bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel prognostic marker TGFBI affects the migration and invasion function of ovarian cancer cells and activates the integrin αvβ3-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Yin-hai , Guo Yi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Individual patients with ovarian cancer show remarkably different prognosis. Present prognostic models for ovarian cancer mainly focus on clinico-pathological parameters, so quantifiable prognostic markers at molecular level are urgently needed. The platelet contributes to ovarian cancer progression, but fails to be considered as a biomarker due to its susceptibility. Here, we aimed to search for a stable prognostic marker from platelet-treated ovarian cancer cells, and explore its functions and mechanisms.
Methods
Microarrays analysis was done with platelet-treated SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Relevant studies were searched in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The candidate genes were determined by differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Venn diagram drawing, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The expression of TGFBI in clinical samples was assessed by immunehistochemical staining (IHC), and the association of TGFBI levels with the clinic-pathological characteristics and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The functions of TGFBI were predicted using data from TCGA, and validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mechanism exploration was performed based on proteomic analysis, molecular docking and intervention study.
Results
TGFBI was significantly higher expressed in the platelet-treated ovarian cancer cells. An analysis of bioinformatics data revealed that increased expression of TGFBI led to significant decrease of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and post-progression survival (PPS) in ovarian cancer patients. Tissue microarray results showed that TGFBI was an independent factor for ovarian cancer, and TGFBI expression predict poor prognosis. Functionally, TGFBI affected the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (CDH1 and CDH2) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation proteins (MMP-2). Mechanistically, TGFBI phosphorylated PI3K and Akt by combining integrin αvβ3.
Conclusions
We found out TGFBI as a novel prognostic indicator for ovarian cancer patients. TGFBI could promote metastasis in ovarian cancer by EMT induction and ECM remodeling, which might be associated with the activation of integrin αvβ3-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Individual heterogeneity and perceptions matter: an analysis of income inequality and subjective well-being
Authors: Dufhues Thomas , Buchenrieder Gertrud , Möllers Judith , Jantsch Antje 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper discusses the ambiguous relationship between income inequality and subjective well-being. It starts from the hypothesis that measures of perceived income inequality and ‘fair’ inequality better explain subjective well-being than objective measures. Not only do people systematically fail to locate their income position within an objectively observable income distribution but income inequality is not always negatively perceived. Individuals seem more tolerant of income inequality if the process leading to it is perceived as fair. Hence, an emerging consensus is that perceived rather than objective income inequality measures are more relevant. Moreover, heterogeneity at the individual level may affect the link between inequality and subjective well-being. Interaction terms between income inequality measures and individual characteristics reveal the heterogeneity of people. We use regression models to analyse a household survey from northern Thailand covering variables that are relevant to this issue. We find only weak evidence that perceived income inequality better explains subjective well-being than objective measures. However, the higher the discrepancy is between perceived inequality and the preferred level of ‘fair’ inequality, the lower the reported subjective well-being becomes. We further show that subjective and objective income inequality measures cannot necessarily replace one another but are complementary. In the model without interaction terms, we find little evidence for the often-quoted tunnel effect (people may feel optimistic about their future income based on other people’s higher incomes), but the tunnel effect appears when interaction terms with other variables are added. This indicates that the tunnel effect is present but hidden by individual heterogeneity.
U-Flow: A U-shaped Normalizing Flow for Anomaly Detection with Unsupervised Threshold
Authors: Tailanian Matías , Pardo Álvaro , Musé Pablo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this work we propose a one-class self-supervised method for anomaly segmentation in images, that benefits both from a modern machine learning approach and a more classic statistical detection theory. The method consists of three phases. First, features are extracted using a multi-scale image Transformer architecture. Then, these features are fed into a U-shaped Normalizing Flow that lays the theoretical foundations for the last phase, which computes a pixel-level anomaly map and performs a segmentation based on the a contrario framework. This multiple-hypothesis testing strategy permits the derivation of robust automatic detection thresholds, which are crucial in real-world applications where an operational point is needed. The segmentation results are evaluated using the Intersection over Union (IoU) metric, and for assessing the generated anomaly maps we report the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC), and the area under the per-region-overlap curve (AUPRO). Extensive experimentation in various datasets shows that the proposed approach produces state-of-the-art results for all metrics and all datasets, ranking first in most MvTec-AD categories, with a mean pixel-level AUROC of 98.74%.
Code and trained models are available at https://github.com/mtailanian/uflow.
SpO2/FiO2 ratio. A promising index in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zinna Giuseppe , Pipitò Luca , Colomba Claudia , Scichilone Nicola , Licata Anna , Barbagallo Mario , Russo Antonio , Coppola Nicola , Cascio Antonio 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives: identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients is critical for emergency department decision-making. The primary objective of the study was to identify new independent predictors of mortality and their prognostic utility in combination with traditional pneumonia risk assessment scores.
Methods: a retrospective study was performed in two Italian University Hospitals. A multivariable logistic model was used to locate independent parameters associated with mortality.
Results: age, PaO2/FiO2 (P/F), and SpO2/FiO2 (S/F) ratios were found to be independent parameters associated with 30-day mortality. Study found that PSI was superior to CRB-65 and NEWS in predicting 30-day mortality (AUC: 0.766 vs. 0.763, p=0.981; AUC: 0.766 vs. 0.616, p=0.003). Combination of S/F with CRB-65 and NEWS improved the prognostic accuracy of score compared to “scoring without S/F” (p<0.001 vs. p<0.001 respectively) and compared to PSI (p=0.005 vs. p=0.483 respectively). Combination of P/F with CRB-65 and NEWS produced similar results.
Conclusions: in our study, S/F was an independent parameter of 30-day mortality, and being a non-invasive parameter, it could be a valuable tool for staging COVID-19 patients upon admission to the hospital. The combination of S/F and CRB-65 performed similarly to the PSI, and can be a valid alternative to ferruginous PSI calculation and could provide valuable support for decision-makers.
A novel SARS-CoV-2 detection method based on trans-acting ribozymes and FRET of DNA-hairpins in a hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Silva Leonardo Ferreira da , Queiroz Pedro , Resende Sophia , Gomide Mayna , Oliveira Izadora , Garay Aisel , Souza Amanda , Arce Anibal , Torres Fernando , Silva-Pereira Ildinete , Freitas Sonia , Coelho Cintia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time detection of the viral genome using RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) and serological methods were essential to control its rapid spread during the pandemic. However, RT-qPCR, which is the gold standard method to identify SARS-CoV-2 at the initial phase of infection, has high costs and other limitations such as refrigeration and specialized equipment and professionals. Therefore, a sensitive, not time consuming, not costly, not laborious, and free of refrigeration and specialized equipment is of utmost importance in view of the threat of future epidemics. Here, we propose a detection method where SARS-CoV-2 RNA is recognized and cleaved by ribozymes releasing an initiator fragment. This fragment triggers a hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with DNA hairpins containing fluorophores which leads to a Fluorescence Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) interaction. First, a consensus SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequence was identified. This target viral RNA fragment and ribozymes were in vitro transcribed, followed by cleavage reactions. DNA hairpins with Cy3/Cy5 fluorophores were designed and synthesized for FRET-HCR assays that were performed to target the RNA fragment sequences obtained after ribozyme cleavage. Our results indicated that two out of the three designed ribozymes cleaved the target RNA. Furthermore, DNA hairpins with Cy3/Cy5 pairs were efficient in target RNA detection and in triggering FRET-HCR detectable reactions. Altogether, the results of this study laid the cornerstone, as a proof of concept, for the joint use of ribozymes and DNA hairpins with Cy3/Cy5 in FRET-HCR reactions to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with selective transforaminal endoscopic decompression for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture
Authors: Pan Junpeng , Huang Ruipeng , Xun Shaoqing , Tong Yuexin , Gong Ping , Zhao Cheng-liang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Evaluate the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and indications of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) combined with selective transforaminal endoscopic decompression (TED) in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture (TLBF).
Methods
From August 2015 to August 2020, a total of 54 patients with single-segment TLBF enrolled in this study, of which 36 underwent PPSF alone and 18 underwent TED after PPSF. X-ray and computed tomography were performed before and 1 week after operation. Cobb angle(CA), vertebral wedge angle(VWA), vertebral body compression ratio(VBCR) and mid-sagittal canal diameter compression ratio(MSDCR)were calculated to evaluate the effect of spinal reduction. we used visual analogue scale(VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI), the Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA), and the Frankel Classification of Neurological Deficits to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment before surgery, 1 week, 12 months and 36 months after surgery.
Results
All patients were followed up for 36 months. The decompression group had a higher VBCR and MSDCR than the non-decompression group before surgery. The CA, VBCR, VWA and MSDCR in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation. The VAS, ODI, JOA and Frankel grades of the two groups were significantly improved after operation, and the curative effect was good after 12 months and 36 months of follow-up.
Conclusions
PPSF combined with selective TED in the treatment of TLBF had excellent efficacy, high safety, less injury, and a wide range of indications, which could accurately distinguish patients who did not need spinal canal decompression after posterior fixation.
Biological degradation of natural rubber glove by gram negative bacteria Klebsiella aerogenes
Authors: Chittella Harika , Yoon Li Wan , Ramarad Suganti , Lai Zee-Wei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
As the urgency and the scope of the global threat posed by the rubber waste is increasing, so have the efforts to find sustainable and efficient solutions. In recent years, biological degradation of rubber waste has been gaining interest as an alternative to conventional waste management practices and widely used chemical methods. The gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella aerogenes was used in the current study to perform natural glove rubber (NGR) degradation. Parameters such as fermentation duration (within 21 days), temperature (30, 35 and 40oC) and pH (6,7 and 8) on the effect of biodegradation was investigated. The biodegraded rubber was characterised by dry weight analysis which showed a maximum weight loss of 17% at pH 7 under 35oC after 21 days. The growth curve analysis showed that a maximum cell concentration of 4.12 g/L in week 2 of the biodegradation process. Increase in viable cell count over the incubation time indicated that rubber waste had suitable carbon source to sustain the culture during the biodegradation process. The visual confirmation of biodegradation was carried out by Schiff’s staining indicating the formation of aldehydes and ketones. Further confirmation on the presence of new aldehydes and ketones peaks were shown in FTIR analysis. Results also showed that highest protein concentration of 657.02 µg/ml and enzyme (laccase and Manganese peroxidase) activity of 0.43 ± 0.05 IU was observed at week 2 of the biodegradation. The experiment results concluded that Klebsiella aerogenes had the highest rubber weight loss in shorter period. This paper is first to report the presence of laccase and MnP enzymes in Klebsiella aerogenes. The bacteria Klebsiella aerogenes is efficient in degrading rubber in a shorter period, further analysis on the biodegradation pathway (mechanism) is worth investigating.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder safely and successfully treated with satralizumab during pregnancy and breastfeeding: a case report
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Watanabe Osamu , Nomura Miwa , Yoshimoto Yusuke , Maki Yoshimitsu , Takashima Hiroshi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Satralizumab, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes interleukin-6 receptors, is known to reduce the relapse rate in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), but its safety during pregnancy has not been established. We present the case of an NMOSD patient who safely completed pregnancy, parturition, and breastfeeding under satralizumab treatment. Importantly, satralizumab transfer to umbilical cord blood, infant serum, or breast milk was not observed.
Case presentation
A 37-year-old Japanese female developed anti-aquaporin 4 antibody-positive NMOSD with left optic neuritis. Despite responding to corticosteroid therapy, she experienced moon face and weight gain and desired the prompt reduction of the steroid dosage. She also wanted to conceive a child with a safe and preferably early pregnancy and parturition. Because pregnancy and parturition after the onset of NMOSD elevate the risk of relapse and miscarriage, treatment with satralizumab was initiated with the patient’s consent. She experienced normal parturition and continued satralizumab administration while breastfeeding without experiencing any relapses. Drug concentrations in the umbilical cord blood, infant serum, and breast milk were below the detection sensitivity.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that satralizumab may be safe and effective for the perinatal management of NMOSD, especially when there are concerns about continuing pregnancy and the risk of relapse after parturition.
Measurement of suspended sediment concentration at the outlet of the Yellow River Canyon: Using Sentinel-2 images and machine learning
Authors: Lei Xinyu , Jiang Youjing , Song Genxin , Zhai Shiyan , Dong Yubo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is one of the most critical water quality parameters in rivers. Previous studies mainly focused on low-concentration sediment rivers. Besides, the traditional situ monitoring techniques and low-resolution imagery cannot meet the vastly spatial and temporal coverage. The Yellow River is famous for its high sediment content in the world. This research considers the outlet of the Yellow River Canyon as a case study. Based on the SSC data of Longmen Hydrological Station of the Yellow River provided by the Yellow River Conservancy Commission and the Sentinel-2 images from 2019 to 2020, the optimal band combination was selected to construct a random forest non-parametric regression prediction model, and the quantitative estimation of SSC of rivers with high sediment concentration was realized. The results showed that: (i) The determination coefficient (R2) of the SSC estimation model derived from the random forest model is 0.94, satisfying the requirements of high-precision SSC estimation; (ii) The red band and near-infrared band are important predictors of suspended sediment concentration; (iii) Seasonal differences and spatial variation in sediment in YuMen Kou waters are evident. The study's findings demonstrate that the random forest regression model is superior to traditional modeling methods for predicting SSC in sediment-rich rivers.
Metabolic Brain Imaging with Glucosamine CEST MRI: In Vivo Characterization and First Insights
Authors: Rivlin Michal , Perlman Or , Navon Gil 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The utility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for monitoring the uptake of glucosamine (GlcN), a safe dietary supplement, has been previously demonstrated in detecting breast cancer in both murine and human subjects. Here, we studied and characterized the detectability of GlcN uptake and metabolism in the brain. Following intravenous GlcN administration in mice, CEST brain signals calculated by magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) analysis, were significantly elevated, mainly in the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. The in vivo contrast remained stable during 40 minutes of examination, which can be attributed to GlcN uptake and its metabolic products accumulation as confirmed using 13C NMR spectroscopic studies of brain extracts. A Lorentzian multi-pool fitting analysis revealed an increase in the hydroxyl, amide, and relayed nuclear Overhauser effect (rNOE) signal components after GlcN treatment. With its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the GlcN CEST technique has the potential to serve as a metabolic biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring various brain disorders.
Muscle and Joint Mechanics During Maximum-Force Biting Following Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement Surgery
Authors: Woodford Sarah C. , Robinson Dale L. , Abduo Jaafar , Lee Peter V.S. , Ackland David C. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) surgery is the established treatment for severe temporomandibular joint disorders. While TMJR surgery is known to increase mouth opening capacity, reduce pain and improve quality of life, little is known about post-surgical jaw function during biting and chewing. The aim of this study was to use subject-specific 3D bite force measurements to evaluate the magnitude and direction of joint loading in unilateral total TMJR patients and healthy control subjects. An optoelectronic tracking system was used to measure jaw kinematics during maximum-force biting on a rubber sample in 5 unilateral total TMJR patients and 8 controls. Finite element model simulations driven by the measured kinematics were then employed to calculate the resultant bite force generated when compressing the rubber sample between the maxillary and mandibular teeth. Subject-specific musculoskeletal models were subsequently used to calculate muscle and TMJ loading. Unilateral total TMJR patients generated a bite force of 249.6 ± 24.4 N and 164.2 ± 62.3 N when biting on the contralateral and ipsilateral molars, respectively. In contrast, controls generated a bite force of 317.1 ± 206.6 N. Unilateral total TMJR patients biting on the contralateral molars had a significantly higher lateral TMJ force direction (median difference: 63.6°, p = 0.028), and a significantly lower ratio of working TMJ force to bite force compared to controls (median difference: 0.17, p = 0.049). The findings of this study provide insight into the loading of dental structures, which may influence the design and evaluation of dental implants, and guide TMJ prosthesis design.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase and Apoptosis in Encephalitic Listeriosis of Naturally Infected Sheep
Authors: KARAYIGIT Mehmet Onder , HALIGUR Mehmet , AYDOGAN Ahmet 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the pathophysiology of meningoencephalitis in naturally infected sheep with Listeria monocytogenesis was investigated. 25 sheep brains with listeric meningoencephalitis were used in the study. 10 slaughterhouse material sheep brains were also used as a control. Tissue sections were stained immunohistochemically with Liseria, MMP-2 and MMP-9 antibodies. TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis which is thought to occur during the neurodegeneration formed in the disease. MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed vascular endothelial cells, inflammatory cell, microglia and especially in neurons in infected brain tissue. As a result of the study, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions and TUNEL staining were significantly increased in infective tissues compared to controls and this difference was statistically significant. These results suggested that L. monocytogenes-related increases MMP-2 and MMP-9 that the associated apoptosis participate in neurodegeneration and neuropathology in listeric encephalitis
Contrast induced nephropathy in older patients undergoing coronary angiography and intervention: an observational study in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tan Van , Quang Nhi Tuyet , Liu Weber , Trinh Ngo Thi Kim , Nguyen Tu Ngoc 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third common cause of hospital-acquired renal insufficiency and can negatively impact the treatment effect and increase mortality in older patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Mehran risk score has been the most used in Vietnam. In recent years, new simpler risk prediction models have been proposed, in which the contrast volume-to-glomerular filtration rate ratio (CV/GFR ratio) is promising. This study aimed to (1) examine the incidence of CIN in older patients undergoing coronary angiography and/or PCI, (2) compare the validity of the CV/GFR ratio and the Mehran score in predicting CIN, and (3) to identify optimal cut-off points of these scales through which can help identify older patients at high risk of developing CIN.
Method.
This is a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam from September 2019 to May 2020. Consecutive patients aged ≥ 60 who underwent coronary angiography and/or PCI were recruited. CIN was defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or 0.5mg/dL absolute increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours post IV contrast administration. The CV/GFR ratio and the Mehran score were applied to predict CIN risk. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) was applied to evaluate the area under the curve (AUC) of the CV/GFR ratio and Mehran score in predicting CIN, and the sensitivity and specificity for common cut-off points that were suggested in previous studies.
Results
There were 170 participants, with a mean age of 70 years and 33.1% were women. The incidence of CIN was 9.4%. Participants with CIN had higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease, heart failure and anaemia at admission. The AUC of the CV/GFR ratio against CIN was 0.79 (95%CI 0.65–0.92), and the Mehran score against CIN was 0.65 (95%CI 0.51–0.82).
Conclusion
Our study found that CIN was common in older patients after PCI. The CV/GFR ratio showed a good prognostic value for predicting CIN in the study participants as the Mehran score. Further research is needed to identify the optimal cut-off values for the CV/GFR ratio in older patients in Vietnam.