bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation at the Catalytic Subunit of Glutamate Cysteine Ligase Contributes to the Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bykanova Marina , Solodilova Maria , Azarova Iuliia , Klyosova Elena , Bushueva Olga , Polonikova Anna , Churnosov Mikhail , Polonikov Alexey 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background. Glutathione is a tripeptide detoxifying a variety of exogenous and endogenous free radicals and carcinogens, and a deficiency of glutathione is associated with an increased host susceptibility to oxidative stress, a pathological condition implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLС) is enzyme responsible for initial and rate-limiting step of glutathione biosynthesis.Methods and results. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether genetic variation at the GCLС gene contributes to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). DNA samples from 681 unrelated Russian individuals (283 patients with CRC and 398 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) were genotyped for seven common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) such as rs12524494, rs17883901, rs606548, rs636933, rs648595 and rs761142 of the GCLC gene using the MassARRAY-4 system. We found that genotype rs606548-C/T is significantly associated with increased risk of CRC regardless sex and age (OR=2.24; 95%CI 1.24-4.03; P=0.007, FDR=0.04). Moreover, ten GCLC genotype combinations showed association with the risk of CRC (P<0.05). Functional SNP annotation enabled establishing the CRC-associated polymorphisms are associated with a decreased GCLC expression that may be attributed to epigenetic effects of histone modifications operating in a colon-specific manner.Conclusions. The present study was the first to show that genetic variation at the catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase may contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer risk. However further genetic association studies with a larger sample size are required to substantiate the role of GCLC gene polymorphisms in the development of colorectal cancer.
Estimation of the Radiographic Parameters for Hallux Valgus from Photography of the Feet Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Inoue Kana , Maki Satoshi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kimura Seiji , Akagi Ryuichiro , Sasho Takahisa , Ohtori Seiji , Orita Sumihisa 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Hallux valgus (HV) is one of the most common forefoot deformities. Early diagnosis and proper evaluation of HV are important for timely management of HV. The purpose of our study was to estimate the radiographic parameters of HV using deep learning to assess the agreement of the predicted measurement with the actual radiographic measurement. There were 131 patients enrolled in this study. A total of 248 radiographs and 337 photographs of the feet were acquired. Radiographic parameters including the HV angle (HVA), M1-M2 angle, and M1-M5 angle were measured. ﻿We constructed a convolutional neural network using Xception and made it a regression model. Then, we fine-tuned the model using images of the feet and the radiographic parameters. The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were calculated to evaluate the performance of the model. The radiographic parameters, including the HVA, M1-M2 angle, and M1-M5 angle were predicted with an R2=0.684, RMSE=7.91; R2=0.573, RMSE=3.29; R2=0.381, RMSE=5.80, respectively. The present study demonstrated that our model was able to predict the radiographic parameters of HV from photography. This study shows a potential application of deep learning for HV screening.
Molecular and Clinical Profile of patients referred as Noonan or Noonan-like Syndrome in Greece: a cohort of 86 patients
Authors: Papadopoulos George , Papadopoulou Anna , Kosma Konstantina , Papadimitriou Anastasios , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Bountouvi Evangelia , Kitsiou-Tzeli Sophia 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. It belongs to a wider group of pathologies, Rasopathies, due to the implication of mutations in more than 10 genes encoding components of the Ras/MAPK signalling pathway. Recording the genetic alterations across populations helps assessing specific features to specific genes which is essential for better disease’s prognosis and monitoring. Herein, we report the clinical and molecular data of a Greek cohort comprising of 86 patients. Patients identified as NS or NS-like syndrome from a single tertiary Centre in Athens, Greece. The analysis was performed using Sanger and Next-Generation-Sequencing, comprising 14 different genes. Heterozygous variants were revealed in 11/14 genes: PTPN11 (32.5%), RIT1 (8.1%), SOS1 (4.7%), A2ML1 (4.7%), SPRED1 (3.5%), BRAF (1.2%), CBL (1.2%), KRAS (1.2%), MAP2K1 (1.2%); RAF1 (1.2%); SHOC2 (1.2%), corresponding to 59.5% of positivity in our population. The genotype-phenotype analysis showed statistically significant differences regarding craniofacial dysmorphisms (p=0.0015), pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) (p<0.001) and neurological features (p<0.001) between patients harboring a mutation in any of the tested genes and mutation-free patients. Patients with at least one mutation had 7.36 times greater odds to develop PS compared to mutation-negative patients [OR=7.36, 95%; CI= (2.69,20.18)]. Conclusion: Craniofacial dysmorphism, neurological defects and PS prevail among mutation positive compared to mutation negative NS and NS-like patients. The significant prevalence of the Ras/MAPK mutations (28%), other than PTPN11, in Greek patients, highlights the necessity of a wider spectrum of molecular diagnosis.
Biodegradation of Selected Petroleum Hydrocarbons Using Indigenous Microorganisms
Authors: Oyewole Oluwafemi Adebayo , Olusanya Clement S , Akinlade Olusegun I , Abdulwasiu Yusuf O , Kelechi Anthony O , Okoro Michael E 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Bioremediation make use of microorganisms to remove contaminants from the environment, the use of indigenous microorganisms in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutant to clean up environment has become a valuable technique. This study was aimed to biodegrade some petroleum hydrocarbon using indigenous microorganism from the petroleum contaminated soil. Top soil sample was collected from petroleum contaminated site in Minna, Nigeria. The petroleum was obtained from a local petrol bunk. The indigenous microorganism with biodegrading potential was obtained by plating the aliquot of the soil sample on minimal salt medium containing petroleum as the only source of carbon. The bacterium was identified by cultural and biochemical test and the fungi were identified by both macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The isolates with optimal potential were then subjected to biodegradation for 25 days. A control was setup without the isolate. Three bacterial isolate and four fungi isolate were isolated from the petroleum contaminated site, the bacterial isolates were Corynebacterium xerosis with maximal rate of degradation on day 20 (86%), the control had 12%, Proteus vulgaris maximal rate of biodegradation was on day 35 (80%) while that of control is 40%, and Bacillus subtilis maximal rate of biodegradation was on day 10 (49.73%) while that of control is 2.2%. The fungi isolates were identified as Aspergillus niger, A. versicolar, Trichophyton verrucosum Bodin and Saccharomyces cerivisiae. Trichophyton verrucosum Bodin on day 25 had the highest percentage (88%) of biodegradation in comparison with the control 41%. While A. niger highest biodegradation was observed on day 15 (24%). There was a gradual increase in the count of all the isolate during the course of biodegradation. The result of this study showed that these isolates were able to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon and can be useful for large scale bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils.
The Feasibility and Safety of Cocktail Treatment of Triple Anti-Inflammatory Agents Loaded with Gelatin Sponge Promotes Early Recovery After Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Authors: Zou Peng , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhang Rui , Yang Jun-Song , Chu Lei , Wang Xiang-Fu , Wei Jian-Min , Chai Xin , Zhao Yuan-Ting , Liao Bo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose

to investigated whether a cocktail therapy of dexamethasone, ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine, and vitamin B12 can achieve satisfactory pain relief and promote early functional recovery after PPECD.
Methods

80 single-level patients with CDH who received PPECD were retrospectively divided into two groups: the cocktail and control groups. Clinical data were recorded and evaluated by a dedicated physician who was not involved in the patient's treatment. The primary clinical outcomes included visual analog scores (VASs) for upper limber pain and neck disability index (NDI) scores. The follow-up time points were preoperatively and postoperative 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate the surgical effect of the last follow-up.
Results

The follow-up data of 74 cases were complete, except 6 cases lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographics, duration of symptoms, operation stage (P >0.05), and operation time (80.5±5.5 vs. 81.5±3.5 min). The VAS in the upper limbs pain was significantly higher postoperatively than preoperatively in both groups (p <0.05). The cocktail group had a lower VAS than the control group 1 week postoperatively (p <0.05); however, VAS not different between groups at the remaining time points. The NDI scores were significantly better postoperatively than preoperatively, and no significant differences were seen when comparing nodes at postoperative follow-up (p >0.05). In the control group, two cases with foraminal stenosis were found to have unrelieved pain in the early postoperative period, but the pain was relieved at the final follow-up and did not convert to open decompression surgery.
Conclusions

Cocktail treatment, in which a drug sustained-release material made of gelatin sponge was impregnated with dexamethasone, ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine and vitamin B12, facilitates pain relief and early postoperative recovery after PPECD.
CTRS- a Recommendation Scheme for Apps Based on Topic Discoverability and Personality Matching
Authors: R Jeeva , Muthukumaran N. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The recommendation of apps to the users is still a challenging task and differs from time to time. The past activities of the user alone don’t help much in recommendation systems. It includes preferences, trends, location-based info, new arrivals, etc. For that, app features have to be correlated with the user profile to identify the apps for the recommendation. The reviews have been analyzed in two different ways. In the first part, hidden topics in reviews have been extracted that may be the app feature that has not been mentioned explicitly and app features can get updated. In the other part, user personality interests are discovered in the reviews and activities explored by the user with the known attributes like watch history, wish list, liked apps, previously installed apps, and trends in the platform. With CTRS, app attributes are extracted and an app vector has been created after the subsequent steps of filtering and pooling. It will be get updated in regular intervals due to the dynamic behavior of attributes like new features, current trends, rating, ranking, etc. From the derived app vector, the recommendation system decides whether to recommend an app or not when it encounters during the active session of the user. The experiment was conducted on an app store dataset from Kaggle over 2,54,303 apps in different categories, attributes, and reviews with polarity values. After analysis, the success rate of CTRS has been achieved up to 75% over higher and lower ranked apps in charts.
Factors affecting viral load suppression in people living with HIV in Nigeria: cross-sectional analysis from 2001 to 2021
Authors: Tomescu Silviu , Crompton Thomas , Adebayo Jonathan , Akpan Francis , Dauda Dauda Sulaiman , Allen Zola , Ondura Evans , Kinge Constance Wose , Chasela Charles , Pisa Pedro 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is untransmissible when the viral load (VL) is undetectable, underscoring the importance of achieving VL suppression for HIV epidemic control. It is estimated that 78% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria are virally suppressed. The need to improve VL suppression rates raises questions about the factors associated with an unsuppressed VL, which this study explored using a large cross-sectional database of clients who received ART over a period of 20 years.
Methods
Data from 517,012 clients with a documented VL were analyzed using univariate and adjusted multivariate logistic regression. The independent variables investigated were sex, age group, facility type, time on ART until last VL test, multi-month dispensing (MMD), and geopolitical zone. To verify model improvement by variable, we performed backward elimination for the logistic regression model.
Results
Sixty-six percent of the study population were females. The largest age groups were 35–44 and 25–34, accounting for 32% and 31%, respectively. The greatest adjusted odds for an unsuppressed VL were associated with shorter duration MMD prescriptions of 1–2 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=14.05) and 3 months (AOR=3.13). Males had 8% greater odds (AOR=1.08) of being unsuppressed. The age groups below the 45–59 age group (AOR=0.84) had higher odds of having an unsuppressed VL, with the highest odds in the 0–14 age group (AOR=1.87). Clients enrolled at tertiary and secondary level facilities had the greatest odds of having an unsuppressed VL. A shorter time on ART until the last VL (1–3 years [AOR=1.14]) was associated with a higher risk of an unsuppressed VL. Clients in the North-Central (AOR=1.83) and North-East (AOR=1.49) zones had the greatest odds of viral non-suppression.
Conclusions
Enabling the provision of 3+ months of MMD to PLHIV and targeting younger age groups, tertiary and secondary health facilities, small and medium facilities, and the North-Central and North-East zones for interventions could lead to improvements in VL suppression in Nigeria. The independent factors associated with an unsuppressed VL can guide improvements in ART program development and VL suppression of PLHIV in Nigeria.
Video Analysis Techniques for Calculating the Coefficient of Friction of Ski Wax and Ski Base Treatments Using Miniature Ski Sleds
Authors: Bates Jeffrey , Dobron Aaron , Albertson Kelan , Falkowski Andrew , Pruzan Dennis 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Testing the properties of ski base treatments is a challenging task because there are many environmental conditions and user preferences associated with both the testing and performance outcomes. In this work, we present a method for testing the coefficient of friction, and how it changes over repeated ski runs. We develop a ski track system to control the slope and geographic topography of the testing site, and we use video analysis techniques to calculate the change in the coefficient of friction across three ski runs. We have found an increase in the coefficient of friction after repeated ski runs, which indicates that there is some abrasion of the ski base treatments with repeated testing.
Redox Signaling Induced Laminin Receptor RPSA Mediates Cell Adhesion Following Radiofrequency Glow Discharge Treatments
Authors: Ponnusamy Sasikumar , Ali Hanan H. , Dutt Felisha , Rahman Saeed Ur , Salah Ahmad A. , Pipalia Mahek , Baier Robert E , Arany Praveen R. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Current biomaterials are effective at replacing biological structures, but are limited by infections and long-term material failures. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of Radio Frequency Glow Discharge Treatments (RFGDT) in mediating disinfection of biomaterial surfaces and concurrently promoting cell attachment and proliferation. Dental biomaterials were subjected to RFGDT and viability of oral microbial species namely Streptococcus mutants (SM), Streptococcus gordonii (SG), Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) were assessed. Cell attachment and survival of a pre-odontoblast cell line, MDPC-23, was examined. Finally, mechanistic investigations into redox generation and biological signaling were investigated. Dental biomaterials induced reactive ozygen species (ROS) following dose-dependent RFGDT based on their compositions. RFGDT reduced microbial viability in the catalase-negative (SM and SG) species more effectively than catalase-positive (MC and PG) species. Cell adhesion assays noted improved MDPC-23 attachment and survival. Pretreatments with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and catalase abrogated these responses. Immunoassays noted redox-induced downstream expression of a laminin receptor, RPSA, following RFGDT. Thus, RFGDT-induced redox mediates antimicrobial and improved cell responses such as adhesion and proliferation. These observations together provide a mechanistic rationale for the clinical utility of RFGDT with dental biomaterials for regenerative clinical applications.
Temporal and Spatial Water Quality Assessment of the Geumho River, Korea, Using Multivariate Statistics and Water Quality Indices
Authors: Jo Chand Dae , Kwon Heon Gak , Kim Seong Min 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The Geumho River in South Korea passes through a metropolitan area with a high population density and multiple industrial complexes; therefore, the water quality of this river is of significance for human health and economic activities. This study assesses the water quality of the Geumho River to inform river water quality management and improve pollution control using multivariate statistics and the Korean Water Quality Index (KWQI). Principal component and factor analyses identified factors related to organic pollutants and metabolism (principal factor 1) and phosphorus and fecal coliform content (principal factor 2). Based on the results of cluster analysis, it was classified into four groups in time and three groups in space. Seven temporal variables and six spatial variables were extracted from discriminant analysis results; the most important water quality variables were high during the spring and summer seasons and in the midstream and downstream regions. Temporally, the KWQI was the highest in winter and the lowest in spring; spatially, the KWQI was the highest in the upstream and the lowest in the midstream sections. These results indicate that to improve effectiveness, water management interventions in the Geumho River should focus on the urban midstream section and spring season.
Integrated Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural (I-CBTE) therapy significantly improves effectiveness of inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa in real life settings
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Ryan Sharon , Viljoen David , Tutisani Ellen , Gardner Lucy , Collins Lorna , Ayton Agnes 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background Inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) often results in poor outcomes. To address this, the Oxford service has adapted the multistep enhanced cognitive behavioural (CBTE) treatment model, first developed in Italy, to an NHS setting.Aim: to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of Integrated CBTE (I-CBTE) with alternative treatment models in routine clinical practice. Methods This is a longitudinal cohort study, involving all adults with AN admitted from a geographical area in England covering a total population of 3.5 million between 2017-2020 using routinely collected data. We compared treatment as usual (TAU) with the Oxford model, which included: 1. short term planned admission with partial weight restoration; 2. I-CBTE (weight restoration defined as BMI 20, combined with 7 weeks day treatment followed by outpatient CBTE); 3. standalone inpatient CBTE. Primary outcome measures (min. 1 year after discharge from hospital) were defined as: 1. good outcome: BMI>19.5 and no binge purging behaviour; 2. poor outcome: BMI<19.5 and/or binge purging; 3. readmission; or 4. deceased.Secondary outcomes were BMI on admission and discharge, and length of stay. Results 212 patients were admitted to 15 specialist units in the UK depending on availability: 120 to Oxford and 92 elsewhere. The mean age: 28.9 (18-60) years, mean BMI: 14.4. There were no significant differences in baseline parameters between patients admitted to different units. Mean discharge BMI was >19.0 in the CBTE groups, 16.0 in the short admission and 17.0 in the TAU groups.At one year follow up, 70% of patients receiving I-CBTE maintained good outcomes, in contrast with <5% TAU or planned short admissions. Readmission rates were 14.3% vs ~60% (χ2=0.0000). Standalone CBTE had intermediate outcomes. The main predictor of good long-term outcome was I-CBTE.ConclusionsOur main finding is that in a real-life setting, I-CBTE has superior short- and long-term outcomes as compared with alternative inpatient treatment models. This was achievable regardless of age, and BMI on admission. Dissemination of I-CBTE across the care pathway has the potential to transform outcomes of inpatient treatment for this high-risk patient population and reduce personal and societal costs.
Hydroxyapatite Adsorbed at the Surface of the Byssus Fibers of Pinna Nobilis
Authors: Giannossa Lorena C. , Mangone Annarosa , Lagioia Giovanni , Palazzo Gerardo , Gentile Luigi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Mussel-forming fibers manifest fascinating properties due to the numerous reactive functional groups present in their primary structure besides their secondary structures. Humans adopted these protein-based fibers to produce an extremely fine and valuable fabric, named byssus. Byssus is the bundle of filaments secreted by Pinna nobilis species employed to colonize the marine substrates. The byssus fibers coming from other species, such as Mytilus edulis, have been widely investigated in particular for their self-healing properties attributed to the collagen presence and their core-shell structure. Surprisingly, the Pinna nobilis byssus is non-collagenous based and the fibers nanostructure is still poorly understood. Here, we are reporting an investigation on the Pinna nobilis byssus samples retrieved intact in each stage of treatment. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides a peculiar feature of Pinna nobilis byssus, i.e. the elliptical cross-section of the fibers. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), as well as infrared spectroscopy (IR), reveal the presence of hydroxyapatite adsorbed at the surface of the initial fibers and the presence of crystalline beta-sheet domains within the fibers. Finally, a WAXS-based method reveals a decrease in the crystalline/amorphous ratio during byssus treatment.