bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Kasai operation combined with autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion for biliary atresia
Authors: Nguyen ThanhLiem , Nguyen Hoang - Phuong , Phan Thi Kieu Trang , Ngo Duy Minh , Ha Thi Thu Hien , Bui Thi Hang , Nguyen Thanh Quang
Published: October 2023

Aim: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of modified Kasai operation combined with autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMNC) infusion for biliary atresia (BA).
Methods: A prospective study was performed from January 2015 to December 2021. Ten consecutive children with BA who underwent modified Kasai operation combined with autologous BMMNC infusion were included. Kasai operation was performed with two modifications: the liver was exteriorized partially, and two hepatic pedicles were encircled and retracted laterally.
Bone marrow was harvested through anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia then a modified Kasai operation was performed. After processing, bone marrow mononuclear cells were infused through the umbilical vein at the end of the operation.
Serum bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and prothrombin time were monitored at baseline, six months, twelve months, and the last follow-up (4.5 years) after the operation. In addition, esophagoscopy and liver biopsies were performed on patients whose parents agreed. Mixed-effects analysis was used to evaluate the changes in Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) scores.
Results: There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the operation or cell infusion. The average infused BMMNC and CD34+ cell counts per kg bodyweight were 85.5 ± 56.0 x 106/kg and 10.0 ± 3.6 x 106 for the injection, respectively. After the intervention, all ten patients survived with a mean follow-up duration of 4.5 ± 0.9 years. Liver function was maintained or improved after the operation and cell infusion, as assessed by biochemical tests. The severity of the disease reduced markedly, with a significant reduction in PELD scores.
Conclusion: Autologous BMMNC administration combined with Kasai operation for BA is safe and may maintain or improve liver function. A randomized study with a control group should be performed to provide accurate conclusions on the efficacy of this approach.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05517317 on August 26th, 2022.
Does centralized dispensing and distribution of medicines improve health outcomes? A retrospective cohort study in Ndola, Zambia
Authors: Molaudi Gaula , Constance Wose Kinge , Tawanda Dube , Ivin Chibanda , Thapelo Maotoe , Francis Akpan , Shabir Banoo , Eula Mothibi , Fanie Hendriksz , Ian Sanne , Ben Chirwa , Charles Chasela
Published: October 2023

Background
The global shift toward universal test and treat policy for individuals living with HIV has triggered an unprecedented surge in healthcare demand. In response, Zambia's government implemented a centralized dispensing and distribution intervention. Despite successful implementation, empirical evidence of its impact within Zambia remains lacking. This study aims to assess this intervention's utilization patterns and measure its effect on medicine collection rates, retention, and plasma viral load levels.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study by analysing programmatic data from 17,157 stable patients who received chronic antiretroviral therapy through the intervention across nine high-volume treatment facilities in Ndola, Zambia, from January 2018 to September 2021. We computed the annual ratios of the key health outcomes.
Results
Between January 2018 and September 2021, a total of 17,157 clients were enrolled, 75% of the total target during the implementation period. Out of those enrolled, there were more females 69% than males 31%, with most clients aged 20 years and above. The yearly rates of beneficiary medicine collection and retention consistently surpassed the benchmark, reaching 93% (90% CI: 85% − 100%) and 97% (95% CI: 95% – 99%), respectively. However, less than 1% of those ever-enrolled experienced escalated viral load levels warranting discontinuation from the program.
Conclusion
Our study establishes that implementing the centralized dispensing and distribution intervention in Ndola produced a notable positive impact on enrolled beneficiaries' critical health outcomes. This reinforces the intervention's viability as a scalable solution, holding potential for broader population-level benefits.
Cashless payment methods and tax evasion: Evident in 28 countries in Europe and Vietnam - Looking at Vietnam Economic Policies Dealing with Cashless Payment Methods
Authors: Tran Loan , Wang Wen Pu
Published: October 2023

A cashless society has numerous advantages such as lower financial transaction costs and fewer tax evasion concerns. Cashless payment methods can mitigate tax evasion because they leave a trail of records of the transactions. Using panel data from 29 countries from 2000 to 2021, this study investigated the connection between different cashless payment methods and tax compliance, analyzed the connection between each cashless payment method in the context of the value-added tax, and synthesized the effect of different variables affecting tax evasion. Furthermore, this study also looked into Vietnam’s current practices and implementations of policies governing cashless payment methods as well as its desire to transition into an e-Government; this study looks at the current realities of Vietnam’s efforts into this endeavor and provides recommendations and directions for the implementation of the cashless payment system as well as the transition into an e-Government.
Effect of bacterial secretomes isolated from larval food of Frieseomelitta varia on Drosophila melanogaster model for Azheimer's Disease
Authors: Sales Michelle Ribeiro , Bonetti Ana Maria , Rodrigues Tamiris Sabrina , Vieira Carlos Ueira , Malta Serena Mares , Santos Ana Carolina Costa
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative pathology in Brazil. It is associated with age and cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations, which result in progressive and disabling disability. It is responsible for 60–70% of dementia cases with an estimated increase of 10 million diagnoses annually. Research in AD suggests that the imbalance between the production and elimination of amyloid beta (Aβ) (amyloid hypothesis) is responsible for events that lead to AD. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect and inhibitory activity of the bacterial secretome isolated from the larval food of the stingless bee Frieseomelitta varia in a transgenic line of Drosophila melanogaster, a model for the study of AD. This has been an important model organism for research into the events involved in AD. DA model flies were treated with different bacterial secretomes for 15 days after eclosion. Secretomes identified as S27 and S40 improved the climbing rate of these flies, assessed through Rapid Interactive Negative Geotaxis (RING). Histological analysis of the brain revealed potential for decreased neurodegeneration. Therefore, the bacterial secretome isolated from stingless bee larval food showed potential as a source of bioactive molecules to reduce the neurodegeneration process in AD.
Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of pharmacological studies of Some nanoparticles
Authors: Youssef Fady Sayed , Ismail Sameh Hamed , ElHalim Hanan F. Abd , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a rapid, facile, and cheap method is used to synthesize gold and titanium dioxide nanogel. Cytotoxicity, invitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were performed. Invitro antimicrobial activities with molecular docking confirmation were carried out. Also, wound healing was performed in rabbit model with H & E illustration. Characterization and identification of the prepared compounds were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). XRD illustrated the presence of the characteristic peaks of the gold and rutile. DLS revealed the homogeneity in size for both gold and rutile nanogel. Where the size of gold/carbopol nanogel and titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel were 32 nm and 51 nm, respectively, with a zeta-potential of +22 and -28 mV, respectively. BET surface area was found to be 43 and 34 m2/g for gold/carbopol nanogel and titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel, respectively. The data collected from TEM, SEM, and AFM images studies illustrated the spherical to subspherical shape of gold//carbopol nanogel and titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel. Cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel and gold/carbopol nanogel on normal human diploid cell line (WI-38 cell) depending on (MTT protocol) and IC50 values were found to be 302.96 and 382.99 ug/ml for titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel and gold/carbopol nanogel, respectively. Molecular docking with Microbial Beta-Ketoacyl-ACP Synthase II complexed with Malonyl-COA was also presented. The docking score of gold/carbopol nanogel was -3.20 (kcal/mol), however, titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel was -2.78 (kcal/mol). The anti-microbial effect against ATCC 6538 and ATCC 10221 microorganisms was described and evaluated for the prepared NPs. The MIC50 values recorded were 5 µg/mL and 20 µg/mL for gold/carbopol nanogel and titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel, respectively. These results confirmed the superior potential antimicrobial effect of gold/carbopol nanogel than titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel. The antioxidant activity was studied by the DPPH method. The obtained results showed that both synthesized compounds have a potent ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide when compared to traditional vitamin C. Results of invitro anti-inflammatory activity revealed the potential and superior effect of gold/carbopol nanogel than titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel. Results of wound healing study revealed the potential and superior efficacy of gold/carbopol nanogel than titanium dioxide/carbopol nanogel.
Isolation and characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from ‘Pakkat su’- A traditional fermented food of the Tai Phake community of Assam
Authors: sarmah minakshee , Deka Manab
Published: October 2023

Background
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) plays an important role in the fermentation of traditional food of ethnic communities across the globe. This study isolated and identified LAB from ‘Pakkat su’, vegetable-based fermented food of the Tai Phake community of Assam. Pure microbial cultures were screened for their probiotic properties, viz., tolerance to acid and bile, bile salt hydrolysis, resistance against antibiotics, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities, and cell surface characteristics.
Result
Three isolates from pure cultures showed bile, pH and bile tolerance and non-hemolytic and non-pathogenic properties. Antagonistic effects of these isolates were observed against E.coli ATCC-10536 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-BAA-1026. These potent bacterial isolates were identified as new strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus based on 16SrRNA sequences which were submitted to GenBank database with sequential accession number OQ996876, OQ997380 and OQ998330.
Conclusion
These results indicate that microbes associated with ‘Pakkat su’ production are good candidates for probiotic production and can be considered for potential application as commercial probiotic to confer health benefits to consumers. It also implies that ‘pakkat su’ can be used as vehicles for probiotic delivery.
Microglial Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction play an important role in activation of neurotoxic reactive astrocyte in experimental glaucoma
Authors: Zhang Jingxue , Wu Shen , Cheng Ying , Liu Qian , Yan Xuejing , Ren Tianmin , Wang Ningli
Published: October 2023

Background:
Previous studies indicated that activation of glial cells and inflammatory responses are triggering factors of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. In particular, neurotoxic reactive astrocytes have been found to play a significant role in retinal ganglion cell damage. Furthermore, research showed that activation of glial cells is not dependent on retinal ganglion cell injury, but rather a direct response to pathological elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). However, the molecular mechanism by which elevated IOP triggers glial activation through mechanical forces remains unknown.
Main body:
We constructed a high IOP animal model by injecting Matrigel hydrogel into the anterior chamber of rats. The spatial transcriptomic sequencing and bioinfomation analysis were performed using tissues from the high IOP rats and control rats. Subsequently, mechanical intervention was given to cultured microglia in vitro, and the conditioned medium after intervention was applied to astrocytes to explorethe interaction between microglia and astrocytes under mechanical stimulation, and QPCR and Western Blot examinations were used to analyze the changes in secretory factors of microglia under mechanical stimulation. The role of piezo1 as a mechanical receptor in microglia was further clarified by activating or inhibiting piezo1 in the cultured microglia under mechanical stimulation. By spatial transcriptome sequencing, we determined for the first time in vivo that glial cells in optic nerve head were rapidly activated, and the neurotoxic reactive astrocyte were induced under high IOP. Subsequently, we demonstrated that microglial culture medium after mechanical intervention can significantly promote the transformation of astrocytes into neurotoxic astrocytes, and the key regulatory factors are inflammatory factors such as IL-1α and TNF-α. In addition, we found that microglia activate and up-regulate the expression of these inflammatory factors by sensing mechanical stimulation mainly through piezo1.
Conclusions:
Our study revealed that the neurotoxic astrocyte would rapidly be reactivated in the optic nerve head under elevated intraocular pressure in vivo. Additionally, we found that microglia could be activated by directly sensing mechanical force via Piezo1, resulting in the release of key factors such as IL-1α and TNF-α, which is an important triggering mechanism for the formation of neurotoxic reactive astrocyte.
Study on microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of AISI 444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Joint by high frequency pulse K-TIG welding
Authors: Dong Zhihai , Tian Ye , Hao Tingting , Li YiWen , Miu Junyan , Cui XinYing , Chang Chenhe , Chang Yunlong
Published: October 2023

In this study, high frequency pulse K-TIG was used to weld AISI 444 ferritic stainless steel (FSS) with a thickness of 6 mm, and the welding process window was determined, and complete penetration was achieved in the state of single pass autogenous welding. The influence law of technological parameters and weld appearance was analyzed. The microstructure characteristics of weld zone (WZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ) was analyzed. Finally, the mechanical properties of welded joints are evaluated. It is found that the thermal conductivity of FSS is large, so the welding process window is relatively narrow, and the welding heat input determines whether the weld can achieve complete penetration.
The second phase, such as σ phase, χ phase and Laves phase, is precipitated in WZ and HAZ phases. At the crystal boundary, the σ phase and χ phase appears, while the Laves phase is dispersed in the intragranular and crystal boundary.
In addition, NbC isfound in the HAZ. The brittle-hard phase and coarse grain have great influence on tensile properties and impact toughness at room temperature. The tensile strength of the weld is equivalent to 70.57% of the parent material, which is 596 MPa. Its average impact toughness value is 29.7J, which is equivalent to 43.04% of the BM. Although the strength and toughness of FSS joints welded with high-frequency pulse K-TIG are lower than that of BM, the welding efficiency is significantly improved, and it is suitable for components with slightly lower load requirements.
Alterations in DNA conformation and histone phosphorylation resulting from double-strand breaks induced in HeLa cells – a spectroscopic and immunostaining approach
Authors: Czaja Michał , Giergiel Magdalena , Skirlińska-Nosek Katarzyna , Sofińska Kamila , Adamczyk Olga , Lupa Dawid , Seweryn Sara , Rajfur Zenon , Birarda Giovanni , Piccirilli Federica , Vaccari Lisa , Szymoński Marek , Lipiec Ewelina
Published: October 2023

All living cells are subjected daily to several thousands of DNA lesions of various origins. DNA damage leads to genetic material disorders that may have serious consequences, including cell apoptosis or mitotic death. The most dangerous DNA lesions are double-strand breaks (DSBs) accompanied by modifications of the DNA chemical structure. Here, we focus on DNA conformational transitions caused by DSBs formation induced by a genotoxic drug, bleomycin (BLM). The response of cells to this anticancer agent treatment was monitored with synchrotron radiation infrared micro-spectroscopy (SR-FTIR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Obtained data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis methods. Depending on BLM concentrations, either DNA repair or apoptosis was induced. The applied methodology enabled tracking of molecular modifications on those processes, such as conformational transition from B-DNA to A-DNA and increased expression of proteins within the cell nuclei resulting from the activation of repair processes. Finally, we present a novel approach to determine the rate of chromatin damage based on computational analysis of the histone H2AX phosphorylation immunoassay.
A Case Report of Multiple Systemic Immune Adverse Reaction Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Mudan , Li Enci , Dong Shaoshao
Published: October 2023

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) have been shown to have antitumor activity in various solid tumors. With the increase in clinical applications of ICIs, reports of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have also increased. ICI-associated renal adverse effects are rare, accompanying Multiple Systemic Immune Adverse Reaction.
This article reports a case of a lung cancer patient who developed multisystemic adverse effects after PD-1 inhibitor application: acute kidney injury, rash, thyroiditis, and pneumonia. Renal biopsy histopathological results acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. His multisystemic dysfunction recovered within 3 months of treatment with prednisolone in addition to discontinuation of tislelizumab.
Glucocorticoids are the main treatment, and close attention should be paid to the presence or absence of new irAEs during the process. Besides,Despite the patient’s eventual discontinuation of antitumor therapy due to severe irAEs, a significant and durable therapeutic response was observed
RUNX1-BMP2 Promotes Vasculogenic mimicry in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Activation of the PI3K-AKT Signalling Pathway
Authors: Zhu Qingwen , Zhang Xinyu , Lu Fei , Miao Siyu , Zhang Chunyang , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Zejun , Qi Meihao , An Xiaogang , Geng Panling , Han Fugen , Zhang Ruyue , Zha Dingjun
Published: October 2023

Background Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to fluid channels formed by invasive tumour cells rather than endothelial cells and is crucial for tumour growth and metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown.Methods Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were sourced from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and COX regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorised into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The identification of core genes in LSCC was conducted using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and the WGCNA algorithm. Subsequently, the involvement of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, Western blot experiments were performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating BMP2 expression.Results We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated that BMP2 was a potential core gene. Further experimental results suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, and the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC was a result of its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1).Conclusion BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker for LSCC.
Differentiating benign and malignant neoplasms: A new role for coagulation and fibrinolysis indicators
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zeng Lu , Liu Shuangfeng , Tang Na
Published: October 2023

Background
Abnormal coagulation and fibrinolysis are often observed in malignant tumors, which may contribute to tumor invasion. This study aimed to investigate the potential of using coagulation and fibrinolysis markers for differential diagnosis.
Methods
The levels of PT, APTT, TT, FIB, FDP, and D-dimer were analyzed in primary tumors (208 benign and 243 malignant) prior to biopsy or treatment. Additionally, a control group consisting of 400 healthy volunteers was included.
Results
Significantly higher levels of PT, FIB, FDP and D-dimer were found in the malignant tumor group compared with both the benign tumor group and control group (P > 0.01). The AUCs for FIB and D-dimer in diagnosing malignant tumors were 0.829(95% CI:0.780 ~ 0.878)and 0.845(95% CI:0.799 ~ 0.892), respectively. - both exceeding 0.8; their specificities for detecting malignancy were also high at 91.18% and 92.16%, respectively; while their positive predictive values reached up to 91.82% and 92.73%, respectively. Furthermore, the combined detection of PT,FIB,D-dimer,and FDP as well as that of only FIB and D-dimer combined could achieve an even higher diagnostic accuracy with AUCs were 89.22% and 89.26%, respectively;specificities for detecting malignancy were 89.22% and 89.26%,while their positive predictive values were 91.79% and 91.03%. Finally, a combination factor involving these markers could provide valuable assistance in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors.
Conclusion
The use of FIB and D-dimer alone and the combined use of coagulation system function-related indicators (such as the combination of D-dimer and FIB or the combination of PT, FIB, FDP and D-dimer) have high auxiliary diagnostic value in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumours.
Poly(ethyl methacrylate)-based diblock copolymer nano-objects prepared via RAFT-mediated polymerization induced self-assembly in n-heptane
Authors: Li Shanji , Huang Jianbing
Published: October 2023

A series of poly(lauryl methacrylate)-poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PLMA-PEMA) diblock copolymer nano-objects were prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization in n-heptane at 65 oC. By using PLMA with a fixed degree of polymerization (DP) of 18 as a steric stabilizer block, polymerization of EMA at relatively high concentrations (15% w/w solids or above) allowed for the production of nano-objects with morphologies of sphere, worm and vesicle. Interestingly, at lower concentrations, the diblock copolymer could form unusual structures: micrometer-sized rods and nanotubes at 10% and 7.5% w/w solids, respectively. The SEM and TEM characterization suggests that the rods are kinetically trapped aggregates of worms and spheres, and the formation of nanotubes is presumably due to the fusion of ellipsoidal vesicles and then the shear force exerted by stirring which may trigger the elongation of the vesicles to form the nanotubes. Besides, the diblock copolymer worms exhibited thermoresponsive behavior on heating to 90 oC due to the change in nano-object morphology from worms to spheres.
Combined corneal biomechanical and tomographical indices in subclinical and forme fruste keratoconus
Authors: Ganesh Meghna , Arora Ritu , Titiyal Jeewan Singh
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Evaluation of combined corneal tomographic and biomechanical parameters in subclinical/forme fruste keratoconus (ScKC/FFKC).
Design: Cross-sectional observational case-control study
Methods:
Inclusion criteria: 31 eyes with ScKC (fellow eye of KC with any one sign: keratometry >47 diopters, cylinder >1.5D, central corneal thickness <500mm, with/without abnormal topography) or FFKC (fellow eye of KC with normal topography and slit lamp examination) >13 years (cases) and 44 eyes of age-matched 22 healthy subjects (controls).
Exclusion criteria:Clinically diagnosed KC, presence of corneal scars, prior ocular surgery eyes.
Study parameters:16 Pentacam, 15 Corvis ST and 5 Sirius parameters were analysed using paired sample t-test and sub-sample found to be significantly different was used in ROC analysis. Youden Index was calculated and Pearson’s correlation analysis was done.
Results: 5 Pentacam, 3 Corvis ST and 2 Sirius parameters had AUC >0.75. TBI (cut-off 0.59, 95% specificity, 77% sensitivity), BAD (cut-off 1.8, 81% specificity, 80% sensitivity) and SIb (cut-off 0.16, 97% specificity, 67% sensitivity) best identified early KC. TBI strongly correlated with maximum Pentacam parameters in both cases and controls. CBI strongly correlated only in cases and SP-A1-SD weakly correlated in cases.
Conclusion: Upon combined analysis, average sensitivity and specificity respectively of top three parameters (according to AUC) from Pentacam and Corvis ST was 74.1% and 95.4% for PE and TBI, 81.3% and 78.1% for BAD and SP-A1-SD and 77.1% and 82.9% for KI and CBI. Average sensitivity and specificity respectively of top two parameters (according to AUC) from Sirius was 66.1% and 97.6% for SIb and BCVb.
Trial Registration: Trial registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India on Jan 28, 2022. Trial Registration Number is REF/2022/01/050638.
New Insights into Macrophage Polarization and its Prognostic Role in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis
Authors: Khanduri Isha , Maki Harufumi , Verma Anuj , Katkhuda Riham , Anandappa Gayathri , Pandurengan Renganayaki , Zhang Shanyu , Mejia Alicia , Tong Zhimin , Soto Luisa M. Solis , Jadhav Akshaya , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Kopetz Scott , Parra Edwin R. , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Maru Dipen M.
Published: October 2023

Background: As liver metastasis is the most common cause of mortality in patients with colorectal cancer, studying colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CLM) microenvironment is essential for improved understanding of tumor biology and to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Methods: We used multiplex immunofluorescence platform to study tumor associated macrophage (TAM) polarization and adaptive T cell subtypes in tumor samples from 105 CLM patients (49 without and 56 with preoperative chemotherapy).
Results: CLM exhibited M2 macrophage polarization, and helper T cells were the prevalent adaptive T cell subtype. The density of total, M2 and TGFβ-expressing macrophages, and regulatory T cells was lower in CLM treated with preoperative chemotherapy. CLM with right-sided primary demonstrated enrichment of TGFβ-expressing macrophages, and with left-sided primary had higher densities of helper and cytotoxic T cells. In multivariate analysis, high density of M2 macrophages correlated with longer recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the entire cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 0.425, 95% CI 0.219-0.825, p=0.011) and in patients without preoperative chemotherapy (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.221-0.932, p=0.032). High pSMAD3-expressing macrophages were associated with shorter RFS in CLM after preoperative chemotherapy.
Conclusions: Our results highlight the significance of a multi-marker approach to define the macrophage subtypes and identify M2 macrophages as a predictor of favorable prognosis in CLM.
Transcultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale (CADES)
Authors: Jalali Amir , Darvishi Niloufar , Ahmadi Yasin , Khodamorovati Mahbod , Vatandost Salam , Moradi khalil
Published: October 2023

Background: Individuals with coronary artery disease are exposed to multiple problems and recurrent disease due to the chronic and progressive nature of the disease. They need to assess their own abilities and use them in their own healthcare to learn how to manage their disease and health independently.
Objective: This study was conducted in order to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of "Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale (CADES)" in Iran.
Method: This is a cognitive study in which the Coronary Artery Disease Empowerment Scale (CADES) was translated into Persian using forward-backward translation method. After cultural validation, the steps of content assessment, response reaction, and internal structure evaluation were performed, which included evaluating the completeness of the structure in terms of items, the relationship between construct and observation of the tool, and the opinions and thoughts of experts and respondents, as well as the reliability and confirmation of the factorial structure. For confirmatory factor analysis, the research sample increased to 344 patients with heart disease, while 190 individuals were used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Participants were selected using convenient sampling method for this stage. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency, and test-retest method was used to evaluate the reliability of the tool. SPSS version 26 and Lisrel version 8 were used for data analysis in this study.
Results: The EFA and CFA results confirmed the tool with three factors and 25 items. The main indicators of the model in factor analysis were all above 0.9, indicating a good fit of the model. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the items and subscales with the main scale showed a direct and significant relationship. Additionally, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.813) and retest (0.763) confirmed the reliability of the Persian version of CADES.
Conclusion: Overall, the study results showed that the Persian version of CADES has acceptable and practical characteristics for assessing the empowerment of coronary artery disease patients and can serve as a valid tool that reflects the empowerment of CAD patients.
Most monogenic disorders are caused by mutations altering protein folding free energy
Authors: Pandey Preeti , Alexov Emil
Published: October 2023

Revealing the molecular effect that pathogenic missense mutations cause on the corresponding protein is crucial for developing therapeutic solutions. This is especially important for monogenic diseases since, for most of them, there is no treatment available, while typically, the treatment should be provided in the early development stages. This requires fast, targeted drug development at a low cost. Here, we report a database of monogenic disorders (MOGEDO), which includes 768 proteins, the corresponding 2559 pathogenic and 1763 benign mutations, along with the functional classification of the corresponding proteins. Using the database and various computational tools that predict folding free energy change (ΔΔG), we demonstrate that, on average, 70% of pathogenic cases result in decreased protein stability. Such a large fraction indicates that one should aim at in-silico screening for small molecules stabilizing the structure of the mutant protein. We emphasize that knowledge of ΔΔG is essential because one wants to develop stabilizers that compensate for ΔΔG but not to make protein over-stable since over-stable protein may be dysfunctional. We demonstrate that using ΔΔG and predicted solvent exposure of the mutation site; one can develop a predictive method that distinguishes pathogenic from benign mutation with a success rate even better than some of the leading pathogenicity predictors. Furthermore, hydrophobic-hydrophobic mutations have stronger correlations between folding free energy change and pathogenicity compared with others. Also, mutations involving Cys, Gly, Arg, Trp and Tyr amino acids being replaced by any other amino acid are more likely to be pathogenic. To facilitate further detection of pathogenic mutations, the wild type of amino acids in the 768 proteins mentioned above was mutated to other 19 residues (14,847,817 mutations), and the ΔΔG was calculated with SAAFEC-SEQ, and 5,506,051 mutations were predicted to be pathogenic.
Intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis as an independent protective factor for persistent postoperative ileus in visceral obesity patients: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Guo Fangliang , Xia Cong , Wang Zongheng , Wang Ruiqi , Meng Yue , Zhang Qianshi , Ren Shuangyi
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to compare short-term outcomes between Intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (IIA) and extracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (EIA) after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in patients with visceral obesity. The secondary objective was to identify risk factors associated with persistent postoperative ileus (PPOI).
Methods: This single-center retrospective study analyzed patients with visceral obesity who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for malignancybetween January 2020 and June 2023. Patients were categorized into IIA and EIA groups based on the type of anastomosis, and a 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed.
Results: A total of 129 patients were initially included in this study, with 45 patients in each group following propensity score matching. The IIA group had significantly longer anastomosis times (p<0.001), shorter incision length (p<0.001), and shorter length of stay (p=0.003) than the EIA group. Meanwhile, the IIA group showed a shorter time to first flatus (p=0.044) and quicker tolerance of a solid diet (p=0.030). On multivariate analysis, postoperative use of opioid analgesic is an independent risk factor for persistent postoperative ileus (PPOI) (OR: 3.672 95% CI 1.108-12.017, p=0.033), while IIA is an independent protective factor (OR: 0.246 95% CI 0.065-0.921, p=0.037).
Conclusions: IIA remains a safe and feasible option for patients with VO. It is also associated with a quicker recovery of bowel function and shorter length of stay when compared to EIA. Additionally, IIA is an independent protective factor for PPOI.
Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Pancreas with Scalp Metastasis: A Case Report and review of the literature
Authors: Li Xinyi , Lin Zichun , Li Xiaoqing , Zheng Jingfan , Chen Yuyu , Liu Kang , Li Fangchao , Lu Zhong
Published: October 2023

Background
Primary pancreatic leiomyosarcoma (PLMS) is a rare sarcomaPLMS is an invasive tumor with a poor prognosis. The typical sites of metastases for PLMS include the liver and lung among others. Distant metastase to the scalp are rarely reported.
Case Presentation
We report a 36 year-old woman with a history of Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Pancreas. The patient first noticed a protrusion on the left occipital region while combing her hair some time before her initial visit . She paid little attention to the mass at that time.During treatment, the mass in the left occipital region gradually increased in size.A biopsy of the scalp lesion was performed.Results showed metastatic leiomyosarcoma.
Conclusion
Therefore, to catch subtle historical and physical exam findings in the clinical setting, patients with cancer or concern for cancer should receive a detailed physical examination and clinical history, especially on initial presentation. Moreover, when a patient develops a new, persistent, or sudden skin lesion, they should attach great importance to said lesion, with vigilance to the possibility of skin metastasis or other cutaneous manifestation of cancer.
DPP7 as a Prognostic Marker for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Hailang , Tao Yulin , Wang Chunliang , Mei Jinhong
Published: October 2023

Purpose
DPP7 is overexpressed in various types of tumors, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. To study the effect of DPP7 on CRC and to investigate its impact on overall survival.
Methods
We examined DPP7 expression in CRC using Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2(TIMER2) databases, the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) databases, and experimental validation. We investigated the association of DPP7 with patient prognosis and the immune landscape using clinical data and statistical analyses. In vitro and in vivo experiments assessed the impact of DPP7 on cellular behavior and tumor growth.
Results
DPP7 is significantly upregulated in CRC, associated with poor prognosis and immune suppression. Experimental findings demonstrate that DPP7 promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth.
Conclusions
DPP7 holds promise as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC.
Assessing the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of Ukrainian pediatric trauma and burn patients and their caregivers amidst the Russian conflict: insights from a surgical mission in Poland
Authors: Bean Christopher , Evchenko Natalia , Yakovleva Olga , Dabek Robert J. , Fuzaylov Gennadiy
Published: October 2023

On a recent surgical medical mission caring for Ukrainian pediatric burn and trauma patients in Poland, an assessment of the mental health and well-being of children and their caregivers was completed. Children living in war zones frequently experience significant distress and mental health problems, but little is known about the impact of co-existing related or unrelated burn injuries or physical disabilities. 19 Ukrainian children and their caregivers were interviewed utilizing validated questionnaires Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self-Report (YSR) to assess their risk for developing or for the presence of clinically-significant mental health problems. We found a high percentage of children at risk for developing mental health disorders and an unexpectedly high number of children meeting criteria for mental health disorders. As a result of interviewing the caregivers, agreement was seen between the self-assessment in children and the perception of parents about their children’s wellbeing. Further study is needed to better understand the complex interactions between pre-existing burn and traumatic injuries and their impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of children living in war-torn environments.
The effect of anxiety levels on attentional networks in high-altitude migrants: the role of sleep quality and haemoglobin concentration
Authors: zhang jia , shi linyu , chen dongmei , ma hailin , li hao
Published: October 2023

To explore the effect of anxiety levels on attentional networks in high altitude migrants and to verify the mediating and moderating role of sleep quality and haemoglobin concentration(HGB). One hundred and forty high altitude transplants living on the plateau for two years were selected and anxiety levels were captured by the SCL-90 questionnaire, behavioural data by the ANT experimental procedure, sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleepiness Index and HGB by means of venous blood sampling. The results revealed a significant difference between the high and low anxiety groups in the attentional executive network and no difference in the alertness and orientation networks; a difference in sleep quality between the high and normal HGB groups.Sleep quality was fully mediated between anxiety level and attentional executive network, accounting for 45% of the total effect; sleep quality and HGB were moderated mediation between anxiety level and attentional executive network (β = 0.19, t = 2.03, p < 0.05), and only for individuals with high HGB did the sleep quality of individuals with high anxiety levels differ from that of individuals with low anxiety levels. It was only for individuals with high HGB that differences existed. It is concluded that as anxiety levels increase, this affects the sleep quality of high altitude migrants and thus their attentional network efficiency, and that as HGB increase, this alleviates the poor sleep quality of high altitude migrants with increased anxiety levels and thus improves their attentional network efficiency.
Geography, phylogeny and host switch drive the co-evolution of parasitic Gyrodactylus flatworms and their hosts
Authors: Lei Hong-Peng , Jakovlić Ivan , Zhou Shun , Liu Xiang , Yan Chuan , Jin Xiao , Wang Bo , Li Wen-Xiang , Wang Gui-Tang , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2023

Background: Gyrodactylus is a lineage of monogenean flatworm ectoparasites exhibiting many features that make them a suitable model to study the host-parasite co-evolutionary dynamics. Previous co-evolutionary studies of this lineage mainly relied on low-power datasets (a small number of samples and a single molecular marker), and (now) outdated algorithms.
Methods: To investigate the coevolutionary relationship of gyrodactylids and their fish hosts in high resolution, we used complete mitogenomes (including two newly sequenced Gyrodactylus species), a large number of species in the single-gene dataset, and four different coevolutionary algorithms.
Results: The overall co-evolutionary fit between the parasites and hosts was consistently significant. Multiple indicators support gyrodactylids as highly host-specific parasites, but few gyrodactylids can parasitize either multiple (more than 5) or phylogenetically-distant fish hosts. The molecular dating results indicate they tend to evolve towards high host specificity. Speciation by host-switching is a more important speciation mode than co-speciation for them. Assuming the origin on Cypriniformes, we inferred four major host switch events to non-Cypriniformes hosts (mostly Salmoniformes) occurred deep in the evolutionary history. Despite their relative rarity, these events had strong macroevolutionary consequences for gyrodactylid diversity. For example, in our dataset, 57.28% of all studied gyrodactylids parasitised only non-Cypriniformes hosts, which implies that the evolutionary history of more than half of all included lineages could be traced back to these major host switch events. The geographical co-occurrence of fishes and gyrodactylids determined the host use by these gyrodactylids, and geography accounted for most of the phylogenetic signal in host use.
Conclusions: In a sentence, our findings suggest that the co-evolution of Gyrodactylus flatworms and their hosts is largely driven by geography, phylogeny, and host switches.
Tuberculosis survivors and the risk of cardiovascular disease: Analysis using a nationwide survey in Korea
Authors: Yang Jiyoul , Kim Sun-Hyung , Sim Jae Kyeom , Gu Seonhye , Won Seok Jeong , Bae Dae-Hwan , Cho Jun Yeun , Lee Ki Man , Lee Hyun , Yang Bumhee , Min Kyung Hoon
Published: October 2023

Background
Although the association between tuberculosis (TB) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported in several studies and is explained by mechanisms related to chronic inflammation, few studies have comprehensively evaluated the association between TB and CVD in Korea.
Methods
Using a population-based nationwide survey, we categorized participants into two groups according to the presence or absence of prior TB infection. We evaluated the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disorder (ASCVD) risk in both groups and analyzed the 10-year ASCVD risk according to epidemiological characteristics.
Results
Compared with the control group, the post-TB survivor group had a higher mean age (53.73 vs. 45.35 years), a higher proportion of male sex (60.20% vs. 49.53%), and a lower proportion of unmarried individuals (10.01% vs. 23.01%). Comparing the 10-year ASCVD risk between the post-TB survivor and control groups, the post-TB survivor group had an increased 10-year ASCVD risk in the high-risk group (40.46% vs. 24.00%, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intermediate and high-risk groups had also significantly increased 10-year ASCVD risks (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.23 and OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.59–1.78, respectively) in the post-TB survivor group. In the association of CVD among post-TB survivors according to epidemiologic characteristics, age (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.12), a current smoker (aOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.32–5.17), a high family income (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.32–4.62), Diabetes mellitus (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.20–3.07), and depression (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.10–4.19) were associated with CVD in the post-TB survivor group.
Conclusions
Our study findings suggest a higher 10-year ASCVD risk among TB survivors than among control participants. This warrants long-term cardiovascular monitoring and management of the post-TB population.
Optical multi-image encryption based on chaotic fingerprint phase mask and multi-slice diffractive imaging
Authors: Wang Yonghui , Xu Wenjun , Zhao Qinyu , Li Fei , Liu Shuaiqi , Su Yonggang
Published: October 2023

To enhance the encryption efficiency and security of optical encryption systems, we propose a novel optical multi-image encryption scheme based on chaotic fingerprint phase mask (CFPM) and multi-slice diffractive imaging in this paper. During the encryption process, multiple original images are first arranged along the axial direction with a fixed interval between each image, forming a multi-slice object. Then, under the illumination of different speckle patterns, the multi-slice object is encrypted into a series of noise-like diffractive patterns using the CFPMs placed at different free-space propagation distances. The original images can be recovered by using the iterative phase retrieval algorithm and the correct decryption keys. In this scheme, the CFPMs are generated by the fingerprint and chaotic Henon map, which only used as interim variables. The fingerprint and chaotic parameters are used as secret keys directly, which makes the storage and management of the keys more convenient. Fingerprints possess uniqueness and a strong link with the user, which enhances the security of the encryption scheme. In addition, the illumination pattern and the free-space propagation distance provide additional security to the encryption scheme. Numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme has high security and robustness.