bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Triple-negative Breast Cancer with Germline Mutation of both BRCA1 and TP53: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Yuan Mengqi , Zhang Ying , Zhang Chenyang , Wan Donggui
Published: June 2022

Almost 5–10% of breast cancer cases have inherited mutations. TP53 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated in human malignancies, including breast cancer. In addition, BRCA1 and BRCA 2 are the most frequently mutated genes in breast cancer. Nearly 80% of BRCA1 mutation carriers are diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age before menopause. There are currently no report of early onset breast cancer with both BRCA1 and TP53 germline mutations. Here, we report the case of a 14-years-old female diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with a family history of malignant tumors. The cancer metastasized to multiple lymph nodes 1 year and 4 months after surgery, and the progression-free survival (PFS) after subsequent chemotherapy and surgery has been over 2 years and 9 months. The patient’s white blood cells were screened against a panel of 11 cancer-related genes, and both germline mutations of BRCA1 and TP53 were identified. Genetic tests on the patient’s family members revealed the same BRCA1 mutation in her father and brother but no mutation was detected in other members. The case indicates that a multiple gene panel screening should be performed for the family members of breast cancer patients with an early age of onset and a family history of cancer.
Longitudinal investigation of a xenograft tumor zebrafish model using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lichtenegger Antonia , Tamaoki Junya , Licandro Roxane , Mori Tomoko , Mukherjee Pradipta , Bian Lixuan , Makita Shuichi , Matsusaka Satoshi , Kobayashi Makoto , Baumann Bernhard , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in female patients worldwide. Further research is needed to get a deeper insight into the mechanisms involved in the development of this devastating disease and to find new therapy strategies. The zebrafish is an established animal model, especially in the field of oncology, which has shown to be a promising candidate for pre-clinical research and precision-based medicine. To investigate cancer growth in vivo in zebrafish, one approach is to explore xenograft tumor models. In this article, we present the investigation of a juvenile xenograft zebrafish model using a Jones matrix optical coherence tomography (JM-OCT) prototype. Immunosuppressed wild-type fish at one-month post-fertilization were injected with human breast cancer cells and control animals with phosphate buffered saline in the tail musculature. In a longitudinal study, the scatter, polarization, and vasculature changes over time were investigated and quantified in control versus tumor injected animals. A significant decrease in birefringence and an increase in scattering signal was detected in tumor injected zebrafish in comparison to the control once. This work shows the potential of JM-OCT as a non-invasive, label-free, three-dimensional, high-resolution, and tissue-specific imaging tool in pre-clinical cancer research based on juvenile zebrafish models.
Neural activation during semantic processing in older adults
Authors: Garcia Amanda , Cohen Ronald , Porges Eric , Williamson John , Woods Adam
Published: June 2022

Neural activation on fMRI during semantic processing was examined in 38 older adults, 55–85 years of age, experiencing successfully cognitive aging, without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or evidence of neurodegenerative disease. A mixed event-related block paradigm on which judgements were made as to whether semantic (abstract and concrete) and phonemic (rhyme) word-pairs were associated or unassociated during task-dependent fMRI. As hypothesized, greater activation intensity occurred during the processing of associated vs. unassociated, and to semantic vs. phonemic word-pairs in putative semantic hubs-control areas (angular gyrus, anterior middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus), and in secondary association areas. Several areas activated more to unassociated word-pairs, notably the hippocampus and thalamus. Cortical area exhibited similar activation intensity between semantic conditions, though several areas activated more during either abstract or concrete processing. Activation intensity of the left inferior frontal gyrus was greater during abstract processing, but not in the left angular or anterior temporal gyri. Greater age was associated with relatively few differences in cortical activation, though greater right homologous activation occurred in the angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and the precuneus during the processing of strongly vs. weakly associated concrete word-pairs. Activation intensity did not differ across semantic conditions with greater age otherwise, suggesting that neural response of the semantic hubs, control and secondary cortical association areas is relatively preserved in older adults without MCI or neurodegenerative disease. Age-associated differences in neural activation are likely task-dependent, evident when there is greater demand for semantic control and generation among older adults.
Precise Identification of Cancer Recurrent Driven Targets for Sequential Treatment in Metastatic Gastric Cancer and Melanoma
Authors: Shu Chuanjun , Cui Jiahua , Chen Junjie , Zhang Yi , Ren Yanlin , Li Jin , Chen Dongyin , Ding Kun , Li Aiping , Zhang Ruiwen , He Jingdong , Shu Yongqian , Zhou Jianwei
Published: June 2022

Background: Because of intratumor heterogeneity, most patients with solid tumor received limit benefits from the first line regimen. The intratumor heterogeneous molecules are known to drive tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and disease relapse at late stage across many cancers. The strategy of precise identify the cancer recurrent drive-related heterogeneous molecules from residual tumor tissues is the urgent and unmet clinical need, and it will help clinicians to optimal match the approved cancer-cross-drugs.Methods: The potential cancer recurrent driven targets recognition algorithm was constructed based on proteomics data followed by signal network analysis of tumor tissues before and after treatment. The weight and ranking of the candidate targets were further determined according to advanced research progress and related network databases. Sequential therapies were conducted to confirm the role of cancer recurrent driven molecules in mice with lung metastasis of either BGC823 or B16F10 cells.Results: The algorithm system was established successfully for precise identifying the cancer driven targets from the metastatic lung tumor foci. Thirty-eight candidate targets were identified from residual metastatic foci of GC (gastric cancer) in mice model; and 5 of 38 targets including JWA, MDM2, FASN, USP9X, and PFN1 were sequentially treated with target-specific peptide or inhibitors in BALB/c nude mice; similarly, 5 of 54 candidate targets including JWA, MDM2, SMAD3, IDH1/2, and mTOR were identified from the metastatic lung foci of melanoma and treated sequentially in C57BL/6 mice. Data showed that each additional sequential therapy of new target significantly reduced GC lung metastasis and prolonged the survival in melanoma lung metastasis mice. Meanwhile, both JWA and MDM2 were identified as re-cyclable targets for treatment in both GC and melanoma models. Together, our results may make possible for real individual therapeutic regimens on metastatic GC and melanoma.Conclusions: The highlight of our study should be the tumor recurrent driven targets recognition approach which may pave the way for the rational design of improved therapies against resistant malignancies. More importantly, the recognition algorithm may get into translational significance, and make possible for real precise individual therapeutic regimen of every cancer cases.
Exploring the nano-polishing mechanisms of Invar
Authors: Wang Wan , Hua Dongpeng , Luo Dawei , Zhou Qing , Eder Stefan J. , Li Shuo , Wang Zhijun , Wang Haifeng
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of nano-polishing technology, ultra-precise micro-nano components require tighter tolerances for the surface engineering of the Invar alloy. Due to its low hardness and high chemical activity, it is a challenge to reveal the nano-polishing mechanism experimentally. In this work, we studied the effect of polishing parameters on the nano-polishing properties of Invar by molecular dynamics simulation, and experiments were conducted to verify the simulation results. Our findings indicate that higher polishing speed and shallower polishing depth with optimized rolling torque can lead to a reduction of the subsurface damage layer thickness as well as an improvement in polishing efficiency and surface quality. The nano-polishing mechanism is revealed, showing that effective removal occurs only in the plowing regime and the cutting regime, which require sufficient rolling and sliding depths, respectively. Furthermore, an analytic removal theory was developed that excellently describes and predicts the polishing behavior of Invar. This work provides a guideline for improving the polishing precision, surface quality, and material removal efficiency for Invar work pieces.
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted production of ergosterol from Penicillium brevicompactum by Taguchi statistical method
Authors: Alinaghi Masoumeh , Vali Nasim , Fatemi Seyed-Safa-Ali
Published: June 2022

Ergosterol as a primary metabolite and precursor of vitamin D2, is the most plentiful mycosterols in the fungal cell membrane. Process optimization to increase the yield and productivity of biological products is a topic of interest. Ultrasonic waves have many applications in biotechnology, like cell disruption, and production enhancement of primary and secondary metabolites. This study disclosed an optimal condition for ultrasound-assisted production (UAP) of ergosterol from Penicillium brevicompactum MUCL 19011 using L9 Taguchi statistical method. The intensity (IS), time of sonication (TS), treatment frequency (TF), and number of days of treatment (DT) were allocated to study the effects of ultrasound on ergosterol production. The results were analyzed using Minitab version 19. The maximum ergosterol, 11 mg/g cell dry weight (CDW), was produced on the tenth day while all factors were at a low level. The days of treatment with a contribution of 45.48% was the most significant factor for ergosterol production. For the first time, this study revealed the positive effect of ultrasound on the production of ergosterol. Ergosterol production increased 73 % (4.63 mg/g CDW) after process optimization. Finally, a mathematical model of ultrasound factors with a regression coefficient of R2 = 0.978 was obtained in the ergosterol production.
Viral Metagenomics Identifies a Novel Recombinant Murine Astrovirus from Rattus norvegicus in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Li Wang , Li Xin , Hu Haitao , Xu Juan , Qian Jin , Ni Pin , Zhou Xiaobin , Han Junling , Zhao Yan , Gong Qin , Dong Surong , Peng Hailin , Zhou Chenglin
Published: June 2022

Murine astrovirus (MuAstV) is widespread infection among wild and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) and mice (Mus musculus). In this study, using viral metagenomics method, a near-complete genome of astrovirus isolate, named TZ-AST, was identified from Rattus norvegicus in mainland of China for the first time. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolate TZ-AST and representative Murine astrovirus isolates cluster into one group and the isolate shares 90.2% nucleotide sequence of ORF1a similarity with a USA isolate SJ001 (Genbank Accession No.: MK395165), while sharing 94.9% nucleotide sequence of ORF2 similarity with another USA isolate MAV1 (Genbank Accession No. MF175075). This indicated that TZ-AST might be a recombinant. Complete genome sequences of MuAstV, together with that of TZ-AST were peformed recombination analysis using RDP 5.0. Results showed that TZ-AST with higher sequence similarity to the major parent MuAstV (MK395165), in the region of 494–2028 nt, while in the region of 5010–6259 nt, TZ-AST displayed higher sequence similarity to minor parent MuAstV (MF175075). Phylogenetic trees based on the genome region of 494–2028 nt and 5010–6259 nt were constructed respectively and comfirmed that TZ-AST is a novel Recombinant. Epidemiologic study showed that the prevalence rate of astrovirus was 17.4% in Rattus norvegicus in Taizhou, China.
A Structural Equation Model-Based Study on The Status and Influencing Factors of Acute Exacerbation Readmission in Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease within 30 Days
Authors: Lu Hong-Yan , Zhang Rui , Chang Yan , Zhang Xiao-Na , Zhao Jie , Li Xin-Dan , Feng Xiang-Kai
Published: June 2022

Objective To investigate the situation of acute exacerbation readmission in elderly patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) within 30 days, and to explore the influencing factors of readmission by structural equation model, so as to provide evidence for medical staff to take effective intervention measures. Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select 1120 elderly COPD patients from respiratory department of 13 general hospitals in Ningxia region from April 2019 to August 2020 for questionnaire survey. The participants completed the questionnaire containing general data questionnaire, Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scale. Results The readmission rate of acute exacerbation within 30 days in elderly COPD patients was 21.52%; The modified model fits well. Fitting results showed that seasonal factors, family rehabilitation, age factors and overall status were the direct influencing factors of acute exacerbation readmission in elderly COPD patients within 30 days. Smoking status is not only a direct factor for acute exacerbation of readmission within 30 days, but also an indirect effect through disease status; Disease status and chronic disease are not only direct factors for acute exacerbation of readmission within 30 days, but also indirectly through overall status. Conclusions The rate of acute exacerbation readmission within 30 days in elderly patients with COPD is high, While taking measures to prevent readmission based on direct influencing factors, attention should be paid to the interaction between factors.
KXS Balances the Tryptophan Metabolism in Mild to Moderate Depressed Patients and Chronic Restraint Stress Induced Depressive Rats
Authors: Wang Yuanbo , Li Xia , Jing Rui , Yang Wenshan , Wang Yichen , Wang Chaochen , Yao Lei , Cui Xiaoming , Hu Yuan
Published: June 2022

Objective: Tryptophan metabolism is involved in the etiology and exacerbation of depressive disorders. Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been widely used to treat depression, but how it regulates depressive-like behavior by shifting the balance of the tryptophan-serotonin metabolism and kynurenine pathway remains vague.Methods: Ten participants with mild to moderate depression treated with KXS (KXS preparation) were analyzed in this study. Depression rating scale score, the concentration of serum tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan and kynurenine was measured at baseline and the endpoint of KXS treatment. To explore the specific regulatory mechanism of KXS in tryptophan metabolism, chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced depressive rats were conducted and the hippocampus level of tryptophan metabolites and key enzymes were analyzed respectively.Results: KXS significantly decreased depression rating scale scores and increased the serum tryptophan and kynurenine concentration in depressive patients. Also, it alleviated the depressive behavior in CRS rats obviously. Comparing with CRS group, KXS increased tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, kynurenine level in hippocampus. Furthermore, KXS decreased the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, increased kynurenic acid by upregulating the expression of kynurenine aminotransferase while decreased quinolinic acid level in hippocampus, which suggested that KXS more favored improving serotonin pathway and neuroprotective kynurenic acid branch in tryptophan metabolism.Conclusion: This is the first tryptophan metabolomic study of patients with depression undergoing KXS treatment. Combining these clinical results with CRS induced rat model studies, it verified that KXS achieves an excellent antidepressant effect and balances tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathways by regulating some key metabolic products and enzymes.
Risk factors predicting residual lesion in subsequent hysterectomy following cold knife conization(CKC) for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL)
Authors: Yong Zeng , Tao Jiang , Yahong Zheng , Jing Yang , Hua Wei , Cunjian Yi , Liu Yan , Keming Chen
Published: June 2022

Objective
To determine risk factors predicting residual lesion in a subsequent hysterectomy follow a cold knife conization (CKC) for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL).
Method
Between January 2010 and December 2021, a total of 740 patients who underwent a hysterectomy within 3 months after CKC for HSIL were included in this study. We analyzed their demographic features and pathological parameters. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between parameters and residual lesion in subsequent hysterectomy specimens.
Results
104 (14.1%) had residual lesion in the hysterectomy specimen, HSIL in 101 patients, 3 patients with microinvasive carcinoma which were positive combine margin. The rate of residual lesion in patients with positive endocervical margin was 31.3%, with positive ectocervical margin was 15.3%, with positive combine margin was 38.6%. In multivariate analysis, positive margin (OR,4.015; 95%CI,2.526–6.381; P < 0.001), glandular involvement (OR,3.484; 95%CI, 1.457–8.330; P = 0.005), HPV16/18 infection(OR,2.804; 95%CI, 1.705–4.611; P < 0.001) and multiple HR-HPV infection (P = 0.019, OR,1.813; 95%CI,1.130–2.909; P < 0.014) were independent risk factors for residual lesions. The AUC calculated by logistic regression model was 0.78.
Conclusion
positive margin, positive glandular involvement, HPV16/18 and multiple HR-HPV infection were independent high risk factors of residual lesion in a subsequent hysterectomy following CKC for HSIL.
Should evidence from controlled ART trials be excluded from systematic reviews concerning the clinical merits of directly placed posterior restorative materials? (Preprint)
Authors:   Steffen Mickenautsch1
Published: June 2022

Objective: To investigate the argument’s validity that randomised control trials comparing high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) placed using atraumatic restorative treatment, against amalgam or composite resin restorations (ART/RCTs) carry a confounder: a secondary comparison of incomplete against complete tooth excavation.Methods: The logical validity of the relationships between the argument’s components was assessed. The empirical validity of its key-assumptions was appraised by systematic review. Key-assumptions were converted into 3 search questions: Do treatment techniques that rely on complete excavation using different materials follow the same treatment steps? Is incomplete excavation during ART directly related to the material properties of HVGIC? Do restorations placed, after incomplete excavation have a higher failure rate than after direct excavation? PubMed and GoogleScholar were search (December 28, 2016). Reference check, journal hand searching was conducted. Bias risk was assessed. Data was extracted from accepted trials and statistically analyzed.Results: The relationship between the argument’s components was found logically valid but its underlying key-assumptions empirically invalid. The results suggest that: Differences in placement techniques are not unique to that between HVGIC/ART and amalgam or composite resin materials, but are also observable between that of amalgam and composite resin; HVGICs material properties appear appropriate to the consequences of incomplete excavation during ART; The current clinical evidence does not indicate a statistically significant higher failure rate of tooth restorations placed after incomplete excavation.Conclusions: ART/RCTs appear not to contain a confounder. Future systematic reviews and future updates of existing systematic reviews, may consider the inclusion of ART/RCTs for appraisal.
The Role of Continuing Medical Education Programs in Promoting Iranian nurses’ competency toward Non-communicable Diseases: a qualitative content analysis study
Authors: Zarei Maryam , Mojarrab Sadaf , Bazrafcan Leila
Published: June 2022

BackgroundContinuing professional education is essential for nurses to provide quality patient care and upgrade their professional skills and competence. The need for continuing medical education (CME) has become more apparent in the face of advances in medical science, the ever-changing healthcare system, and the vital role nurses play in improving health care. Therefore, it is imperative to explore nurses’ experience of CME courses and the extent to which such programs are effective.ObjectiveThe present qualitative study aimed to explore and describe nurses' experience on the effect of CE programs in promoting their competencies toward non-communicable diseases.MethodsThis qualitative content analysis study was conducted from December 2019 until April 2020 at various hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran) and based on the principles of conventional content analysis. The target population was nurses actively working on the chronic wards of these hospitals. The participants were selected using maximum variation sampling, including eight nursing managers, education and clinical supervisors, and staff nurses. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews guided by an interview guide and data collection until data saturation was achieved. Each interview took about 30-45 minutes, and the follow-up questions were used for clarification when needed. Data trustworthiness was assessed according to the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln.ResultsAnalysis of the interview data resulted in 230 primary codes based on which 15 subcategories, six categories, and three themes were identified. The extracted themes were training to improve knowledge and attitude, training to improve professional skills and the need for adequate training programs. The associated categories were training to improve clinical knowledge, professional attitude training, clinical skills related to holistic and person-centered care, communication skills training, incorporating the fundamentals of adequate training, and recognizing common challenges and barriers to practical training.ConclusionProfessional competence and performance of nurses can be improved through intrinsic motivation stimulation, planning and implementation of training programs based on professional needs, and practical assessment of the teaching/learning process.
Evaluation of YouTube videos for information and education on amblyopia
Authors: Dhillon Hennaav Kaur , Jha Ujjwal Prakash , Goel Itisha , Singh Rohan Bir , Ichhpujani Parul , Parmar Uday Pratap Singh
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE YouTube is a popular social media platform accessed by people to obtain relevant health and disease-related information. In this study, we evaluate the videos on the platform as a source of information about amblyopia.METHODSIn this prospective, cross-sectional study, a YouTube search was conducted using three keywords, “Lazy eye”, “amblyopia,” and “Lazy eye treatment,” on January 26, 2022. Video quality assessment was done using Modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Global Quality Score, and the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HON code) scale. Video content was analyzed as health professional and non-health professional, video length, release date, daily view count, and video power index. We evaluated the relationship between the groups and video quality on the platform.RESULTSOf the 300 initial videos investigated for the study, 219 met the inclusion criteria and were added to the final statistical analysis. Of the selected videos, nearly 50% contained content related to medical education. More than half of the videos analyzed (130; 59.36%) were uploaded by healthcare professionals (HCP). The mDISCERN mean (± SD)score for the videos was 2.65 ± 1.24, 2.37 ± 1.02 for the JAMA scoring scale, and 3.72 ± 1.75 for the HON code. All the scoring systems were better for HCP than non-healthcare professionals (NHCPs). CONCLUSIONSA wide variety of information about Amblyopia is available on YouTube. The videos uploaded by NHCP had suboptimal flow and information of limited use to patients.
Multilocular thymic cyst in a HIV positive adult man detected during COVID-19 treatment: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hatano Hiroto , Sumiya Ryusuke , Misumi Kento , Miyazaki Hideki , Ikeda Takeshi , Nagasaka Satoshi
Published: June 2022

Background
Multilocular thymic cysts (MTC) are rare mediastinal tumors with multiloculated cyst-like structures in the anterior mediastinum. It is associated with a good prognosis when accurately diagnosed using needle biopsy or surgical removal but must be carefully differentiated from other cyst-forming tumors such as thymoma, thymic carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and seminoma. MTC is associated with inflammatory diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To date, only 15 cases of HIV infection have been reported in adult patients, and most cases show HIV infection-related symptoms such as lymphoid interstitial pneumonia and parotid gland enlargement. We report a case of asymptomatic MTC in an HIV-positive adult patient treated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Case presentation:
An anterior mediastinal tumor was incidentally detected on computed tomography of a 52-year-old man with a 20-year history of HIV infection during COVID-19 treatment. The patient was asymptomatic with no notable physical findings. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 28 mm bilocular cyst. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic tumor resection was performed. Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to be a cystic lesion within the thymus, and the thymic tissue showed hyperplasia and diffuse smaller cystic changes. Pathological examination showed that the cysts were lined with squamous or cuboidal epithelium, and the cyst wall was mainly composed of thymic tissue with follicular hyperplasia. Hassall’s corpuscles and cholesterol granulomas are also observed. Signs of malignancy were not observed. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with MTC. The patient is currently being followed up at an outpatient clinic without any signs of recurrence.
Conclusion
We report a case of MTC detected during COVID-19 treatment in an adult HIV-positive patient. Accumulation of cyst formation cases in COVID-19 patients is needed to elucidate the relationship between MTC and COVID-19.
Artificial Intelligence for Clinical Decision Support in Acute Ischemic Stroke Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hilbert Adam , Akay Ela M. , Carlisle Benjamin G. , Madai Vince I. , Mutke Matthias A. , Frey Dietmar
Published: June 2022

Established randomized-trial-based parameters for acute ischemic stroke care fail to consider individualized patient data, leading to attempts to support or automate treatment and diagnosis decisions using artificial intelligence methods. We review existing research, specifically regarding methodological robustness, thereby identifying constraints for clinical AI implementation. Our systematic review of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) includes full-text English language publications proposing AI-based methods for decision support in acute ischemic stroke cases in adult patients. We (a) describe data and outcomes used in those systems, (b) estimate the systems’ benefits compared to traditional stroke diagnosis and treatment, and (c) report concordance with the MINIMAR checklist. 121 studies met our inclusion criteria. 65 were included for full extraction. In our sample, utilized data sources, methods, and reporting practices were highly heterogeneous; adherence to the MINIMAR checklist was low. Our results suggest significant validity threats, dissonance in reporting practices and challenges to clinical translation. We outline practical recommendations for successful implementation of AI in acute ischemic stroke treatment and diagnosis.Ela M. Akay and Adam Hilbert contributed equally
Masticatory Performance in Patients with Jaw Muscle Pain: A Case Control Study
Authors: Sayegh Samaa Al , Christidis Nikolaos , Kumar Abhishek , Svensson Peter , Grigoriadis Anastasios
Published: June 2022

Background: Masticatory function is often impaired in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) therefore more detailed studies on comminution and mixing ability are warranted in well-defined TMD patients with chronic myalgia. Moreover, there is a need to explore the correlation between any changes in perceived pain or fatigue in such patients and the masticatory function.Methods: Self-assessments using questionnaires regarding pain, oral health, jaw function, masticatory ability, fear of movement and psychosocial signs were answered by all the participants. A series of chewing tasks involving viscoelastic food and two-colored gum was performed. Optical imaging and analyzing was conducted. Bite force as well as characteristics of pain and fatigue were assessed. Results: In patients, the fragmented soft candy particles were less in number and had larger median of area and minimum Feret’s diameter after standardized chewing compared to healthy individuals (P = 0.02). Surprisingly, the two-colored Hue-Check gum was less mixed by the healthy controls since they displayed a greater variance of the hue (P = 0.04). There were significant differences between the patients and the healthy controls in the self-assessed masticatory ability mainly regarding pain-related variables.Conclusions: Objectively, TMD patients with chronic myalgia exhibited an impaired masticatory performance with less efficiency in comminuting soft viscoelastic food compared to the pain-free healthy control group. There was an agreement between the patients’ self-assessed masticatory ability and the efficiency of their masticatory function.
Indications and outcomes of patients receiving therapeutic plasma exchange under critical care conditions: a retrospective eleven-year single-center study at a tertiary care center
Authors: Ring Alexander , Sieber Wolfgang Alexander , Studt Jan Dirk , Schuepbach Reto , Ganter Christoph Camille , Manz Markus Gabriel , Müller Antonia Maria Susanne , David@usz Sascha.
Published: June 2022

Background: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to remove harmful or replace missing circulating plasma components is a well-established procedure with a wide range of disease indications. While per se is not among the daily routine of the intensivist TPE is frequently be performed under critical care conditions. However, data regarding TPE indications, patient characteristics and technical details on the intensive care unit (ICU) are sparse. Methods: We performed a retrospective, single-center study using data from January 2010 until August 2021 for patients treated with TPE in an ICU setting at the University Hospital Zurich. Data was collected from de-identified electronic patient medical records using specific search terms. Patient characteristics (including demographics, BMI, comorbidities, lab values and ICU-specific parameters, outcome), apheresis-specific technical parameters and complications were recorded and analyzed.Results: We identified n=105 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, with an even sex distribution (50.5% women) and median age of 56 (17-85) years. These 105 patients received a total of n=408 TPE treatments for 25 different indications. The most common indication were thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) (38%), with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) being the most prevalent sub-indication (27.6%). Level of evidence according to ASFA (American Society for Apheresis) guidelines varied and was well established in 63.8% of cases. Ten patients presented with TPE-related complications, with anaphylaxis being the most common. Bleeding complications were rare (1%). Median duration of ICU treatment was 8 ± 14 days. A total of 59 (56.2%), 26 (24.8%), and 35 (33.3%) patients needed ventilator, renal replacement or vasopressor support, respectively, with 6 (5.7%) needing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The overall survival in our critically ill patients treated with TPE was 88.6%.Conclusion: Our study provides a comprehensive overview of TPE indications in ICU patients at a major tertiary academic medical center and could serve as a point of reference for other comparable hospitals. Similar studies should be encouraged to establish reliable standards and ultimately improved treatment outcomes.
Anatomical distribution of Cancer Stem Cells between Enhancing Nodule and FLAIR hyperintensity in supratentorial Glioblastoma: time to recalibrate the surgical target?
Authors: Altieri Roberto , Broggi Giuseppe , Certo Francesco , Pacella Daniela , Cammarata Giacomo , Maione Massimiliano , Garozzo Marco , Barbagallo Davide , Purrello Michele , Caltabiano Rosario , Magro Gaetano , Barbagallo Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

It is generally accepted that Glioblastoma (GBM) arise from cancer stem cells (CSC), however, there is little evidence on their anatomical distribution. We investigated the expression and distribution of SOX-2-positive and CD133-positive CSCs both in the enhancing nodule (EN) of GBM and in the FLAIR hyperintensity zones on a surgical, histopathological series of 33 GBMs.The inclusion criterion was the intraoperative sampling of different tumor regions individualized thanks to Neuronavigation and positivity to intraoperative fluorescence with the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). 33 patients (20 males and 13 females with a mean age at diagnosis of 56 years) met the inclusion criterion. A total of 109 histological samples were evaluated, 52 for ENs and 57 for FLAIR hyperintensity zone. Considering the quantitative distribution of levels of intensity of staining (IS), ES (extent score) and immunoreactivity score (IRS), no difference was found between ENs and FLAIR regions for both the SOX-2 biomarker (respectively, IS p=0.851, ES p=0.561, IRS p=1.000) and the CD133 biomarker (IS p=0.653, ES p=0.409, IRS p=0.881). This evidence suggests to recalibrate the target of surgery for FLAIRECTOMY and 5-ALA could improve the possibility to achieve this goal.
Effects of sample preservation methods and duration of storage on the performance of mid-infrared spectroscopy for predicting the age of malaria vectors
Authors: Mgaya Jacqueline N. , Siria Doreen J. , Makala Faraja E. , Mgando Joseph P. , Vianney John-Mary , Mwanga Emmanuel P. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: June 2022

Background
Monitoring the biological attributes of mosquitoes is critical for understanding pathogen transmission and estimating the impacts of vector control interventions. Infrared spectroscopy and machine learning techniques are increasingly being tested for this purpose, and can accurately predict the age, species, blood-meal sources, and pathogen infections in Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. Since the techniques are still in early-stage development, there are no standardized procedures for handling mosquito samples. We therefore assessed the effects of different preservation methods and storage durations on the performance of mid-infrared spectroscopy for age-grading malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Methods
Laboratory-reared Anopheles arabiensis (N = 3,681) were collected as 5 or 17-day olds and killed with ethanol then preserved using either silica desiccant at 5°C, freezing at -20°C, or absolute ethanol at room temperatures. For each preservation method, the mosquitoes were divided into three groups and stored for 1, 4 or 8 weeks, then scanned using attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer on the mid-infrared wavelengths. Supervised machine learning classifiers were trained with the infrared spectra, and used to predict the mosquito ages.
Results
The classification of mosquito ages (as 5 or 17-day olds) was most accurate when the samples used to train the models (training samples) and samples being tested (test samples) were preserved the same way or stored for equal durations. However, when the test and training samples were handled differently, the classification accuracies declined significantly. Support vector machine classifiers (SVMs) trained using spectra of silica-preserved mosquitoes achieved 95% accuracy when predicting the ages of other silica-preserved mosquitoes, but this declined to 72% and 66% when age-classifying mosquitoes preserved using ethanol and freezing respectively. Similarly, models trained on one-week stored samples had declining accuracies of 97%, 83% and 72% when predicting ages of mosquitoes stored for 1, 4 or 8 weeks respectively.
Conclusions
When using mid-infrared spectroscopy and supervised machine learning to age-grade mosquitoes, the highest accuracies are achieved when the training and test samples are preserved the same way and stored for the same durations. Protocols for infrared-based entomological studies should therefore emphasize standardized sample-handling procedures; and possibly, additional statistical procedures such as transfer learning for greater accuracy.
A generalized reciprocally convex inequality and its application to time-varying delay systems
Authors: Ren Zerong , Tian Junkang
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the stability of systems with time-varying delay. Firstly, a generalized reciprocally convex inequality is introduced which includes some existing inequalities as special cases. Secondly, a new stability criterion is obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities(LMIs) by using the new reciprocally convex inequality. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the presented method.
Grain sizes and minerals in sediments of Gulf of Tonkin, Viet Nam
Authors: Nhon Dang Hoai , Thao Nguyen Van , Thanh Tran Duc , Ve Nguyen Dac , Vuong Bui Van , Thuy Lai Thi Bich , Loan Bui Thi Thanh , Chien Hoang Thi , Nghi Duong Thanh
Published: June 2022

Grain sizes and minerals of sediments in the Gulf of Tonkin were assessed by thirty surface samples and fifty samples in two sediment cores, in which sieve and pipette methods as well as X-ray diffraction were utilized for analyzing grain sizes and minerals, respectively. The studied results show that there were five sediment types, including fine sand, very fine sand, very coarse silt, coarse silt and medium silt. Fine sand was from moderately to poorly sorted and from symmetrical to very coarse skewed. Very fine sand was from moderately to very poorly sorted and from very fine to symmetrical skewed. Very coarse silt was poorly sorted and very fine skewed. Coarse silt was poorly to very poorly sorted and fine to very fine skewed. Medium silt was very poorly sorted and from fine to very fine skewed. Mineral abundance in sediments was identified by quartz, illite, kaolinite, feldspar, chlorite, goethite, calcite, aragonite, illite and montmorillonite. Additionally, the quartz, illite, kaolinite, feldspar, chlorite, montmorillonite in sediments reflected sediment supplies from weathering, erosion from mainland and islands, flow of rivers and ocean processes. Goethite and gibbsite, halite originated from chemical processes while calcite and aragonite originated from biological material.
CBMODPSO: Crossover based multi-objective discrete particle swarm optimization for solving multi-modal routing problem
Authors: Afrasyabi Parastoo , Mesgari Mohammad Saadi , Khodadai Nima , Kaveh Mehrdad
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, in complicated urban structures, passengers have to use a set of modes and vehicles to reach their destination. In these circumstances, choosing an optimal route in several ways is a complicated optimization problem. The main goal of this study is to solve the routing problem in the urban multi-modal network by developing a suitable multi-objective optimization algorithm. The studied multi-modal network is the transportation network of Tehran metropolis, which includes subway, BRT, taxi, and walking modes. Besides, in order to determine the optimized route, objective functions including route length, traffic, comfort, and safety are assumed. Crossover Based Multi-Objective Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (CBMODPSO) has been used to solve the problem. CBMODPSO has been improved using mutation and crossover operators. MOABC, MOACO, MOBBO, MOGWO, and NSGA-II algorithms were used to evaluate and compare the results of the developed algorithm. In addition, CBMODPSO results have been compared with previous research results. The improved algorithm is more repeatable than other algorithms. The CBMODPSO algorithm has a faster convergence rate and was able to get to an optimal solution in a fewer generation number and much less time. The CBMODPSO algorithm was implemented in about one thirties of the MOBBO duration. Meanwhile, it has a reproducibility of almost twice the MOGWO algorithm. These results indicate the high performance of the CBMODPSO algorithm for multi-modal transport networks, which is a complex routing problem.
Critical role of Wat1/Pop3 in regulating the TORC1 signalling pathway in fission yeast S. pombe
Authors: Panigrahi Lalita , Anjum Simmi , Ahmed Shakil
Published: June 2022

Background: The target of rapamycin (TOR), a major pathway for the regulation of cell growth and proliferation is conserved from yeast to humans. Fission yeast contains two tor complexes, TORC1 is crucial for cell growth while TORC2 gets activated under stress conditions. Pop3/Wat1, a mammalian Lst8 ortholog is an important component of both TOR complexes and has been implicated in the oxidative stress response pathway. Results: The genetic interaction analysis have revealed a synthetic lethal interaction of wat1 with tor2-287 mutant cells. The co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed a physical interaction of Wat1 with the TORC1 components such as Tor2, Mip1, and Tco89. In addition, the mutant Wat1 protein was unable to interact with these proteins. In the absence of Wat1, the cells arrest at G1 phase with reduced cell size at non-permissive temperature reminiscent of tor2-287 mutant phenotype. Similarly, inactivation of Wat1 results in the failure of TORC1 mediated phosphorylation of Psk1 and Rps602, leading to dysregulation of amino acid permeases and delocalization of Gaf1, a DNA binding transcription factor. Additionally, over-expression of rhb1 suppresses the glycerol and KCl sensitivity of wat1Δ and wat1-17 mutant cells suggesting the suppression of osmotic stress response. Conclusion: We proposed that the Wat1/Pop3 is very critical component of TORC1 complex and hence the inactivation of wat1 impaired the downstream signalling of TORC1 pathway. Considering the roles of mLst8, a mammalian ortholog of Wat1 in the tumor progression, novel therapeutic approaches can be utilized to target Wat1/mLst8 that could impede the tumor progression.
How ten-years of reirradiation for paediatric high-grade glioma can shed light on first line treatment
Authors: Massimino Maura , Vennarini Sabina , Barretta Francesco , Colombo Francesca , Antonelli Manila , Pollo Bianca , Pignoli Emanuele , Pecori Emilia , Alessandro Ombretta , Schiavello Elisabetta , Boschetti Luna , Podda Marta , Puma Nadia , Gattuso Giovanna , Sironi Giovanna , Barzanò Elena , Nigro Olga , Bergamaschi Luca , Chiaravalli Stefano , Luksch Roberto , Meazza Cristina , Spreafico Filippo , Terenziani Monica , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea , Chisari Marco , Pellegrini Chiara , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Modena Piergiorgio , Biassoni Veronica
Published: June 2022

Purpose. Recurrence incidence for paediatric/adolescent high-grade glioma(HGG) exceeds 80%. Reirradiation(reRT) palliates symptoms and delays further progression. Strategies for reRT are scarce: we retrospectively analysed our series to develop rational future approaches.Methods. We re-evaluated MRI+RT plans of 21 relapsed HGG-patients, accrued 2010-2021, aged under 18 years. All underwent surgery and RT+chemotherapy at diagnosis. Pathologic/molecular re-evaluation allowed classification based on WHO 2021 criteria in 20/21 patients. Survival analyses and association with clinical parameters were performed. Results. Relapse after 1st RT was local in 12(7 marginal), 4 disseminated, 5 local+disseminated. Re-RT obtained 8 SD, 1 PR, 1PsPD, 1 mixed response, 10 PD; neurological signs/symptoms improved in 8. Local reRT was given to 12, followed again by 6 local(2 marginal) and 4 local+disseminated second relapses in 10/12 re-evaluated. The 4 with dissemination had 1 whole brain, 2 craniospinal irradiation(CSI), 1 spine reRT and further relapsed with dissemination and local+dissemination in 3/four assessed. Five local+disseminated tumours had 3 CSI, 1 spine reRT, further progressing locally(2), disseminated(1), n.a.(1). Three had a third RT; three were alive at 19.4, 29, 50.3 months after diagnosis. Median times to progression/survival after re-RT were 3.7 months (0.6-16.2 months)/6.9 months (0.6-17.9 months), improved for longer interval r between 1st RT and re-RT(P=0.017) and for non-PD after reRT(P< 0.001). First marginal relapse showed potential association with dissemination after re-RT(P= 0.081) Conclusions. This is the biggest series of re-RT in paediatric HGG. Considering the dissemination relapse incidence observed, our results could prompt the investigation of first RT fields in a randomized trial.
Joint Scheduling Algorithm of Routing and GCL Based on Tabu Search
Authors: Wang Ying , Cheng Yufan , Yu Peng
Published: June 2022

Time sensitive networking (TSN) has been widely adopted and applied in many fields such as industrial Internet and mobile front haul. The scheduling problem of time sensitive networking (TSN) requires that the gate control list(GCL) is calculated according to the flow information in a given topology network, and then the end-to-end scheduling of flow in a specified time is realized. Conventional flow scheduling schemes are usually based on the given routing scheme rather than the overall algorithm decision, which limits the scheduling performance. In this paper, a routing scheduling algorithm based on tabu search is proposed on the basis of a comprehensive routing and GCL scheduling problem model, and the neighborhood movement strategy of routing and scheduling is proposed according to the proposed problem model. Besides, the simultaneous scheduling of both periodic and aperiodic flows is realized. Experimental results show that compared with the solver method, the proposed algorithm can save 75% of the time cost under the acceptable performance compromise in large-scale network scenarios.