bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathologic Complete Response and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence and Patient’s Survival after Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hui , Lv Liqiong , Gao Hui , Cheng Ming
Published: December 2021

Objective. Earlier research has illustrated prognostic significance of pathologic complete response (pCR) in neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) for breast cancer, whereas correlation between treatment after achieving pCR and survival improvement remains underexplored. We attempted to measure the relation between pCR achieved after NAT and breast cancer recurrence or patient’s survival. Methods. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases to find relevant articles from their inception to November 2020. According to eligibility criteria, studies were selected and basic data were extracted. The primary endpoint was the correlation between pCR achieved after NAT and event-free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS). The results were obtained by directly extracting specific information from the literature or estimating individual data by survival curves on DigitizeIt software, presented with HR and 95% CI. All data were processed on Stata 14.0 software. Results. Among 4338 articles, there were 25 eligible articles involving 8767 patients. The EFS of patients achieved pCR after NAT improved obviously (

HR
=
0.27

; 95% CI, 0.24-0.31), especially in triple negative (

HR
=
0.17

; 95% CI, 0.12-0.24) and HER2 positive (

HR
=
0.24

; 95% CI, 0.20-0.30) breast cancer patients. As such, pCR after NAT was implicated in significantly increased OS (

HR
=
0.32

; 95% CI, 0.27–0.37). Conclusion. Achieving pCR after NAT was notably related to the improvement of EFS and OS, especially for patients with triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer. pCR can be a surrogate indicator for outcome of breast cancer patients after NAT, as well as a predictor of treatment efficacy after NAT. Besides, well-designed studies are still warranted for confirmation.
Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Active Component and Mechanism of the Anti-Non-Invasive and Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Effects of Zhuling Jisheng Decoction
Authors: Ma Chenyu , Wang Jianlong , Zhao Na , Pan Zhenya , Lu Yi , Cheng Miao , Deng Min
Published: December 2021

Zhuling Jisheng decoction is employed for the treatment of bladder urothelial cancer in clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. However, there are few studies on its precise mechanism. For the antibladder cancer action of Zhuling Jisheng decoction, a network pharmacological technique was used to design a component/target/pathway molecular regulatory network. The TCMSP dataset was used to identify the chemical makeup of Zhuling Jisheng decoction, which was then analyzed and assessed for oral bioavailability and pharmacological similarity. The chemical composition of Zhuling Jisheng decoction was identified through the TCMSP database, and it was evaluated and screened based on oral bioavailability and drug similarity. The GEO database was searched for genes associated with urothelial bladder carcinoma, and gene targets associated with bladder urothelial cancer resistance were chosen by comparison. The function and linked pathways of the target genes were examined and screened using annotation, visualization, and a comprehensive discovery database. The impact of Zhuling Jisheng decoction on urothelial bladder cancer was studied using Cytoscape software to create a component/target/pathway network. Finally, 69 and 55 target genes were discovered for noninvasive bladder urothelial cancer and invasive bladder urothelial cancer, respectively. In noninvasive urothelial cancer, 118 pathways were highly enriched, including the TNF signaling pathway and the IL-17 signaling route. 103 pathways were highly enriched in invasive urothelial cancer, including the p53 signaling route, bladder cancer route, and calcium signaling route. There were 18 and 15 drug targets associated with noninvasive and invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma prognoses. Many signaling pathways directly act on tumours, and indirect pathways inhibit the development of bladder urothelial carcinoma. This research establishes a scientific foundation for further research into the framework of action of Zhuling Jisheng decoction in the therapy of bladder urothelial cancer.
Analysis of Changes in Intercity Highway Traffic Travel Patterns under the Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Gu Mingchen , Sun Shuo , Jian Feng , Liu Xiaohan
Published: December 2021

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic impacts negatively on the security and development of human society. Comparison and analysis of intercity highway travel patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic can bring vital insights for the prevention and control of the pandemic. Empirical studies are conducted using cellular network-based datasets associated with two groups of city pairs in China heavily affected by COVID-19. Spatial matching, full-sample extrapolation, and trajectory feature analysis are adopted to attain travel volumes of intercity highways during four different periods. The reliability of origin-destination (OD) matrices calculated based on the cellular network-based dataset is demonstrated by comparing with the fluctuation trend of traffic count data. The empirical studies show that the OD flows associated with passenger cars on intercity highways in China decreased significantly during COVID-19. With the effective implementation of the pandemic prevention control policy and the orderly promotion of the recovery to work and production, the volumes of intercity highway OD flows returned to the pre-pandemic level in mid-April 2020. Besides, the peak of passenger car trips decreases and the time span for truck trips gets longer owing to implemented control measures in dealing with COVID-19. The results can be applied to the calculation of OD flows between most adjacent cities and analyze the intercity highway traffic travel patterns changes, which provide insightful implications for making intercity travel safety prevention and control policies under epidemic conditions.
A Multichannel Model for Microbial Key Event Extraction Based on Feature Fusion and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Qian
Published: December 2021

In order to further mine the deep semantic information of the microbial text of public health emergencies, this paper proposes a multichannel microbial sentiment analysis model MCMF-A. Firstly, we use word2vec and fastText to generate word vectors in the feature vector embedding layer and fuse them with lexical and location feature vectors; secondly, we build a multichannel layer based on CNN and BiLSTM to extract local and global features of the microbial text; then we build an attention mechanism layer to extract the important semantic features of the microbial text; thirdly, we merge the multichannel output in the fusion layer and use soft; finally, the results are merged in the fusion layer, and a surtax function is used in the output layer for sentiment classification. The results show that the F1 value of the MCMF-A sentiment analysis model reaches 90.21%, which is 9.71% and 9.14% higher than the benchmark CNN and BiLSTM models, respectively. The constructed dataset is small in size, and the multimodal information such as images and speech has not been considered.
CircN4bp1 Facilitates Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Mediating Macrophage Polarization via the miR-138-5p/EZH2 Axis
Authors: Zhao Dongyang , Wang Chunxue , Liu Xiandong , Liu Na , Zhuang Shougang , Zhang Qianqian , Bao Xiaowei , Xu Shumin , Zhou Xiaohui , Meng Qinshu , Li Shao , Tang Lunxian
Published: December 2021

We recently reported the differential circRNA expression patterns of the pulmonary macrophages in sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mice model by microarray analysis. However, their function and hidden molecular mechanism in regulation of macrophage activation and inflammation remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that circN4bp1was overexpressed in PBMC and monocytes, and its expression levels were correlated with a poor prognosis in sepsis induced ARDS patients induced by sepsis. Knockdown of circN4bp1 inhibited the lung injury and improved the long-time survival through blunting the M1 macrophage activation in cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced ARDS mice. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis predicated a circN4bp1/miR-138-5p ceRNA network, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP). CircN4bp1 affected macrophage differentiation by binding to miR-138-5p, thus regulating the expression of EZH2 in vivo and ex vivo. Lastly, the m6A level of circN4bp1was found to be elevated in ARDS mice; inhibition of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 blocked this response in vitro. Therefore, circN4bp1 can function as a miR-138-5p sponge for the modulation of macrophage polarization through regulation the expression of EZH2 and may serve as a potential target and/or prognostic marker for ARDS patients following sepsis.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Transcriptional Changes in LBP-Deficient Rat and Its Possible Implications for Liver Dysregulation during Sepsis
Authors: He Zhixiang , Song Zichen , Meng Leilei , Cheng Wenhui , Huang Fan , Zheng Mao , Xu Wenhui , Xiao Rong , Fang Haoshu , Zhu Yaling
Published: December 2021

Sepsis is an organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated inflammatory response to infection. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and modulates the inflammatory response. A rare systematic study has been reported to detect the effect of LBP gene during LPS-induced sepsis. Herein, we explored the RNA sequencing technology to profile the transcriptomic changes in liver tissue between LBP-deficient rats and WT rats at multiple time points after LPS administration. We proceeded RNA sequencing of liver tissue to search differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological processes and pathways between WT and LBP-deficient groups at 0 h, 6 h, and 24 h. In total, 168, 284, and 307 DEGs were identified at 0 h, 6 h, and 24 h, respectively, including Lrp5, Cyp7a1, Nfkbiz, Sigmar1, Fabp7, and Hao1, which are related to the inflammatory or lipid-related process. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that inflammatory response to LPS mediated by Ifng, Cxcl10, Serpine1, and Lbp was enhanced at 6 h, while lipid-related metabolism associated with C5, Cyp4a1, and Eci1 was enriched at 24 h after LPS administration in the WT samples. The inflammatory process was not found when the LBP gene was knocked out; lipid-related metabolic process and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway mediated by Dhrs7b and Tysnd1 were significantly activated in LBP-deficient samples. Our study suggested that the invading LPS may interplay with LBP to activate the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and trigger uncontrolled inflammatory response. However, when inhibiting the activity of NF-κB, lipid-related metabolism would make bacteria removal via the effect on the PPAR signaling pathway in the absence of LBP gene. We also compared the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels using the biochemistry analyzer and analyzed the expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and cleaved-caspase 3 with immunohistochemistry, which further validated our conclusion.
The Study of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang Preventing and Treating Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through PPAR Signaling Pathway Based on Network Pharmacology and RNA-Seq Transcriptomics
Authors: Zhu Yi-Wei , Li Du , Ye Ting-Jie , Qiu Feng-Jun , Wang Xiao-Ling , Yan Xiao-Feng , Lu Yan-Lin , Xu Wei , Li Hua , Hu Xu-Dong
Published: December 2021

Background. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is the first stage of the alcoholic liver disease course. Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) has a good clinical effect on the treatment of AFLD, but its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we tried to explore the molecular mechanism of YCHT in improving hepatocyte steatosis in AFLD mice through network pharmacology and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) transcriptomics. Methods. Network pharmacological methods were used to analyze the potential therapeutic signaling pathways and targets of YCHT on AFLD. Then, the AFLD mice model was induced and YCHT was administered concurrently. Liver injury was measured by serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and liver tissue H&E staining, and liver steatosis was determined by serum triglyceride (TG) level and liver tissue Oil Red staining. The molecular mechanism of YCHT on prevention and treatment of mice AFLD was investigated according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the differential expression genes data obtained by liver tissue RNA-Seq. Finally, ethanol-induced AFLD AML12 hepatocyte model was established, YCHT with or without PPARα agonist pemafibrate or PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 was administered, Nile Red fluorescent staining was used to evaluate steatosis levels in AML12 hepatocytes, and qRT-PCR was used to detect PPARα and PPARγ gene expression. Results. The results of network pharmacology analysis showed that YCHT may exert its pharmacological effect on AFLD through 312 potential targets which are involved in many signaling pathways including the PPAR signaling pathway. AFLD mice experiments results showed that YCHT markedly decreased mice serum ALT activity and serum TG levels. YCHT also significantly improved alcohol-induced hepatic injury and steatosis in mice livers. Furthermore, KEGG pathway enrichment results of RNA-Seq showed that the PPAR signaling pathway should be the most relevant pathway of YCHT in the prevention and treatment of AFLD. AFLD hepatocyte model experiment results showed that YCHT could remarkably reduce hepatocyte steatosis through reducing PPARγ expression and increasing PPARα expression. Conclusions. Our study discovered that PPARγ and PPARα are the key targets and the PPAR signaling pathway is the main signaling pathway for YCHT to prevent and treat AFLD.
A Novel Approach for HST Delays Using Pythagorean Fuzzy AHP and Regression Analysis
Authors: Tosun Hümeyra Bolakar
Published: December 2021

The increased need for transportation worldwide has led to intense competition among several transportation types. Thus, considering factors affecting the choice of transportation means of passengers is essential. In many countries, railways have been losing market share in both freight and passenger transport, especially against highways. Railway transport systems must regain their declining share for the sake of the economy and sustainability. For this reason, many studies have been conducted to eliminate delays in high‐speed trains, the speed of which is the most important criterion for preference. This study determines the reasons for train delays in a bid to make the high‐speed train project successful in Turkey and for trains to serve better. Furthermore, regression analysis and the Pythagorean fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) analysis were performed according to the most effective criteria. The most effective criteria were determined as maintenance, repair, and closure due to renewal. Additionally, various suggestions regarding the effect of the obtained causes on train delays were put forward.
Applying Four-Step Characteristic Ion Filtering with HPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS Spectrometer Approach for Rapid Compound Structures Characterization and Major Representative Components Quantification in Modified Tabusen-2 Decoction
Authors: Zhao Yu , Dong Xin , Wang Zhi , Dong Rui , Bu Ren , Feng Qianxi , Xue Peifeng , Qu Bi
Published: December 2021

Modified Tabusen-2 decoction (MTBD) is traditional Chinese Mongolia medicine, mainly used to treat osteoporosis. However, the precise material basis of this prescription is not yet fully elucidated. Herein, we establish an HPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS spectrometer method with four-step characteristic ion filtering (FSCIF) strategy to quickly and effectively identify the structural features of MTBD and determine the representative compounds content. The FSCIF strategy included database establishment, characteristic ions summarization, neutral loss fragments screening, and secondary mass spectrum fragment matching four steps. By using this strategy, a total of 143 compounds were unambiguously or tentatively annotated, including 5 compounds which were first reported in MTBD. Nineteen representative components were simultaneously quantified with the HPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS spectrometer, and it is suitable for eight batches of MTBD. Methodology analysis showed that the assay method had good repeatability, accuracy, and stability. The method established above was successfully applied to assess the quality of MTBD extracts. Collectively, our findings enhance our molecular understanding of the MTBD formulation and will allow us to control its quality in a better way. At the same time, this study can promote the development and utilization of ethnic medicine.
Improve Neural Distinguishers of SIMON and SPECK
Authors: Hou ZeZhou , Ren JiongJiong , Chen ShaoZhen
Published: December 2021

Deep learning has played an important role in many fields, which shows significant potential for cryptanalysis. Although these existing works opened a new direction of machine learning aided cryptanalysis, there is still a research gap that researchers are eager to fill. How to further improve neural distinguishers? In this paper, we propose a new algorithm and model to improve neural distinguishers in terms of accuracy and the number of rounds. First, we design an algorithm based on SAT to improve neural distinguishers. With the help of SAT/SMT solver, we obtain new effective neural distinguishers of SIMON using the input differences of high-probability differential characteristics. Second, we propose a new neural distinguisher model using multiple output differences. Inspired by the existing works and data augmentation in deep learning, we use the output differences to exploit more derived features and train neural distinguishers, by splicing output differences into a matrix as a sample. Based on the new model, we construct neural distinguishers of SIMON and SPECK with round and accuracy promotion. Utilizing our neural distinguishers, we can distinguish reduced-round SIMON or SPECK from pseudorandom permutation better.
Mirror Therapy Rehabilitation in Stroke: A Scoping Review of Upper Limb Recovery and Brain Activities
Authors: Jaafar Nurulhuda , Che Daud Ahmad Zamir , Ahmad Roslan Nor Faridah , Mansor Wahidah
Published: December 2021

Background. Mirror therapy (MT) has been used as a treatment for various neurological disorders. Recent application of electroencephalogram (EEG) to the MT study allows researchers to gain insight into the changes in brain activity during the therapy. Objective. This scoping review is aimed at mapping existing evidence and identifying knowledge gaps about the effects of MT on upper limb recovery and its application for individuals with chronic stroke. Methods and Materials. A scoping review through a systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. Twenty articles published between 2010 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. The efficacy of MT on upper limb recovery and brain activity during MT were discussed according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results. A majority of the studies indicated positive effects of MT on upper limb recovery from the body structure/functional domain. All studies used EEG to indicate brain activation during MT. Conclusion. MT is a promising intervention for improving upper limb function for individuals with chronic stroke. This review also highlights the need to incorporate EEG into the MT study to capture brain activity and understand the mechanism underlying the therapy.
The Fusion of Eye Movement and Piezoelectric Sensing Technology Assists Ceramic Art Process Optimization and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhou Yanglin , He Yanling
Published: December 2021

Ceramic product shape evaluation is an important part of product development, an important method to optimize product shape design, and is of great significance to reasonably locate users’ consumption psychology and promote the development of ceramic product industry. In this paper, we propose an eye‐tracking‐based evaluation method for ceramic products from the user’s point of view, in view of the fact that there are few studies on ceramic product shape evaluation, and it is mainly led by designers and enterprise leaders subjectively, with low user participation and lack of objective evaluation means and objective data support. In this paper, through the implementation of eye‐movement experiments, we obtain and analyze the eye‐movement data related to the semantic perception evaluation of product modeling and the overall evaluation of modeling, establish the mapping relationship between user evaluation and eye‐movement data, and provide objective data support for modeling evaluation. This paper provides an objective data support for the styling evaluation. This paper provides new ideas for the ceramic product modeling evaluation method, which helps to promote the development of ceramic product industry, improve the brand recognition of enterprises, and help the marketing personnel to make reasonable marketing planning plans. For the semantic perceptual evaluation of ceramic product styling based on eye‐tracking, the effectiveness of product styling design concept communication is evaluated. Ceramic products are constantly changing and developing, with new shapes appearing and old shapes being eliminated. Continual innovation and development of ceramics based on inherited traditions can give them a new look and color under the existing modeling style. Compared with other categories, although ceramic modeling has relatively abstract formal characteristics, but it is the extension of the modeling, still has obvious morphological characteristics, and the impact on people’s aesthetic mood.
Astragaloside IV Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury through NLRP3 Inflammasome‐Mediated Pyroptosis Inhibition via Activating Nrf2
Authors: Xiao Lan , Dai Ziwei , Tang Wenjing , Liu Canwen , Tang Biao
Published: December 2021

As one of the fundamental components of Astragalus membranaceus, astragaloside IV (AST IV) exerts protective effects against cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury (CIRI). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been conclusively elucidated. To do so, here, we report on the regulatory effects of Nrf2 on NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis. CIRI was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion‐reperfusion (MCAO/R) in Sprague Dawley rats and modeled by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in SH‐SY5Y cells. Cerebral infarct volume and neurological deficit score served as indices to evaluate MCAO/R injury. In addition, the CCK‐8 assay was used to assess cell viability, the LDH leakage rate was used as a quantitative index, and propidium iodide (PI) staining was used to visualize cells after OGD/R injury. The NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway, which produces the pores in the cell membrane that are central to the pyroptosis process, was assessed to investigate pyroptosis. Nrf2 activation was assessed by detecting Nrf2 protein levels and immunofluorescence analysis. We show that after MCAO/R of rats, the infarct volume and neurological deficit score of rats were strongly increased, and after OGD/R of cell cultures, cell viability was strongly decreased, and the LDH leakage rate and the proportion of PI‐positive cells were strongly increased. In turn, MCAO/R and OGD/R enhanced the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, IL‐1β, GSDMD, and GSDMD‐N. Moreover, Nrf2 protein levels increased, and Nrf2 translocation was promoted after CIRI. Interestingly, AST IV (i) reduced the cerebral infarct volume and the neurological deficit score in vivo and (ii) increased the cell viability and reduced the LDH leakage rate and the proportion of PI‐positive cells in vitro. AST IV reduced the protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, IL‐1β, GSDMD, and GSDMD‐N, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis. AST IV also increased the protein levels of Nrf2 and promoted the transfer of Nrf2 to the nucleus, accelerating Nrf2 activation. Particularly revealing was that the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 partly blocked the above effects of AST IV. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AST IV alleviates CIRI through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated pyroptosis via activating Nrf2.
Reliability Assessment and Validation of the Skin Hyperpigmentation Index Compared to the Physician Global Assessment Score
Authors: Bossart Simon , Cazzaniga Simone , Willenberg Torsten , Ramelet Albert-Adrien , Heidemeyer Kristine , Uthoff Heiko , Baumgartner Marc , Hunger Robert E. , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza
Published: December 2021

Background: The skin hyperpigmentation index (SHI), a new objective method for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, needs validation. Objective: To gain evidence of the reliability and validity of the SHI. Methods: Fifteen raters were divided into 3 groups (5 dermatologists, 5 nondermatologist physicians, and 5 nonphysician clinicians). Each rated 5 pigmented mole lesions with mild-to-severe hyperpigmentation to determine intra- and interrater reliability. All raters photographed the lesions and rated them using the subjective Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score. The same photographs were then assessed based on automatic computer measurement software using the online SHI tool (https://shi.skinimageanalysis.com). Results: The SHI reliability was excellent for all intra- and interrater assessments, while most PGA assessments showed good intra- and interrater agreement. Between-group reliability was excellent for SHI, while moderate-to-good for PGA evaluations. Concordance between the SHI and PGA assessments was strong across all groups of assessors. Conclusion: There is evidence that the SHI is a reliable instrument for measuring skin hyperpigmentation, and can be used by nonexperienced clinicians.
A Rare Cause of Gastric Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Ramos Yesenia , Gui Dorina , Chak Eric
Published: December 2021

A 68-year-old woman with stage III colon cancer status after right hemicolectomy and adjuvant FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin) chemotherapy was hospitalized for melena and found to have new-onset esophageal and gastric varices on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Her workup did not reveal an underlying liver disease, but her liver biopsy showed noncirrhotic portal hypertension from obliterative portal venopathy (OPV). The development of OPV is likely from her use of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
Digital Technology in Diagnostic Breast Pathology and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Rakha Emad A. , Vougas Konstantinos , Tan Puay Hoon
Published: December 2021

Digital technology has been used in the field of diagnostic breast pathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for decades. Examples include automated tissue processing and staining, digital data processing, storing and management, voice recognition systems, and digital technology-based production of antibodies and other IHC reagents. However, the recent application of whole slide imaging technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools has attracted a lot of attention. The use of AI tools in breast pathology is discussed briefly as it is covered in other reviews. Here, we present the main application of digital technology in IHC. This includes automation of IHC staining, using image analysis systems and computer vision technology to interpret IHC staining, and the use of AI-based tools to predict marker expression from haematoxylin and eosin-stained digitalized images.
Examining the Development of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension at the Single-Cell Level
Authors: Miao Ran , Dong Xingbei , Gong Juanni , Li Yidan , Guo Xiaojuan , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Qiang , Wang Ying , Li Jifeng , Yang Suqiao , Kuang Tuguang , Liu Min , Wan Jun , Zhai Zhenguo , Zhong Jiuchang , Yang Yuanhua
Published: December 2021

Background:

The mechanism of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is known to be multifactorial but remains incompletely understood.

Methods:

In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing, which facilitates the identification of molecular profiles of samples on an individual cell level, was applied to investigate individual cell types in pulmonary endarterectomized tissues from 5 patients with CTEPH. The order of single-cell types was then traced along the developmental trajectory of CTEPH by trajectory inference analysis, and intercellular communication was characterized by analysis of ligand-receptor pairs between cell types. Finally, comprehensive bioinformatics tools were used to analyze possible functions of branch-specific cell types and the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

Eleven cell types were identified, with immune-related cell types (T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and mast cells) distributed in the left (early) branch of the pseudotime tree, cancer stem cells, and CRISPLD2+ cells as intermediate cell types, and classic disease-related cell types (fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, and endothelial cells) in the right (later) branch. Ligand-receptor interactions revealed close communication between macrophages and disease-related cell types as well as between smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts or endothelial cells. Moreover, the ligands and receptors were significantly enriched in key pathways such as the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore, highly expressed genes specific to the undefined cell type were significantly enriched in important functions associated with regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Conclusions:

This single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed the order of single cells along a developmental trajectory in CTEPH as well as close communication between different cell types in CTEPH pathogenesis.
Association Between Arousals During Sleep and Hypertension Among Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ren Rong , Zhang Ye , Yang Linghui , Somers Virend K. , Covassin Naima , Tang Xiangdong
Published: December 2021

Background

Sleep fragmentation induced by repetitive arousals is a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep fragmentation has been linked to hypertension in community‐based studies, but it is unclear if this association is manifest in OSA. We aimed to explore whether frequent arousals from sleep modify the relationship between OSA and prevalent hypertension.

Methods and Results

A total of 10 102 patients with OSA and 1614 primary snorers were included in the study. Hypertension was defined on either direct blood pressure measures or diagnosis by a physician. Spontaneous, respiratory, and movement arousals were derived by polysomnography. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between arousals and prevalent hypertension in patients with OSA and primary snorers. For every 10‐unit increase of total arousal index, odds of hypertension significantly increased in both the total sample (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03–1.14;
P
=0.002) and patients with OSA (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.16;
P
<0.001), but not in the primary snoring group. Total arousal index was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the total sample (β=0.05 and β=0.06;
P
<0.001) and in patients with (β=0.05 and β=0.06;
P
<0.01), but not in primary snorers. In addition, a greater influence of respiratory events with arousals than respiratory events without arousals on blood pressure in OSA was also noted. Results were independent of confounders, including apnea‐hypopnea index and nocturnal hypoxemia.

Conclusions

We conclude that repetitive arousals from sleep are independently associated with prevalent hypertension in patients with OSA.
Trend and Outcomes for Surgical Versus Transcatheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Neonates and Infants at US Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Kuntz Michael T. , Staffa Steven J. , Graham Dionne , Faraoni David , Levy Philip , DiNardo James , Maschietto Nicola , Nasr Viviane G.
Published: December 2021

Background

Pharmacologic therapy for patent ductus arteriosus closure is not consistently successful. Surgical ligation (SL) or transcatheter closure (TC) may be needed. Large multicenter analyses comparing outcomes and resource use between SL and TC are lacking. We hypothesized that patients undergoing TC have improved outcomes compared with SL, including mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and mechanical ventilation.

Methods and Results

Using the 2016 to 2020 Pediatric Health Information System database, characteristics, outcomes, and charges of patients aged <1 year who underwent TC or SL were analyzed. A total of 678 inpatients undergoing TC (n=503) or SL (n=175) were identified. Surgical patients were younger (0.1 versus 0.53 years;
P
<0.001) and more premature (60% versus 20.3%;
P
<0.001). Surgical patients had higher mortality (1.7% versus 0%;
P
=0.02). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting by the propensity score, multivariable‐adjusted analyses demonstrated favorable outcomes in TC: intensive care unit admission rates (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.2; 95% CI, 0.11–0.32;
P
<0.001); mechanical ventilation rates (adjusted OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.19–0.56;
P
<0.001); and shorter hospital (adjusted coefficient, 2 days shorter; 95% CI, 1.3–2.7;
P
<0.001) and postoperative (adjusted coefficient, 1.2 days shorter; 95% CI, 0.1–2.3;
P
=0.039) stays. Overall charges and readmission rates were similar. Among premature neonates and infants, hospital (adjusted difference in medians, 4 days; 95% CI, 1.7–6.3 days;
P
<0.001) and postoperative stays (adjusted difference in medians, 3 days; 95% CI, 1.1–4.9 days;
P
=0.002) were longer for SL.

Conclusions

TC is associated with lower mortality and reduced length of stay compared with SL. Rates of TC continue to increase compared with SL.
Diagnostic Performance of Computed Tomography Angiography and Computed Tomography Perfusion Tissue Time‐to‐Maximum in Vasospasm Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Allen Jason W. , Prater Adam , Kallas Omar , Abidi Syed A. , Howard Brian M. , Tong Frank , Agarwal Shashank , Yaghi Shadi , Dehkharghani Seena
Published: December 2021

Background

Vasospasm is a treatable cause of deterioration following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral computed tomography perfusion mean transit times have been proposed as a predictor of vasospasm but suffer from well‐known technical limitations. We evaluated fully automated, thresholded time‐to‐maxima of the tissue residue function (
T
max
) for determination of vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Methods and Results

Retrospective analysis of 540 arterial segments from 36 encounters in 31 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing computed tomography angiography (CTA), computed tomography perfusion, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) within 24 hours.
T
max
at 4, 6, 8, and 10 s was generated using RAPID (iSchemaView Inc., Menlo Park, CA). Dual‐reader CTA and computed tomography perfusion interpretations were compared for patients with and without vasospasm on DSA (DSA+ and DSA−). Logistic regression models were developed using CTA and
T
max
as input predictors and DSA vasospasm as outcome in adjusted and unadjusted models. Imaging studies from all 31 subjects (mean age 47.3±11.1, 77% female, 65% with single aneurysm with mean size of 6.0±2.9 mm) were included. Vasospasm was identified in 42 segments on DSA and 59 segments on CTA, with significant associations across individual vessel segments (
P
<0.001). In adjusted analyses, DSA vasospasm was associated with CTA (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; 95% CI, 0.94–6.32;
P
=0.068) as well as territory‐specific
T
max
>6 seconds delays (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.36–9.35;
P
=0.009). Sensitivity/specificity for DSA vasospasm was 31%/91% for CTA, 26%/89% for
T
max
>6 seconds, and 12%/99% for CTA+
T
max
>6 seconds.

Conclusions

CTA and
T
max
offer high specificity for presence of vasospasm; their utility, even in combination, as screening tests is, however, limited by poor sensitivity.
Effect of body size, age and timing of breeding on clutch and egg size of female Eastern Gray Treefrogs, Hyla versicolor
Authors: Höbel Gerlinde , Kolodziej Robb , Nelson Dustin , White Christopher
Published: December 2021

Information on how organisms allocate resources to reproduction is critical for understanding population dynamics. We collected clutch size (fecundity) and egg size data of female Eastern Gray Treefrogs, Hyla versicolor, and examined whether observed patterns of resource allocation are best explained by expectations arising from life history theory or by expected survival and growth benefits of breeding earlier. Female Hyla versicolor showed high between-individual variation in clutch and egg size. We did not observe maternal allocation trade-offs (size vs number; growth vs reproduction) predicted from life history theory, which we attribute to the large between-female variation in resource availability, and the low survival and post-maturity growth rate observed in the study population. Rather, clutches are larger at the beginning of the breeding season, and this variation in reproductive investment aligns with seasonal variation in ecological factors affecting offspring growth and survival.
Improving kettle holes as habitat and reproduction areas for amphibians – a case study in organic farms in north-eastern Germany
Authors: Stein-Bachinger Karin , Schoenbrodt Thorsten , Schmidt Elisabeth , Dissanayake Marco , Gottwald Frank
Published: December 2021

Kettle holes are found in young moraine landscapes and serve as an important habitat for amphibians. The loss of amphibians has been dramatic in recent decades, mainly because of the increase in land use intensity and deterioration of habitats e.g., kettle holes in agricultural landscapes. We monitored amphibian species on three organically managed farms in north-eastern Germany to get an overview of their occurrence and proof of reproduction to develop effective protection strategies. From 2016 to 2020, we investigated 50 kettle holes in cultivated fields. In 2018, we implemented the nature conservation measure ‘cutting back dense wooded belts’ in six of these kettle holes. Here, we focused on seven species considering four highly endangered species. We found six to seven species in up to 17 kettle holes in the 44 kettle holes without the measure ‘cutting back dense wooded belts’. Bombina bombina occurred at the most kettle holes (57%). The number of kettle holes where amphibians reproduced differed strongly. On average, at least one species reproduced at 58% of the kettle holes. Many kettle holes become overgrown with negative effects for amphibians due to the reduction in solar irradiation and higher water consumption. The nature conservation measure increased the number of species on average from two to four and the number of species with reproduction from one to three. It is one of more than 100 measures in the ‘Farming for Biodiversity’ project that farmers can choose to receive a nature conservation certificate, which can be used for marketing purposes.
Food habits of two species of tube-nosed bats, Murina hilgendorfi and Murina ussuriensis, in Hayakawa, central Japan
Authors: Takada Hayato , Sato Akiyoshi , Katsuta Setsuko
Published: December 2021

Knowledge of food habits is essential for understanding the life history of a species; however, such information about the enigmatic Murina genus of bats is little known. In this study, we examined the food habits of Murina hilgendorfi and Murina ussuriensis over four years in Hayakawa, central Japan, using traditional morphological fecal analysis. Fragments of arthropods of six orders (five identified families), and of five orders (five identified families), were found in the feces of M. hilgendorfi and M. ussuriensis, respectively. Both species consumed wingless arthropods (caterpillars and spiders), insects that rarely fly (ground beetles and bush crickets), or diurnal insects (dragonflies and hoverflies; i.e., that are resting at night) during the night, which is a clear indication of gleaning behavior in these bats. In spring, the large-bodied M. hilgendorfi more frequently consumed hard-bodied insects such as beetles and bush crickets, whereas the small-bodied M. ussuriensis more frequently consumed soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, moths, spiders, and dipterans, suggesting that the body size difference influences their food habits, which may have contributed to food resource partitioning between these closely related bats. For M. hilgendorfi, beetles were the main prey in spring and autumn, while caterpillars and grasshoppers were more frequently consumed in spring and autumn, respectively, suggesting that they may have changed prey items according to seasonal fluctuations in food availability. To our knowledge, this study provides the first record of differences in the food habits of these two species.
The ’68 Movements around the World and in Turkey: One Movement or Many?
Authors: Turan Ömer
Published: December 2021

The student movement of ’68 was both a major source of inspiration and subject of research for the social movement scholars. One persistent disagreement about studying ’68 lies between the world-system theory—Wallerstein views the movement as “a single revolution”—and the contentious politics approach—McAdam, Tarrow, and Tilly refuse to consider ’68 “one grand movement.” Expanding this theoretical debate, this article overviews Turkey’s ’68 movement and discusses its divergence from the global movement. Wallerstein summarizes “the single revolution” of ’68 with five points: challenging US hegemony, working-class solidarity, demanding education reform, counter-culture, and challenging the old left. This article revisits these points and cross-reads them with insights of the contentious politics approach to evaluate Turkey’s ’68 movement. It then focuses on mobilizing structures, framing processes, and repertoires of contention that have shaped student activism.
Plant growth promoting potential of multifarious endophytic Pseudomonas lini strain isolated from Cicer arietinum L.
Authors: Maheshwari Rajat , Bhutani Namita , Kumar Pradeep , Suneja Pooja
Published: December 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum), one of the major pulse crops in India, endured extreme reduction in production due to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Endophytic bacteria residing in the nodules and roots of chickpea plants enable host in combating these stresses. Twenty one endophytic bacteria isolated from nodules and roots of chickpea were screened for multiple plant growth promoting traits like ammonia, organic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and phytohormone indole acetic acid (IAA) production. Out of these, 86% isolates produced ammonia, around 50% isolates produced organic acid, HCN and siderophore, 29% isolates produced ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) deaminase, while only 14% isolates solubilized phosphate. Interestingly, all the isolates were able to produce IAA ranging from 11.6–85.2 μg/ml, isolate CPJN 13 being the maximum IAA producer (85.5±2.33 μg/ml). Isolate CPJN13 was selected for IAA optimization studies. The yield of IAA increased up to 4 fold i.e. 331±4.96 μg/ml at optimized conditions. IAA production was also confirmed by TLC and HPLC analysis of crude IAA extract. The application of CPJN13 on chickpea seedlings resulted in significant increase in plant growth parameters. The 16S rDNA sequencing of CPJN13 revealed its similarity with Pseudomonas lini strain and submitted to NCBI with accession number MF574502. To best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of P. lini as endophyte in chickpea nodules. The results of this study imply that the endophytic P. lini has a potential role to enhance the plant growth.
Music and African Diplomacy at the Festival Mondial des Arts Nègres, Dakar, 1966
Authors: Pasler Jann
Published: December 2021

To celebrate independence from France and promote better understanding between “continents, races, and cultures,” in 1966 Senegal produced the World Festival of Negro Arts. Forty-five nations participated. At its core were diplomatic goals involving music. Not only could music help Africans recover their pre-colonial heritage, it encouraged dialogue among cultures and cultural development fueling liberation from the colonial past. Listening for what was shared, as in jazz, and cooperating internationally, as in the Gorée spectacle and recordings competition, encouraged mutual understanding, the basis of alliances world-wide, essential for prosperity. By including African Catholic music, anglophone as well as francophone contributions, and radio broadcasts across Africa, the festival promoted inter-African alliances, necessary for lasting peace in Africa. Here, amid the cold war and this diverse soundscape of musical activities in Dakar, an African mode of diplomacy found its voice and its power. Dialogue, exchange, and cooperation would inspire a new future.
Dawna ROZKOSZ – o rozumieniu i wartościowaniu pojęcia na podstawie użyć leksemu "rozkosz"
Authors: Raszewska-Żurek Beata
Published: December 2021

The Historical ROZKOSZ (PLEASURE, DELIGHT): On the Understanding and Evaluation of the Concept on the Basis of the Use of the Lexeme rozkosz
This article is devoted to the reconstruction of the manner of understanding and evaluation of the concept ROZKOSZ (PLEASURE, DELIGHT) in the Old, Middle and subsequent periods of the development of the Polish language, until the early twentieth century, when the modern understanding of this concept was established. The analysis focuses on the contextual uses of the lexeme rozkosz and reveals the dichotomous nature of the early concept: from the Old Polish period until the breakthrough of the Enlightenment there was the ROZKOSZ DUCHOWA (SPIRITUAL DELIGHT), motivated in a religious way and evaluated positively, and the ROZKOSZ CIELESNA (CARNAL, SENSUAL PLEASURE), reduced to sin and burdened with a negative evaluation. From the Renaissance period the concept slowly expanded to cover various spheres of life, and after the breakthrough period of the Enlightenment it became more marked: rozkosz came to refer to the social, aesthetic and intellectual sphere and it began to lose its religious basis. This process was accompanied by the decline of the evaluation and the dichotomy of the concept.
 
Dawna ROZKOSZ – o rozumieniu i wartościowaniu pojęcia na podstawie użyć leksemu rozkosz
Artykuł poświęcony jest rekonstrukcji sposobu pojmowania i wartościowania pojęcia ROZKOSZ w dobie staro- i średniopolskiej i później, do początków XX w., kiedy ustaliło się jego współczesne rozumienie. Analiza skupia się na kontekstowych użyciach leksemu rozkosz. Ujawniła ona dychotomiczny charakter dawnego pojęcia – od staropolszczyzny aż do przełomu oświeceniowego istniała ROZKOSZ DUCHOWA – motywowana religijnie i wartościowana pozytywnie oraz ROZKOSZ CIELESNA, zmysłowa, sprowadzana do grzechu i obarczona negatywną oceną. Od renesansu pojęcie powoli rozszerzało się na różne sfery życia, co po przełomie oświeceniowym stało się wyraźniejsze – rozkosz zaczęła dotyczyć sfery społecznej, estetycznej, intelektualnej i traciła umocowanie religijne – wraz z tym procesem zanika wartościowanie i dychotomia pojęcia.