bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving higher order thinking skills in high school biology: A systematic review
Authors: Primahesa Alfian , Sajidan Sajidan , Ramli Murni
Published: April 2023

This research aims to analyze the approaches and strategies used to improve high school students' Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) in Biology. The research reviewed 36 articles written by scholars from Indonesia and overseas. These articles sourced from various digital libraries of universities in Indonesia, and online databases such as Google scholar, Elsevier-Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Taylor & Francis Online. This review followed the PRISMA-P for systematic review protocol. All articles were further reviewed and assessments based on the research design, variables, approaches to improve student’s HOTS. Research trends in HOTS research the most widely used instructional model to improve HOTS are PBL, Inquiry learning, and Discovery learning. Based on the analysis, INSTAD (Inquiry+Student Team Achievement Division), and PBI+STAD (Problem Based Learning + Student Team Achievement Division) shows no improvement in students' HOTS. Application of other learning models such as Problem Based Learning (PBL), inquiry, discovery, Advance Organizer, POE (Predict, Observe, Explain), and BBL (Brain Based Learning) shows significant improvement on students' HOTS. Implementation of instruction using Laboratory activities, mixed methods learning and Nutriscore interactive media shows improvement on students' HOTS. From 36 articles, 2 articles indexed by SCOPUS, 15 indexed by SINTA, 8 proceedings, 9 theses, and 2 unindexed articles. Not every chapter in Biology is used in these articles. The most used chapter in the articles is ecosystem and environment followed by human physiology, fungi, protists, plantae, cell, and biotechnology. Most of the articles are using Bloom's taxonomy. Each of them used different taxonomy, which is Marzano's taxonomy and Gagne's taxonomy.
Rates of Burnout in Female Orthopaedic Surgeons Correlate with Barriers to Gender Equity
Authors: Hiemstra Laurie A. , Kerslake Sarah , Fritz Julie-Anne , Clark Marcia , Temple-Oberle Claire , Boynton Erin , Lafave Mark
Published: April 2023

Background:

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between career burnout and the barriers to gender equity identified by Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. A secondary purpose was to assess relationships between the demographic characteristics of the female surgeons and career burnout and job satisfaction.

Methods:

An electronic survey was distributed to 330 Canadian female orthopaedic surgeons. Demographic variables including age, stage and years in practice, practice setting, and marital status were collated. The survey included the Gender Bias Scale (GBS) questionnaire and 2 questions each about career burnout and job satisfaction. The Pearson r correlation coefficient evaluated the relationships among the higher- and lower-order factors of the GBS, burnout, and job satisfaction. Spearman rank correlation coefficient assessed relationships among burnout, job satisfaction, and demographic variables.

Results:

Survey responses were received from 218 (66.1%) of the 330 surgeons. A total of 110 surgeons (50.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt career burnout (median score = 4). Burnout was positively correlated with the GBS higher-order factors of Male Privilege (r = 0.215, p < 0.01), Devaluation (r = 0.166, p < 0.05), and Disproportionate Constraints (r = 0.152, p < 0.05). Job satisfaction (median = 4) was reported by 168 surgeons (77.1%), and 66.1% were also satisfied or very satisfied with their role in the workplace (median = 4). Burnout was significantly negatively correlated with surgeon age and job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

Half of the female orthopaedic surgeons reported symptoms of career burnout. Significant relationships were evident between burnout and barriers to gender equity. Identification of the relationships between gender-equity barriers and burnout presents an opportunity to modify organizational systems to dismantle barriers and reduce this occupational syndrome.

Clinical Relevance:

Given the relationships between gender inequity and career burnout in this study of female orthopaedic surgeons, actions to dismantle gender barriers and address systemic biases are necessary at all career stages to reduce burnout.
Research Objectives: This research aimed to approach the management of municipal fiscal policies by investigating the causes of its economic growth and examining its fiscal and historical effects on the variation of GDP in municipalities. Theoretic Background: Institutional theory and endogenous economic growth was used to support our models and posterior analysis. Methodology: We used the Brazilian municipalities as our case study, taking the IBGE and STN databases for the period from 2002 to 2018. We examined the effects of municipal fiscal variables, such as expenses and revenues, and historical facts on the variation rates of municipal GDPs by using panel data models. Findings: Results show that historical factors were statistically significant for municipal economic growth. Specifically, in the Brazilian case, municipalities close to the Sugar and Coffee Cycles regions and those that have been the farthest municipalities away from Portugal. Originality: We couldn’t find similar studies with this approach to the best of our knowledge. Theoretical and practical contributions: Findings obtained from this research are relevant for policymakers in general since they point to the role of historical factors in public economic policies. Keywords: Fiscal policy, Economic growth, Historical factors.
Authors: MENKE WAGNER BRIGNOL , GARTNER IVAN
Published: April 2023

Research Objectives: This research aimed to approach the management of municipal fiscal policies by investigating the causes of its economic growth and examining its fiscal and historical effects on the variation of GDP in municipalities.
Theoretic Background: Institutional theory and endogenous economic growth was used to support our models and posterior analysis.
Methodology: We used the Brazilian municipalities as our case study, taking the IBGE and STN databases for the period from 2002 to 2018. We examined the effects of municipal fiscal variables, such as expenses and revenues, and historical facts on the variation rates of municipal GDPs by using panel data models.
Findings: Results show that historical factors were statistically significant for municipal economic growth. Specifically, in the Brazilian case, municipalities close to the Sugar and Coffee Cycles regions and those that have been the farthest municipalities away from Portugal.
Originality: We couldn’t find similar studies with this approach to the best of our knowledge.
Theoretical and practical contributions: Findings obtained from this research are relevant for policymakers in general since they point to the role of historical factors in public economic policies.
 
Keywords:Fiscal policy, Economic growth, Historical factors.
Relationships between Levels of Bureaucracy and their Effects on the Co-production of Public Health Services
Authors: Faria Zimmer Santos Grazielli , Chies Schommer Paula
Published: April 2023

Research objective: This research analyzes how relationships between different levels of local bureaucracy (top, mid, and street-level) – and the context of rules and values in which they operate – affect the practices of co-production of public health services.
Theoretical Framework: The study is based on two distinct theoretical concepts rarely associated in the literature: the co-production of public services and levels of bureaucracy.
Methodology: It is a qualitative research examining the family health strategy in three medium-sized Brazilian municipalities.
Results: The six co-production arrangements identified showed that co-production practices materialize in different ways, sharing more or less power with users, depending on the different patterns of relationship between levels of bureaucracy and the bureaucracy and citizens.
Originality: Few studies analyze co-production from the state’s point of view. Therefore, this research explores a gap in the literature, focusing on the relationships between levels of bureaucracy and their influence on public service co-production practices.
Theoretical and practical contributions: The results raised four points to be theoretically developed, points that also deserve the attention of practitioners operating in co-production: (1) Any level of bureaucracy can offer resistance or openness to co-production, and this is not hierarchically determined; (2) A structure of support and incentive for co-production by the top and mid-level bureaucracy does not guaranteethe engagement of street-level bureaucracy; (3) The collaboration of top and mid-level bureaucracy is essential to expand co-production results; (4) Different relationship patterns between levels of bureaucracy and between the bureaucracy and citizens.
 
Keywords:Co-production, Levels of bureaucracy, Co-production arrangements, Co-production of public health services.
Serum exosomal long non-coding RNA growth arrest-specific 5 predicts 3-month mortality in acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Sun Cheng-Xi , Han Li-Yan , Wang Kai , Gao Shuai
Published: April 2023

Background: Acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) is a severe clinical syndrome with high mortality. We aim to evaluate the potential role of serum exosomal long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) in ACHBLF and its predictive value for 3-month mortality.
Methods: We enrolled 110 patients with ACHBLF and 42 healthy controls (HCs) from December 2017 to June 2022. Exosomes were isolated from the serum of the participants. Serum exosomal lncRNA GAS5 was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to identify the independent prognostic predictors. The functional role of lncRNA GAS5 on hepatocyte phenotypes was investigated through loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays. Exosomal labeling and cell uptake assay were used to determine the exosomes-mediated transmission of lncRNA GAS5 in hepatocytes.
Results: The serum exosomal lncRNA GAS5 was significantly higher in patients with ACHBLF than HCs. It was identified to be an independent predictor for 3-month mortality of ACHBLF. It showed high predictive value for 3-month mortality of ACHBLF and yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.88, which was markedly higher than MELD score (AUC 0.73; P<0.01). Further study found that lncRNA GAS5 could inhibit hepatocytes proliferation and increase hepatocytes apoptosis. Exosomes-mediated lncRNA GAS5 transfer promoted hepatocytes injury. The knocked down of lncRNA GAS5 weakened H2O2-induced hepatocytes injury.
Conclusions: We revealed that serum exosomal lncRNA GAS5 might promote hepatocytes injury and showed high predictive value for 3-month mortality in ACHBLF.
Anti-inflammatory Potential of some Eudesmanolide and Guaianolide Sesquiterpenes
Authors: ‎ Shagufta Perveen , Hamedi Azadeh , Pasdaran Ardalan , ‎ Reza Heidari , Azam Muhammad Shafiq ul , ‎ Sobia Tabassum , ‎ Rashad Mehmood , ‎ Jiangnan Peng
Published: April 2023

Ten sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Anvillea garcinii (Burm.f.) DC ethanolic extract were assessed for their anti-inflammatory potential by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assignment, and ‎mice paw swelling model. 3α,4α-10β-trihydroxy-8α-acetyloxyguaian-12,6α-olide (1), epi-vulgarin (3), 9a-hydroxyparthenolide (4), garcinamine C (7), garcinamine D (8), garcinamine E (9), and 4, 9-dihydroxyguaian-10(14)-en-12-olide ‎(10) showed explicit ‎anti-inflammatory activity in rodent paw oedema and MPO assignment. The findings of this study showed that the α-methylene γ-lactone moiety does not always guarantee an anti-inflammatory effect, but the presence of proline at the C3 of the lactone ring improves the binding of sesquiterpene lactones with MPO isoenzymes, resulting in a more potent inhibition.
Correlation analysis between 3D and plane DAT binding parameters of 11C-CFT PET/CT and the clinical characteristics of patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Wei Feng , Gan Jing , Li Ziyuan , Wu Ping , Liang Sheng , Ma Yufei , Ding Lin , Zuo Chuantao , Liu Zhenguo , Wang Hui , Yin Yafu
Published: April 2023

Background: To explore the correlation between dopamine transporter (DAT) PET/CT and the clinical characteristics and the scales of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, furthermore explore the scientificity and feasibility of incorporating 3D-dopaminergic binding parameters into the clinical scoring system for PD.
Methods: A total of 75 patients with PD were retrospectively included. The clinical characteristics (including age, gender, disease duration), modified Hoehn-Yahr (H-Y) grading, UPDRS (the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale) II & III and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) of PD patients in corresponding time periods were obtained. DAT binding parameters and their derived parameters based on plane and 3D images in neostriatum were analyzed for the consistency of plane and 3D parameters, and the correlation between the above parameters and the clinical characteristics of patients.
Results: The DAT binding parameters based on 3D images had good consistency with the plane parameters (p<0.05). The asymmetry index (AI) of DAT binding parameters based on 3D and plane images had good consistency in anterior putamen (p<0.05). The plane parameters of anterior and posterior putamen were correlated with the UPDRS II-III score and H-Y score of PD patients (p<0.05), the parameter in caudate nucleus was only correlated with UPDRS II and MMSE. The 3D parameters in neostriatum showed good statistical correlation with the disease duration, UPDRS II-III score, H-Y score, H-Y course of PD patients (p<0.05), and the AI was significantly correlated with MMSE (p<0.05). The 3D parameters in putamen and posterior putamen had good statistical correlation with the UPDRS II-III score, H-Y score and H-Y course of PD patients (p<0.05). The AI in the putamen showed statistical correlation with the UPDRS III score and MMSE. The AI in posterior putamen showed statistical correlation with the UPDRS II score (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The quantitative parameters based on plane and 3D images of 11C-CFT PET/CT had good consistency, and 3D parameters in neostriatum had a better correlation with the activities of daily living, UPDRS motor score, the severity and duration of disease and cognition than plane parameters in PD patients.
Identifying G6PC3 as a potential key molecule in hypoxic glucose metabolism of glioblastoma derived from the depiction of 18F-fluoromisonidazole and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography
Authors: Okamoto Michinari , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Sawaya Ryosuke , Echizenya Sumire , Ishi Yukitomo , Kaneko Sadahiro , Motegi Hiroaki , Toyonaga Takuya , Hirata Kenji , Fujimura Miki
Published: April 2023

Background: Glioblastoma is the most offensive primary brain tumour, defined by its distinctive intratumoral hypoxia. Sequential preoperative evaluations using 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) could determine the degree of glucose metabolism with the hypoxic condition. However, the molecular mechanism of glucose metabolism under hypoxia in glioblastoma remains unclear. The goal of this research was to determine the key molecules of hypoxic glucose metabolism.
Results: Using surgically derived specimens, gene expressions linked to glucose metabolism were evaluated in patients with glioblastoma (n = 33) who had preoperative FMISO and FDG PET to determine affected molecules according to hypoxic conditions. Tumour in vivo metabolic activities was semiquantitatively assessed by lesion normal tissue-ratio (LNR). Among the genes involving the glucose metabolic pathway, mRNA expression of glucose-6-phosphatase 3 (G6PC3) correlated with FDG LNR (P = 0.03). Furthermore, G6PC3 mRNA expression in FMISO high-accumulated glioblastomas was considerably higher than that in FMISO low-accumulated glioblastomas (P < 0.01). Protein expression of G6PC3 conformed with mRNA expression, which was determined by immunofluorescence analysis. These outcomes implied that the G6PC3 expression might be influenced by the hypoxic condition in glioblastomas. We then assessed the clinical relevance of G6PC3 regarding prognosis. The connection between gene expression and overall survival was investigated in another independent non-overlapping clinical cohort, and confirmed by the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Among the glioblastoma patients who received gross total resection, mRNA expressions of G6PC3 in the patients with low prognosis (less than 1-year survival) were considerably higher than that in the patients who survive more than 3 years. Furthermore, high mRNA expression of G6PC3 was linked to poor overall survival in glioblastoma, as determined by the TCGA database.
Conclusion: G6PC3 was significantly demonstrated in glioblastoma tissues with coincidentally high FDG and FMISO accumulation. Furthermore, it might function as a prognostic biomarker of glioblastoma. Therefore, G6PC3 is a potential key molecule of glucose metabolism under hypoxia in glioblastoma.
Impact of non-regional lymph node metastases accurately revealed on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in the clinical management of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Jiang Zhangdong , Fan Junjie , Gan Chaosheng , Dong Xiaoxin , Gao Guoqiang , Wang Zhuonan , He Dalin , Li Lei , Duan XiaoYi , Wu Kaijie
Published: April 2023

Background: Non-regional lymph node (NRLN) metastases has shown increasing importance in the prognosis evaluation and clinical management of primary metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Hence, this study aimed to investigate the concordance rates between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and conventional imaging (CI) in revealing NRLN metastases, and explore the impact of NRLN metastases on the management of primary mHSPC.
Methods: The medical records of 224 patients with primary mHSPC were retrospectively reviewed. Among patients who received 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI before initial treatment, the concordance rates between 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI were analyzed. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and Cox regression analyses were performed to explore independent predictors of PFS.
Results: A total of 99 patients (44.2%) received both 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT and CI, the concordance rate in revealing NRLN metastases was only 61.62%, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was as low as 0.092. Cox regression revealed that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), N1, high-volume, NRLN and visceral metastases were associated with worse PFS (all P<0.05). In patients with low-volume disease, the median PFS of patients with NRLN metastases was significantly shorter than that of patients without NRLN metastases (19.5 vs. 27.5 months, P=0.01), while the difference between patients with low-volume plus NRLN metastases and high-volume disease was not significant (19.5 vs. 16.9 months, P=0.55). Moreover, early docetaxel chemotherapy significantly prolonged the PFS of these patients compared with ADT alone (20.7 vs. 12.3 months, P=0.008).
Conclusion: NRLN metastases could be accurately revealed by 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, which should be considered a high-volume feature, especially concomitant with bone metastases. Furthermore, patients with low-volume plus NRLN metastases may be suitable for more intensive treatment, such as early docetaxel chemotherapy.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Scedosporium apiospermum Infection from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing in an Immunocompetent Female Patient with Normal Lung Structure: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Han Jingru , Liang Lifang , Li Qingshu , Deng Ruihang , Liu Chenyang , Wu Xuekai , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Ruowen , Dai Haiyun
Published: April 2023

Background: Scedosporium apiospermum (S.apiospermum) belongs to the asexual form of Pseudallescheria boydiiand is widely distributed in various environments. S. apiospermumis the most common cause of pulmonary infection; however, invasive diseases are usually limited to patients with immunodeficiency.
Case presentation: A 54-year-old Chinese non-smoker female patient with normal lung structure and function was diagnosed with pulmonary S. apiospermum infection by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The patient was admitted to the hospital after experiencing intermittent right chest pain for 8 months. Chest computed tomography revealed a thick-walled cavity in the upper lobe of the right lung with mild soft tissue enhancement. S. apiospermum was observed by the mNGS of BALF, sequence number 283. Following treatment with voriconazole (300 mg q12h d1; 200 mg q12h d2-d20), there was no improvement in chest imaging, and a thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy was performed. Postoperative pathological results observed silver staining and PAS-positive oval spores in the alveolar septum, bronchiolar wall, and alveolar cavity, and fungal infection was considered. The patient’s symptoms improved; the patient continued voriconazole for 2 months after surgery. No signs of radiological progression or recurrence were observed at the 10-month postoperative follow-up.
Conclusion: This case report indicates that S. apiospermum infection can occur in immunocompetent individuals and that the mNGS of BALF can assist in its diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the combined therapy of antifungal drugs and surgery exhibits a potent effect on the disease.
A MATLAB toolbox to fit and forecast growth trajectories using phenomenological growth models: Application to epidemic outbreaks
Authors: Chowell Gerardo , Bleichrodt Amanda , Dahal Sushma , Tariq Amna , Roosa Kimberlyn , Hyman James M. , Luo Ruiyan
Published: April 2023

Background
Simple dynamic modeling tools can be useful for generating real-time short-term forecasts with quantified uncertainty of the trajectory of diverse growth processes unfolding in nature and society, including disease outbreaks. An easy-to-use and flexible toolbox for this purpose is lacking.
Results
In this tutorial-based primer, we introduce and illustrate a user-friendly MATLAB toolbox for fitting and forecasting time-series trajectories using phenomenological dynamic growth models based on ordinary differential equations. This toolbox is accessible to various audiences, including students training in time-series forecasting, dynamic growth modeling, parameter estimation, parameter uncertainty and identifiability, model comparison, performance metrics, and forecast evaluation, as well as researchers and policymakers who need to conduct short-term forecasts in real-time. The models included in the toolbox capture exponential and sub-exponential growth patterns that typically follow a rising pattern followed by a decline phase, a common feature of contagion processes. Models include the 2-parameter generalized-growth model, which has proved useful to characterize and forecast the ascending phase of epidemic outbreaks, and the Gompertz model as well as the 3-parameter generalized logistic-growth model and the Richards model, which have demonstrated competitive performance in forecasting single peak outbreaks.
The toolbox provides a tutorial for forecasting time-series trajectories that include the full uncertainty distribution, derived through parametric bootstrapping, which is needed to construct prediction intervals and evaluate their accuracy. Functions are available to assess forecasting performance across different models, estimation methods, error structures in the data, and forecasting horizons. The toolbox also includes functions to quantify forecasting performance using metrics that evaluate point and distributional forecasts, including the weighted interval score.
Conclusions
We have developed the first comprehensive toolbox to characterize and forecast time-series data using simple phenomenological growth models. As a contagion process takes off, the tools presented in this tutorial can facilitate policymaking to guide the implementation of control strategies and assess the impact of interventions. The toolbox functionality is demonstrated through various examples, including a tutorial video, and is illustrated using weekly data on the monkeypox epidemic in the USA.
surviveR: a flexible shiny application for patient survival analysis
Authors: Sessler Tamas , Quinn Gerard P. , Wappett Mark , Rogan Emily , Sharkey David , Ahmaderaghi Baharak , Lawler Mark , Longley Daniel B. , McDade Simon S.
Published: April 2023

Motivation
Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analyses based on complex patient stratifications due to the burgeoning volumes of genomic, molecular and phenotypic data, are an increasingly important aspect of the biomedical researcher’s toolkit. Commercial statistics/graphing packages for such analyses are functionally limited, whereas open-source tools have a high barrier-to-entry in terms of understanding of methodologies and computational expertise. We developed surviveR to address this unmet need for a survival analysis tool that can enable users with limited computational expertise to conduct routine but complex analyses.
Results
We developed surviveR, a cloud-based Shiny app, to address this unmet need for easy-to-use web-based tool that can draw and analyse Kaplan-Meier survival graphs. Integrated customization options allows user with limited computational expertise to easily filter patients to enable custom cohort generation, automatically calculates log-rank test and Cox hazard ratios, as well as providing multiple options for integrating continuous data types, such as RNA or protein expression measurements for survival plotting. We further demonstrate the utility through exemplifying its application to a clinically relevant colorectal cancer patient dataset.
Conclusion
surviveR is a cloud-based web application available at https://generatr.qub.ac.uk/app/surviveR, that can be used by non-experts users to perform complex custom survival analysis.
Efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in combination with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) compared with fractional CO2 laser alone in the treatment of burn scars: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Roohaninasab Masoumeh , Khodadad Fariba , Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan Afsaneh , Atefi Najmolsadat , Zare Sona , Jafarzadeh Alireza , Rahimi Seyyedeh Tahereh , Nouri Maryam , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Behrangi Elham , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: April 2023

Background
The appearance of skin scars is known as one of the main side effects of skin burns. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), as a rich source of cell populations with tissue regeneration properties, plays an important role in the healing of skin lesions. Fractional CO2 lasers, have occupied a special place in treating skin lesions, particularly skin scars, since their introduction. Our study aimed to compare the combination of SVF and fractional CO2 laser with fractional CO2 laser alone in the treatment of burn scars.
Method
This double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 10 patients with burn scars that were treated three times with a fractional CO2 laser at site of burn lesions, and one of the two areas studied was randomly injected with SVF. Two months after completion of the procedure, patients' scars were assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), biometric criteria, and physician and patient satisfaction ratings.
Results
The results confirmed a significant improvement in VSS, cutometry, R7 criteria, complete density sonography, and skin density sonography in the fractional CO2 laser- treated group. The VSS criteria, epidermal thickness sonography, complete density sonography, and skin density sonography in the group treated with the combination of fractional CO2 laser and SVF also showed significant improvement. The VSS criteria, and melanin index of Mexameter in the group treated with SVF in combination with fractional CO2 laser were significantly better than the group treated with fractional CO2 laser alone. Also, physician and patient satisfaction in the group treated with SVF injection in combination with fractional CO2 laser was significantly higher than the other group.
Conclusion
The results confirm the efficacy of SVF injection in combination with fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of burn scars and can be considered as a treatment option for better management of these lesions.
The study protocol was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with code: IRCT20210515051307N1, Registration date: 2021-11-14, URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/56337.
Intra-Articular Delivery of an Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Galectin-3 Fusion Protein for Osteoarthritis Treatment in Male Lewis Rats
Authors: Partain Brittany D. , Bracho-Sanchez Evelyn , Farhadi Shaheen A. , Yarmola Elena G. , Keselowsky Benjamin G. , Hudalla Gregory A. , Allen Kyle D.
Published: April 2023

Objective: Controlling joint inflammation can improve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms; however, current treatments often fail to provide long-term effects. We have developed an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and galectin-3 fusion protein (IDO-Gal3). IDO converts tryptophan to kynurenines, directing the local environment toward an anti-inflammatory state; Gal3 binds carbohydrates and extends IDO’s joint residence time. In this study, we evaluated IDO-Gal3’s ability to alter OA-associated inflammation and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of established knee OA.
Methods: Joint residence was first evaluated with an analog Gal3 fusion protein (NanoLuc™ and Gal3, NL-Gal3) that produces luminescence from furimazine. OA was induced in male Lewis rats via a medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus transection (MCLT+MMT). At 8 weeks, NL or NL-Gal3 were injected intra-articularly (n=8 per group), and bioluminescence was tracked for 4 weeks. Next, IDO-Gal3’s ability to modulate OA pain and inflammation was assessed. Again, OA was induced via MCLT+MMT in male Lewis rats, with IDO-Gal3 or saline injected into OA-affected knees at 8 weeks post-surgery (n=7 per group). Gait and tactile sensitivity were then assessed weekly. At 12 weeks, intra-articular levels of IL6, CCL2, and CTXII were assessed.
Results: The Gal3 fusion increased joint residence in OA and contralateral knees (p<0.0001). In OA-affected animals, IDO-Gal3 improved tactile sensitivity (p=0.002), increased walking velocities (p≤0.033), and improved vertical ground reaction forces (p≤0.04). Finally, IDO-Gal3 decreased intra-articular IL6 levels within the OA-affected joint (p=0.0025).
Conclusion: Intra-articular IDO-Gal3 delivery provided long-term modulation of joint inflammation and pain-related behaviors in rats with established OA.
Catalysis sans catalyst loss: The origins of prolonged stability of graphene-metal-graphene sandwich architecture for oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ali Ali A. , Choi Jiil , Zhao Bote , Cho Jinwon , Ding Yong , Soule Luke , Jang Seung Soon , Liu Meilin , Alamgir Faisal
Published: April 2023

Over the past several decades, the design of highly active and cost-effective catalysts and electrocatalyst has been the subject of intense research efforts.to However, there has been significantly less deliberate emphasis on rationally designing a catalyst system with a prolonged stability. A major obstacle comes from the ambiguity behind how catalyst degrades. Several degradation mechanisms have been proposed in literature, such as catalyst particles detachment of the substrate, metal atom dissolution, agglomeration, Ostwald ripening, or corrosion of the carbon support, but with a lack of systematic studies, the causal relations between degradation and these proposed mechanisms remain ambiguous. Here, we report a systematic study of a catalyst system comprising of small particles and single atoms of Pt sandwiched between graphene layers, GR/Pt/GR where Pt-specific catalysis occurs through “chemically transparent” outer Gr layer(s). Experimental and computational analyses unravel the degradation mechanism of the studied electrocatalyst architecture for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic medium. Catalyst suffers from atomic dissolution under ORR harsh acidic and oxidizing operation voltages. Single atoms trapped in point defects within the top graphene layer on their way hopping through towards the surface of GR/Pt/GR architecture. Trapping mechanism renders individual Pt atoms as single atom catalyst sites catalyzing ORR for thousands of cycles before washed away in the electrolyte. The GR/Pt/GR catalysts also compare favorably to state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalysts and demonstrates a rational design of a hybrid nanoarchitecture with a prolonged stability for thousands of operation cycles. The proposed Gr/metal/Gr architecture is not only applicable to other electrocatalytic reactions but can have several applications in sensors and biomedical fields.
RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer complicated with disseminated hematogenous tuberculosis during first-line Pralsetinib treatment: A case report
Authors: Chen Yu , Wu Yili , Shao Zhuowei , Ren Feng , Jiao Wenrui , Wu Shibo
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Environmental injustice in estimated cancer risk from airborne toxics exposure across United States communities
Authors: Hurbain Patrick , Strickland Matthew , Liu Yan , Li Dingsheng
Published: April 2023

US Census Bureau data was matched to estimated cancer risk by US EPA from 2011 to 2018 to explore environmental justice on a national level with census tract resolution for a wide range of airborne toxins. Spearman correlations showed modest associations between various socio-demographic status factors and estimated cancer risk. Multiple linear regressions analyses showed increases in the numbers of minorities relative to White individuals were positively associated with increased estimated cancer risk in urban areas (p <0.05), but only for high proportions of Blacks in suburban and rural areas. Urban tracts suffer from highest estimated cancer risks were concentrated among the communities with population of higher density of minority and lack of education. While in general environmental justice seems improved across the examined years, equity is far from achieved and future work in identifying the sources of environmental injustice could help in achieving a more just environment.
A Non-Invasive Approach to the Resistive Switching Physical Model of Ultra-Thin Organic-Inorganic Dielectric-based ReRAM
Authors: Martinez Alba , Cho Byung Jin , Kim Min Ju
Published: April 2023

The extremely reduced thickness of the recently introduced ultra-thin (< 5 nm) organic-inorganic hybrid dielectric-based ReRAM hinders their processability through material characterization techniques. But the attractiveness of these devices as the next-generation non-volatile memory requires a deep understanding of the resistive switching (RS) dynamics in the hybrid dielectric layer. Moreover, the poor uniformity in key switching parameters still persistent in ReRAMs impedes any trends to be clearly defined through electrical characterization. This work uses electrical manipulation through a ramped-pulse series (RPS) method to improve the voltage and resistance fluctuations in the reset process of ultra-thin Al/Hf-hybrid/Ni devices at different pulse voltage amplitude, pulse width, and temperature conditions. By analyzing the electrical behavior of the device under these conditions, a novel and detailed physical model describing the operating mechanism is proposed. The coexistence in the conductive filament (CF) of a hybrid metallic portion composed of \(\text{A}\text{l}\) and \({\text{H}\text{f}}_{3}{\text{A}\text{l}}_{2}\), and an oxygen vacancy portion is confirmed. Our model emphasizes the vacancies contribution in the RS, where majority of them are generated during the CF forming process and participate to different degrees in the filament rupture of the RPS and no-RPS-processed devices via Joule heating, drift, and Fick forces. Additionally, switching failure events are explained based on the presence of an \({\text{A}\text{l}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{3}\) interlayer in the Al/Hf-hybrid interface.
A Priori Prediction of Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy using Quantitative Ultrasound, Texture Derivative and Molecular Subtype
Authors: Sannachi Lakshmanan , Osapoetra Laurentius O. , DiCenzo Daniel , Halstead Schontal , Wright Frances , Look-Hong Nicole , Slodkowska Elzbieta , Gandhi Sonal , Curpen Belinda , Kolios Michael C. , Oelze Michael , Czarnota Gregory J.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performances of the tumor response prediction prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on quantitative ultrasound, tumour core-margin, texture derivative analyses, and molecular parameters in a large cohort of patients (n = 208) with locally advanced breast cancer and combined them to best determine tumour responses with machine learning approach. Two multi-features response prediction algorithms using a k-nearest neighbour and support vector machine were developed with leave-one out and hold-out cross-validation methods to evaluate the performance of the response prediction models. In a leave-one out approach, the quantitative ultrasound-texture analysis based model attained a good classification performance with 80% of accuracy and AUC of 0.83. Including molecular subtype in the model improve the performance to 83% of accuracy and 0.87 of AUC. Due to limited number of sample in the training process, a model developed with a hold-out approach exhibited slightly higher bias error in classification performance. The most relevant features selected in predicting the response groups are core-to-margin, texture derivative, and molecular subtype. These results imply that that tumour-margin, baseline texture-derivative analysis methods combined with molecular subtype can be potentially used for the prediction of ultimate treatment response in patients prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Preparation of biomass yam solar absorber and its application in solar evaporation
Authors: Ting Li , Juan Jia , Wang Yanqing , Hanxue Sun , Li Jiyan , Zhaoqi Zhu , Liang weidong
Published: April 2023

Solar evaporation system has become a research hotspot in the field of photothermal conversion technology in recent years because of its high photothermal conversion efficiency and practicality of promotion. Biomass solar absorbers have excellent solar absorption properties and high solar-water vapor conversion, but they have the limitations of long feedstock production cycle and high carbonization temperature. As a kind of biomass materials, yam is not only inexpensive, but also has a short production cycle and rich pore structures. Therefore, in this paper, a yam based solar absorber with rich pore structure was prepared, and the photothermal conversion efficiency of the absorber was further investigated. The yam was treated with freeze-dried method and carbonized at different temperatures to obtain yam solar absorbers. Then find the thermal stability and porosity of solar absorber gradually rise as the treatment temperature increasing. The solar absorption rate of the carbonized yam was close to 90% in the near UV-visible region. Solar-water vapor control experiments with different treatments of the solar absorber of the yam were carried out in simulated solar-driven interface steam generation system (SISGS). The absorber treated at 200°C in the sun was found to have the best performance with a solar-water vapor conversion of about 90% and a water evaporation rate of 1.3164 kg m− 2 h− 1.
New Values of Normal Ankle Strength and Its Importance for Rehabilitation and Return to Play
Authors: Fonseca Lucas da , Inojossa Thiago , Maciel Eduardo , Netto Cesar de Cesar , Mansur Nacime , Astur Diego
Published: April 2023

Background: the isokinetic test has been broadly used to assess the functional results after the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries. Particular in the ankle, most studies are related to injuries of the lateral ligaments and the Achilles tendon, without the knowledge of normative values. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the ankle isokinetic strength profile.
Methods: 200 ankles were evaluated using the Biodex 3 System for the movements of eversion, inversion, extension, and plantar flexion. Healthy individuals with an active life and without previous injuries were widely assessed. The Maximum Torque, Agonist / Antagonist Ratio, Limb Simmetry Index, among others and their relationships with demographic variables were also evaluated. Different statistical analyzes were performed for each parameters and ratios.
Results: the mean age was 38.5 years and the BMI was 25.8 in 69 men and 31 women. In 78 participants, the dominant ankle was the right one. The non-dominant side was consistently stronger in every moviment. The mean values ​​obtained for the torque in each movement were 29.9 N/m for eversion, 34.8 N/m for inversion, 48.6 N/m for extension, and 140.2 N/m for flexion. Such parameters for men and women were also obtained and there was no correlation between age or BMI with maximum torque. The evertors/inverters ratio was 88.8% and the extensor/flexor ratio was 36.1%. The Muscular Deficiency Index and Limb Simmetry Index showed a balance between the sides for each movement, with an average global difference of less than 10% between them (eversion 8.66; inversion 4.2; extension 3.41 and flexion 5.18).
Conclusion: the sample was considered homogeneous, which allows to propose a new profile of normative values ​​for the isokinetic strength of the ankle. Values ​​of torque forces and agonist/antagonist balances have been accomplished. The results have implications for rehabilitation protocols and return-to-sport criteria.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of suicide attempts in first episode, never treated major depressive disorder patients with comorbid autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Luo Yinli , Peng Pu , Zhou Yanan , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiangyang , Wang Yizhuo
Published: April 2023

Backgrounds: Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is closely associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, its association with suicide attempts (SA) in this population remains unexplored. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of SA in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD patients with AIT.
Methods: We recruited 1718 FEDN MDD outpatients and assessed depressive, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Subscale positive subscale, respectively. The serum levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidases antibody (TPOAb), and several other metabolic parameters were assessed. Multiple logistic regression model was applied to identify the correlates of SA in AIT MDD patients. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was used to test the performance of this model.
Results: The prevalence of SA was higher in AIT patients than in non-AIT patients (34% vs 14%, p<0.001). The presence of AIT independently doubled the risk of SA (OR, 1.88, 95%CI, 1.42-2.50, p<0.001). Anxiety (OR, 3.09, 95%CI, 1.76-5.42, p<0.001), HAMD score (OR, 1.19, 95%CI, 1.09-1.31, p<0.001), TPOAb (OR, 1.002, 95%CI, 1.001-1.002, p<0.001), and TSH (OR, 1.20, 95%CI, 1.10-1.32, p<0.001) were independently associated with SA in MDD patients with AIT. The combination of the four variables well distinguished SA patients from non-SA patients (AUC value:0.80).
Conclusions: Taken together, AIT was closely associated with SA. Regular thyroid examination may help detect SA in MDD patients.
Amino Acid Adjacency in the Proteins: Non-Interdependent and Non-Reductionist
Authors: Khavinson Vladimir , Kormilets Dmitry , Maryanovich Alexander
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND AND GOAL. In the chain of events “(a) codon/transcription/translation → (b) primary protein structure → (c) post-translational modification of amino acids”, the middle link (b) has been paid little attention. We sought to find out if the adjacency of amino acids in the protein structure obeys any rules.
METHOD. We have pooled the data on the primary protein structure from proteomes of more than 700,000 biological species (32,462,157 proteins and 11,117,062,854 amino acid residues) into a universal proteome (a data bank) and determined the frequency of occurrence (F) of 20 proteinogenic amino acids, 400 dimers, 8000 trimers, 160,000 tetramers, and 3,200,000 pentamers.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The average length of the protein molecule comprises 342.46 ± 0.06 amino acid residues. In the universal proteome, we found all pentamers except WCMMW. In the remaining 3,199,999 pentamers, F ranged from 1 to 739,321. The pentamers with different amino acids at the same position differ significantly in the frequency of occurrence. The pentamers with the same amino acids at the different positions are statistically indistinguishable in the frequency of occurrence. In the overwhelming majority of pentamers, the observed frequency of occurrence (Fpenta observed) is significantly different from the expected frequency of occurrence (Fpenta expected) obtained by multiplying Famino acid observed of all five amino acids constituting the pentamer. In a protein molecule, amino acids do not have properties that "permit" or "forbid" the appearance of certain amino acids in neighboring positions of the polypeptide chain. The same rule applies to di-, tri-, and tetramers. In the oligomeres, of which the proteins consist, Fobserved depends less on the amino acids that make them up and more on some unknown factor. This factor, by natural selection of codons in the DNA molecule, creates for almost every amino acid in the protein a statistically significant deviation of the observed frequency of occurrence from the expected one.
CONCLUSION. The order of codons in DNA (and amino acid residues in a protein) is independent of neighboring codons (and amino acids), however, is non-reductionist and is controlled by a yet unknown factor.