bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the Mechanism of Matrine Combined with Glycyrrhizin for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment through Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Yiming , Chen Yutong , Chen Tingsong , Li Yifan , Li Qiuhua , Zhao Mingfang
Published: September 2022

Matrine and glycyrrhizin are representative active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in clinical practice. Studies have demonstrated that matrine has antitumor pharmacological effects and that glycyrrhizin protects liver function. However, the potential bioactive compounds and mechanisms remain unknown, as well as whether they have synergistic effects in killing cancer cells and protecting liver cells. To investigate the synergistic effects and mechanism of matrine combined with glycyrrhizin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, we used both network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses. First, the chemical gene interaction information of matrine and glycyrrhizin was obtained from the PubChem database. The pathogenic genes of HCC were accessed from five public databases. The RNA sequencing data and clinical information of HCC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Next, the overlapping genes among the potential targets of matrine and glycyrrhizin and HCC-related targets were determined using bioinformatics analysis. We constructed the drug-target interaction network. Prognosis-associated genes were acquired through the univariate Cox regression model and Lasso-Cox regression model. The results were verified by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Finally, we predicted the immune function of the samples. The drug-target interaction network consisted of 10 matrine and glycyrrhizin targets. We selected a Lasso-Cox regression model consisting of 3 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to predict the efficacy of the combination in HCC. Subsequently, we successfully predicted the overall survival of HCC patients using the constructed prognostic model and investigated the correlation of the immune response. Matrine and glycyrrhizin have synergistic effects on HCC. The model we obtained consisted of three drug-target genes by Lasso-Cox regression analysis. The model independently predicted the combined effect of matrine and glycyrrhizin in HCC treatment and OS, which will be helpful for guiding clinical treatment. The prognostic model was correlated with the immune cells and immune checkpoints of patients, which had an adjuvant effect on HCC immunotherapy. Matrine and glycyrrhizin can have therapeutic effects on HCC by promoting the production or enhancing the core gene activity in the drug network and improving the immune system function of patients.
Development and Evaluation of Amlodipine-Polymer Nanocomposites Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ahmed Zain Alabden Ghanim , Hussein-Al-Ali Samer Hasan , Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz , Haddad Mike Kh. , Ali Dalia Khalil , Hussein Anwar Mahmoud , Abu Sharar Ahmad Adnan
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Polymer nanoparticles are a key tool to deliver drugs to specific sites and to increase drug bioavailability. Aim. This research aims to use poly amide-disulfide nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. Method. Amlodipine (Amlop) was used as a model, forming Amlop-polymer nanocomposites. In this work, we investigated the effect of independent variables (polymer, Fe3+, Al3+, and pH) on the dependent variables (loading efficiency (%LE), zeta potential, and particle size). Nanocomposites were prepared by an inotropic method. Nanocomposites were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a release study. Results. From the XRD data, the Amlop-polymer nanocomposite shows semi crystallinity. In addition, the disappearance of drug peaks indicates that the drug was incorporated between the polymer molecules and was amorphous in behavior. The FTIR for the nanocomposite shows the functional group of the drug, which indicates the incorporation of Amlop into the nanocomposite. From FE-SEM, the results showed that our nanocomposites have an average particle size of approximately 130 nm. The release of amlodipine from the Amlop-polymer nanocomposite was found to be controlled, with approximately 85% within approximately 24 hours. Conclusion. The amide-disulfide polymer nanoparticles are promising carriers for different types of drugs.
A Machine Learning Assessment System for Spoken English Based on Linear Predictive Coding
Authors: Wang Lu
Published: September 2022

In the teaching of English, there is an increasing focus on practical communication skills. As a result, the speaking test component has received more and more attention from education experts. With the rapid development of modern computer technology and network technology, the use of computers to assess the quality of spoken English has become a hot topic of research in related fields at present. A machine learning assessment system based on linear predictive coding is proposed in order to achieve automatic scoring of spoken English tests. First, the principle of linear predictive coding and decoding is analyzed, and the traditional linear predictive coding and decoding algorithm is improved by using hybrid excitation instead of the traditional binary excitation. Second, the overall structure of the machine learning assessment system is designed, which mainly includes division into four modules: acoustic model acquisition module, speech recognition module, standard pronunciation transcription module, and decision module. Then, the speech recognition module is implemented by an improved linear predictive speech coding method to acquire the feature parameters of the speech signal and generate the speech feature vector. Finally, the convolutional neural network algorithm is used to train the speech features so as to implement the acoustic model acquisition module. The experimental results show that the improved linear predictive speech coding method yields more natural and higher intelligibility speech signals. The designed machine learning evaluation system is able to accurately detect information about the quality of the learner’s pronunciation.
The Stability Analysis and Transmission Dynamics of the SIR Model with Nonlinear Recovery and Incidence Rates
Authors: Khan Ihsan Ullah , Qasim Muhammad , El Koufi Amine , Ullah Hafiz
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, the SIR model with nonlinear recovery and Monod type equation as incidence rates is proposed and analyzed. The expression for basic reproduction number is obtained which plays a main role in the stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. The nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is constructed for the model and the denominator function is chosen such that the suggested scheme ensures solutions boundedness. It is shown that the NSFD scheme does not depend on the step size and gives better results in all respects. To prove the local stability of disease-free equilibrium point, the Jacobean method is used; however, Schur–Cohn conditions are applied to discuss the local stability of the endemic equilibrium point for the discrete NSFD scheme. The Enatsu criterion and Lyapunov function are employed to prove the global stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. Numerical simulations are also presented to discuss the advantages of NSFD scheme as well as to strengthen the theoretical results. Numerical simulations specify that the NSFD scheme preserves the important properties of the continuous model. Consequently, they can produce estimates which are entirely according to the solutions of the model.
Correlation Analysis of Pathological Features and Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Hongye , Meng Xiangchao , Hao Xiaopeng , Li Qiao , Tian Lin , Qiu Yue , Chen Yuhui
Published: September 2022

Objective. To investigate the risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with invasive breast cancer. Methods. This study retrospectively included 122 cases of invasive breast cancer patients admitted to the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020. According to postoperative pathological results, axillary lymph node metastasis was divided into axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) group (

n

 =40) and non-axillary lymph node metastasis (NALNM) group (

n

 =82). General demographic information was collected and compared between the two groups. Collected pathological results included lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progestogen receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), and Ki-67 detected by immunohistochemistry. Imaging parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), early enhanced rate, and time-intensity curve (TIC) were also included into univariate analysis. The variables with differences between the two groups were compared by univariate analysis, and the related factors of axillary lymph node metastasis were analyzed by logistic regression model. Results. There was no significant difference in general demographic information between the two groups. No significant differences were found in the positive rates of HER-2, ER, PR, Ki-67, pathological types, and clavicular lymph node metastasis and skin chest wall invasion between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). The proportion of LVI in ALNM group was significantly higher than that in NALNM group (37.50% vs. 6.10%,

P
<
0.001

). The proportion of breast cancer on the left side in the ALNM group was higher than that in the NALNM group, and the difference was statistically significant (70.00% vs. 47.56%,

P
=
0.019

). There were no significant differences in the imaging parameters obtained by DCE-MRI between the two groups. Binary logistics regression analysis showed that LVI (OR =12.258, 95% CI =3.681-40.812,

P
<
0.001

) and left breast cancer (OR =3.598, 95% CI =1.404-9.219,

P
=
0.008

) were risk factors for axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with invasive breast cancer. Conclusion. The formation of vascular tumor thrombi in breast cancer tissue and left breast cancer are risk factors for axillary lymph node metastasis in invasive breast cancer and might be helpful for preoperative detailed assessment of the patient’s condition.
Immunotherapy Alone or in Combination with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Advanced Lung Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Wang Bi-Cheng , Kuang Bo-Hua , Lin Guo-He
Published: September 2022

Background. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced lung cancer. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether adding stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to immunotherapy (IT) further improves responses and survival outcomes. Therefore, in this pooled analysis, we comprehensively compared IT plus SBRT with IT alone in patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods. Online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL, were systematically searched on April 24, 2022. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials comparing IT plus SBRT to IT. The primary outcomes were the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were explored as secondary outcomes. Results. Overall, three phase 2 randomized clinical trials with a total of 146 previously treated lung cancer patients were enrolled. The median PFS and OS were 3.8 months and 9.5 months for IT plus SBRT versus 2.4 months and 6.1 months for IT. Comparing IT plus SBRT with IT alone, pooled risk ratios for ORR and DCR were 1.95 (95% confidence interval 1.07–3.53, p = 0.03) and 1.28 (0.94–1.73, p = 0.12). While pooled hazard ratios were 0.77 (0.25–2.42, p = 0.66) for PFS and 0.71 (0.16–3.21, p = 0.65) for OS, respectively. No publication bias was found across the trials. Conclusion. Compared to IT alone, the addition of SBRT improved the best response but failed to prolong the survival outcomes in treating advanced lung cancer patients. Future studies are necessary to explore new modalities of the combination of IT and SBRT.
Research on Movement Analysis and Guidance in Dance Learning Based on Data Mining
Authors: Yin Guangle , Liu Jing
Published: September 2022

In dance, we must understand the essential meaning of dance movements from the inside and express them on the basis of dance. Therefore, in the process of developing new dance teaching methods, it is necessary to improve the basic education of dance students, so that they can express the emotions conveyed by dance through body language and movements, and improve dance expression ability. In this context, we made the research and reached the following conclusions: (1) the number of frames of different dance types is also different, and the number of frames to be learned is also increasing. The dance with the highest number of frames is Latin2, which has 3635 frames, and the dance with the highest number of frames that need to be learned is also Latin2, which requires 2519 frames to learn. (2) The data mining method is still the highest among the three methods, and the accuracy of the complete teaching method is 82%, which is the lowest among the three methods, and the accuracy of the decentralized teaching method is 87%. No matter in the test set or the mixed test set, the curve values of deep mining are very stable. First of all, human movements emphasize that in dance, the essential meaning of dance movements needs to be understood from the inside and expressed through the foundation of dance. Therefore, when developing new dance teaching methods, it is necessary to strengthen the basic dance training of students so that students can express the emotions conveyed by dance through body language and movements and improve their dance expression ability. We conduct research in this ecological environment. Different types of dance learning process using different frames, different types of dance in the algorithm transport have different recognition methods, using better and different algorithms can achieve the best performance. Both groups in the Hip Hop dance had a shorter average learning time than both groups in the Latin dance.
Long-Term Trends in Risk Factor Management in Respondents with Chronic Kidney Disease in the USA
Authors: Liu Quanjun , Bai Bingqing , Liu Fengyao , Chen Yilin , Wang Yu , Wang Haochen , Ma Huan , Geng Qingshan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Unhealthy lifestyle factors are known to increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. The long-term trends in these factors are unclear. Methods: The aim of the study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of risk factors in adults with CKD in the USA and identify sociodemographic subgroups at most risk. Subanalysis of data was carried out from a stratified, complex, multistage probability-based cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. We examined participants from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) respondents aged ≥20 years with CKD from 1999 to 2018. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15–59 mL/min/1.73 m2. Evaluated risk factors included uncontrolled blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, excessive sodium intake, excessive protein intake, poor diet, obesity, smoking, depression, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior. Sociodemographic variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, family income, and employment status. Results: Blood pressure control among respondents with CKD (n = 4,342) was poor but significantly improved from the 1999–2000 (82% uncontrolled) to 2017–2018 surveys (66%; p for linear trend = 0.02). Prevalence of uncontrolled blood glucose (15–22%; p < 0.01), excessive sodium intake (72–78%; p = 0.04), and obesity (32–51%; p < 0.01) significantly increased over this time. The proportion of respondents with uncontrolled blood lipids, depression, smoking, excessive protein intake, poor diet, physical inactivity, or sedentary behavior showed no significant change over the 10-year period. Older people were more likely to have high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and high blood lipids but healthier lifestyle habits than younger people. And respondents of males, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, low income, low education, widowed/divorced/separated, and employed had worse risk factor control compared to reference groups. Discussion/Conclusion: Although the control of several risk factors in US NHANES respondents with CKD improved from 1999 to 2018, further reductions remain of value.
Birds as Companion Animals in Traditional Polynesian Narratives
Authors: Richter-Gravier Raphael
Published: September 2022

In all traditional Polynesian societies, people developed a deep knowledge of all feathered creatures, and devised a great many stories about them. This paper offers a summary and a comparative study of seventeen traditional narratives from throughout Polynesia that feature birds as the companions of the human, divine, or semidivine protagonists of the stories. These oral traditions, which were put in writing in the 19th and 20th centuries by Westerners, show that, in traditional Polynesian societies, people perceived birds as much more than a food source: They were deeply attached to the feathered creatures that they kept as companion animals.
Addressing COVID-19 Misinformation and Resiliency Among Latinos Living With HIV: Formative Research Guiding the Latinos Unidos Microgame Intervention
Authors: Orrego Dunleavy Victoria , Ahn Regina , Mayo Daniel , D. Grace Lindsay
Published: September 2022

Besides the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) itself, the indirect and unprecedented effects of mitigation strategies including shelter-in-place orders and social distancing combined with the widespread COVID “infodemic” disseminated by media interacted synergistically to worsen already compromised mental health outcomes of Latino people living with HIV (PLWH). This funded project directly addresses the sources of health disparity in Miami Dade County: mental health and misinformation by developing a culturally tailored resilience and media literacy intervention for Latinos living with HIV. Extant research on resilience strategies and media literacy skills have documented their effectiveness in assisting individuals make realistic appraisals and informed decisions that could benefit their health outcomes and improve health-related challenges. We utilized a community-based approach by collaborating with two local community partners (Open Arms and Borinquen) and conducting 27 qualitative interviews with Latino PLWH, infectious disease providers, and community health workers who directly informed content of the Latino Unidos microgame intervention. This article describes the formative research process guiding the Latinos Unidos microgame intervention—a three-module gamified intervention. Study outcomes provide the foundation for media and educational strategies that increase adherence to health guidance and enhance mental health responses to adversity as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Bayesian General Model to Account for Individual Differences in Operation-Specific Learning Within a Test
Authors: Lozano José H. , Revuelta Javier
Published: September 2022

The present paper introduces a general multidimensional model to measure individual differences in learning within a single administration of a test. Learning is assumed to result from practicing the operations involved in solving the items. The model accounts for the possibility that the ability to learn may manifest differently for correct and incorrect responses, which allows for distinguishing different types of learning effects in the data. Model estimation and evaluation is based on a Bayesian framework. A simulation study is presented that examines the performance of the estimation and evaluation methods. The results show accuracy in parameter recovery as well as good performance in model evaluation and selection. An empirical study illustrates the applicability of the model to data from a logical ability test.
Searching for common phonological space: /s/-stop clusters in L1 Polish and L2 English
Authors: Schwartz Geoffrey
Published: September 2022

Two acoustic studies of voice onset time (VOT) in sibilant–stop (ST) consonant clusters, produced by first language (L1) speakers of Polish, are presented. In the first, a baseline study of L1 Polish comparing ST clusters with initial singleton stops, a small degree of VOT shortening after /s/ was found for /p/, but not /t/. The second study compared ST productions by L1 Polish speakers of second language (L2) English across two levels of proficiency, speaking in both L1 and L2. Rather than shortening post-/s/ VOT, as is common in L1 English, speakers from both proficiency groups exhibited longer VOT in their L2 than in their L1. These results are consistent with the claim that Polish learners of English mistakenly apply the long VOT of L2 English singleton fortis stops in the post-/s/ position. A phonological interpretation of the results within the Onset Prominence framework is provided.
“I was Close to Helping him but Couldn't Quite get There”: Psychiatrists’ Experiences of a Patient’s Death by Suicide
Authors: Furqan Zainab , Cooper Rachel Beth , Lustig Andrew , Sinyor Mark , Nakhost Arash , Kurdyak Paul , Rudoler David , Naeem Farooq , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Zaheer Juveria
Published: September 2022

Objectives

A patient's death by suicide is a common experience for psychiatrists, ranging from 33% to 80%, however, research about the impact of patient suicide on psychiatrists is limited to a few survey studies. This study had three main objectives: (1) understanding the emotional and behavioural impact of a patient's suicide on psychiatrists, (2) exploring if and how the experience of a patient's suicide results in changes in psychiatrist practice patterns, and (3) understanding the tangible steps that psychiatrists and institutions take to manage the emotional and behavioural impact of patient suicide on psychiatrists.

Methods

Eighteen psychiatrists were recruited using snowball sampling and interviewed to collect demographic data, followed by an in-depth exploration of their experiences of patient suicide. Interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analysed using constructivist grounded theory.

Results

Study participants described strong emotional reactions in response to patient suicide. Emotional reactions were mediated by a physician, patient, relationship and institutional factors. While psychiatrists did not change the acuity or setting of their practice in response to patient suicide, they made several changes in their practice, including increased caution regarding discharges and passes from inpatient units, more thorough documentation and continuing education about suicide.

Conclusions

Patient suicide has a profound impact on psychiatrists and based on the findings of this study, we propose steps that psychiatrists and institutions can take to manage the emotional, psychological and behavioural burden of this event.
Improvement in mechanical and physical properties of starch-based films provided by cellulose nanocrystals extracted from rice straw
Authors: Sheydai Azemat , Nikzad Maryam , Peyravi Majid
Published: September 2022

Films based on starch (ST) have been widely used for food packaging; however, it is necessary to improve their mechanical properties. In this context, eco-friendly starch films incorporated with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) were prepared using the casting method. CNCs were isolated using acid hydrolysis from rice straw (RS) as raw material and characterized by FESEM, TEM, FIIR, XRD, TGA and zeta potential analyzer. The isolated CNC presented a rod-like structure, high crystallinity (75%) with a diameter of around 12 nm. Subsequently, the starch-based films reinforced with various concentrations of CNC (2, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) were characterized for their morphological features, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties and compared with control film. It was shown that the addition of CNCs to the film improved the mechanical properties and decreased the water vapor permeability, as important characteristics in food packaging materials.
Eject, Eject, Eject! Conducting a Cognitive Task Analysis to Assess Parachute Descent Training Simulators
Authors: Hartley Cayla A. , Hurley Kenzie J. , Morganson Valerie J. , Kass Steven J. , Wheeler Atkinson Beth F. , Pierce Matthew B.
Published: September 2022

We conducted a cognitive task analysis to provide input on the curriculum and technology currently used to train parachute descent procedures in the Naval Aviation Survival Training Program. Subject matter experts provided insight into the correct decision-making thought processes used in parachute descent. Techniques for analysis included focus groups, interviews, and a think-aloud procedure involving a parachute descent simulator at a Naval Aviation Survival Training Center. Results and findings inform the instructional design process to improve the training pipeline’s development, implementation, and evaluation.
Greater Acute Articular Inflammatory Response in Tibial Plafond Fractures as Compared to Ankle Fractures
Authors: Marchand Lucas S. , Rothberg David L. , Higgins Thomas F. , Haller Justin M.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Several factors are thought to contribute to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development, including the posttraumatic inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 injuries at the same joint with a different severity and prognosis. This study compared the intra-articular inflammatory response after rotational ankle fracture (lower energy and less PTOA) with tibial plafond fracture (higher energy and more PTOA).

Methods:

This prospective comparative study was conducted at a level 1 trauma center between 2014-2019. Patients between 18 and 60 years of age with acute ankle or tibial plafond fractures were enrolled. Patients with preexisting ankle OA, autoimmune disease, additional injury, or open fractures were excluded. Synovial fluid aspirations were obtained within 24 hours of injury. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were quantified.

Results:

Aspiration were obtained from 29 plafond fractures and 36 ankle fractures. Mean age was 43 years, and patients were predominately female (64%). Age, gender, and comorbidities did not vary between cohorts. Of the plafond fractures, 13 were 43-B and 16 were 43-C injuries. Ankle fractures were predominately 44-B injuries, and 15 ankle fracture had articular impaction. IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were all significantly higher in acute plafond fractures as compared to acute ankle fractures.

Conclusion:

This study compared articular inflammatory marker profiles after fractures of different severities. Several cytokines were elevated in plafond fractures as compared to ankle fractures, suggesting a greater inflammatory response with plafond fractures. Given the difference in prognosis for and higher rate of PTOA after plafond fractures, these data strengthen the case that postinjury inflammatory response plays a role in PTOA development. Given that the postinjury inflammatory response is one of the few modifiable variables of these injuries, future research in this area remains important.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective.
A new nonlinear fractal vibration of the Euler–Bernoulli beams in a microgravity space
Authors: Zhang Pei-Ling , Wang Kang-Jia
Published: September 2022

Microgravity is an extreme physical environment, where many theories deduced on the earth’s surface become invalid. So a fractal vibration of Euler–Bernoulli beams in a microgravity space is presented in this paper via He’s fractal derivative. With help of the fractal two-scale transform, two methods, namely, the energy balance theory and He’s frequency–amplitude formulation are adopted to seek the solutions of the fractal vibration equation. As expected, the solutions obtained by the two methods are the same. Finally, the numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method and the impact of different fractal orders on the vibration behavior is revealed in detail.
A Cry for Survival? Rhythmic and Periodic EEG Discharges as Treatment Targets Following Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Lapalme-Remis Samuel
Published: September 2022

[Box: see text]
Comparable long-term retention rates and effects on bone mineral density of denosumab treatment in patients with osteoporosis with or without autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: real-life data
Authors: Fassio Angelo , Gatti Davide , Bertelle Davide , Fracassi Elena , Zanetti Giulia , Viapiana Ombretta , Rossini Maurizio , Adami Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

To investigate whether concomitant autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) represent a risk factor for denosumab discontinuation and to explore other possible predictors.

Design:

This is a real-life retrospective study conducted at our centre on consecutive patients who started treatment with denosumab from January 2014 to October 2021.

Methods:

Data on patients’ characteristics, denosumab prescriptions and reason for discontinuation were collected from their medical electronic records. A log-rank test was run to assess differences in the denosumab retention rate between the not AIIRD and AIIRD patients. A backward stepwise logistic regression was used to identify possible predictors of denosumab discontinuation. When available, BMD data of the lumbar spine and total hip were collected.

Results:

Three hundred and sixty-three patients were included (265 not AIIRD and 98 AIIRD; median follow-up, 44 months). Sixty-nine patients discontinued denosumab at any time point (4 due to patient’s decision, 3 due to medical decision, 62 were lost in follow-up). The log-rank test did not find a statistically significant difference for denosumab persistence between the two subgroups. In the binary logistic regression analysis, only older age at initiation and lower baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D were confirmed as predictors for discontinuation. BMD significantly increased from baseline to the last prescription visit at both the lumbar spine and the total hip, without statistically significant differences in the not AIIRD and AIIRD patients.

Conclusion:

The present data seem to suggest that AIIRDs do not represent a risk factor for denosumab discontinuation. Furthermore, the presence of AIIRDs does not seem to impair its effectiveness in terms of BMD.
Business English Needs and Secondary Vocational Business English: The Case of Greek Workplaces
Authors: Batsila Marianthi , Shrestha Prithvi N.
Published: September 2022

Vocational education (VE) has been a priority for employability globally. There is, however, limited research on what employers want from secondary school VE graduates regarding their communication skills. This study examined business English needs in Greek businesses and the English language skills taught in Greek vocational secondary schools. We surveyed 136 and interviewed 8 employers to identify the English language skills required in these businesses. The content of one prescribed VE English textbook was analyzed and eight teachers were interviewed about it. We found that employers emphasized oral business communication, which the textbook lacked, and we make suggestions for improvement.
Carbon Nanostructure-Based DNA Sensor Used for Quickly Detecting Breast Cancer-Associated Genes
Authors: Zhang Yingqi , Song Jisu , Yang Songlin , Ouyang Jianying , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2022

The early diagnosis of breast cancer highly relies on the detection of mutant DNA at low concentrations. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) quenching may offer a solution to quickly detect a small amount of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) through the combination of nanomaterials with special luminescence and unique structures of DNA double helix structure. Here, carbon quantum dots (CDs) modified with Capture ssDNA act as the FRET donor which interact with the two-dimensional fluorescence quencher, i.e., graphene oxide nanosheets (GO), to detect breast cancer-associated Target ssDNA at a low concentration. CDs bioconjugated with the designed Capture ssDNA (named CDs-Capture ssDNA) have the maximum fluorescence intensity (Imax) at the emission (λem) = 510 nm. The fluorescence of CDs-Capture ssDNA is quenched, while they interact with GO due to the π–π* interaction between ssDNA and GO. In the presence of Target ssDNA, the Imax is restored because of the stronger interaction between Target ssDNA and CDs-Capture ssDNA through the hydrogen bond. The restored fluorescence intensity of CDs has a linear relationship with the concentration of Target ssDNA from 0.25 to 2.5 μM with a detection limit around 0.24 μM. The selectivity of the sensing system has been further evaluated by testing the 3-base mismatched and non-base matched in which efficient restoration of photoluminescence of the sensing system cannot be observed. This carbon nanostructure-based DNA sensing system offers a user-friendly and quick detection of single-strand DNA at lower concentration.
Individual characteristics associated with the utilization of nursing care in the very old population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zimmermann Jaroslava
Published: September 2022

Background

As older adults ≥80 years are often underrepresented in previous studies, little is known about their characteristics associated with the utilization of nursing care services. Therefore, this study examined individual (predisposing, enabling, and need) predictors of nursing care utilization in the very old population of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Germany.

Methods

Data from a representative cross-sectional study included 1531 community-dwelling individuals and nursing home residents aged ≥80 years. Multinomial regression was applied to investigate the factors that explain the use of outpatient care services, day care, and/or private care (odpNCU), and inpatient nursing care (inpNCU).

Results

Overall, 1083 (69.9%) participants did not use nursing care services (noNCU), 339 (21.9%) used outpatient, day, and/or private care, and 127 (8.2%) used inpatient nursing care. Compared to noNCU, odpNCU was associated with a higher likelihood of being older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.11], having no partner (OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.37-0.91), experiencing higher functional (basic activities of daily living, OR = 0.02, 95%CI: 0.01-0.04; instrumental activities of daily living, OR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.11-0.30) and cognitive disabilities (OR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.44-0.89). Compared to noNCU, nursing home residents were more likely older (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.07-1.22), had lower socioeconomic status (OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-1.00), were childless (OR = 3.83, 95%CI: 1.71-8.56) and without partners (OR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.20-0.96), socially isolated (OR = 3.94, 95%CI: 2.06-7.55), were more likely to be lonely (OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.58-7.89), more functionally (basic activities of daily living, OR = 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00-0.03; instrumental activities of daily living, OR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.02-0.09) and cognitively impaired (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.31-0.74), but they were less likely to experience five or more chronic conditions (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.20-0.88) and less likely to be physically pre-frail (OR = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.10-0.58) and frail (OR = 0.09, 95%CI: 0.03-0.27).

Conclusions

Individual need factors dominated in explaining odpNCU, suggesting that the very old population in NRW may have equitable access to these services. As social structure, region, and social resources explain inpNCU, this type of care may be inequitably accessible.
Immediate outcome prognostic value of plasma factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolytic treatment
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Li Siyi , Zhong Xin , Huang Shuxuan , Jiao Xue , He Guoyong , Jiang Bingjian , Liu Yuping , Gao Zhili , Wei Jinhong , Lin Yushen , Chen Zhi , Li Yanhua
Published: September 2022

In the present study, we explored multiple plasma factors to predict the outcomes of patients with AIS after IVT. Fifty AIS patients who received IVT with alteplase were recruited and divided into two groups according to their NIHSS scores. Serum from all subjects was collected to quantitatively analyze the levels of different plasma factors, IL-6, MMP-9, ADAMTS13, TNC, GSN and TRX, using Luminex assays or ELISA measurements. Compared with the levels assessed at the onset of AIS, the levels of MMP-9 (P < 0.001), ADAMTS13 (P < 0.001), and TRX (P < 0.001) significantly decreased after IVT. The level of IL-6 was significantly increased in the NIHSS > 5 group at admission (P < 0.001) compared to the NIHSS ≤ 5 group. AIS patients with a poor prognosis had lower levels of ADAMTS13 at 72 h post-IVT compared with patients with a good prognosis (P = 0.021). IL-6 also was notably higher in the poor outcome group (P = 0.012). After adjusting for confounders, ADAMTS13 at 72 h post-IVT was an independent protective factor for prognosis in AIS patients with an adjusted OR of 0.07 (P = 0.049), whereas IL-6 was an independent predictor of risk for AIS patients with an adjusted OR of 1.152 (P = 0.028). IVT decreased MMP-9, ADAMTS13, and TRX levels in the plasma of AIS patients. Patients with a NIHSS score of less than 5 exhibited lower IL-6 levels, indicating that increased levels of IL-6 correlated with AIS severity after IVT. Therefore, IL-6 and ADAMTS13 might be useful plasma markers to predict the prognosis in AIS patients at 90-days after IVT.
Retinal changes of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma after intravitreal methotrexate
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Gu Junxiang , Liu Shixue , Chang Qing
Published: September 2022

Background

To identify retinal changes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and ultra-widefield images in eyes with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) during intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) treatment. 

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 111 eyes of 58 patients with vitreous cytology-proven confirmed PVRL, who received intravitreal injections of MTX.

Results

At the initial visit, the OCT manifestations included vitreous cells (105 eyes, 94.6%), intraretinal infiltration (44 eyes,39.6%), subretinal infiltration (45 eyes, 40.5%,), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities (66 eyes, 59.5%), disruption of the ellipsoid zone (58 eyes, 52.3%), subretinal fluid (4 eyes, 3.6%), RPE detachment (PED) (28 eyes, 25.2%), epiretinal membrane (ERM) (8 eyes, 7.2%), macular edema (10 eyes, 9%). After therapy, tumor regression was achieved in all eyes. Between the initial presentation and regression, the vitreous cells (94.6% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), intraretinal infiltration (39.6% vs. 0%, P < 0.001), RPE abnormalities (59.5% vs.19.8%, P < 0.001), PED (25.2% vs.0%, P < 0.001), and subretinal infiltration (40.5%vs.16.2%, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced. The fundus photography findings all improved after therapy. The mean Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) for the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 0.79 ± 0.81 (range, 0–2.9), which improved to 0.70 ± 0.97 (range, 0–2.9, P = 0.01) at the final visit.

Conclusions

SD-OCT combined with ultra-widefield imaging, which can reflect retinal changes, are valuable tools for monitoring the effect of PVRL treatment.
Association between sleep quality and urolithiasis among general population in Western China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhou Xianghong , Qiu Shi , Cai Boyu , Li Yifan , Zhang Chichen , Wang Kunjie , Yang Lu , Chen Lei
Published: September 2022

Background

Growing number of studies have evidently shown that sleep disorders are associated with the recently increased risk of various diseases in general human population. However, the relationship between sleep quality and urolithiasis condition in humans is still unclear. The present study explored the relationship between quality of sleep and urolithiasis in Chinese population of population, western China and hence investigated the effects of sleep quality on urolithiasis disease.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the West China Natural Population Cohort Study (WCNPCS). The data was collected between May 2019 and June 2021. This study evaluated the association between the sleep quality and urolithiasis. The sleep quality was assessed using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) whereas urolithiasis, as the outcome was a binary variable. Multivariable logistic regression models that adjust the sociodemographic characteristics and health-related factors were used to assess the association between sleep quality and urolithiasis. Interaction was tested in prespecified subgroup of interest.

Results

After adjusting a series of confounding variables, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were found to have a significant positive correlation with the prevalence of urolithiasis (OR: 1.178; 95% CI = 1.083–1.282; p < 0.001). The risk of urolithiasis was significantly increased with an elevation of the component Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score in sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction.

Conclusions

It was evident that there is an association between sleep quality and prevalence of renal stones in natural population in western China regions. Poor sleep quality is related to urolithiasis. The findings of the current study hence highlighted the need for future public health guidelines to develop detailed strategies for improving sleep quality.
The relationship between chest tube position in the thoracic cavity and treatment failure in patients with pleural infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taniguchi Jumpei , Nakashima Kei , Matsui Hiroki , Nagai Tatsuya , Otsuki Ayumu , Ito Hiroyuki , Sugimura Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

Background

Pleural infection is an infection of the pleural space that is usually treated with antibiotics and source control. Chest tube insertion is the most popular and widely used drainage technique. We typically attempt to place the tube at the bottom of the thoracic cavity to consider the effects of gravity; however, the effectiveness of this practice is not well-defined. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether the position of the tip of the thoracic tube affects treatment failure in patients with pleural infection.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients with pleural infection who underwent thoracic tube insertion were divided into two groups: those with the tip of the tube positioned below the 10th thoracic vertebra at the level of the diaphragm (lower position group) and those with the tip placed above the 9th thoracic vertebra (upper position group). We compared whether the position of the tube tip affected treatment failure. Stabilized inverse probability treatment weights (SIPTW) were used to balance the baseline characteristics between the groups. Treatment failure showed a composite outcome of hospital death, referral to surgeons for surgery, and additional chest tube insertion.

Results

Among the 87 patients, 41 and 46 patients were in the lower and upper groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the composite outcomes between the groups (46.3% vs. 54.3%, P = 0.596). There was also no significant difference in the composite outcome between both groups after adjusting for SIPTW (52.3% vs. 68.8%, P = 0.286).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the treatment failure in this study addressing pleural infection treatment, in which the drain tip position was stratified by the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. The position of the tip of the thoracic tube may not be important for pleural infection treatment providing that it is in the thoracic cavity.

Trial registration The participants were registered retrospectively.
Salvianolic acid A alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by inhibiting complement activation
Authors: Zhang Qi-Yun , Guo Jing , Xu Lin , Wei Ying , Zhou Shu-Ting , Lu Qing-Yu , Guo Li , Sun Qian-Yun
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a syndrome characterized by coagulopathy, microthrombus, and multiple organ failure. The complement system in DIC is overactivated, and the functions of complement and coagulation pathways are closely related. Our previous screening revealed that salvianolic acid A (SAA) has anti-complement activity. The hyper-activated complement system was involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced DIC in rats. The effects of SAA anti-complement action on LPS-induced DIC in rats were investigated.

Methods

The complement activity of the classical pathway and alternative pathway was detected through an in vitro hemolysis assay. The binding sites of SAA and complement C3b were predicted by molecular docking. LPS-induced disseminated coagulation experiments were performed on male Wistar rats to assess coagulation function, complement activity, inflammation, biochemistry, blood routine, fibrinolysis, and survival.

Results

SAA had an anti-complement activity in vivo and in vitro and inhibited the complement activation in the classical and alternative pathway of complement. The infusion of LPS into the rats impaired the coagulation function, increased the plasma inflammatory cytokine level, complemented activation, reduced the clotting factor levels, fibrinogen, and platelets, damaged renal, liver, and lung functions, and led to a high mortality rate (85%). SAA treatment of rats inhibited complement activation and attenuated the significant increase in D-dimer, interleukin-6, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine. It ameliorated the decrease in plasma levels of fibrinogen and platelets and reversed the decline in activity of protein C and antithrombin III. The treatment reduced kidney, liver, and lung damage, and significantly improved the survival rate of rats (46.2 and 78.6% for the low- and high-dose groups, respectively).

Conclusion

SAA reduced LPS-induced DIC by inhibiting complement activation. It has considerable potential in DIC treatment.
Association of advanced paternal age with lung function at school age
Authors: Gau Chun-Chun , Lee Hsin-Ju , Lu Hung-Yi , Wu Chao-Yi , Huang Hsin-Yi , Tsai Hui-Ju , Yao Tsung-Chieh
Published: September 2022

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest that advanced paternal age impact offspring health, but its impact on respiratory health is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of paternal age with lung function and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in children.

Methods

We analyzed data from 1330 single-born children (576 girls, 43.3%; mean age, 6.4 years), who participated in the Longitudinal Investigation of Global Health in Taiwanese Schoolchildren (LIGHTS) cohort and received measurements of lung function and FeNO at 6-year follow-up visits. Covariate-adjusted regression analyses were applied.

Results

Every 5-year increase in paternal age at birth was associated with 0.51% decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio (95% CI − 0.86 to − 0.15; p = 0.005) and 19.86 mL/s decrease in FEF75 (95% CI: − 34.07 to − 5.65; p = 0.006). Stratified analyses revealed that increasing paternal age at birth was associated with decreasing FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF75 only among children with prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) or not being breastfed. Sensitivity analyses using paternal age as a categorical variable found decreasing FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF75 in the groups of paternal age 35–39 and ≥ 40 years. There was no association of paternal age at birth with FeNO.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel evidence linking advanced paternal age at birth with decreasing lung function in children at school age. Children with prenatal exposure to ETS or not being breastfed are more vulnerable to the adverse effect of advanced paternal age on childhood lung function. Further studies are warranted to confirm this novel adverse effect of advanced paternal age.