bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms of miRNA-126 expression in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Yu Caiyuan , Zhang Guixia , Ye Shicai , Tian Ting , Liang Qianyi , Cui Lijiao , Cen Junwei , Hu Juxiang , Zheng Rong , Wang Hao , Zhou Yu
Published: September 2022

Background and Objective :Our previous studies found that miR-126 was significantly upregulated in ulcerative colitis and promoted inflammatory responses by activating the NF-κB signalling pathway. This study aimed to explore the transcriptional mechanisms involved in miR-126 upregulation.
Methods: miRNAs and mRNAs expression were measured by qRT-PCR. Proteins amounts were measured by Western Blot. The core promoter sequences of miR-126 and its host gene EGFL7 were determined via the luciferase reporter system. Binding of NF-κB3 to the core promoter region of miR-126 was detected by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).
Results: In the HT-29 cell line, stimulation of TNFa, IL-1β, LPS, MDP, HKM, and ODN2006 led to a discordant expression pattern of miR-126 and EGFL7, while IFN-γ or FLA-ST treatment resulted in a concordant expression pattern of miR-126 and EGFL7. Luciferase activity analysis revealed that miR-126 has its own independent promoter. NF-κB3 could directly bind to the core promoter region of miR-126, and regulated the expression of miR-126 and EGFL7.
Conclusion: We demonstrated the first evidence that miR-126 possesses its own independent promoter and could be regulated by NF-κB3 directly. Our study provides further insights into the regulatory mechanisms for the upregulation of miRNA in inflammatory conditions like UC.
A Study on 1D and 2D Seismic Site Response Analysis in a Complex Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Alielahi Hamid , Rahimi Maryam
Published: September 2022

In this study, the seismic behavior of the Persian Gulf Bridge’s complicated basin was evaluated using the FLAC 2D software based on the finite difference method (FDM). A 1D modeling for the soil profile at each pier position of the bridge and a 2D modeling for all piers located on the sedimentary basin was performed. To verify the results of the numerical models, the 1D responses obtained from the FLAC 2D and 1D DEEPSOIL software were compared using the viscoelastic soil behavior. Finding the responses of the bridge piers represents the vital role of the sedimentary basin effects and its 2D geometry on seismic ground motion responses. The results indicated that the seismic responses of the 2D and 1D analysis, such as the seismic wave amplification, predominant period, and the PGA in the complex basin site, differed. Moreover, the 2D amplification effects of the basin site were more prominent than the results of the 1D model in the periodic range of 0.5 to 1 second in a specified profile. Finally, the response spectra obtained from the basin surface at each pier position were compared with the standard design spectrum of the AASHTO code.
TP53 mutation–associated and copy number–dependent KDM7A-DT expression affects DNA repair and promotes invasive breast cancer progression
Authors: Giannakakis Antonis , Tsifintaris Margaritis , Triantafyllou Charisios , Gouzouasis Vasileios , Ow Ghim Siong , Aau Mei Yee , Papp Csaba , Ivshina Anna V. , Kuznetsov Vladimir A.
Published: September 2022

Background Recent characterization of stress-induced promoter-associated antisense lncRNAs (si-paancRNAs) suggests that they modulate transcription and cellular responses to oxidative, metabolic and genotoxic stress and may participate in critical cancer pathways. KDM7A divergent transcript (KDM7A-DT) is one of such stress-induced lncRNAs, whose expression is found deregulated in breast cancer (BC). The mechanisms leading to aberrantKDM7A-DTtranscription, biogenesis, and downstream functions in BC types and subtypes have not been studied. Methods Cell lines, biochemical methods, and profiling experiments were used forKDM7A-DToverexpression and knockdown. Integration of experimental models, bioinformatics, and massive BRCA patient metadata analyses were performed to investigate the mechanisms and functions ofKDM7A-DT. Results StableKDM7A-DToverexpression in nonmalignant cells upregulates p53, CDKN1A, and γH2AX signaling, resulting in a prolonged cell growth retardation phenotype. Importantly,KDM7A-DTinduction by acute oxidative stress in semi-transformed fibroblasts is p53-dependent. According to BC clinical metadata,KDM7A-DTgene alterations are preferentially associated with TP53 missense mutations and highly aggressive, invasive, basal-like (BL) subtype BC poor outcomes. Overall, KDM7A-DT affects DNA repair via the nonhomologous end-joining pathway, inhibits tumor suppressors involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, induces oncogenic metabolic changes and G2/M checkpoint arrest, and correlates with histology, aneuploidy, hypoxia and BC-associated proteins. Conclusion KDM7A-DT is a TP53 mutation–associated and copy number–dependent pro-oncogene si-paancRNA that contributes to genome instability and modulates BC initiation, progression, invasiveness and outcomes.
Disintegration of the Cav-1/β-catenin complex protects neuronal death by promoting β-catenin nuclear translocation after ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Wan , Guo Peng , Li Yihang , Li Ming , Li Pengpeng , Yan Tianqing , Wei Xuewen , Huang Linyan , qi suhua
Published: September 2022

The roles of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury are well established. Translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus is critical in regulating the apoptosis, repair, and nerve regeneration of neurons in the ischemic brain. Caveolin (Cav)-1 scaffold domain (residues 95-98) has been reported to interact with β-catenin (residues 330-337). However, the contribution of the Cav-1/β-catenin complex to I/R injury is currently unknown. To investigate the mechanism underlying the involvement of the Cav-1/β-catenin complex in the subcellular translocation of β-catenin and its subsequent effects on cerebral I/R injury, we treated ischemic brains with ASON (Cav-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides) or FTVT (a competitive peptide antagonist of the interaction Cav-1 and β-catenin). Our study showed that the binding of Cav-1 to β-catenin after I/R injury prevented the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. The disruption of the Cav-1/β-catenin complex with ASON or FTVT after I/R injury significantly increased nuclear β-catenin. ASON and FTVT reduced the Ser33, Ser37 Thr41 phosphorylation of β-catenin, contributing to its proteasomal degradation; however, it increased the Tyr333 phosphorylation relating to its nuclear translocation. The above results indicated that the formation of the Cav-1/ β-catenin complex anchored the cytoplasmic β-catenin after I/R injury. Besides, both ASON and FTVT could attenuate neuronal death in ischemic brains. Our study suggests that targeting the interaction of Cav-1 with β-catenin could be a novel therapeutic strategy to protect against neuronal damage during cerebral injury.
KCNQ2 related-epilepsy: Report of nine cases and novel loss-of-function missense variants
Authors: Chokvithaya Suphalak , Caengprasath Natarin , Buasong Aayalida , Jantasuwan Supavadee , Santawong Kanokwan , Leela-adisorn Netchanok , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Ittiwut Chupong , Saengow Vitchayaporn , Kamolvisit Wuttichart , Boonsimma Ponghatai , Bongsebandhu-Phubhakdi Saknan , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: September 2022

Mutations in KCNQ2 encoding for voltage-gated K channel subunits underlying the neuronal M-current, have been associated with infantile-onset epileptic disorders. The clinical spectrum ranges from self-limited neonatal seizures to epileptic encephalopathy and delayed development. Mutations of KCNQ2 could be either gain- or loss-of-function which require different therapeutic approaches. To better understand genotype-phenotype correlation, more reports of patients and their mutations with elucidated molecular mechanism are needed. Here, we report nine unrelated patients with KCNQ2-related epilepsy. Trio exome or genome sequencing successfully identified de novo heterozygous mutations in all patients. Two, p.N258K and p.G279D, had never been previously reported. The cellular localization study demonstrated that the surface membrane expression of Kv7.2 carrying either variant was decreased. Whole-cell patch-clamp analyses revealed that both variants significantly impaired Kv7.2 M-current amplitude and density, conductance depolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, membrane resistance, and membrane time constant (Tau), indicating a loss-of-function in both the homotetrameric and heterotetrameric with Kv7.3 channels. In addition, both variants also exerted dominant-negative effects in heterotetrameric with Kv7.3 channels. The two novel missense variants in KCNQ2 expand its mutational spectrum causing infantile-onset epileptic disorders and their functional consequences provide insights into their pathomechanism.
Mechanistic and Thermal Characterization of Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy as Measured by Quantitative Sensory Testing
Authors: Zhi W. Iris , Baser Raymond E. , Talukder Dristi , Mei Ying Zi (Jessy) , Harte Steven E. , Bao Ting
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating side effect of chemotherapy. Acupuncture is a promising nonpharmacological intervention for CIPN. However, the physiological effects of acupuncture treatment remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of acupuncture on CIPN using semi-objective quantitative sensory testing (QST).
Methods
We conducted a randomized controlled trial of real acupuncture (RA) and sham acupuncture (SA) compared to usual care (UC) in cancer survivors with moderate to severe CIPN. Treatment response was assessed with QST measures of tactile and vibration detection thresholds in hands and feet, thermal detection, and pain thresholds at weeks 0, 8, and 12. Constrained linear mixed model (cLMM) regression was used for statistical analysis.
Results
63 patients completed QST testing. At week 8, vibrational detection thresholds in feet were significantly lower in RA and SA (p = 0.019 and p = 0.046) than in UC, with no difference between RA and SA (p = 0.637). Both RA and SA also showed significantly higher cool thermal detection than UC (p = 0.008 and p = 0.013, respectively), with no difference between RA and SA (p = 0.790). No differences in tactile detection, vibrational detection in hands, warm thermal detection, and thermal pain thresholds were detected among the three arms at weeks 8 and 12.
Conclusion
QST demonstrated different patterns in RA, SA, and UC. After eight weeks of RA, we observed significant improvements in the vibrational detection threshold in feet and cool thermal detection threshold in hands compared to UC. No significant differences were seen when compared to SA.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03183037); June 9, 2017
The definition, assessment and perception of patient trust by dental professionals– A scoping review
Authors: Yuan Siyang , John Deepti , Shambhunath Shambhunath , Humphris Gerry
Published: September 2022

Background: A trusting dentist-patient relationship is pivotal in providing person-centred care. This scoping review aims to identify how trust is defined, measured in the dental literature and how trust is perceived by dental professionals. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework was adopted. A search strategy was developed using MeSH terms and key words. Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched. Data were synthesised using thematic analysis. Findings: Sixteen studies were included frequently using quantitative research methodology. Only 4 studies provided definition of trust. Many studies used either Dental Trust Scale or Dental Beliefs Survey to measure dentist-patient trust, although others developed their own items. Communication is a key aspect to measure trust. Limited research confirms that the dental professionals appreciated communication in building a trusting relationship with patients. Conclusion: No consensus was found on the definition of trust, nor on an assessment tool to measure dentist-patient trust. The limited evidence has found that dental professionals acknowledged the importance of effective communication in building a trusting alliance with patients. The scarcity of relevant research highlights the need for more robust investigations of trust in dental care.
Preclinical platform using a triple-negative breast cancer syngeneic murine model to evaluate immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Bahadur Nar Bahadur , Park Nahee , Pandey Kamal , Bahadur Katuwal Nar , Kang Min Sil , Hong Sa Deok , Ghosh Mithun , Kim Seul-Gi , Cho Young Bin , Hur Jin , Kim Seung Ki , Moon Yong Wha
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility of syngeneic mouse models of breast cancer by analyzing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and potential predictive biomarkers.
Methods
Four syngeneic mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) JC, 4T1, EMT6 and E0771 cells were injected subcutaneously. When the tumor reached 50–100 mm3, each mouse model was divided into treatment (murine PD-1 antibody) and no-treatment control. Treatment group is further divided into the responder and nonresponder groups. Potential predictive biomarkers were evaluated by analyzing serum cytokines, peripheral blood T cells and tumor infiltrating immune cells.
Results
The JC model showed the highest tumor response rate (40%, 4/10) of syngeneic models: 4T1 (36%, 4/11), EMT6 (36%, 4/11), or E0771 model (23%, 3/13). Early change of tumor size at 7 days post PD-1 inhibitor treatment predicted the final efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor. Peripheral blood CD8 + and CD4 + T cells with or without Ki67 expression at 7 days post-PD-1 inhibitor treatment were higher in the finally designated responder group than in the nonresponder group. At the time of sacrifice, analyses of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes consistently supported these results. Furthermore, serum IFN-γ at 7 days post-PD-1 inhibitor treatment was also higher in responders than in nonresponders, suggesting that early changes of these markers could be predictive biomarkers of the final efficacy of ICIs.
Conclusions
Our syngeneic mouse model of TNBC is a feasible preclinical platform to evaluate ICI efficacies combined with other drugs and predictive biomarkers in the screening period of immune-oncology drug development.
Influence of land-sea breeze on long-term PM2.5 prediction in central and southern Taiwan using composite neural network
Authors: Kibirige George William , Huang Chiao-Cheng , Liu Chao-Lin , Chen Meng-Chang
Published: September 2022

PM2.5 prediction plays an important role for governments in establishing policies to control the emission of excessive atmospheric pollutants to protect the health of citizens. However, traditional machine learning methods that use data collected from ground-level monitoring stations have reached their limit with poor model generalization and insufficient data. We propose a composite neural network trained with aerosol optical depth (AOD) and weather data collected from satellites, as well as interpolated ocean wind features. We investigate the model outputs of different components of the composite neural network, concluding that the proposed composite neural network architecture yields significant improvements in overall performance compared to each component and the ensemble model benchmarks. The monthly analysis also demonstrates the overall superiority of the proposed architecture for the southern and central Taiwan stations in the months when land-sea breeze events frequently occur.
Aspartate reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway via upregulating NS3TP1 expression
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhao Jing , Han Ming , Ma Anlin , yang song , Zeng yilan , Cheng Jun
Published: September 2022

Aspartate (Asp) can act on liver Kupffer cells, inhibit NOD-like receptor-P 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory bodies, and improve liver inflammation in acute hepatitis. However, the effect of Asp on the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in chronic liver injury remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Asp on CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis in mice and HSCs via the NF-κB/ NLRP3 signaling pathway. Liver fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneally (IP) injecting 0.5 mL/kg 2% CCl4 three times weekly for 8 weeks. Asp was administered to mice by gavage once every morning for 4 weeks. Masson's trichrome staining, Sirius red staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect and analyze the pathological changes in liver tissues. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were applied to determine the protein expression levels of α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), collagen Ⅲ (COL Ⅲ), NLRP3, and IL-1β. Also, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels. In the liver fibrosis model, the pathological changes in liver tissues improved following treatment with Asp. A marked decrease was observed in protein and mRNA expression levels of α‑SMA, COL Ⅲ, NLRP3, and IL-1β. In addition, HSCs were treated with Asp. The expression levels of α‑SMA, COL Ⅲ, NLRP3, and IL-1β reduced in dose‑ and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, Asp upregulated the expression of NS3TP1 in vivo and in vitro, and NS3TP1 had a significant inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis. Asp attenuated liver fibrosis and reduced collagen production by suppressing the NF-κB/ NLRP3 signaling pathway via upregulating the expression of NS3TP1.
Comparison of Real-time Feedback and Debriefing by Video Recording on Basic Life Support Skill in Nursing Students
Authors: Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad , Malekzadeh Javad , Mazloum Seyedreza , pourghaznein Tayebe
Published: September 2022

Background
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills have a direct impact on its success rate. Choosing the right method to acquire this skill can lead to effective performance. This investigation was conducted to compare the effect of Real-time feedback and Debriefing by Video Recording on basic life support skills in nursing students.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study was performed on 67 first year nursing students. First, a theoretical BLS training session was held for the all participants, at the end of session the pre-test was taken. Students were randomly assigned to two groups. A 4-hour practical basic resuscitation training session was conducted in the Real - time feedback group as well as the Debriefing by video recording group, and at the end of the training, a post-test was taken from each group. Each group received a post-test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.
Results
Results showed a significant difference between mean (SD) of feedback in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001) and in the feedback group there was a significant difference between mean (SD) in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference between the mean score of basic life support skill in Real-time feedback and Debriefing by Video Recording.
Conclusions
Both Real-time feedback and Debriefing by Video Recording were effective on basic life support skill.
Safety injections of Nuclear Medicine radiotracers: towards a new modality for a real-time detection of extravasation events and 18F-FDG SUV data correction.
Authors: Iori Mauro , Grassi Elisa , Lorenzo Piergallini , Meglioli Greta , Botti Andrea , Sceni Giada , Cucurachi Noemi , Verzellesi Laura , Finocchiaro Domenico , Versari Annibale , Fraboni Beatrice , Fioroni Federica
Published: September 2022

Background18F-FDG PET/CT imaging allows to study oncological patients and their relative diagnosis through the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) evaluation. During radiopharmaceutical injection, an extravasation event may occur, making the SUV value less accurate and possibly leading to severe tissue damage. The aim of the study was to propose a new technique to monitor and manage these events, in order to evaluate a correction to the calculated SUV value. Methods A cohort of 70 patients undergoing18F- FDG PET/CT exams was enrolled. Two portable detectors were secured on the patients' arms. The dose-rate (DR) time curves on the injected DRinand contralateral DRconarm were acquired during the first 10 minutes of injection. Such data were processed to calculate the parameters ΔpinNOR= (DRinmax- DRinmean)/ DRinmaxand ΔRt= (DRin(t) - DRcon(t)), where DRinmaxis the maximum DR value, DRinmeanis the average DR value in the injected arm. OLINDA software allowed dosimetric estimation of the dose in the extravasation region. The estimated residual activity in the extravasation site allowed the evaluation of the SUV's correction value and to define an SUV correction coefficient. Results Four cases of extravasations were identified for which ΔRt[(390 ± 26) µSv/h], while ΔRt[(150 ± 22) µSv/h] for abnormal and ΔRt[(24 ± 11) µSv/h] for normal cases. The ΔpinNORshowed an average value of 0.44 for extravasation cases and an average value of (0.91 ± 0.06) and (0.77 ± 0.23) in normal and abnormal classes, respectively. The percentage of SUV reduction (SUV%CR) ranges between 0.3% and 6%. The calculated self-tissue dose values range from 0.027 Gy to 0.573 Gy, according to the segmentation modality. A similar correlation between the inverse of ΔpinNORand the normalised ΔRtwith the SUV correction coefficient was found. Conclusions The proposed metrics allowed to characterised the extravasation events in the first few minutes after the injection, providing an SUV correction when necessary. We also assume that the characterization of the DR-time curve of the injection arm is sufficient for the detection of extravasation events. Further validation of these hypotheses and key metrics is recommended in larger cohorts.
A Fourier series Non-Stationary Coherency Model with respect to site conditions for the horizontal component of ground motion
Authors: Lin Qixiang , Peng Gang , Zhang Qi , Chen Denghong
Published: September 2022

A Fourier series non-stationary coherency model with respect to the site conditions for the horizontal component was developed. The evolution of the model was achieved using parameters related to the site, inter-station distance, and time. First, based on the simulation of a non-stationary ground-motion field considering the wave-passage effect and site-response effect, the approach used for the estimation of coherency using wavelet transform is presented. Subsequently, the Fourier series non-stationary coherency model is formulated. The parameters are considered piecewise constant variables to represent the non-stationarity of the estimated coherency. The entire non-stationary strong ground motion was divided into ten parts according to the cumulative energy. The effects of the site and inter-station distance on the proposed model are presented. Parameters related to the site and inter-station distance were obtained. Finally, the proposed model is compared with the ground motion records at the SMART-1 array during Event 45, the stationary model, and the data from the Argostoli rock site dense array. This indicates that the Fourier series non-stationary coherency model with respect to site conditions for the horizontal component can well match the correlation of the realistic spatially variable seismic ground motion, which is related to the site, time, and inter-station distance.
Application of the Child Community Health Inclusion Index for measuring health inclusion of children with disabilities in the community: A feasibility study
Authors: Yoo Paul Yejong , Majnemer Annette , Wilton Robert , Ahmed Sara , Shikako Keiko
Published: September 2022

Background
Participation in the community is a fundamental human right for children with disabilities and is a key component of their health and development. Inclusive communities can enable children with disabilities to participate fully and effectively. The Child Community Health Inclusion Index (CHILD-CHII) is a comprehensive assessment tool developed to examine the extent to which community environments foster healthy, active living for children with disabilities.
Objectives
To assess the feasibility of applying the CHILD-CHII measurement tool across different community settings.
Methods
Participants recruited through maximal representation, and purposeful sampling from four community sectors (Health, Education, Public Spaces, Community Organizations) applied the tool on their affiliated community facility. Feasibility was examined by assessing length, difficulty, clarity, and value for measuring inclusion; each rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Participants provided comments for each indicator through the questionnaire and a follow-up interview.
Results
Of the 12 participants, 92% indicated that the tool was ‘long’ or ‘much too long’; 66% indicated that the tool was clear; 58% indicated that the tool was ‘valuable’ or ‘very valuable’. No clear consensus was obtained for the level of difficulty. Participants provided comments for each indicator.
Conclusion
Although the length of the tool was regarded as long, it was seen to be comprehensive and valuable for stakeholders in addressing the inclusion of children with disabilities in the community. The perceived value and the evaluators’ knowledge, familiarity, and access to information can facilitate use of the CHILD-CHII. Further refinement and psychometric testing will be conducted.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients who did not respond to a national spine surgery registry.
Authors: Kaur Simran , Alhaug Ole Kristian , Dolatowski Filip , Solberg Tore , Lønne Greger
Published: September 2022

Background
Loss to follow-up may bias outcome assessments in medical registries. This cohort study aimed to analyze and compare patients who failed to respond with those that responded to the Norwegian spine surgery register (NORspine).
Methods
We analyzed a cohort of 474 consecutive patients operated for lumbar spinal stenosis at four public hospitals in Norway during a two-year period. These patients reported sociodemographic data, preoperative symptoms, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numerical rating scales (NRS) for back and leg pain to NORspine at baseline and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. At a median of 50 (36–64) months after surgery, we contacted all patients who did not respond to NORspine after 12 months. Those who responded were termed responsive non-respondents and compared to 12 months respondents.
Results
123 (27%) of patients did not respond to NORspine 12 months after surgery, and 64 (52%) of those responded to our renewed survey at a median of 50 (36–64) months after surgery. At baseline, non-respondents were younger 63 (SD 11.7) vs 68 (SD 9.9) years, mean difference (95% CI) 4.7 years (2.6 to 6.7); p = < 0.001. Non-respondents were more frequently smokers 41 (30%) vs 70 (21%) RR (95%CI) = 1.40 (1.01 to 1.95); p = 0.044. There were no other relevant differences in other sociodemographic variables or preoperative symptoms. We found no differences in effect of surgery on non-respondents vs respondents (ODI (SD) = 28.2 (19.9) vs 25.2 (18.9), MD (95%CI) = 3.0 ( -2.1 to 8.1); p = 0.250.
Conclusion
We found that 27% of patients did not respond to NORspine 12 months after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Non-respondents were somewhat younger and more frequently smokers. However, responsive non-respondents reported similar clinical outcomes compared to those who responded.
Characteristics of the causes of death in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving recent standard medical care: A cross-sectional comparison with non-diabetes patients in the last 10 years
Authors: Nakagawa Tomoko , Matsudaira Tamao , Nakamura Yuta , Takemoto Ayaka , Oyanagi Takeshi , Tsunemi Shingo , Kubo Yui , Hishida Yoshiaki , Kawanabe Shin , Tsukiyama Hidekazu , Yokota Kenichi , Sone Masakatsu
Published: September 2022

Background
Diabetes treatment aims to prevent complications and help patients lead a healthy life comparable to individuals without diabetes. The age at death of individuals with diabetes has been reported to be lower than that of those without diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the differences in the age at death and the cause of death between individuals with and without diabetes.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 9,627 adult patients who died at St. Marianna University Hospital (Kawasaki, Japan) using electronic medical record data collected between January 2011 and December 2020. We extracted data on sex, age at death, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes for cause of death, and the presence or absence of diabetes. The Chi-square test was performed to compare the causes of death between patients with and without diabetes.
Results
Of the 9,627 patients, 836 (8.7%) were diagnosed with diabetes. The median age at death [interquartile range] of patients with and without diabetes was 76.0 [65.0, 84.0] years and 75.5 [68.0, 81.0], respectively. The median age at death was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.570). The distribution of the peak age at death was in the 70s for patients with diabetes and lower than the 80s for those without diabetes. Regarding the cause of death in patients with diabetes, malignant neoplasia (38.4%) ranked first, followed by infection (12.4%), cerebrovascular disease (5.6%), and cardiovascular disease (5.1%). Among the causes of death, malignant neoplasia, infection, and cerebrovascular disease were significantly more common in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes. In contrast, the incidence of cardiovascular disease did not differ between the two groups.
Conclusions
The difference in age at death between patients with diabetes and those without diabetes has recently narrowed. No significant difference was observed in the median age of death, although the peak of the age distribution at death was higher in patients with diabetes. Early diagnosis and the treatment of complications and comorbidities, including malignant neoplasms (particularly lung, liver, pancreas, leukemia, and lymphoma), infections, and cerebrovascular disease (particularly cerebral infarction), are important for achieving diabetes treatment goals.
LncSNHG14 promotes nutlin3a resistance by inhibiting ferroptosis via the miR-206 /SLC7A11 axis in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Yuan Chengfu , Li Luoying , Zhang Yifan , Gao Yan , Hu Yaqi , Wang Rui , Wang Shuwen , Li Yuanyang , He Yumin
Published: September 2022

The most prevalent form of primary osseous malignant tumor in adolescents and children is osteosarcoma (OS). A combination of surgery and neoadjuvant/post-surgery chemotherapy is currently the standard therapy. While the chemoresistance associated with OS generally leads to poor efficacy of therapeutic agents, the relevant molecular interaction is still elusive. Here, the lncRNA (long non-coding RNA) SNHG14 was found to be significantly upregulated in the nutlin3a-resistant OS cell line NR-SJSA1 and contributes to treatment resistance by suppressing ferroptosis. In NR-SJSA1 cells, knockdown of LncRNA SNHG14 resulted in a reversal of drug resistance and activation of ferroptosis, which disappeared when ferrostatin-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, was added. Mechanically, lncRNA SNHG14 targeted and down-regulated the expression of miR-206, further affecting the common ferroptosis inhibitor SLC7A11, and preventing NR-SJSA1 cells from undergoing ferroptosis. In conclusion, our findings highlight the involvement of lncRNA SNHG14 in ferroptosis and chemotherapy resistance of nutlin3a-resistant NR-SJSA1 cells, thus shedding new insight on how to overcome drug resistance in osteosarcoma cells and improve treatment efficacy.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the purified protein from Jack fruit seeds and its effects on HeLa, cervical cancer cell line
Authors: Kumar Bommoianaboin Anil , Ahmed Neesar , Jamal Shazia
Published: September 2022

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was done using Jacalin, a dietary lectin purified from Jack fruit seeds. The colour change from yellow to red confirms the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The synthesized AgNPs using Jacalin displayed an absorption peak (Max.) at 430 nm in UV–visible spectroscopy. The particle size of the synthesized AgNPs through SEM was found to be in the range of 200 nm to 300 nm. Moreover, Jacalin-based AgNPs significantly inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells but not PBMCs which were taken as the primary cell line control. In conclusion, Jacalin was used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles, which showed potent inhibition of proliferation against the cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and had minimal effect on primary cell line proliferation.
Successful implementation of community-based health services in conflict- lessons from the Central African Republic and South Sudan: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Rab* Faiza , Razavi S. Donya , Kone Mariam , Sohani Salim , Assefa Mekdes E. , Tiwana Muhammad Haaris , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: September 2022

Background
The delivery of quality healthcare for women and children in conflict-affected settings remains a challenge that cannot be mitigated unless global health policymakers and implementers find an effective modality in these contexts. CRC and ICRC used an integrated public health approach to pilot a program for delivering community-based health services in the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan in partnership with National Red Cross Societies in both countries. This study explored the feasibility, barriers, and strategies for context-specific agile programming in armed conflict affected settings.
Methods
A mixed-methods study design was used for this study. Focus groups with community health workers/volunteers, community elders, men, women, and adolescents in the community and key informant interviews with program implementers were conducted in CAR and South Sudan. Additional data related to program activities and qualitative data to validate findings from focal group discussions and key informant interviews were extracted from program implementation reports. Data were analyzed using a content analysis approach and triangulated during the study analysis and inference.
Results
In total, 15 focus groups and 16 key informant interviews were conducted, and 169 people participated in the study. Engaging community elders emerged as an overarching theme underpinning the importance of gaining community trust. The feasibility of service delivery in armed conflict settings depends on well-defined and clear messaging, community inclusiveness and a localized plan for delivery of services. Security and knowledge gaps, including language barriers and gaps in literacy, impacted service delivery. Empowering women and adolescents and providing context-specific resources can mitigate some barriers. Community engagement, collaboration and negotiating safe passage, comprehensive delivery of services and continued training were key strategies identified for agile programming in conflict settings.
Conclusion
Using an integrative community-based approach to health service delivery in CAR and South Sudan is an effective approach for humanitarian organizations operating in conflict-affected areas. To achieve successful, agile, and responsive implementation of health services in a conflict-affected setting, decision-makers should focus on effectively engaging communities, bridge inequities through the engagement of vulnerable groups, and contextualize service delivery with the support of local actors.
Extreme genetic divergence indicated by chromosome rearrangements
Authors: Dobry Jason , Wapstra Erik , Stringer Emily , Gruber Bernd , Deakin Janine E. , Ezaz Tariq
Published: September 2022

Chromosomal rearrangements are often associated with local adaptation and speciation because they suppress recombination, and as a result, rearrangements have been implicated in disrupting geneflow. Although there is strong evidence to suggest that chromosome rearrangements are a factor in genetic isolation of divergent populations, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we applied an integrative cytogenetics and genomics approach testing whether chromosomal rearrangements are the initial process, or a consequence, of population divergence in the dwarf goanna, Varanus acanthurus. Specifically, we tested whether chromosome rearrangements are indicators of genetic barriers that can be used to identify divergent populations by looking at geneflow within and between populations with rearrangements. We found that geneflow was present between individuals with chromosome rearrangements within populations, but there was no geneflow between populations that had similar chromosome rearrangements. Moreover, we identified a correlation between reduced genetic variation in populations with a higher frequency of homozygous submetacentric individuals. These findings suggest that chromosomal rearrangements were widespread prior to divergence and because we found populations with higher frequencies of submetacentric chromosomes were associated with lower genetic diversity, this could indicate that polymorphisms within populations are early indicators of genetic drift.
Road Geometrical Design Out of Standards: A Preliminary Study in a Simulated Context
Authors: BOSURGI Gaetano , MARRA Stellario , PELLEGRINO Orazio , SOLLAZZO Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

When a road design solution is quite out of standards for the presence of insurmountable constraints, there is the need for an objective procedure aimed at achieving a certain level of safety for drivers. To avoid issues on judicial responsibility, designers aim to fully satisfy the existing standards, possibly without any exception. Traditional methodologies based on previous experience or road administrators’ guidelines generally caused problems due to the high subjectivity involved in the analysis. In this paper, to overpass these issues, a rational procedure based on vehicles telemetry data in a simulated environment is proposed. This process, through synthetic indices, allows the analysts to compare two road geometries, similar but different, because one includes curves with shorter residual circular arcs than threshold values imposed by Italian standards. The main results, derived from a two-way ANOVA with subsequent contrast analysis, suggest that a certain deviation respect to the standards did not determine any decay in the driver’s performance. Compared to the existing literature, in this study a full objective procedure was proposed, based on a totally new indicator, which can be easily adapted to any context, involving driver, road and vehicle at the same time.
Ontology and tool development for documenting intraoperative monitoring in neurosurgery
Authors: Romao Patricia , Neuenschwander Stefanie , Zbinden Chantal , Seidel Kathleen , Sariyar Murat
Published: September 2022

Background: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) is intended to serve as an early warning system. By measuring evoked potentials during neurosurgical procedures IOM aims to determine when tumor tissue removal must be stopped to avoid damage to important structures such as the corticospinal tract. The central objective of this work is to provide an ontology that improves interrelated documentation in terms of adequate event characterizations. In contrast to a taxonomy (or meronomy), an ontology enables semantic enrichments of documentation events by modelling relationships beyond is-a or part-of, e.g., causally-related-to or occurs-in. This enhances documentation accuracy as well as the potential of useful inferences. Given our focus on extensibility and the desire to reuse existing ontologies as much as possible, we decided to use the basic formal ontology (BFO).
Results: Our work has three central results: (i) an BFO-based ontology for IOM that is extended to a knowledge base, (ii) a software tool with a graphical user interface that goes beyond Protégé to involve the experts of the IOM subject field, (iii) and an evaluation of the tool in real-world documentation scenarios that allowed us to derive necessary adaptations for its productive use. The core entities of the ontology are measurements with the components timestamp, measurement type, measure values, and measurement location. We did not use the ontology of adverse events because its reliance on describing events solely as occurrents was not fully compatible with our use case of representing the documentation of those events. One crucial insight is: Occurrents such as processes are generally designed to track general dynamics, rather than to identify and document concrete processes related to individuals. Several ontologies were embedded into our ontology, e.g., the Foundation Model of Anatomy (FMA), the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) and the ontology for surgical process models (OntoSPM) related to general surgical terms. Our software tool was developed based on JavaFX for the frontend and Apache Jena for the backend. In the evaluation, all participants agreed that the interface could be used without having extensive technical skills.
Conclusions: Basing our ontology development on BFO facilitated the start of the ontology development. It also simplifies integration of other ontologies. For example, it was highly helpful to be able to integrate parts of domain-specific BFO-based ontologies such as OntoSPM. By creating a knowledge base for IOM, investigations on event-outcome associations, e.g., “a signal change pattern X before an event Y is causally related to the outcome Z” are enabled on a semantically enriched data base.
Treating Spindling Excessive Beta with Inhibitory rTMS: A Case Study
Authors: Sguigna Tristan , Tirman Phillip , Jung Vanessa
Published: September 2022

The present case report investigated whether 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could reduce the symptoms and electrophysiological variables associated with spindling excessive beta (SEB) located in the frontal lobes. A 9-year-old patient who displayed emotional reactivity and impulsivity was evaluated using a computerized assessment of cognitive functioning and a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) which displayed SEB. The patient was treated for 5 days with a 1 Hz rTMS protocol using a deep TMS coil. Improvements in both electrical power and cognitive measures were observed after a post qEEG. This report concludes that more research is needed to evince that inhibitory rTMS can reduce power in SEB and improve symptoms of overarousal.
Insights and Current Perspectives on Pharmacogenomics of Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Soyinka Julius Olugbenga , Nnadi Charles Okeke , Onyeji Cyprian Ogbonna
Published: September 2022

Malaria constitutes a major public health concern in tropical and other malaria-endemic regions. Genetic and non-genetic factors are known to influence the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of drugs including antimalarial drugs resulting in variability in drug responses. This article aimed to update perspectives on pharmacogenomics and also provide an updated appraisal of genetic variability in drug-metabolizing enzymes which alter the disposition of antimalarial drugs causing variations in treatment outcomes. Important literature databases such as Elsevier, IEEExplore, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and BioMed Central were selected based on the quality, extant content, and broad area of the discipline. The specific keywords related to the study were identified and used for the study purposedly to identify related works. Advances in genetic research have facilitated the identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that alter the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes that metabolize most antimalarial drugs. There is an association between isoforms of CYP450 gene variants and the efficacy of some antimalarial drugs, and this can be applied to the optimization of malarial therapy. Although identification of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) gene variants can be used for personalization of malaria treatment, several challenges are encountered in this process but some resources provide education and guidelines on how to use the pharmacogenetic results of specific drugs.
Improving Nutrition through Biofortification - A Systematic Review
Authors: Aryee Alberta N.A. , English Marcia
Published: September 2022

Food and nutrients are important for human growth and development. However, malnutrition and hidden hunger continue to be a challenge globally. In most developing countries, access to adequate food and nutrients has been a challenge. Although hidden hunger is less prevalent in developed countries compared to developing countries, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies are common. The 2nd Sustainable Development Goal was set to help eradicate malnutrition and hidden hunger. Hidden hunger has led to numerous cases of infant and maternal mortalities, and has greatly impacted growth, development, cognitive ability, and physical working capacity. This has influenced several countries to develop interventions that could help combat malnutrition and hidden hunger. Interventions such as dietary diversification and food supplementation are being adopted. However, fortification mainly biofortification has been projected to be the most sustainable solution to malnutrition and hidden hunger. Plant-based foods (PBFs) form a greater percentage of diets in certain populations hence; fortification of PBFs is relevant in combatting malnutrition and hidden hunger. Agronomic biofortification, plant breeding, and transgenic approaches are some currently used strategies in crops. Crops such as cereals, legumes, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits have been biofortified through all these three strategies. The transgenic approach is sustainable, efficient, and rapid, making it suitable for biofortification programs. Omics technology has also been introduced to improve the efficiency of the transgenic approach.