bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Neurotensin and Neurotensin Receptor1 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Potential Role in Tumor Depth and Nodal Metastasis
Authors: jamil Soofia , Shaikh Abdul Hafeez , Ahmed Shaheen , Salam Hira , Zaheer Sidra , Mughal Nouman 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
World’s sixth most prevalent cancer is Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which is a malignant neoplasm developing in the epithelial tissues of the oral cavity. In Pakistan, it is amongst the most commonly reported malignancies in both genders owing to widespread use of risk factors, including betel nut, smoking, gutka etc.
Advance disease, presence of cervical lymphadenopathy and late presentation leads to poor 5-year survival. Certain variables have been studied as predictors of metastasis of which depth of invasion of tumor is directly correlated to it.
Neurotensin, a 13 amino-acid neuropeptide mediates its effects via three receptors, out of which 2 are G-protein coupled receptors NTR1 & 2 alongwith the sole transmembrane domain receptor, NTR3. Aberrant expression and localization has been reported in various tumors and associated with increase tumor depth and aggressiveness.
Methodology:
Histological grading was performed using Broder’s criteria. H&E staining for evaluation of tumor depth analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to study expression and localization of NT, NTR1 in each sample.
Results:
Expressional analysis of NTS and its receptor NTR1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma revealed that ~ 62% of all tumor tissues were positive for neurotensin expression. High-affinity receptor for neurotensin NTR1 was expressed in 79% of OC sample tissues. We investigated tumor depth for any correlation with NTS/NTR1 expression. Overall a moderate intensity of expression was observed in all the tissues but it could be observed that as the tumor depth increased from < 5mm to > 10mm, neurotensin expressional profile also increased in terms of IRS scores.
Tumor depth was measured from basement membrane to the deepest point of invasion. Mean tumor depth was estimated to be 15.02mm with majority of the tumors displaying tumor depth greater than 10mm.
Conclusion:
Our study demonstrated a general trend towards a higher expressional gradient of neurotensin correlating with increasing depth of invasion which is known to be an independent predictor of the OC prognosis. Also, this indicates a potential role of this peptide in determining the aggressiveness of the disease.
Clinical profile of patients with diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome in Japan: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Takahashi Kyosuke , Uenishi Norimichi , Sanui Masamitsu , Uchino Shigehiko , Yonezawa Naoki , Takei Tetsuhiro , Nishioka Norihiro , Kobayashi Hirotada , Otaka Shunichi , Yamamoto Kotaro , Yasuda Hideto , Kosaka Shintaro , Tokunaga Hidehiko , Fujiwara Naoki , Kondo Takashiro , Ishida Tomoki , Komatsu Takayuki , Endo Koji , Moriyama Taiki , Oyasu Takayoshi , Hayakawa Mineji , Hoshino Atsumi , Matsuyama Tasuku , Miyamoto Yuki , Yanagisawa Akihiro , Wakabayashi Tadamasa , Ueda Takeshi , Komuro Tetsuya , Sugimoto Toshiro , Lefor Alan Kawarai 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background:Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS) are life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus. Theirclinical profiles have not been fully investigated in the Japanese population.Methods:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in 21 acute care hospitals in Japan. Patients included were adults aged 18 or older who had been hospitalized from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 due to DKA or HHS. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were extracted from patient medical records. A four-group comparison (mild DKA, moderate DKA, severe DKA, and HHS) was performed to evaluate outcomes.Results:A total of 771 patients including 545 patients with DKA and 226 patients with HHS were identified during the study period. The major precipitating factors of disease episodes were poor medication compliance, infectious diseases, and excessive drinking of sugar-sweetened beverages. The median hospital stay was 16 days [IQR 10-26 days] and was longer in the HHS group (19.5 days) compared to the DKA groups (16 days). The intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate was 44.4% (mean) and the rate at each hospital ranged from 0% to 100%. The median ICU stay was 3 days for all groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.8% in patients with DKA and 7.1% in the HHS group. No significant difference in mortality was seen among the three DKA groups. The most common complication was infection (18%), followed by pulmonary edema (2.7%), stroke (2.1%), ventricular arrhythmia (1.6%), and deep vein thrombosis (1%).Conclusions:The mortality rate of patients with DKA in Japan is similar to other studies, while that of HHS was lower. The ICU admission rate varied among institutions. There was no significant association between the severity of DKA and mortality in the study population.Trial registration:This study is registered in the UMIN clinical trial registration system (UMIN000025393, Registered 23th December 2016)
Wfs1E864K knock-in mice illuminate the fundamental role of Wfs1 in endocochlear potential production
Authors: Richard Elodie , Brun Emilie , Korchagina Julia , Crouzier Lucie , Affortit Corentin , Alves Stacy , Cazevieille Chantal , Bonnefont-Mausset Anne-Laure , Lenoir Marc , Puel jean-luc , MAURICE TANGUI , Thiry Marc , wang jing , Delprat Benjamin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Wolfram syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease encompassing diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, optic atrophy, hearing loss (HL) and neurological disorders. None of the animal models of the pathology are presenting with an early onset HL, impeding the understanding of the role of Wolframin (WFS1), the protein responsible for WS, in the auditory pathway. We generated a knock-in mouse, the Wfs1E864K line, presenting a human mutation leading to severe deafness in affected individuals. The homozygous mice showed a profound post-natal HL and vestibular syndrome, associated with a decrease of the endocochlear potential (EP) and a devastating alteration of the stria vascularis and neurosensory epithelium. The mutant protein prevented the localization to the cell surface of the Na+/K+ATPase-β1 subunit, a key protein for the maintenance of the EP. Overall, our data support an important role of WFS1 in the maintenance of the EP and the stria vascularis, via its binding partner, the Na+/K+ATPase β1-subunit.
Study on seismic vulnerability analysis of the interaction system between saturated soft soil and subway station structures
Authors: Xuelei CHENG , Qiqi LI , Ran HAI , Xianfeng HE 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The seismic vulnerability of interaction system of saturated soft soil and subway station structures is explored in this paper. The coupled nonlinear numerical models of interaction system are established using the u-p formulation of Biot′s theory to describe the saturated two-phase media. A refined finite element model of interaction system is developed to study its nonlinear seismic responses and seismic disaster mechanism. In this study, the multi-yield elastoplastic constitutive model was adopted for the soil, and the fiber section elastoplastic constitutive model was used for the structure. The seismic response of structure was calculated by inputting the artificial seismic wave obtained from the power spectrum-triangular series method. The maximum inter-story drift angle was taken as the structural performance parameter for the subway station structure. The structural demand cloud was obtained under random ground motion sequences. Based on the probabilistic seismic demand model analysis method, the seismic vulnerability curve of the subway station structure was plotted, and the seismic vulnerability curve was analyzed based on the vulnerability of performance parameters. With the increase of soil strength, the vulnerability index of subway station structure under different peak acceleration ground motion decreased correspondingly. Based on the above vulnerability theory and analysis methods, it can be found from the above vulnerability theory and analysis methods that the subway station structure with established buried depth in saturated soft soil site exhibits a certain degree of safety and reliability, and can meet the seismic fortification goal of "no damage in small earthquakes, repairable in medium earthquakes and no collapse in large earthquakes". The results of vulnerability analysis are in line with the actual seismic survey, and the vulnerability analysis method proposed in this paper can be applied to the vulnerability analysis of underground structures on saturated soft soil foundation.
Kidney-type glutaminase is a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Laizhu , Su Ke , Liu Qi , Li Binghua , Wang Ye , Cheng Chunxiao , Li Yunzheng , Xu Chun , Chen Jun , Wu Hongyan , Zhu Mengxia , Mai Xiaoli , Cao Yajuan , Peng Jin , Yue Yang , Ding Yitao , Yu Decai 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose The pathological diagnosis and prognosis prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic and prognostic efficiency of Kidney-type glutaminase (GLS1) for HCC in prospective cohorts with a large sample size.
Methods A total of 1140 HCC patients were enrolled in our respective clinical trials. Control cases included 114 nontumour tissues. The registered clinical trial (ChiCTR-DDT-14005102, chictr.org.cn) was referred to for the exact protocol. GLS1 immunohistochemistry was performed on the whole tumour section. The diagnostic and prognostic performances of GLS1 was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and Cox regression model.
Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden index, and area under the curve of GLS1 for the diagnosis of HCC were 0.746, 0.842, 0.979, 0.249, 0.588, and 0.814, respectively, which could be increased to 0.846, 0.886, 0.987,0.366, 0.732, and 0.921 when combined with glypican 3 (GPC3) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), indicating better diagnostic performance. Further, we developed a nomogram with GPC3 and GLS1 for identifying HCC which showed good discrimination and calibration. GLS1 expression was also related to age, T stage, TNM stage, Edmondson–Steiner grade, microvascular invasion, Ki67, VEGFR2, GPC3, and AFP expression in HCC. GLS1 expression was negatively correlated with disease-free survival (P< 0.001) probability of patients with HCC.
Conclusions We validated that GLS1 was a sensitive and specific biomarker for pathological diagnosis of HCC and had prognostic value, thus having practical value for clinical application.
Validation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions Tool on Advance directives and End of Life Decisions in Adult Population Availing Services at Tertiary Care Hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.
Authors: Sundrani Areeza Ashiq Ali , Khan Robyna Irshad , Azam Iqbal , Butt Mohsin Nazir , Mushtaq Saima , Panjwani Nasreen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Advance directives are legal documents written or drawn when the person has total mental capacity, noting the requirements of health care when/if he loses the ability to make decisions. The concept has not been explored in Pakistan; hence a valid instrument is not available that addresses the needs of an LMIC. We aimed to develop and validate a tool to assess knowledge, Attitude, and perceptions about advance directives of the adult population availing services at tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: We carried out a validation study in three tertiary care hospitals in Karachi. The study was initiated by adapting from an American tool, modified following the Pakistani context. An estimated sample size of 389 using a purposive sampling technique was calculated. We checked the tool's relevancy using content validity. STATA software 16 was used for consistency, reliability, and factorial analysis.
Results: All the components of the survey performed well with overall good reliability (α = 0.75), and for individuals, main features, including family support decisions (α = 0.64), sociocultural and religious (α = 0.72), physical health awareness experience (α = 0.93), knowledge (α = 0.99), attitude (α = 0.75), and perceptions (α = 0.64).
Conclusion: This was the first validation study done in low-and-middle-income countries to develop a reliable and validated tool with the efforts made to make it contextual and comprehensive for both English and Urdu versions.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated risk factors among Chinese males with diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Guiliang , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhu Zhirong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Epidemiological statistics showed that the proportion of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men was significantly higher than that in non diabetic men. In recent years, some studies have reported the prevalence of ED among people with diabetes in China, however, most of these studies are limited to certain area, small sample size, or specific age period. Therefore, it is particularly important to obtain national prevalence and related factors, which can help to improve health awareness and formulate appropriate public health policies. We searched China national knowledge internet (CNKI), Wanfang database, Pubmed, and Embase database until November 11, 2022. Pooled prevalence estimates are presented visually using forest plots. For analysis of relevant risk factors, the fixed-effect model was used to combine these ORs to obtain an overall OR when there was no significant heterogeneity between studies. Otherwise, the random effects model was applied. Finally, we found that the overall prevalence of ED among Chinese males with DM was 67.2% (95% CI: 62.0-72.4%). Sensitivity analysis indicated that there was no significant variation in pooled prevalence by excluding any of the study, confirming the stability of present results. In the present meta-analysis, we also evaluated the risk factors of ED among Chinese males with DM. We found that patients’ age (OR=1.06, 95% CI [1.03-1.10]) and DM duration (OR=1.32, 95% CI [1.18-1.47]) significantly affected the risk of ED among Chinese males with DM. In conclusions, the present meta-analysis has shown an alarmingly high prevalence of ED among Chinese males with DM. Patients’ age, and the duration of DM were significantly associated with ED risk. Therefore, it is essential to inform policy and practice to reduce the current and future burden of ED among Chinese males with DM.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Dysphagia Following Cerebellar Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Li , Wang Yunlu , Sun Jikang , Zhu Lequn , Liu Jimin , Wu Yuwei , Chunlei Shan , Yan Juntao , Wan Ping 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The cerebellum is known to play a supportive role in swallowing-related functions, however, wide discrepancies about the incidence rate of swallowing disorders following cerebellar strokes exist within the literature. This study aimed to investigate the incidence rate of dysphagia and the factors which may affect the presence of dysphagia and clinical recovery in individuals diagnosed with cerebellar stroke. A retrospective chart audit of 1651 post-stroke patients (1049 males and 602 females) admitted with a cerebellar stroke to a tertiary comprehensive hospital in China was conducted. Data of demographics, medical, along with swallowing function assessment were collected. Differences between dysphagic and non-dysphagic groups were evaluated using t-tests and Pearson’s chi-square test. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to establish factors associated with the presence of dysphagia. A total of 11.45% of participants were identified with dysphagia during inpatient admission. Individuals with mixed types of stroke, multiple lesions in the cerebellum, and ages older than 85 years old were more likely to develop dysphagia. Moreover, the prognosis of dysphagia following a cerebellar stroke was associated with lesions in different parts of the cerebellum. The cumulative recovery rate from the best to worse was: the right hemisphere group, the cerebellum vermis or peduncle group, both the hemisphere group and the left hemisphere group respectively.
Neonatal adiposity is associated with microRNAs in adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles in maternal and cord blood
Authors: Kunte Pooja , Barberio Matthew , Tiwari Pradeep , Sukla Krishna , Harmon Brennan , Epstein Samuel , Bhat Dattatray , Authelet Kayla , Goldberg Madeleine , Rao Sudha , Damle Hemant , Freishtat Robert , Yajnik Chittaranjan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Maternal body size, nutrition, and hyperglycemia contribute to neonatal body size and composition. There is little information on maternal-fetal transmission of messages which influence fetal growth. We analyzed adipocyte-derived small extracellular vesicular (ADsEV) microRNAs in maternal and cord blood to explore their adipogenic potential.
Methods
We studied 127 mother-neonate pairs (51 lean and 76 adipose neonates, in 68 NGT and 59 GDM pregnancies). Adiposity refers to the highest tertile (T3) of sum of skinfolds in neonates of normal glucose tolerant (NGT) mothers, lean to the to lowest tertile (T1). ADsEV miRNAs from maternal and cord blood samples were profiled on Agilent 8*60K microarray. Differential expression (DE) of ADsEV miRNAs in adipose vs. lean neonates was studied before and after adjustment for maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), adiposity, and vitamin B12-folate status.
Results
Multiple miRNAs were common in maternal and cord blood and positively correlated. We identified 24 maternal and 5 cord blood miRNAs differentially expressed (p ≤ 0.1) in the adipose neonate group, and 19 and 26 respectively, in the adjusted analyses. Even though DE miRNAs were different in maternal and cord blood, they targeted similar adipogenic pathways (e.g., the forkhead box O (FOXO) family of transcription factors, mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway). Maternal GDM and adiposity were associated with many DE ADsEV miRNAs.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that the ADsEV miRNAs in mothers are potential regulators of fetal adiposity. The expression and functionality of miRNAs appears to be influenced by maternal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and micronutrient status during pregnancy.
Isometric and isokinetic strength of lower-limb muscles in female athletes during different phases of menstrual cycle: a causal- comparative study.
Authors: Pournasiri Fatemeh , Zarei Mostafa , Mainer-Pardos Elena , Rubio-Morales Ana , Nobari Hadi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background Muscle strength is affected by different stages of the menstrual cycle in women. Since the strength of the lower limb muscles plays a significant role in the occurrence of anterior cruciate ligament injury, it seems necessary to study the strength of the lower limb muscles at different stages of this cycle to take preventive measures. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the isometric and isokinetic strength of lower limb muscles in female athletes at different menstrual cycle stages. Methods The present study is of a causal-comparative type. Thirty-seven female athletes in anterior cruciate ligament injury high-risk disciplines participated in this study. Isometric and isokinetic knee extensors and flexors muscle strength status including the traditional hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios were recorded at different stages of the menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulatory, luteal) by Biodex isokinetic dynamometry system 4. Then, the obtained results were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance. Results Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed isokinetic and isometric strength in the knee flexor, and extensor muscles at an angular velocity of 60˚/s in the ovulatory phase are higher than the follicular and luteal ones. The strength of the muscles declined during the follicular and luteal phases (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Due to the negative effect of the follicular and luteal stages of the menstrual cycle on the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee, the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury may increase during this period. Therefore, it is recommended that all female coaches and athletes take preventive measures during this period.
Breakthrough infection with Omicron subvariant BF.7 induces broadly neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants including XBB lineage
Authors: Zhang Linqi , Zhang Qi , Chen Peng , Yang Ziqing , Lv Qining , Wang Han , Zhang Rui , Wang Ruoke , Li Jinqian , Shi Xuangling , Song Lifen , Liu Li , Zhang Zongjiu , Wang Hongwei , Zhang Tong , Li Hongxing , Fan Junping 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Since China eased its COVID-19 response strategies in late 2022, we have been witnessing a rapid and wide spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection across the major cities, including capital Beijing, where Omicron subvariant BF.7 has been dominating the infection. Here, we show that such expansion is unlikely due to a higher binding affinity of BF.7 to human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the similar binding activities were found for other Omicron subvariants tested such as BA.1, BA.5.2, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB, and XBB.1. Additionally, through study of antibody response among six different clinical cohorts, we found that primary infection with BF.7 among the unvaccinated individuals only elicited type-specific neutralizing antibodies to the infecting virus and its close related strains. By a distinct contrast, breakthrough infection with BF.7 among the vaccinated individuals, particularly those severe cases, induced strong and broadly neutralizing antibodies to a diverse panel of SARS-CoV-2 variants and Omicron subvariants including the XBB lineage. A deeper understanding of how these broadly neutralizing antibodies were generated or boosted by BF.7 breakthrough infection will hold the key for augmenting antibody immunity against diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants.
SVD Based Maximum Principal Curvatures for Segmentation of Blood Vessels from Diabetic Retinopathy Fundus Images using Level Sets
Authors: N.C. Santosh Kumar , Y Radhika 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Retinal fundus images provide a large amount of space for blood vessel segmentation. The result of segmentation is not only a vital indicator of diabetic retinopathy (an eye-related disease), but also a good facilitator for ophthalmologists (eye specialists or eye doctors) to carry out essential diagnostic procedures. Diabetic Retinopathy, especially in diabetic patients, is manifested when tiny blood vessels get bleed. In this paper, a novel method called Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) based Maximum Principal Curvatures (SVD-PC) using Level Set Procedure, from retinal images and segmentation of blood vessel vascular structure is proposed. Here, in this proposed method, SVD, which is a mathematical technique related to vector calculus and matrix algebra, is used to efficiently deal with the complexities aroused working with green channel and filters. SVD, in our proposed method, as a pre-processing technique is effective in: (i) extracting colored feature set of blood vessel pixels from input image (ii) effectively converting feature set pixel image into gray. Later, maximum principal curvature values of those converted gray image feature set pixels are calculated in the post-processing phase, followed by ISOData Thresholding to segment the tree-shaped vasculature, which morphological operator is applied to remove the unwanted falsely segmented vessels. The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB and has given segmentation accuracy of 97.8%. This proposed algorithm operated on images of STARE well as DRIVE datasets.