, PLCG2, APOE, and ECHDC3 for all three groups. Moreover, these results were verified in sub-groups of converted and stable EMCI and LMCI. Further gene enrichment analyses revealed that these positively associated genes were mainly involved in positive regulation of cellular protein localization and negative regulation of cellular component organization, whereas the negatively associated genes were mainly involved in positive regulation of iron transport. Conclusions:Overall, these results suggested that structural changes in prodromal and clinical AD might result from interaction of the same gene lists, which offered a better understanding of biological mechanisms underlying structural changes in prodromal and clinical AD.
Studies on the photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of CaZrO3:xEu3+
phosphor for dosimetric application
Authors: Fesharaki Marjaneh Jafari , Jalali Mohammad Reza , Karimi Leila , Sadeghi Ehsan
Published: September 2021

Series of CaZrO3:xEu3+ (x=0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05) phosphors have been prepared by low temperature sol-gel auto combustion method. The structure and morphology of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) was employed to analyze the elemental composition of the phosphor. The XRD patterns indicated that the sample was single phase at 350 ◦C with a perovskite structure. The optimum temperature for the single- phase and crystalline phosphors of CaZrO3:xEu3+ was 700 ◦C. Study of photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature showed that the phosphors can be excited by light with a wavelength of 391 nm. The results of emission spectrum showed that the red luminescence of CaZrO3:xEu3+ due to electric dipole transition of 5D0→7F2 was dominant at wavelength of 615 nm and weaker transition at wavelength of 590 nm which was due to magnetic dipole transition of 5D0→7F1. For the thermoluminescence (TL) study the prepared sample irradiated by X-ray lamp, the TL curve was then recorded at fixed heating rate of 2 ◦C/s. The TL glow curve showed well single peak at a temperature of 165 ◦C. The effect of Eu3+ concentration at fixed X-ray exposure time was studied and maximum TL occurred at x=0.02. Also the variation of TL intensity with X-ray time (5 to 15 min) showed linear response with dose. The TL glow peak shows more stability and less fading in prepared phosphor which is suitable for TL dosimetry.
High serum concentrations of growth differentiation factor-15 in male Crohn’s disease patients with low skeletal muscle index
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Takeshima Fuminao , Haraguchi Masafumi , Matsushima Kayoko , Kitayama Moto , Akazawa Yuko , Ogihara Kumi , Tabuchi Maiko , Hashiguchi Keiichi , Yamaguchi Naoyuki , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: September 2021

Sarcopenia is defined as low skeletal muscle index (SMI) in addition to low muscle strength (MS) or low physical function, and many biomarkers have been reported. In Crohn's disease (CD), low SMI is associated with predictors and complications of intestinal resection. Therefore, in many reports of CD, sarcopenia was defined only by SMI. However, there have been no reports of MS in Japan. Our study aimed to investigate the frequency of sarcopenia by assessing both SMI and MS in Japanese patients with CD and biomarkers predicting low SMI. We evaluated SMI using bioelectrical impedance analysis, handgrip strength, and blood tests, including CRP, ALB, IL-6, TNFα, GDF-8, and GDF-15 as biomarker candidates for 78 CD patients in our hospital. Sarcopenia and low SMI were 8% and 42.3%, respectively. Each candidate biomarker and SMI were negatively correlated with GDF-15 (Pearson's r=-0.414, P = 0.0031) in males and positively correlated with ALB (r = 0.377, P = 0.048), and negatively correlated with IL-6 (r=-0.484, P = 0.012) in females. Multivariate analysis adjusted for these items, age, and BMI showed a significant difference in male GDF-15 (P = 0.011, OR: 7.86, 95% CI: 1.09–56.58). Therefore, GDF-15 in male patients is considered a biomarker of low SMI.
Changes of Gut Microbiota in Diabetic Nephropathy and Its Effect on the Progression of Kidney Injury
Authors: Cai Kedan , Ma Yanhong , Cai Fanghao , Huang Xiaohan , Xiao Liang , Zhong Chenyu , Ren Pingping , Luo Qun , Chen Jianghua , Han Fei
Published: September 2021

Background: We aimed to illustrate gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, and investigate the mechanism of sodium butyrate in diabetic mellitus (DM) rats. Methods: Gut microbiota and serum SCFA levels were measured by 16S rDNA and GC-MS respectively. After being built by streptozotocin (DM rats), the DM rats were administered 300mg/kg sodium butyrate for 12 weeks (DM+BU rats). Gut microbiota, serum and fecal butyrate level were measured. RT-PCR, WB and transmission electron microscopy were performed to explore LC3mRNA or LC3B protein expression, and autophagosomes in kidney tissues. AMPK/mTOR protein expression in renal tissue were also measured. Results: The gut microbial dysbiosis was found in DM and DN groups, and some SCFAs-producing bacteria were decreased in DN group. The serum butyrate concentrations were lower in SCFA-DN group compared with SCFA-HC group and SCFA-DM group in the other cohort. Serum butyrate level was positively correlated with eGFR. Sodium butyrate increased serum and fecal butyrate levels, and improved the enlargement of glomerular area and fibronectin and collagen Ⅳ expressions in renal tissues in DM+BU rats. The LC3 mRNA, LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ ratio and number of autophagosomes were increased in renal tissue of DM+BU rats. Higher p-AMPK/AMPK ratio and lower p-mTOR/ mTOR ratio were shown in renal tissue of DM+BU rats compared with DM rats. Conclusions: We found the decrease in SCFAs-producing bacteria and low SCFAs concentrations in DN patients. Oral butyrate supplementation may improve kidney injury in DM rats, possibly by increasing autophagy via activating AMPK/mTOR pathway.
Tetrachloroaurate (III)–induced Oxidation Increases Non-thermal Plasma-induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Okazaki Yasumasa , Sasaki Kanako , Ito Nanami , Tanaka Hiromasa , Matsumoto Ken-Ichiro , Hori Masaru , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: September 2021

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) devices have been explored for medical applications. NTP devices discharge electrons, positive ions, ultraviolet, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as the hydroxyl radical (●OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide (O2●−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ozone, and nitric oxide, at near-physiological temperature. At preclinical stages or in human clinical trials, NTP promotes blood coagulation, eradication of bacterial, viral, and biofilm-related infections, wound healing, and cancer cell death. Here, we observed that ferric, vanadium, and gold(III) ions, measured by 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in combination with NTP exposure, significantly elevated lipid peroxidation. Using 3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (M4PO) as a spin probe in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we observed that tetrachloroaurate (III) yielded an M4PO-X spin adduct. Tetrachloroaurate-induced oxidation was attenuated efficiently by reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), while glycine (Gly) and L-glutamate (Glu), components of GSH, were ineffective. Furthermore, GSH and GSSG efficiently suppressed tetrachloroaurate-induced lipid peroxidation, while Gly and Glu were ineffective in suppressing TBARS elevation. These results indicate that tetrachloroaurate-induced oxidation is attenuated by GSH as well as GSSG. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the redox reactions between metal ions and biomolecules to advance the clinical application of NTP.
Overlapping anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) Encephalitis With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A Case Report
Authors: Pan Jialin , Ovlyakulov Begench , zhou Lili
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAnti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis can coexist with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Patients with overlapping anti-NMDAR encephalitis with positive NMDAR antibodies and aquaporin 4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)-seropositive NMOSD are rare but should not be ignored.Case presentationThis report describes a unique case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis coexisting with NMOSD is presented. A 27-year-old male presented with blurred vision, cognitive impairment, psychosis, dysphagia, gait instability and urinary incontinence. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed abnormal signals in the right cerebellar hemisphere, temporal lobe, and corpus callosum. NMDAR antibodies were positive in the CSF. AQP4-IgG antibodies were positive in the serum. The patient's condition was stable following intravenous gamma globulin, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and symptomatic treatments. ConclusionsThis case provides further evidence for the occurrence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis overlapping NMOSD with AQP4-IgG-seropositive in a Chinese patient. However, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of double positive antibodies remain elusive.
Examining the impact of social stressor stimuli in eliciting physiological reactivity in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Wong Agnes S. K. , Burns Samantha , Woodruff Earl
Published: September 2021

Background: Stress is not experienced the same by everyone. Some individuals, such as individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are at risk of heightened sensitivity to stress responses. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction. Among different stressor stimuli, social stressors particularly worth our attention due to the social and communication challenges inherent to ASD. This study aims to systematically evaluate different social stressor stimuli in eliciting physiological reactivity in ASD, focusing on the children and adolescent population. Methods: We designed a study protocol for this study and submitted it to PROSPERO for systematic review registration. Any studies with children and adolescents with ASD between the ages of 0-18 in clinical and community settings will be included. All types of social stressor interventions will be included. The intended outcomes will not be restrictive. The outcome of interest will include studies with physiological activity of the participants being measured, e.g., measures related to autonomic functioning, electrodermal functioning, and cortisol level. The primary literature sources will be across four electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL. The second source of literature will be across grey literature, including ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and across clinical trial registries. Hand searching of references will be performed on the reference lists of all included studies. Two volunteers pursuing postgraduate-level studies will independently search and screen potential studies for eligibility. Finally, all references considered by hand-searching will be reviewed by two researchers. The methodological quality of the research will be assessed by adopting the quality assessment used by a previous study. The assessment consists of four primary categories: descriptive validity, internal validity, external validity, and statistical conclusion validity. Discussion: Considering the inconsistent methodologies and findings in previous studies, a systematic review in this area is required. We are not aware of another systematic review discussing this specific issue. The findings will have important implications for clinical practice and research studies. We anticipate that the results will be of interest to multiple audiences, including the individuals with ASD, their families and caregivers, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021244039
Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Validation of Microstructural Changes and Hardness Variation During Gas Metal Arc Welding of Aisi 441 Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: CARUSO SERAFINO , IMBROGNO STANO
Published: September 2021

Grain growth and hardness variation occurring in high temperature Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) during the welding processes are two thermal dependant aspects of great interest for both academic and industrial research activities. This paper presents an innovative Finite Element (FE) model capable to describe the grain growth and the hardness decrease that occur during the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) of commercial AISI 441 steel. The commercial FE software SFTC DEFORM-3DTM was used to simulate the GMAW process and a user subroutine was developed including a physical based model and the Hall-Petch (H-P) equation to predict grain size variation and hardness change. The model was validated by comparison with the experimental results showing its reliability in predicting important welding characteristics temperature dependant. The study provides an accurate numerical model (i.e. user subroutine, heat source fitting, geometry,…) able to successfully predict the thermal phenomena (i.e. coarsening of the grains and hardening decrease) that occur in the HAZ during welding process of ferritic stainless steel.
Cephalic Arch Restenosis Rates in Hemodialysis Patients with Brachiocephalic Fistulae: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of 3,301 Patients
Authors: Razdan Rishi N. , Rosenblatt Melvin , Jiao Yue , McLaughlin Nancy , Usvyat Len , Sor Murat , Larkin John
Published: September 2021

Background:

We evaluated restenosis rates at the cephalic arch after percutaneous angioplasty and stenting procedures in patients with brachial artery to cephalic vein arteriovenous fistula (BCAVF) hemodialysis access.
Methods:

We used data from adult hemodialysis patients treated at a national network of 44 outpatient interventional facilities during Oct 2011–2015. We included data from patients with BCAVF who received an exclusive angioplasty, or stent with angioplasty, for treatment of cephalic arch stenosis and had ≥ 1 subsequent evaluation of the cephalic arch. Median percent restenosis per month at cephalic arch and days between encounters was calculated from the 1st index to 2nd procedure, and for up to 4 subsequent encounters. Analyses were stratified by intervention and device types.
Results:

We identified a cohort of 3,301 patients (mean age 62.2 ± 13.9 years, 58.5% male, 33.2% white race) with a BCAVF who had an angioplasty, or stent, at the cephalic arch for an index and ≥ 1 follow-up procedure. Between the 1st index to 2nd procedure, patients who received an angioplasty (n = 2,663) or stent (n = 933) showed a median decrease of 18.9% and 16.5% in luminal diameter per month and a median time of 93 and 91 days between encounters, respectively. Restenosis and day rates were similar for standard versus high-pressure angioplasties. Bare metal stents showed 10.1 percentage point higher restenosis rate compared to stent grafts. Restenosis rates and time to restenosis were relatively consistent across subsequent encounters.
Conclusions:

Findings suggest hemodialysis patients with a BCAVF who require an angioplasty or stent to treat a stenosis at the cephalic arch will have stenosis reformed at a rate of 18.9% and 16.5% per month after the first intervention, respectively. Findings suggest patients are at risk of having significant lesions at the cephalic arch within 3 months after the previous intervention.
Surgical treatment of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: comparative results of selective amygdalohippocampectomy versus anterior temporal lobectomy from a referral center in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Laryssa C Azevedo , Lobato Vanessa Alves , Santos Maria do Carmo Vasconcelos , de Moraes Aline Curcio , Costa Bruno Silva
Published: September 2021

IntroductionTemporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is a high prevalence neurological disorder and tends to drug refractoriness. Surgery has emerged as a promising treatment for managing crises and a better quality of life for these patients. The objective of this work is to compare the surgical results in terms of seizures control concerning the surgical technique performed (Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) vs. Selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH)) in a cohort of 132 patients operated in an epilepsy reference center.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective study based on the review of medical records of 146 patients operated for TLE from 2008 to 2019 at the Santa Casa de Misericordia in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Initially, 13 patients were excluded from the study due to insufficient medical record data or follow-up loss. We used the ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) scale to classify seizure control after surgery. We compared the surgical groups using the survival and Kaplan-Maier curves.ResultsA total of 132 patients were evaluated in this study, with a mean follow-up time after surgery of 57.2 months (12-137). In our data analysis, we found that the group of patients undergoing ATL had a higher prevalence of being completely seizure-free (ILAE I) (57,1% vs. 31%) and a higher rate of satisfactory seizure control (88,6% vs. 69,3%) p =0.006.ConclusionThe literature is still controversial about seizure control results concerning the surgical technique used due to the lack of studies with a robust methodology for an adequate comparison. In our data analysis, we identified the superiority of ATL over SAH in seizure outcomes.
Continuous infusion ketamine as analgesia or sedation in mechanically ventilated adults in the intensive care unit: a scoping review
Authors: Richards Nicholas David , Howell Simon , Bellamy Mark , Mujica-Mota Ruben
Published: September 2021

IntroductionMechanical ventilation (MV) is a common and often live-saving intervention on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In order to facilitate this intervention, the majority of patients require medical sedation. Optimising sedation is one of the fundamentals of ICU care, and inadequate sedation (predominantly too deep) has consistently been associated with worse outcomes for patients.This article presents the protocol for a scoping review of published literature on the use of ketamine as a sedative to facilitate MV on ICU.The scoping review has been designed to answer the question ‘What is known about the use of ketamine as a continuous infusion to provide sedation in mechanically ventilated adults in the intensive care unit, and what gaps in the evidence exist?’ MethodsThe scoping review protocol has been designed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and the JBI manual for evidence synthesis. Data will be extracted using a dedicated form, and reviewed by 2 reviewers.Results Results will be tabulated and presented along side descriptive summaries. A PRISMA flow diagram will also be generated.Ethics and DisseminationThis scoping review is designed to map out the literature using existing published articles and does not require ethical approval.Results will be submitted for publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals and to international meetings as well as disseminated to relevant professional groups.
Disease Named Entity Recognition (D-NER) Evaluation
Authors: Xie Xie-Yuan
Published: September 2021

Named Entity Recognition (NER) is a key task in Natural Language Processing (NLP). In medical domain, NER is very important phase in all end-to-end systems. In this paper, we investigate the performance of NER for disease (D-NER). TaggerOne was evaluated on 52 cardiovascular-related clinical case reports against hand annotation for diseases. Different training sets have been used to evaluate the performance of TaggerOne as a famous tool for NER in biomedical domain.
The Association Between Household Income, Food Security, and Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Elderly Patients
Authors: Huh Hyuk , Song Je Hun , Kim Hong Yeop , Koo Hoseok , Yoo Kyung Don
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to clarify the association between food security and the prevalence of chronic disease. We analyzed the variables of The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010–2012), and VI (2013–2015) while merging data of the food security questionnaire of four years. We included 15,945 participants, performed propensity score matched analysis by quartile of household income (i.e., low, low-mid, high-mid, high) and sex, and presented the results by age group. Systolic blood pressure and proportion of current smokers were significantly higher in the elderly group, compared with the middle-aged group. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) did not differ significantly by income level in the elderly group. The food security questionnaire revealed that food security insurance was significantly lower in the low-income level (1st quartile), compared with that in the high-income level (4th quartile). The logistic regression analysis for the association between the prevalence of chronic disease and food insecurity confirmed no significant association with hypertension and DM. Food insecurity might be associated with CKD prevalence, especially in the elderly population.
Implementing a Low-threshold Audio-only Telehealth Model for Medication-assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder at a Community-based Non-profit Organization in Washington, D.C.
Authors: Yeo Ellis Jaewon , Kralles Hannah , Sternberg David , McCullough Dana , Nadanasabesan Ajetha , Mayo Richard , Akselrod Hana , Catalanotti Jillian
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had especially devastating effects on people who use drugs. Due to pandemic protocols in the United States, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regulations became more flexible, permitting our community-based nonprofit organization to transition its low-threshold MAT clinic to an audio-only telehealth model of care in 2020. Case PresentationThis case study describes our transition from a low-threshold community-based in-person MAT clinic to an audio-only telehealth model. We extracted data from electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and to calculate treatment retention rates. We measure the success of our intervention relative to published retention rates, both overall as well as for in-person and telehealth care. ConclusionsLow-threshold medication-assisted treatment in the care of people with opioid use disorder is essential to increasing treatment access and continuity. We found that an audio-only telehealth model was viable. Although we had decreased retention rates following the transition to an audio-only telehealth model, our rates remained excellent compared to published values for in-person MAT care. We call for advocacy and regulations to support continued use of telehealth services throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.