bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival differences of low‐grade versus high‐grade head and neck pleomorphic dermal sarcomas and a review of a scalp case
Authors: Janz Tyler A. , Long Barry D. , Joshi Rohan R. , Coblens Orly M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo examine survival by tumor grade of pleomorphic dermal sarcomas (PDS) of the head and neck (H&N) and review a scalp PDS case.MethodsPatients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included from 1980 to 2016 based on a diagnosis of H&N PDS. Survival estimates were performed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Additionally, a case of a grade III H&N PDS is presented.ResultsTwo hundred‐seventy cases of PDS were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 75.1 years (SD: 13.5). Two hundred‐thirty‐four (86.7%) patients were male. Eighty‐seven percent of patients received surgery as a part of their care. The 5‐year overall survival rates for grades I, II, III, and IV PDSs were 69%, 60%, 50%, and 42%, respectively (P = 0.03).ConclusionsH&N PDS occurs most commonly in older‐age males. Surgical management is frequently a part of H&N PDS care. Survival rates significantly decline based on tumor grade.
A Framework for Digital Transformation for Research and Practice: Putting Things into Perspective
Authors: Mikalef Patrick , Parmiggiani Elena 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe past years of researching digital transformation and the accumulated experience of practitioners in deploying projects of novel digital technologies have allowed us to gain much valuable insight about the process. From this assembly of knowledge, there is a lot we can learn about how to conduct future research, as well as a depth of knowledge regarding best practices that can aid practitioners. In this chapter, we provide some key input on how research and practice can approach digital transformation and discuss some ideas that are likely to be central in the near future. We draw on some streams of literature which have yet to be fully integrated in the current discourse of digital transformation research and provide some practical guidelines that can aid practitioners at different levels. We conclude with a brief overview of some key technologies which are likely to be in the spotlight of attention in the upcoming years and discuss their implications for research and practice.
Infection of lung megakaryocytes and platelets by SARS-CoV-2 anticipate fatal COVID-19
Authors: Zhu Aiwei , Real Fernando , Capron Claude , Rosenberg Arielle R. , Silvin Aymeric , Dunsmore Garett , Zhu Jaja , Cottoignies-Callamarte Andréa , Massé Jean-Marc , Moine Pierre , Bessis Simon , Godement Mathieu , Geri Guillaume , Chiche Jean-Daniel , Valdebenito Silvana , Belouzard Sandrine , Dubuisson Jean , Lorin de la Grandmaison Geoffroy , Chevret Sylvie , Ginhoux Florent , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Annane Djillali , Bordé Elisabeth Cramer , Bomsel Morgane 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSARS-CoV-2, although not being a circulatory virus, spread from the respiratory tract resulting in multiorgan failures and thrombotic complications, the hallmarks of fatal COVID-19. A convergent contributor could be platelets that beyond hemostatic functions can carry infectious viruses. Here, we profiled 52 patients with severe COVID-19 and demonstrated that circulating platelets of 19 out 20 non-survivor patients contain SARS-CoV-2 in robust correlation with fatal outcome. Platelets containing SARS-CoV-2 might originate from bone marrow and lung megakaryocytes (MKs), the platelet precursors, which were found infected by SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 autopsies. Accordingly, MKs undergoing shortened differentiation and expressing anti-viral IFITM1 and IFITM3 RNA as a sign of viral sensing were enriched in the circulation of deadly COVID-19. Infected MKs reach the lung concomitant with a specific MK-related cytokine storm rich in VEGF, PDGF and inflammatory molecules, anticipating fatal outcome. Lung macrophages capture SARS-CoV-2-containing platelets in vivo. The virus contained by platelets is infectious as capture of platelets carrying SARS-CoV-2 propagates infection to macrophages in vitro, in a process blocked by an anti-GPIIbIIIa drug. Altogether, platelets containing infectious SARS-CoV-2 alter COVID-19 pathogenesis and provide a powerful fatality marker. Clinical targeting of platelets might prevent viral spread, thrombus formation and exacerbated inflammation at once and increase survival in COVID-19.
Preclinical models of epithelial ovarian cancer: practical considerations and challenges for a meaningful application
Authors: Ciucci Alessandra , Buttarelli Marianna , Fagotti Anna , Scambia Giovanni , Gallo Daniela 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDespite many improvements in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment, until now, conventional chemotherapy and new biological drugs have not been shown to cure the disease, and the overall prognosis remains poor. Over 90% of ovarian malignancies are categorized as epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC), a collection of different types of neoplasms with distinctive disease biology, response to chemotherapy, and outcome. Advances in our understanding of the histopathology and molecular features of EOC subtypes, as well as the cellular origins of these cancers, have given a boost to the development of clinically relevant experimental models. The overall goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive description of the available preclinical investigational approaches aimed at better characterizing disease development and progression and at identifying new therapeutic strategies. Systems discussed comprise monolayer (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of established and primary cancer cell lines, organoids and patient-derived explants, animal models, including carcinogen-induced, syngeneic, genetically engineered mouse, xenografts, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), humanized PDX, and the zebrafish and the laying hen models. Recent advances in tumour-on-a-chip platforms are also detailed. The critical analysis of strengths and weaknesses of each experimental model will aid in identifying opportunities to optimize their translational value.
Acidosis significantly alters immune checkpoint expression profiles of T cells from oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Davern Maria , Donlon Noel E. , O’Connell Fiona , Gaughan Caoimhe , O’Donovan Cillian , Habash Mohammed , Sheppard Andrew D. , MacLean Michael , Dunne Margaret R. , Moore Jenny , Temperley Hugo , Conroy Melissa J. , Butler Christine , Bhardwaj Anshul , Ravi Narayanasamy , Donohoe Claire L. , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTumour acidosis contributes to cancer progression by inhibiting anti-tumour immunity. However, the effect of acidosis on anti-tumour T cell phenotypes in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of acidosis on anti-tumour T cell profiles and if immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) could enhance anti-tumour T cell immunity under acidosis. Acidic conditions substantially altered immune checkpoint expression profiles of OAC patient-derived T cells, upregulating TIM-3, LAG-3 and CTLA-4. Severe acidosis (pH 5.5) significantly decreased the percentage of central memory CD4+ T cells, an effect that was attenuated by ICB treatment. ICB increased T cell production of IFN-γ under moderate acidosis (pH 6.6) but not severe acidosis (pH 5.5) and decreased IL-10 production by T cells under severe acidic conditions only. A link between lactate and metastasis was also depicted; patients with nodal metastasis had higher serum lactate levels (p = 0.07) which also positively correlated with circulating levels of pro-angiogenic factor Tie-2. Our findings establish that acidosis-induced upregulation of immune checkpoints on T cells may potentially contribute to immune evasion and disease progression in OAC. However, acidic conditions curtailed ICB efficacy, supporting a rationale for utilizing systemic oral buffers to neutralize tumour acidity to improve ICB efficacy.
Graphical abstract
Study schematic—PBMCs were isolated from OAC patients (A) and expanded ex vivo for 7 days using anti-CD3/28 +IL-2 T cell activation protocol (B) and further cultured for 48 h under increasing acidic conditions in the absence or presence of immune checkpoint blockade (nivolumab, ipilimumab or dual nivolumab + ipilimumab) (C). Immunophenotyping was then carried out to assess immune checkpoint expression profiles and anti-tumour T cell phenotypes (D). Serum lactate was assessed in OAC patients (E–F) and levels were correlated with patient demographics (G) and the levels of circulating immune/pro-angiogenic cytokines that were determined by multiplex ELISA (H). Key Findings—severe acidic conditions upregulated multiple immune checkpoints on T cells (I). Efficacy of ICB was curtailed under severe acidic conditions (J). Circulating lactate levels positively correlated with circulating levels of pro-angiogenic factor tie-2 and higher serum lactate levels were found in patients who had nodal metastasis (K).
Working conditions in low risk nulliparous women in The Netherlands: are legislation and guidelines a guarantee for a healthy working environment? A cohort study
Authors: van Beukering Monique D. M. , Schuster Heleen J. , Peelen Myrthe J. C. S. , Schonewille Marit E. A. , Hajenius Petra J. , Duijnhoven Ruben G. , Brand Teus , Painter Rebecca C. , Kok Marjolein 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objective
Hazardous working conditions increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we examine adherence to legislation and guidelines aimed at improving working conditions in pregnancy.

Methods
Between 2014 and 2016, we recruited a prospective cohort of low-risk nulliparous pregnant women in paid employment or self-employed in 16 community midwifery practices in The Netherlands. Participants completed two questionnaires concerning demographics, education, general health and working conditions between 10–16 and 20–24 weeks of pregnancy. We calculated the proportion of participants with work-related risk factors not in accordance with legislation and/or guidelines.

Results
Of 269 participants included, 214 (80%) completed both questionnaires. At 10–16 weeks 110 (41%) participants and at 20–24 weeks 129 (63%) participants continued to work under circumstances that did not meet recommendations. Employers provided mandated information on work adjustment to 37 (15%) participants and 96 (38%) participants received no information about the potential hazards while working with biological and chemical hazards. Participants with lower educational attainment (aOR 2.2 95%CI 1.3–3.9), or employment in healthcare (aOR 4.5, 95%CI 2.2–9.0), education/childcare and social service (aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1–6.0 2),, catering (aOR 3.6, 95%CI 1.1–12) and industry, construction and cleaning (aOR 3.3, 95%CI 1.1–10.3) more often continued work which did not meet recommendations.

Conclusion
There is poor adherence to national legislation and guidelines for safe working in pregnancy in The Netherlands: 50% of the pregnant women worked under hazardous conditions. Given the impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as on the public purse, action to improve compliance must be taken by all stakeholders.
Activity of isoflavone biochanin A in chronic experimental toxoplasmosis: impact on inflammation
Authors: Aboukamar Wafaa A. , Elhenawy Abeer A. , Elmehankar Manar S. , Elzoheiry Manal A. , El-Gamal Randa , Elabbasy Lamiaa M. , Hany Heba , Nabih Nairmen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractToxoplasma gondiiis a worldwide prevalent parasite. The infection has been linked to variable inflammatory effects including neuroinflammation. Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, we examined the effect of BCA on the brain and liver inflammatory lesions in a murine model with chronic toxoplasmosis. Mice were divided in to six groups: non-infected control, non-infected BCA-treated, and four infected groups withToxoplasmagondiiMe49-type II cystogenic strain: infected control, BCA (50 mg/kg/day)-treated, combined BCA/cotrimoxazole-treated and cotrimoxazole (370 mg/kg/day) alone-treated. Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR in the brain and liver tissues. In the infected control group, an upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression levels was found. However, a downregulation of iNOS expression was detected in the brain of infected control mice. In both BCA- and combined-treated groups, the brain and liver tissues showed significantly reduced inflammatory lesions compared to the infected control mice with inhibited TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels. The iNOS expression levels in the brain tissues of BCA group were significantly higher than the levels of the infected control group. BCA alone or combined significantly reducedT. gondiicyst count in the brain tissues. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory activity of BCA was demonstrated in the brain tissues of mice with chronic toxoplasmosis with decreased TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels and increased iNOS expression levels.
Generation of hemipelvis surface geometry based on statistical shape modelling and contralateral mirroring
Authors: Krishna Praveen , Robinson Dale L. , Bucknill Andrew , Lee Peter Vee Sin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPersonalised fracture plates manufactured using 3D printing offer an improved treatment option for unstable pelvic ring fractures that may not be adequately secured using off-the-shelf components. To design fracture plates that secure the bone fragments in their pre-fracture positions, the fractures must be reduced virtually using medical imaging-based reconstructions, a time-consuming process involving segmentation and repositioning of fragments until surface congruency is achieved. This study compared statistical shape models (SSMs) and contralateral mirroring as automated methods to reconstruct the hemipelvis using varying amounts of bone surface geometry. The training set for the geometries was obtained from pelvis CT scans of 33 females. The root-mean-squared error (RMSE) was quantified across the entire surface of the hemipelvis and within specific regions, and deviations of pelvic landmarks were computed from their positions in the intact hemipelvis. The reconstruction of the entire hemipelvis surfaced based on contralateral mirroring had an RMSE of 1.21 ± 0.29 mm, whereas for SSMs based on the entire hemipelvis surface, the RMSE was 1.11 ± 0.29 mm, a difference that was not significant (p = 0.32). Moreover, all hemipelvis reconstructions based on the full or partial bone geometries had RMSEs and landmark deviations from contralateral mirroring that were significantly lower (p < 0.05) or statistically equivalent to the SSMs. These results indicate that contralateral mirroring tends to be more accurate than SSMs for reconstructing unilateral pelvic fractures. SSMs may still be a viable method for hemipelvis fracture reconstruction in situations where contralateral geometries are not available, such as bilateral pelvic factures, or for highly asymmetric pelvic anatomies.
Effect of biochar on desiccation of marine soils under constant and cyclic temperatures
Authors: Puspanathan Thellen Kumar , Jayawardane Vihan Shenal , Paul Suvash Chandra , Ying Kong Sih , Shukla Sanjay Kumar , Anggraini Vivi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBiochar has recently been gaining increasing attention as a stable and sustainable soil amendment material. However, the effect of biochar amendment on the desiccation behaviour of coastal soils has not yet been examined. Consequently, the present study primarily investigated the effect of exposing biochar-amended marine soil (BAS) to constant and cyclic temperatures on its swell–shrink, evaporation and desiccation cracking characteristics. Biochar contents of 1%, 2%, 4% and particle size ranges of PS-1 (600 μm < D ≤ 2000 μm), PS-2 (300 μm < D ≤ 600 μm), PS-3 (D ≤ 75 μm) (D: biochar particle diameter) were employed. It was revealed that the absolute volumetric shrinkage of both unamended and biochar-amended specimens increased as the number of thermal cycles increased. Under continuous heat exposure, 4% (PS-3) BAS in compacted state achieved the maximum reduction in volumetric shrinkage which was 42%. Moreover, under continuous heat exposure, 2% (PS-1) BAS in slurry state achieved the highest reduction in desiccation cracking, which was 73%. The present study highlights the importance of identifying the most effective combination of biochar content and particle size required to achieve a desired outcome, in order to gain the maximum benefit of biochar as an amendment material at the lowest possible cost.
Autophagy Dysfunction in ALS: from Transport to Protein Degradation
Authors: Cozzi Marta , Ferrari Veronica 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). Since the identification of the first ALS mutation in 1993, more than 40 genes have been associated with the disorder. The most frequent genetic causes of ALS are represented by mutated genes whose products challenge proteostasis, becoming unable to properly fold and consequently aggregating into inclusions that impose proteotoxic stress on affected cells. In this context, increasing evidence supports the central role played by autophagy dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of ALS. Indeed, in early stages of disease, high levels of proteins involved in autophagy are present in ALS MNs; but at the same time, with neurodegeneration progression, autophagy-mediated degradation decreases, often as a result of the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates in affected cells. Autophagy is a complex multistep pathway that has a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Several proteins are involved in its tight regulation, and importantly a relevant fraction of ALS-related genes encodes products that directly take part in autophagy, further underlining the relevance of this key protein degradation system in disease onset and progression. In this review, we report the most relevant findings concerning ALS genes whose products are involved in the several steps of the autophagic pathway, from phagophore formation to autophagosome maturation and transport and finally to substrate degradation.
Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index: A Precise, Noninvasive Tool for Evaluation of Edema in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: El-Halaby Hanan , Bakr Ashraf , El-Assmy Mohamed , Abdalla Hussein Abdelaziz , Salem Marwa , Eid Riham 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate available volume status assessment tools in nephrotic syndrome (NS). Sixty children with INS were subdivided into hypovolemic and nonhypovolemic groups based on fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa%); all were studied for inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI), plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and body composition monitor (BCM). Forty-four patients had nonhypovolemic and 16 had hypovolemic states. ANP did not differ between both groups. IVCCI was higher in hypovolemic group (p < 0.001) with sensitivity 87.5% and specificity 81.8% for hypovolemia detection, while BCM overhydration (BCM-OH) values were higher in nonhypovolemic group (p = 0.04) with sensitivity = 68.2% and specificity = 75% for detection of hypervolemia. FeNa% showed negative correlation with IVCCI (r =  −0.578, p < 0.001) and positive correlation with BCM-OH (r = 0.33, p = 0.018), while FeNa% showed nonsignificant correlation to ANP concentration. IVCCI is a reliable tool for evaluating volume status in NS and is superior to BCM.
Measuring positive memories of home and family during childhood: The development and initial validation of the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’
Authors: Shevlin Mark , Redican Enya , McElroy Eoin , Ben-Ezra Menachem , Karatzias Thanos , Hyland Philip 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThere is a burgeoning evidence base highlighting the positive influence of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs), even in the context of adversity. However, few measures are available to assess BCEs. The current study sought to develop and validate a measure which assesses positive recollections of experiences and emotions at home and with family during childhood called the ‘Memories of Home and Family Scale’(MHFS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to test the latent structure of the preliminary MHFS item scores in a sample of university students from the United Kingdom (N = 624). Following selection of the best-fitting model and final items for inclusion in the scale, total and subscale scores were correlated with a range of mental health outcomes. CFA results indicated that the latent structure of the MHFS items was best represented by a correlated six-factor first-order model.The final MHFS demonstrated high levels of internal reliability and convergent validity.
Interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method based on the set pair analysis theory and Choquet integral
Authors: Li Feng , Xie Jialiang , Lin Mingwei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method based on an improved score function of connection numbers and Choquet integral under interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy environment. To do so, we first introduce a method to convert interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy numbers into connection numbers based on the set pair analysis theory. Then an improved score function of connection numbers is proposed to make the ranking order of connection numbers more in line with reality in multi-criteria decision-making process. In addition, some properties of the proposed score function of connection numbers and some examples have been given to illustrate the advantages of conversion method proposed in the paper. Then, considering interactions among different criteria, we propose a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach based on set pair analysis and Choquet integral under interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy environment. Finally, a case of online learning satisfaction survey and a brief comparative analysis with other existing approaches are studied to show that the proposed method is simple,convenient and easy to implement. Comparing with previous studies, the method in this paper, from a new perspective, effectively deals with multi-criteria decision-making problems that the alternatives cannot be reasonably ranked in the decision-making process under interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy environment.
Implementable hybrid quantum ant colony optimization algorithm
Authors: de Andoin M. Garcia , Echanobe J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe propose a new hybrid quantum algorithm based on the classical Ant Colony Optimization algorithm to produce approximate solutions for NP-hard problems, in particular optimization problems. First, we discuss some previously proposed Quantum Ant Colony Optimization algorithms, and based on them, we develop an improved algorithm that can be truly implemented on near-term quantum computers. Our iterative algorithm codifies only the information about the pheromones and the exploration parameter in the quantum state, while subrogating the calculation of the numerical result to a classical computer. A new guided exploration strategy is used in order to take advantage of the quantum computation power and generate new possible solutions as a superposition of states. This approach is specially useful to solve constrained optimization problems, where we can implement efficiently the exploration of new paths without having to check the correspondence of a path to a solution before the measurement of the state. As an example of a NP-hard problem, we choose to solve the Quadratic Assignment Problem. The benchmarks made by simulating the noiseless quantum circuit and the experiments made on IBM quantum computers show the validity of the algorithm.