bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive Detection of Bovine Serum Albumin on DNA Modified Protein Microcapsules-based Electrodes
Authors: Nathiya Dhananjayan , Wilson Jeyaraj , Gurunathan Karuppasamy , Rani Gokana Mohana , Raju Chikkili Venkateswara , Chaudhary Vishal
Published: May 2023

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) emerged as a potential bioprotein in the sensing field. Understanding the interactions of BSA with the analyte biomolecule has not been much reported. Herein, we report the functionally modified BSA (f-BSA) and its consecutive adsorption onto DNA for the ultrasensitive protein sensing. The DNA-modified f-BSA (DNA@f-BSA) composite was further characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Obtained results demonstrated excellent composite formulation due to electrostatic interaction/binding intercalation and provided promising scaffold for protein biosensor. The as-prepared DNA modified f-BSA (DNA@f-BSA) based biocomposite can be used as a selective probe for the detection of BSA by recording square wave voltammetry signals. The sensitivity of the hybrid biosensor significantly improved the BSA detection over a wide concentration range from 1 × 10−20 g ml−1 to 1 × 10−4 g ml−1 with a detection limit of 2.18 × 10−21 g ml−1. Thus, the results have revealed the promising biosensor interactions which pave the way for the sensitive protein detection.
Miniplatforms for Screening Biological Samples for KRAS and Four Mismatch Repair Proteins as New Tools for Fast Screening for Gastric and Colon Cancers
Authors: Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , Bratei Alexandru Adrian , Ilie-Mihai Ruxandra-Maria , Gheorghe Damaris-Cristina , Tuchiu Bianca Maria , Gurzu Simona
Published: May 2023

Two miniplatforms based on stochastic microsensors designed using Nitrogen (9.3%) and Boron (2.4%) - dopped graphene (NB-DG) modified with frutafit HD and frutafit TEX were designed and validated for the assay of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and of KRAS in whole blood, urine, saliva, and tumoral tissues. The sensitivities recorded using the miniplatform based on frutafit TEX were higher (MLH1:1.07 × 104, MSH2: 5.31; MSH6: 1.58 × 103; KRAS: 1.36 × 10−2 s−1
μg−1 ml) than those recorded when frutafit HD was used. A lower value of the limit of determination (0.32 fg ml−1) was recorded for the frutafit HD based miniplatform when used for the assay of MLH1, while the lowest value of the limit of determination for the assay of KRAS (2.2 fg ml−1) was recorded when the frutafit TEX was used in the design of the miniplatform. The % recoveries of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and of KRAS in whole blood, urine, saliva, and tumoral tissues were higher than 99.00 with RSD (%) values lower than 0.08%.
Long-Term Stability of Mullite and Magnesia-encased Ag|Ag+ Reference Electrodes in Molten MgCl2-KCl-NaCl
Authors: Choi Suhee , Steppan Jim , Simpson Michael F.
Published: May 2023

In this study, the stability of Ag|Ag+ molten chloride reference electrodes was studied using mullite and magnesia tubes as reference electrode membrane materials in molten MgCl2-KCl-NaCl for continuous immersion up to 31 d. Two electrochemical methods were used to characterize the long-term performance of the reference electrodes at 500 °C in an inert atmosphere using a Mg rod as the working electrode: open circuit potential (OCP) and onset of Mg(II) reduction as measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV). There was only a 3% difference between the average OCP measured versus the mullite and MgO reference electrodes. Potential drift was higher for mullite (−1.34 mV d−1) than MgO (0.22 mV d−1). But both drift rates were very low compared to the OCP data standard deviation, indicating that no significant drift was measured for us to 31 d.
Strategic outline of interventions targeting extracellular matrix for promoting healthy longevity
Authors: Park Ji Young Cecilia , King Aaron , Björk Victor , English Bradley W. , Fedintsev Alexander , Ewald Collin Y.
Published: May 2023

The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of interlinked proteins outside of cells, is an important component of the human body that helps maintain tissue architecture and cellular homeostasis. As people age, the ECM undergoes changes that can lead to age-related morbidity and mortality. Despite its importance, ECM aging remains understudied in the field of geroscience. In this review, we discuss the core concepts of ECM integrity, outline the age-related challenges and subsequent pathologies and diseases, summarize diagnostic methods detecting a faulty ECM, and provide strategies targeting ECM homeostasis. To conceptualize this, we built a technology research tree to hierarchically visualize possible research sequences for studying ECM aging. This strategic framework will hopefully facilitate the development of future research on interventions to restore ECM integrity, which could potentially lead to the development of new drugs or therapeutic interventions promoting health during aging.
Prefrontal oxygenation is quantified with time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy: effect of sex on baseline oxygenation and the response during exercise
Authors: Asahara Ryota , Matsukawa Kanji
Published: May 2023

With the use of time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy that enables quantitative analysis of optical properties and oxygenation in cerebral tissues and thereby subject-to-subject comparisons in the variables, this study examined the influence of sex on baseline optical properties and oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the responses during cycling exercise. Absolute levels of oxygenated- and deoxygenated-hemoglobin concentration (Oxy-Hb and Deoxy-Hb) in bilateral PFC were measured at rest and during unilateral cycling at low and moderate intensity in young participants (8 women and 10 men). Unilateral cycling was utilized to evaluate no lateralization of the prefrontal oxygenation responses during exercise. Baseline optical properties of bilateral PFC, defined optical path length and reduced scattering coefficient, and their responses during cycling were not different between the sexes. Baseline absolute Oxy-Hb of bilateral PFC was significantly lower in women (37 ± 3 μM) than in men (47 ± 7 μM), whereas absolute Deoxy-Hb revealed no sex-related difference. The absolute Oxy-Hb levels in bilateral PFC during low- and moderate-intensity cycling were also lower in women. However, no sex difference was observed when using changes against the baseline levels to normalize baseline differences. No laterality-related differences were observed in the changes in prefrontal Oxy-Hb and Deoxy-Hb during unilateral cycling. Ascertaining no sex-related difference in optical properties of the PFC, the current findings suggest that baseline absolute level of oxygenation in the PFC is lower in women than in men, likely due to lower oxygen supply rather than higher oxygen utilization, and that prefrontal oxygenation responds similarly during exercise independently of sex.
Determining the Viability of an Unbounded Polyhedron for a Switched System
Authors: Lv Jianfeng , Zhao Na
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a new method to determine the viability of a switched system on a cone and an unbounded polyhedron. First, we investigate the viability condition on a cone. Then, a sufficient viability criterion for a polyhedron, which is expressed by a convex hull of finite number of extreme points and a nonnegative linear combination of finite extreme directions, is presented by using nonsmooth analysis. Based on this criterion, instead of all boundary points, just several extreme points and extreme directions are needed to be verified whether satisfying some conditions. The advantage of the proposed methods is that determining the viability for a switched system is easy to be implemented. Finally, an example is listed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Evolution of Urban Resilience from a Multiscale Perspective: Evidence from Five Provinces in Northwest China
Authors: Yang Hainan , Su Huizhen , Yang Liangjie
Published: May 2023

As a new idea of urban risk management, building resilient cities with the ability to resist, eliminate, and adapt to uncertain risks is of great importance to mitigate risk impacts and promote sustainable urban development. Based on the adaptive cycle model and the characteristics of an urban system, this study analyzes the resilience levels of cities, urban agglomerations, and provinces and their adaptive stages. The results show that (1) the comprehensive resilience of cities in the five provinces of northwest China is on the rise and that the differences between cities are gradually narrowing. The development stages of the urban adaptive cycle can be divided into six stages: the rapid exploitation stage, exploitation-conservation stage, stable conservation stage, conservation-release stage, development reorganization stage, and reorganization-exploitation stage. (2) The spatial distribution of the comprehensive resilience of urban agglomerations is “high in the southeast and low in the northwest,” and the development stage of the adaptive cycle is consistent with its central city or central region. (3) The level of resilience varies greatly among provinces, and the development stage of the adaptive cycle is equivalent to the average level of all cities in the province and is closely related to their respective development forces and urban problems. These findings can provide reference for policymakers to formulate scientific resilience building strategies to achieve regional sustainable development.
A Composite of TiO2 Quantum Dots and TiO2 Nanoparticles Coated on Anti-Bumping Glass Beads (TiO2QDs-TiO2NPs/GBs), with a Very Low Content of TiO2 as a High Performance Photocatalyst
Authors: Vu Thu Ha Thi , Lam Thi Tho , Dao Duy Nam , Van Dieu Anh , Huynh Trung Hai
Published: May 2023

A composite of TiO2 quantum dots (TiO2QDs) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) was successfully deposited on glass beads (GBs), with a very low content of TiO2 (<0.3 wt%), by a rapid, simple, inexpensive, and scalable synthesis method. The TiO2QDs-TiO2NPs/GBs catalyst possesses an extremely high photocatalytic performance under simulated solar irradiation, with the complete degradation of the aqueous solutions of methylene blue in 60 minutes of photodegradation. There were no changes in the catalytic activity after six times of recycling. The superior performance of the catalyst should be attributed to the role of the synergistic effect between TiO2NPs and TiO2QDs to prevent the accumulation of TiO2 nanoparticles during the oxidation reaction, to improve the absorption in the visible region, to enhance the immigration of photogenerated electrons and holes in interfaces of two materials in the TiO2QDs-TiO2NPs composite, which leads to a reduced charge recombination rate, and to generate midgap states and suppress the recombination of electron-hole pairs.
Effect of Blended Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Boron, and Potassium Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Sodo Zuriya District, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Loha Gobeze , Derese Melese , Gifole Gidago
Published: May 2023

There are various challenges that limit crop productivity in developing countries like Ethiopia. Lack of accessible plant nutrients in proper quantity as well as form to plants is an important determinant of reducing agricultural productivity. In this regard, a trial was conducted at Shela Borkoshe on the land owned by the farmer in Sodo Zuriya District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia over the planting seasons of 2019 to 2020 with the aim of identifying the appropriate rates of blended nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron (NPSB), and potassium (K) fertilizer in maize production. The treatments, which were assessed using a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications, comprised of four rates of blended NPSB (0, 50, 100, and 150 kilograms/hectare) and four rates of K (0, 30, 60, and 90 kilograms/hectare K2O). Agronomic traits leaf area, LAI, ear length, seeds per row, seeds per ear, TSW, biomass as well as grain produce have been significantly varied due to NPSB by K fertilizer rates interactions. The highest leaf area (9886.20 ± 343.95 cm2), LAI (7.78 ± 0.26), ear length (32.58 ± 1.46 cm), TSW (160.67 ± 4.85 g), biomass (14941 ± 200.92 kilograms/ha), and grain output (7544 ± 119.49 kilograms/ha) have been attained by combining 150 kilograms/ha NPSB and 90 kilograms/ha K fertilizer rate. Following this, maximum quantity of seeds per row (44.88 ± 1.67) and seeds per ear (705.87 ± 25.61) have been attained from combination of 150 kilograms/ha NPSB and 60 kilograms/ha K fertilizer rates. Economic analysis revealed that maximum net profit (1491 Dollar/ha) and marginal rate of return (MRR) 1196.67% have been achieved from combining 150 kilograms/ha NPSB and 60 kilograms/ha K fertilizer rates. This investigation revealed that the combination of the NPSB fertilizer level of 150 kilograms/ha and 60 kilograms/ha K fertilizer showed superior performance with higher grain yield and economic return over other treatments. Therefore, a combined application of 150 kilograms/ha NPSB with 60 kilograms/ha K fertilizer rates could be recommended for maize production in the study area and similar agro-ecologies.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Native and Non-Native English Teachers on EFL Learners’ Accuracy, Fluency, and Complexity in Speaking
Authors: Ghane Mohammad Hossein , Razmi Mohammad Hasan
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of teacher type (native vs. non-native) on the oral performance of male intermediate English as a foreign language learners between the ages of 14 and 20 who possessed similar language proficiency levels. The participants were selected based on the results of a written test and an oral interview and were divided into two classes: one taught by a native speaker and the other by a non-native speaker. Following a -month treatment period, each learner was interviewed and their speech was recorded. The researchers analyzed the data for accuracy, fluency, and lexical complexity. The statistical analyses revealed that learners taught by the native-speaking teacher demonstrated greater fluency and lexical complexity in their oral production, while those taught by the non-native teacher showed greater accuracy in their spoken language production. These findings suggest that the teacher type has different effects on language learning outcomes. The implications of these results extend to policymakers, administrators, and those involved in the employment and training of language teachers in Iran.
Indoor and Outdoor Seamless Positioning Technology Based on Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Switching Algorithm
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Li Weidong , Diao Xiuhui
Published: May 2023

Navigation and positioning is a new growth point of wireless services. And seamless positioning is the current development trend of navigation and positioning services. In view of the problems that dynamic handover cannot be performed during site movement, STA only selects the optimal AP according to the indication of received signal strength, and the handover delay is too long. This paper proposes a research on indoor and outdoor seamless positioning technology based on artificial intelligence and intelligent switching algorithm. The purpose is to study the influence of reducing the positioning data with too large error on the final positioning result. The method of this paper is to propose an intelligent switching algorithm and then discuss the research status and development direction of indoor positioning technology and outdoor positioning technology, respectively, and point out the switching methods between them. The role of these methods is to analyze the current situation of indoor and outdoor navigation technology, especially the development route of seamless positioning technology. It determines the strategy of integrating heterogeneous positioning systems to build a seamless positioning system to maximize the use of existing positioning system resources. This paper studies the design and implementation of the seamless positioning system through the simulation experiment of the intelligent switching algorithm and finally tests the system through the experimental vehicle. The online experiment results show that the system can achieve high positioning accuracy in indoor and outdoor environments, especially at its junction, and the positioning errors in all directions are within 0.2 m.
[Retracted] Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Endometriosis and Its Influencing Factors
Authors: Xie Li , Qi Yuanjie , Li Hua , Chen Li
Published: May 2023

Aim. To investigate the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with endometriosis and its influencing factors. Methods. A total of 188 endometriosis patients who gave birth at our hospital between June 2018 and January 2021 were screened for eligibility and included in the research group, while a control group of 188 nonendometriosis women who delivered at our hospital during the same period were also included as healthy controls. Pregnancy outcomes were the key outcome measure, and the relationship between endometriosis and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, as well as the influencing factors, were explored. Results. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse pregnancy events such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and fetal death between the two groups (P > 0.05). The differences in hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and luteal support between the two groups also failed to reach the statistical standard (P > 0.05). The two groups significantly differed in terms of cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and placenta previa (1.92 (95% CI 1.33–2.85), 2.43 (95% CI 1.05–5.58), and 4.51 (95% CI 1.23–16.50)) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Endometriosis is an influential factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes and results in a high risk of preterm delivery, placenta previa, and cesarean delivery in patients. Mutual interactions exist among adverse pregnancy outcomes and thus require appropriate management.
Adaptability of Genetically Engineered Bt Cotton Varieties in Different Growing Regions of Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeta Bedane , Kedisso Endale Gebre , Gurmessa Donis , Tesfaye Dawit , Damtew Samuel , Taye Workishet , Gebre-Egziabher Arkebe , Balcha Merdasa , Daba Tadessa , Workie Alehegn , Maredia Karim
Published: May 2023

Cotton varieties that are high yielding and resistant to pests are required to improve production and productivity and to capitalize on the crop’s enormous potential and its critical role in Ethiopia’s expanding textile industry. Lack of improved cotton technology has forced farmers to recycle local varieties for ages which have become very susceptible to pests which are the major causes of very low productivity and quality of cotton in the country. Among major pests, bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera and Pectinophora gossypiella) account for 36–60% of yield losses. In the absence of genetically resistant or tolerant varieties, genetically engineered bollworm-resistant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has offered a great opportunity to reduce crop losses from bollworms. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of bollworm resistance and adaptability of Bt cotton varieties across cotton growing environments in Ethiopia and provide recommendations. Two Bt cotton hybrids (JKCH 1947 and JKCH 1050), one Bt OPV (Sudan), and three OPV conventional varieties (Weyito 07, Stam-59A, and Deltapine-90) were evaluated at seven different agro-ecologies using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed significant differences among genotypes for yield and other traits. Hybrids JKCH 1947 and JKCH 1050 were the top high yielders under high and mild bollworm infestations, with mean seed cotton yield of 3.10 t·ha−1 each and lint yield of 1.20 and 1.19 t·ha−1, respectively, whereas the standard check Deltapine-90 (popular variety) recorded a mean seed cotton and lint yield of 2.3 t·ha−1 and 0.8 t·ha−1, respectively. Combined analysis showed that genotypes, environment, and the genotypes × environment interactions had a highly significant effect (

P

 < 0.05) on fiber quality. Weyito 07 and the two hybrids (JKCH 1947 and JKCH 1050) had upper half mean fiber lengths in the range of 27.78 to 32.11 mm. For fiber strength, genotypes Weyito 07, JKCH 1050, Stam-59A, and JKCH 1947 had 33.50 g/tex, 28.59 g/tex, 28.00 g/tex, and 27.75 g/tex, respectively. The fiber quality values of the hybrids were within acceptable limits, with staple lengths ranging from 27.78 to 28.44 mm and fiber strengths ranging from 27.75 to 28.59 g/tex. Results show potential adaptation of the hybrids under different cotton growing environments and their superior yield performance due also to added protection of yield losses from damage by bollworms. The contrast is bigger under high insect pressure conditions due to the genetically engineered Bt trait compared to the conventional varieties. The effective field resistance against bollworms in most locations shows that wider use of these hybrids can enhance cotton productivity and quality in Ethiopia.
Effects of the Green Policy Environment on Renewable Energy Investment and Effect Evaluation of Green Policies
Authors: He Xing
Published: May 2023

Investment in the renewable energy industry has huge market potential and economic benefits. In order to technologically upgrade, industrialize, and marketize renewable energy projects, it is necessary to build a good green policy environment and a reasonable green policy support system. This paper studies the effects of the green policy environment on renewable energy investment and conducts effect evaluation on the green policies. First, a coordinated energy planning and investment strategy was proposed against the green and low-carbon background, and the influence mechanism of the green policy environment on renewable energy investment was elaborated. Then, a multistage optimization model was constructed for renewable energy investment in the green policy environment, and the model reconstruction and solution were also given. After that, the steps to evaluate the effects of green policies for renewable energy power generation were also explained in detail. The experimental results verified the effectiveness of the constructed model. The relevant research results can enrich and improve the theoretical research framework of the green policy environment system, and fully promote the strategy transformation of energy and high-quality economic development.
Data from Opportunities for Achieving the Cancer Moonshot Goal of a 50% Reduction in Cancer Mortality by 2047
Authors: Shiels Meredith S. , Lipkowitz Stanley , Campos Nicole G. , Schiffman Mark , Schiller John T. , Freedman Neal D. , de González Amy Berrington
Published: May 2023

Abstract
On February 2, 2022, President Biden and First Lady Dr. Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot, setting a new goal to reduce age-standardized cancer mortality rates by at least 50% over the next 25 years in the United States. We estimated trends in U.S. cancer mortality during 2000 to 2019 for all cancers and the six leading types (lung, colorectum, pancreas, breast, prostate, liver). Cancer death rates overall declined by 1.4% per year from 2000 to 2015, accelerating to 2.3% per year during 2016 to 2019, driven by strong declines in lung cancer mortality (−4.7%/year, 2014 to 2019). Recent declines in colorectal (−2.0%/year, 2010–2019) and breast cancer death rates (−1.2%/year, 2013–2019) also contributed. However, trends for other cancer types were less promising. To achieve the Moonshot goal, progress against lung, colorectal, and breast cancer deaths needs to be maintained and/or accelerated, and new strategies for prostate, liver, pancreatic, and other cancers are needed. We reviewed opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat these common cancers that could further reduce population-level cancer death rates and also reduce disparities.
Significance:
We reviewed opportunities to prevent, detect, and treat common cancers, and show that to achieve the Moonshot goal, progress against lung, colorectal, and breast cancer deaths needs to be maintained and/or accelerated, and new strategies for prostate, liver, pancreatic, and other cancers are needed.

See related commentary by Bertagnolli et al., p. 1049.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1027
TABLE 1 from Integrative Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Disease-specific Microbiome–host Interactions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jain Vinay , Baraniya Divyashri , El-Hadedy Doaa E. , Chen Tsute , Slifker Michael , Alakwaa Fadhl , Cai Kathy Q. , Chitrala Kumaraswamy N. , Fundakowski Christopher , Al-Hebshi Nezar N.
Published: May 2023

Key genes within significantly enriched host pathways
Supplementary File 10 from Integrative Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Disease-specific Microbiome–host Interactions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jain Vinay , Baraniya Divyashri , El-Hadedy Doaa E. , Chen Tsute , Slifker Michael , Alakwaa Fadhl , Cai Kathy Q. , Chitrala Kumaraswamy N. , Fundakowski Christopher , Al-Hebshi Nezar N.
Published: May 2023

Host gene-microbial genus global_correlations, rs>=0.6 and FDR=<0.05
FIGURE 4 from Integrative Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Disease-specific Microbiome–host Interactions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jain Vinay , Baraniya Divyashri , El-Hadedy Doaa E. , Chen Tsute , Slifker Michael , Alakwaa Fadhl , Cai Kathy Q. , Chitrala Kumaraswamy N. , Fundakowski Christopher , Al-Hebshi Nezar N.
Published: May 2023

Differentially abundant microbial features. Taxonomic and functional profiles obtained with HUMAnN 3.0 were CLR transformed and differential abundance analysis was performed with MaAsLin2 setting FDR cutoff to 0.05. A, Bar plots of the top differentially abundant genera in the tumor versus HC and adjacent normal versus HC contrasts. B, A heatmap showing clustering of samples based on top differentially abundant enzyme classes. The plots were created with ggplot2 and pheatmap R packages.
Data from Integrative Metatranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Disease-specific Microbiome–host Interactions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jain Vinay , Baraniya Divyashri , El-Hadedy Doaa E. , Chen Tsute , Slifker Michael , Alakwaa Fadhl , Cai Kathy Q. , Chitrala Kumaraswamy N. , Fundakowski Christopher , Al-Hebshi Nezar N.
Published: May 2023

Studies on the microbiome of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been limited to 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Here, laser microdissection coupled with brute-force, deep metatranscriptome sequencing was employed to simultaneously characterize the microbiome and host transcriptomes and predict their interaction in OSCC. The analysis involved 20 HPV16/18-negative OSCC tumor/adjacent normal tissue pairs (TT and ANT) along with deep tongue scrapings from 20 matched healthy controls (HC). Standard bioinformatic tools coupled with in-house algorithms were used to map, analyze, and integrate microbial and host data. Host transcriptome analysis identified enrichment of known cancer-related gene sets, not only in TT versus ANT and HC, but also in the ANT versus HC contrast, consistent with field cancerization. Microbial analysis identified a low abundance yet transcriptionally active, unique multi-kingdom microbiome in OSCC tissues predominated by bacteria and bacteriophages. HC showed a different taxonomic profile yet shared major microbial enzyme classes and pathways with TT/ANT, consistent with functional redundancy. Key taxa enriched in TT/ANT compared with HC were Cutibacterium acnes, Malassezia restricta, Human Herpes Virus 6B, and bacteriophage Yuavirus. Functionally, hyaluronate lyase was overexpressed by C. acnes in TT/ANT. Microbiome-host data integration revealed that OSCC-enriched taxa were associated with upregulation of proliferation-related pathways. In a preliminary in vitro validation experiment, infection of SCC25 oral cancer cells with C. acnes resulted in upregulation of MYC expression. The study provides a new insight into potential mechanisms by which the microbiome can contribute to oral carcinogenesis, which can be validated in future experimental studies.
Significance:
Studies have shown that a distinct microbiome is associated with OSCC, but how the microbiome functions within the tumor interacts with the host cells remains unclear. By simultaneously characterizing the microbial and host transcriptomes in OSCC and control tissues, the study provides novel insights into microbiome-host interactions in OSCC which can be validated in future mechanistic studies.
Prediagnostic CT or MRI Utilization and Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: SEER-Medicare Database Analysis
Authors: Karim Mohammad A. , Singal Amit G. , Kum Hye Chung , Lee Yi-Te , Park Sulki , Rich Nicole E. , Noureddin Mazen , Yang Ju Dong
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound-based surveillance has suboptimal sensitivity for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) detection, generating interest in alternative surveillance modalities. We aim to investigate the association between prediagnostic CT or MRI and overall survival in a contemporary cohort of patients with HCC. Using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, we analyzed Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with HCC between 2011 and 2015. Proportion of time covered (PTC) was defined as the proportion of the 36-month period prior to HCC diagnosis in which patients had received abdominal imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the association between PTC and overall survival. Among 5,098 patients with HCC, 3,293 (65%) patients had abdominal imaging prior to HCC diagnosis, of whom 67% had CT/MRI. Median PTC by any abdominal imaging was 5.6% [interquartile range (IQR): 0%–36%], with few patients having PTC >50%. Compared with no abdominal images, ultrasound [adjusted HR (aHR): 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–0.95] and CT/MRI group (aHR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.63–0.74) were associated with improved survival. Lead-time adjusted analysis showed improved survival continued to be observed with CT/MRI (aHR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74–0.87) but not ultrasound (aHR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.91–1.10). Increased PTC was associated with improved survival, with a larger effect size observed with CT/MRI (aHR per 10%: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91–0.95) than ultrasound (aHR per 10%: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95–0.98). In conclusion, PTC by abdominal images was associated with improved survival in patients with HCC, with potential greater benefit using CT/MRI. Regular utilization of CT/MRI before cancer diagnosis may have potential survival benefit compared to ultrasound in patients with HCC.

Significance:

Our population-based study using SEER-Medicare database demonstrated that proportion of time covered by abdominal imaging was associated with improved survival in patients with HCC, with potential greater benefit using CT/MRI. The results suggest that CT/MRI surveillance may have potential survival benefit compared with ultrasound surveillance in high-risk patients for HCC. A larger prospective study should be conducted for external validation.
Guia de posicionamento radiográfico em equinos
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Souza Anderson Fernando de , Granella Milena Carol Sbrussi ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Tokawa Paula Keiko Anadão ,   Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Hagen Stefano Carlo Filippo ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Published: May 2023

Este guia apresenta as principais projeções radiográficas dos esqueletos axial e apendicular do equino, realizadas rotineiramente para procedimentos diagnósticos e exames de compra. Imagens do posicionamento do emissor e da placa detectora, do animal e dos profissionais são apresentados, além de uma imagem radiográfica obtida a partir do posicionamento. Além disso, um descrição sucinta das referências anatômicas e dicas são apresentadas. As imagens radiográficas presentes neste livro foram obtidas do banco de imagens radiográficas dos Serviços de Cirurgia de Grandes Animais e de Clínica Médica de Equinos da FMVZ/USP, sendo selecionadas as imagens que melhor representassem a anatomia radiográfica normal, contudo, discretas alterações podem estar presentes em algumas radiografias, porém sem afetar a proposta deste material. Os autores esperam que este livro possa ser útil e colabore para tornar a avaliação radiográfica dos equinos mais assertiva e também na construção de uma medicina veterinária de excelência no Brasil.
Avaliação isocinética de extensores e flexores de joelho de ciclistas amadores
Authors: Weber Thais Andréia Schepa , Pereira Letícia , Tadiello Gerson Saciloto , Rech Anderson , Bonetti Leandro Viçosa
Published: May 2023

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o desempenho muscular de extensores e flexores de joelho de ciclistas amadores do sexo masculino. Participaram deste estudo 20 ciclistas de estrada amadores, do sexo masculino, com idade média de 37,70 (±4,34) anos, tempo médio de prática esportiva de 12,05 (±7,99) anos, frequência média de treino semanal de 4,75 (±1,16) dias e distância média semanal percorrida de 301,90 (±97,44) quilômetros. Para avaliação do desempenho muscular dos extensores e flexores de joelho foi utilizado um dinamômetro isocinético, no modo concêntrico-concêntrico, nas velocidades angulares de 60°/s., 120°/s., 180°/s. e 240°/s. Os parâmetros analisados foram o pico de torque de extensores e flexores de joelho, além da razão flexores/extensores. O teste t pareado de Student foi utilizado para verificar assimetrias entre os membros e foi considerado o nível de significância de p < 0,05. Na comparação entre o membro dominante e o membro não-dominante, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os membros, tanto na análise dos valores médios de pico de torque como da razão flexores/extensores em todas as velocidades angulares avaliadas. Os resultados sugerem que, em ciclistas amadores, os movimentos cíclicos e com exigências bilaterais idênticas podem ser responsáveis pelas simetrias encontradas. Entretanto, os valores baixos da razão flexores/extensores apontam desequilíbrios musculares entre extensores e flexores de joelho, o que pode resultar em um maior risco de lesões.
Defasagens entre o audível e o visível no cinema contemporâneo: disjunções em filmes com voz over
Authors: Alvim Luíza Beatriz A. M.
Published: May 2023

Partindo do cinema moderno de Robert Bresson, este artigo analisa três filmes contemporâneos com voz over – Risttuules (Na ventania, 2014), de Martti Helde, Arábia (2017), de Affonso Uchôa e João Dumans, e Transit (Em trânsito, 2018), de Christan Petzold –, buscando relações entre o audível e o visível. Observou-se que essas relações são caracterizadas por defasagens, que correspondem, de forma estrita, às diferenças de tempo entre o dito pela voz e o visto na imagem, mas que são também entendidas num sentido geral de estranheza decorrente daquilo que se ouve em relação ao que se vê, seja por efeito de desdramatização, seja por uma disjunção/conjunção de tempos históricos. São filmes em que há diversas relações com a Literatura e lançamos mão de conceitos deleuzianos, como o de fabulação.
El epílogo de la censura cinematográfica en Chile, 1988-2001
Authors: Donoso Fritz Karen Esther , Iturriaga Echeverría Jorge
Published: May 2023

Este artículo realiza un recorrido histórico del proceso de derogación de la censura cinematográfica en Chile, en la década de 1990. Plantea que este asunto fue central en la demanda por la libertad de expresión que se articuló en la oposición la dictadura militar de Pinochet (1973-1989), sin embargo, los gobiernos posdictatoriales tuvieron dificultades políticas y culturales para llevar a cabo el proceso. Estas se explican por las trabas con que la dictadura dejó amarradas algunas materias tanto a nivel legal como a nivel de instituciones. Finalmente, este largo proceso interno se vio dinamizado por la presión internacional.
Geoturismo em Ribeirão Preto (SP)
Authors: Del Lama Eliane Aparecida , Dehira Lauro Kazumi , Martins Lucelene , Mazzucato Eliana
Published: May 2023

Ribeirão Preto, localizada no nordeste do estado de São Paulo, é uma cidade populosa e com alto Índice de Desenvolvimento Urbano Municipal. Geomorfologicamente, insere-se na província das Cuestas Basálticas, uma área de transição entre a Depressão Periférica e o Planalto Ocidental. Geologicamente está sobre os basaltos da Formação Serra Geral, da Bacia do Paraná. Afloramentos naturais de basalto e edificações com variados litotipos fazem com que a cidade tenha grande potencial para o geoturismo urbano. A partir de pesquisa bibliográfica e trabalhos de campo, foram selecionados pontos de interesse geológico na região central, no bairro Campos Elíseos, no Morro São Bento e nos parques municipais Prefeito Luiz Roberto Jábali e Dr. Luis Carlos Raya. Esses parques foram implantados em pedreiras de basalto desativadas. O trabalho resultou na elaboração de um guia geoturístico de Ribeirão Preto, com descrição de feições que ocorrem em afloramentos de basalto, e também nas pedras (locais, nacionais e importadas) constituintes de monumentos, igrejas, cemitério e outras edificações. Espera-se, assim, fomentar essa nova forma de turismo, denominada Geoturismo Urbano, disseminando conceitos geocientíficos e auxiliando a população a melhor compreender e apreciar a geodiversidade ribeiro-pretana.
Identification of priority geosites for public use management: application to the geological heritage inventory of São Paulo state
Authors: Santos Priscila Lopes de Abreu , Garcia Maria da Glória Motta
Published: May 2023

The characterization of the elements of geodiversity, through different inventory and quantitative evaluation methods, in the past decades, has allowed the identification of the most representative sites of the regional geological evolution of the state of São Paulo. Between 2013 and 2016, the first phase of the inventory of the geological heritage of São Paulo state was carried out. At the end of this stage, 142 geosites integrated into 11 geological categories were defined, which were characterized and quantitatively evaluated according to their scientific value and degradation risk, to establish future management priorities. Between 2017 and 2019, in the second phase of the research, the data obtained in the inventory were submitted to an analysis aiming at the diagnosis of use and protection and the proposal of strategies for management and public use of these geosites. Currently, the inventory of the geological heritage of the state is composed of 143 geosites, of which, based on their scientific value, 57 were evaluated as potential candidates to be integrated into the inventory of the national geological heritage. Despite this, there are still few works that systematically apply the stages of conservation and monitoring of geological sites. In this context, this study presented the initial phase of the definition of a methodology for the assessment of the evolution of the state of conservation of the geological heritage and its application in the state of São Paulo, to subsidize future actions of management and preservation of this heritage. In this stage, 129 state geosites were evaluated based on three defined criteria. This evaluation preliminarily resulted in the identification of 10 priority geosites, which will
Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis in Adult Patients With Ebstein Anomaly: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Histopathological Samples
Authors: Fernandez-Badillo Valente , Serrano-Roman Javier , Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Cabello-Ganem Aldo , Espejel-Guzman Adrian , Torres-Araujo Laura Victoria , Aranda-Fraustro Alberto , Cano-Zarate Roberto , Solorzano-Pinot Enrique , Keirns Candace , Meave-Gonzalez Aloha , Alexanderson-Rosas Erick , Espinola-Zavaleta Nilda
Published: May 2023

Background:

The association between Ebstein anomaly and myocardial fibrosis, particularly in the left ventricle, has been controversial. We aimed to assess the prevalence of replacement fibrosis with a focus on the left ventricle (LV) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), make a histopathological association between LV fibrosis and CMR findings, and explore whether LV fibrosis is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality using a derived risk score.

Methods:

We performed a 12-year (2009–2021) retrospective cohort of adult patients with Ebstein anomaly who underwent CMR. The CMR evaluation included a comprehensive assessment of myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Four postmortem samples were obtained from our cohort and stained using Masson trichrome to characterize LV fibrosis. We used Cox-regression analysis to identify and derive a prediction score that associated LV fibrosis with cardiovascular disease mortality.

Results:

We included 57 adults with Ebstein anomaly (52% men; median age, 29.52 [interquartile range, 21.24–39.17] years), of whom 12 died during follow-up. LGE prevalence by CMR was observed in 52.6% in any chamber; LV-LGE in 29.8%. Histopathological findings revealed a mid-wall pattern with predominantly interstitial fibrosis and minimal replacement fibrosis. LV-LGE was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality (hazard ratio, 6.02 [95% CI, 1.22–19.91]) attributable to lateral and mid-wall LV segment involvement. Our mortality score achieved an overall good prediction capacity (R
2
, 0.435; C statistic, 0.93; D
xy
, 0.86).

Conclusions:

There is a high prevalence of LV fibrosis replacement in adults with Ebstein anomaly, characterized by specific CMR and histological patterns. Furthermore, LV-LGE fibrosis is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality, which could be integrated into risk assessment in clinical management.
Rivaroxaban for Prevention of Thrombotic Events, Hospitalization, and Death in Outpatients With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Piazza Gregory , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Hsia Judith , Goldin Mark , Towner William J. , Go Alan S. , Bull Todd M. , Weng Stephen , Lipardi Concetta , Barnathan Elliot S. , Bonaca Marc P. ,   on behalf of the PREVENT-HD Investigators
Published: May 2023

Background:

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is associated with heightened risks of venous and arterial thrombosis and hospitalization due to respiratory failure. To assess whether prophylactic anticoagulation can safely reduce the frequency of venous and arterial thrombosis, hospitalization, and death in nonhospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and at least one thrombosis risk factor, we conducted the PREVENT-HD double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial (A Study of Rivaroxaban to Reduce the Risk of Major Venous and Arterial Thrombotic Events, Hospitalization and Death in Medically Ill Outpatients With Acute, Symptomatic COVID-19] Infection).

Methods:

PREVENT-HD was conducted between August 2020 and April 2022 at 14 US integrated health care delivery networks. A virtual trial design used remote informed consent and clinical monitoring and facilitated data collection through electronic health record integration with a cloud-based research platform. Nonhospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and at least one thrombosis risk factor were enrolled and randomly assigned to either 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban or placebo daily for 35 days. The primary efficacy outcome was time to first occurrence of a composite of symptomatic venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, acute limb ischemia, non–central nervous system systemic arterial embolism, hospitalization, or death through day 35. The principal safety end point was International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis critical-site or fatal bleeding. The last study visit was on day 49.

Results:

The study was terminated prematurely because of enrollment challenges and a lower-than-expected blinded pooled event rate. A total of 1284 patients underwent randomization with complete accrual of primary events through May 2022. No patients were lost to follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 22 of 641 in the rivaroxaban group and 19 of 643 in the placebo group (3.4% versus 3.0%; hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 0.63–2.15];
P
=0.63). No patient in either group experienced critical-site or fatal bleeding. One patient receiving rivaroxaban had a major bleed.

Conclusions:

The study was terminated prematurely after enrollment of 32% of planned accrual because of recruitment challenges and lower-than-expected event rate. Rivaroxaban prescribed for 35 days in nonhospitalized patients with symptomatic COVID-19 at risk for thrombosis did not appear to reduce a composite end point of venous and arterial thrombotic events, hospitalization, and death.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04508023.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mediates Neuronal Apoptosis After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Nakano Fumi , Kanamaru Hideki , Kawakita Fumihiro , Liu Lei , Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Nishikawa Hirofumi , Okada Takeshi , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: May 2023

Background:

Early brain injury including neuronal apoptosis is a main contributor to neurological deterioration after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study was aimed to investigate whether EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)/NFκB (nuclear factor-kappa B) inducing kinase (NIK)/NFκB (p65 and p50) pathway is involved in the neuronal apoptosis after SAH in mice.

Methods:

C57BL/6 adult male mice underwent endovascular perforation SAH modeling or sham-operation (n=286), and 86 mild SAH mice were excluded. In experiment 1, vehicle or an EGFR inhibitor (632.0 ng AG1478) was administered intraventricularly at 30 minutes postmodeling. At 24 or 72 hours, after neurological score was tested, brain water content, double immunolabeling with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and a neuronal marker antimicrotubule-associated protein-2 antibody, Western blotting using whole tissue lysate or nuclear protein extraction of the left cortex, and immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated (p-) EGFR, NIK, p-NFκB p65, and NFκB p105/50 were evaluated. In experiment 2, after sham or SAH modeling, AG1478+vehicle or AG1478+4.0 ng EGF was administered intraventricularly. The brain was used for TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry after 24-hour observation.

Results:

SAH group showed deteriorated neurological score (
P
<0.01, Mann-Whitney
U
test), more TUNEL- and cleaved caspase-3-positive neurons (
P
<0.01, ANOVA), and higher brain water content (
P
<0.01, Mann-Whitney
U
test), and these observations were improved in SAH-AG1478 group. Western blotting showed that expression levels of p-EGFR, p-p65, p50, and nuclear-NIK were increased after SAH (
P
<0.05, ANOVA), and decreased by AG1478 administration. Immunohistochemistry revealed these molecules localized in degenerating neurons. EGF administration resulted in neurological deterioration, increased TUNEL-positive neurons, and activation of EGFR, NIK, and NFκB.

Conclusions:

Activated EGFR, nuclear-NIK, and NFκB expressions were observed in cortical degenerating neurons after SAH, and were decreased by administration of AG1478, associated with suppression of TUNEL- and cleaved caspase-3-positive neurons. EGFR/NIK/NFκB pathway is suggested to be involved in neuronal apoptosis after SAH in mice.