bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to a sublethal concentration of CdO nanoparticles impairs the vision of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) by disrupting histamine synthesis and recycling mechanisms
Authors: Kholy Samar El , Naggar Yahya Al
Published: October 2022

While there is substantial literature on potential risks associated with exposure to emerging nanomaterials, less is known about the potential effects of hazardous metallic nanoparticles on vision, as well as the mechanisms that underpin them. The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) was used as an in vivo model organism to investigate the effects of exposure to a sublethal concentration (0.03 mg CdO NPs/mL, which was 20% of the LC50) on fly vision and compound eye ultrastructure. Frist, we observed a reduction in phototaxis response in treated flies but no change in locomotor activity. Because histamine (HA) has been linked to arthropod vision, we investigated HA synthesis, uptake, and recycling as a possible underlying mechanism for the observed adverse effect of CdO NPs on fly vision. This was accomplished by measuring the expression of the histamine decarboxylase (hdc) gene, which encodes the enzyme that converts the amino acid histidine to histamine (HA), as well as the expression of some genes involved in HA-recycling pathways (tan, ebony, Balat, CarT, and Lovit). The results showed that CdO NPs changed the expression levels of hdc, Lovit, tan, and eboney, indicating that HA synthesis, transport, and recycling were disrupted. Furthermore, less histamine immunolabelling was found in the head tissues of CdO NPs-treated flies, particularly in the optic lobes. We also observed and quantified CdO NP bioaccumulation in compound eye tissues, which resulted in a number of cytological changes. Phenotypic effects (undersized eyes) have also been observed in the compound eyes of F1 flies. Considering the significance of vision in an organism's survival, the findings of this study are extremely crucial, as long-term exposure to CdO NPs may result in blindness.
Mapping subsurface defects and surface deformation along the artificial levee of the Lower Tisza River, Hungary
Authors: SHEISHAH DIAA , KISS TÍMEA , BORZA TIBOR , FIALA KÁROLY , KOZÁK PÉTER , ABDELSAMEI ENAS , TÓTH CSABA , GRENERCZY GYULA , PÁLL DÁVID GERGELY , Sipos György
Published: October 2022

Artificial levees along alluvial rivers are major components of flood risk mitigation. This is especially true in the case of Hungary, where more than one-third of the country is threatened by floods and protected by an over 4200 km long levee system. Most of the levees were built in the 19th century. Since then, several natural and anthropogenic processes, such as compaction, erosion, Etc., could contribute to these earth structures' slow but steady deformation. Meanwhile, as construction works were scarcely documented, the structure and composition of artificial levees are not well known. Therefore, the present analysis aimed to map structural differences, possible compositional deficiencies, and sections where elevation decrease is significant along a 40 km section of the Lower Tisza River. Investigations were conducted by real-time kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Onsite data acquisition was complemented with an analysis using a Persistent Scatterer Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSI) to assess general surface deformation. GPR data have shown that levee structures can significantly vary even in a few km on sections with the same construction history. GPR profiles showed several anomalies, including structural and compositional discontinuities and local features. The penetration depth of GPR varied between 3 and 4 m. Based on height measurements, the mean elevation of the levee crown decreased by 8 cm in a 40-year time span. However, elevation decrease could reach up to 30 cm at some locations. Sections affected by structural anomalies, compositional changes, and increased surface subsidence are especially sensitive to floods when measurement results are compared to flood phenomena archives.
Metal(loid)s in aquatic products and their potential health risk
Authors: Hu Shi-Lin , Chen Xiao-Chen , Xue Ying-Xin , Zhi Li-Ying , Yang Yu-Han , Zhu Yong-Guan , Xue Xi-Mei
Published: October 2022

Aquatic products decrease environmental burdens and improve human health by supplying various essential nutrients, while their contamination with metal(loid)s could pose health risks to humans through food chain. In this study, the concentrations, trophic magnification and health risks of multiple metal(loid)s in various aquatic products were analyzed, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, cobalt, manganese, iron, copper, nickel and zinc. The results showed that the total concentrations of the metal(loid)s in aquatic foods were in the following order: seaweeds > shellfish > cephalopods > crustaceans > saltwater fish > freshwater fish. Arsenic speciation analysis indicated that high concentrations of arsenolipids were detected in lower trophic organisms. The maximum level of organoarsenic in seafood should be evaluated because of the potential toxicity of arsenolipids and arsenosugar metabolites. Weekly intake of metal(loid)s was far below the recommended provisional tolerable weekly intake even with excessive consumption of aquatic products. The hazard index was above 1 for excessive consumers, while our results also indicated that the health risks from aquatic products could be sharply decreased by reducing the ingestion of seaweeds and cephalopods. The study provided valuable guidance on the consumption of aquatic products by the general public.
A comprehensive methodology to support decision-making for additive manufacturing of short carbon-fiber reinforced polyamide 12 from energy, cost and mechanical perspectives
Authors: Gentil Thibault Le , Therriault Daniel , Kerbrat Olivier
Published: October 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have transformed manufacturing, by providing greater control over material deposition and consumption. Thanks to greater customization and their high strength-to-mass ratio, AM with composite materials has grown significantly over the past few years. Main focus in research area are on improving printing precision and higher production rates. However there is a lack of thorough analysis on the energy consumption of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) machines for composite manufacturing. We designed an experimental method, based on flow analysis for measuring the impact of temperature parameters on total cost, energy consumption, and tensile resistance of composite parts made by FFF. As the user should be able to improve FFF efficiency regarding economic, energy and technical aspects and obtain recommendations for setting up and using the machine. This study confirms that combining traditional economic and technical indicators (total cost and tensile resistance) to emerging energy indicators (specific energy consumption) can be successfully applied to additive manufacturing to provide an overview of those impacts. Results are yielding information to support optimization investigations depending on the need and goal. For example, two tested parameter combinations that offer similar tensile properties (4% reduction in tensile resistance compared to best combination) show a 20% difference in energy consumption.
Comparison and Fusion Prediction Model for Lung Adenocarcinoma with Micropapillary and Solid Pattern Using Clinicoradiographic, Radiomics and Deep Learning Features
Authors: Wang Fen , Wang Cheng-Long , Yi Yin-Qiao , Zhang Teng , Zhong Yan , Zhu Jia-jia , Li Hai , Yang Guang , Yu Tong-Fu , Xu Hai , Yuan Mei
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate whether the combination scheme of deep learning score (DL-score) and radiomics can improve preoperative diagnosis in the presence of micropapillary/ solid (MPP/SOL) patterns in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC).
Material and Methods: A retrospective cohort of 514 confirmed pathologically lung ADC in 512 patients after surgery was enrolled. The clinicoradiographic model (model 1) and radiomics model (model2) were developed with logistic regression. The deep learning model (model3) was constructed based on the deep learning score (DL-score). The combine model(model4) was based on DL-score and R-score and clincoradiographic variables. The performance of these models was evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared using DeLong's test. The prediction nomogram was plotted and clinical utility was depicted with decision curve.
Results: The performance of model1, model2, model3 and model4 was supported by AUCs of 0.848, 0.896,0.906, 0.921 in the Testing set, respectively. These models existed statistical significance (model4 vs model3, P=0.016; model4 vs model1, P=0.009, respectively). The decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that model 4 predicting the lung ADC with MPP/SOL structure would be more beneficial than the model 1 but comparable with the model2 and model3.
Conclusion: The combined model can improve preoperative diagnosis in the presence of MPP/SOL pattern in lung ADC in clinical practice.
Integration of nutrition assessment counselling and support interventions in health service delivery and respective drivers: A case study of Tororo district, Uganda
Authors: Namukose Samalie , Wamani Henry , Makumbi Fredrick Edward , Maina Gakenia Wamuyu , Kiwanuka Suzanne N
Published: October 2022

Background: Uganda embraced the Nutrition Assessment Counselling and Support (NACS) approach since 2009 as a health system strengthening approach to deliver quality nutrition services for better health and nutrition outcomes of the population. Whilst government and partners provided support for NACS, the extent of its integration in Uganda is unknown. Using Tororo district as a case study, we assessed the extent of NACS assimilation into the health system functions and the respective drivers to inform NACS scale up.
Methods: This study used a mixed method design to assess the extent of NACS integration in the health system and the respective drivers. We conducted facilitated panel discussions in 17 health facilities with 4-8 health staff per facility guided by a semi-structured questionnaire. Through consensus, final scores were allotted to each of the health system functions on a five point scoring scale ranging from 1 if not done nor integrated to 5 if NACS was fully integrated. Data were captured and mean scores analysed in excel. Findings were presented in bar and spider charts. Drivers for integration were deductively extracted from the key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions using Atlas.ti 9 and thematic analysis to complement the quantitative data.
Results: NACS integration in the health system functions was partial with a mean score of 2.9. The best integrated function was service delivery (3.8) followed by health work force (3.7), health information (3.3), community support system (3.0) and governance and leadership (3.0). Health financing (2.2) and health supplies functions (1.5) were least integrated. Hospitals (3.0) had better integration than HCIV (2.4) and HCIII (2.6). The key drivers for integration were; good leadership, increased funding, competent staff, quality improvement approaches, availability of nutrition logistics and supplies, health and nutrition education talks, and community dialogues.
Conclusion: NACS integration in the health system functions was sub-optimal suggestive of a weak nutrition integrated system. Good leadership, capacity building in all health system functions, increased funding, recruitment of nutritionists, nutrition supplies and logistics are important for a fully integrated nutrition service delivery.
Injection partnership characteristics and HCV status associations with syringe and equipment sharing among people who inject drugs
Authors: Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen , Boodram Basmattee , Page Kimberly , Latkin Carl
Published: October 2022

Background. Sharing of syringes is the leading transmission pathway for hepatitis C (HCV) infections. The extent to which HCV can spread among people who inject drugs (PWID) is largely dependent on syringe-sharing network factors. Our study aims to better understand partnership characteristics and syringe and equipment sharing with those partners, including measures of relationship closeness, sexual activity, and social support, as well as self and partner HCV status to better inform interventions for young urban and suburban PWID.
Methods. Baseline interviews from a longitudinal network-based study of young (aged 18-30) PWID participants (egos) and their injection, sexual, and support network members (alters) (n=276 egos and 929 injection alters) in metropolitan Chicago. All participants completed a baseline computer-assisted interviewer-administered questionnaire and an egocentric network survey.
Results. Correlates of syringe and ancillary equipment sharing were found to be similar. Sharing was more likely to occur in mixed-gender dyads. Participants were more likely to share syringes and equipment with alters who lived in the same household, who they saw every day, who they trusted, who they had an intimate relationship with that included condomless sex, and who provided emotional or informational support. PWID who had tested HCV negative within the past year were less likely to share syringes with an HCV positive partner compared to those who did not know their status.
Conclusion. PWID regulate their syringe and other injection equipment sharing to some extent by sharing preferentially with injection partners with whom they have a close personal or intimate relationship, and whose HCV status they are more likely to know. Our findings underscore the need for risk interventions and HCV treatment strategies to consider the social context of syringe and equipment sharing within partnerships.
Metal surfaces catalyze polarization-dependent hydride transfer from H2
Authors: Wang Hai-Xu , Toh Wei Lun , Tang Bryan , Surendranath Yogesh
Published: October 2022

Hydride transfer is a critical elementary reaction step that spans biological catalysis, organic synthesis, and energy conversion. Conventionally, hydride transfer reactions are carried out using (bio)molecular hydride reagents under homogeneous conditions. Herein, we report a conceptually distinct heterogeneous hydride transfer reaction via the net electrocatalytic hydrogen reduction reaction (HRR) which reduces H2 to hydrides. The reaction proceeds by H2 dissociative adsorption on a metal electrode to form surface M−H species, which are then negatively polarized to drive hydride transfer to molecular hydride acceptors with up to 95% Faradaic efficiency. We find that the hydride transfer reactivity of surface M−H species is highly tunable and its thermochemistry depends on the applied potential in a Nernstian fashion. Thus, depending on the electrode potential, we observe that the thermodynamic hydricity of Pt−H on the same Pt electrode can continuously span a range of >40 kcal mol−1. This work highlights the critical role of electrical polarization on heterogeneous hydride transfer reactivity and establishes a sustainable strategy for accessing reactive hydrides directly from H2.
Depression and 24 Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Ruan Xixian , Chen Jie , Sun Yuhao , Zhang Yao , Zhao Jianhui , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Xue , Larsson Susanna
Published: October 2022

The causality of the association between depression and gastrointestinal diseases is undetermined. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation to systematically explore the associations of depression with 24 gastrointestinal diseases. Independent genetic variants associated with depression at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. Genetic associations with 24 gastrointestinal diseases were obtained from the UK Biobank study, the FinnGen study, and large consortia. Multivariable MR analysis was conducted to explore the mediation effects of body mass index, cigarette smoking, and type 2 diabetes. After multiple-testing corrections, genetic liability to depression was associated with increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome, non-alcohol fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, diverticular disease, cholelithiasis, acute pancreatitis, and ulcerative colitis. The associations of genetic liability to depression with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was largely mediated by body mass index. Genetic liability to smoking initiation mediated half of association of depression with acute pancreatitis. This MR investigation suggests that depression may have a causal role in the development of several gastrointestinal diseases.
Oxytocin vs. placebo effects on intrusive memory consolidation using a trauma film paradigm: a randomized, controlled experimental study in healthy women
Authors: Maslahati Tolou , Wingenfeld Katja , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Kraft Julia , Lyu Jing , Keinert Marie , Voß Aline , Cho An Bin , Ripke Stephan , Otte Christian , Schultebraucks Katharina , Roepke Stefan
Published: October 2022

Oxytocin administration during a trauma analogue has been shown to increase intrusive memories, which are a core symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, it is unknown whether oxytocin influences the acquisition or the consolidation of the trauma. The current study investigates the effect of the activation of the oxytocin system during the consolidation of an analogue trauma on the formation of intrusive memories over four consecutive days and whether this effect is influenced by individual neurobiological, genetic, or psychological factors. We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study in 217 healthy women. They received either a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo after exposure to a trauma film paradigm, which reliably induces intrusive memories. We used a general random forest to examine a potential heterogeneous treatment effect of oxytocin on the consolidation of intrusive memories. Furthermore, we used a poisson regression to examine whether salivary alpha amylase activity (sAA) as a marker of noradrenergic activity and cortisol response to the film, polygenic risk score (PRS) for psychiatric disorders, and psychological factors influence the number of intrusive memories. We found no significant effect of oxytocin on the formation of intrusive memories (t(-0.85) = 201.72, p = 0.40, Cohen’s d = 0.12, 95% CI -0.02–0.26) and identified no heterogeneous treatment effect. We replicated previous associations of the PRS for PTSD, sAA and the cortisol response on intrusive memories. We further found a positive association between high trait anxiety and intrusive memories, and a negative association between the emotion regulation strategy reappraisal and intrusive memories. Data of the present study suggest that the consolidation of intrusive memories is modulated by genetic, neurobiological and psychological factors, but is not influenced by oxytocin.
Trial registration: NCT03875391.
Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients with disease progression during neoadjuvant systemic therapy
Authors: Ling Yun-Xiao , Xie Yi-Fan , Wu Huai-Liang , Wang Xiao-Fang , Ma Jin-Li , Fan Lei , Liu Guang-Yu
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Disease progression during neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer indicates poor prognosis, while predictors of the clinical outcomes of these patients remain unclear. By comparing the clinical outcomes of patients with different patterns of salvage treatment strategies, we try to evaluate the factors predicting distant failure and explore the favourable treatment for them.
Methods
Patients with PD during NST for stage I–III breast cancer diagnosed between 1 January 2008 and 31 July 2021 in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were enrolled. Kaplan-Meier, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions were utilized to compare survival outcomes between different ST strategies.
Results
Among 3775 patients treated with NST, 60 (1.6%) patients encountered disease progression. A significant difference between the outcomes of patients receiving direct surgery and other salvage modalities was found (p = 0.007). Triple-negative breast cancer (p = 0.012) and not receiving direct surgery (p = 0.013) were independently associated with distant disease-free survival on multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
Predictors of distant failure in patients with PD include triple-negative breast cancer and not receiving direct surgery. We suggest that direct surgery should be considered first for operable patients. For inoperable patients, neoadjuvant radiation can increase their operability but not improve their prognosis.
The usefulness of serum tumor markers for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Noriega Paulo Enrique Peinado , de Oliveira Rafael , Guerrero Diana Gabriela Zuñiga , Carrijo Marcia de Pinho , Musolino Nina Rosa Castro , Cescato Valter Angelo Sperling , Silva Gilberto Ochman da , Fragoso Maria Candida Barisson Villares , Bronstein Marcello Delano , Machado Marcio Carlos
Published: October 2022

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of serum tumor markers for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome (ADCS).
Methods. This study included 185 patients with ADCS, 153 with Cushing’s disease (CD) and 32 with ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) who were evaluated between 1991 and 2019 and had at least one tumor marker measured at the time of diagnosis.
Results. At least one elevated tumor sample was verified in 33% of CD and in 72% of EAS patients. Two or more elevated tumor samples were found in 9% of CD and 44% of EAS. In CD, gastrin was the most common abnormality in 21% of cases. In EAS, urinary 24-h 5-hydroxy indol acetic acid was the most frequent alteration in 80%, followed by chromogranin in 67%. Higher concentrations and a higher percentage of patients with changes in the tumor markers gastrin, CEA and chromogranin were found in patients with EAS in relation to CD. Analyzing the best values of tumor markers to differentiate patients with EAS and CD, significant differences were found in gastrin, calcitonin, CEA and chromogranin but with an overlap between subgroups. A positive direct correlation between hormonal parameters and tumor marker data was commonly verified in patients as a whole group.
Conclusion. Abnormalities in serum tumor markers at the time of diagnosis were more common in EAS than CD patients. However, due to significant overlap between the subgroups, no single tumor marker presented high applicability for the differential diagnosis of ADCS.
15-Lipoxygenase drives inflammation resolution in lymphedema by controlling PPARg+Treg cell population trafficking
Authors: Zamora Audrey , Benuzzi Emeline , Pujol Francoise , Morfoisse Florian , Baillif Vincent , Lacazette Eric , Galitzky Jean , Bouloumié Anne , Dubourdeau Marc , Chaput benoit , Fazilleau Nicolas , malloizel-delaunay Julie , Bura-Rivière Alessandra , Prats Anne-Catherine , Garmy-Susini Barbara
Published: October 2022

Lymphedema (LD) is characterized by the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid, lipids and a significant inflammatory cell infiltrate in the limb. It causes a significant morbidity and is a common disabling disease affecting more than 150 million people worldwide, however there is no yet curative treatment. Here, we found that LD tissues from patients exhibit inflamed gene expression profile compared to their normal arm. Lipidomic analysis revealed severe decrease in arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators generated by the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in lymphedematous arms. Using a mouse model of lymphedema, we reproduced the etiology of the human pathology including the loss of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators that play essential role in resolution of inflammation. This was associated with a lack of nonlymphoid PPARg-positive regulatory T cells (Treg) recruitment in the injured limb adipose tissue. Importantly, we identified the lymphatic endothelial 15-LO as responsible for the chemoattraction and survival of this Treg subpopulation. These results were confirmed by an aggravation of LD and degradation of the lymphatic network in an original transgenic mouse model in which ALOX15 gene has been selectively deleted in the lymphatic system (ALOX15lecKO). Importantly, this phenotype was rescued by the injection of ALOX15-expressing lentivectors. These results provide evidence that lymphatic 15-LO may represent a novel therapeutic target for LD by serving as a mediator of nonlymphoid Treg cell population invasion into lymphedematous adipose tissue to resolve inflammation.
Disentangling the seasonality effects of malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: Valiati Naiara , Villela Daniel
Published: October 2022

The current evidence of seasonality effects in the malaria epidemiology of the Brazilian Amazon Basin indicates the need for a rigorous examination in such a large geographical area. Furthermore, as seasonal effects are related to climate variables, malaria models should incorporate these effects.
This study applies wavelet analysis over incidence data in the SIVEP-malaria surveillance database. A mathematical model with climate-dependent parameterization is proposed to study counts of malaria cases over time based on notification data, temperature, and rainfall.
The wavelet analysis reveals marked seasonality in states such as Amazonas and Pará, whereas not so clear in recent years for states such as Acre and Pará. The wavelet cross-power analysis indicates a strong association between incidence and temperature, especially for cities Macapá and Manaus, and a similar association for rainfall. The mathematical model replicates temporal trends observed in incidences of these two cities.
Studies on climate-dependent mathematical models provide a good assessment of the baseline epidemiology of malaria. In addition, the knowledge of seasonality effects and the application of models have great potential as tools for studying interventions for malaria control.
Explaining Sexual Self-Care Status and its Predictor factors in Women Referring to Healthcare Centers of Sari, Iran, 2021
Authors: yazdani fereshteh , Simbar Masoumeh , HamzehGardeshi Zeinab , Zare Elham , Nasiri Malihe
Published: October 2022

Introduction

With the increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and chronic health problems along with population growth, one of the definitions that is expanding is the ability to adapt and self-manage against diseases and self-care. Although there are several studies to examine self-care in medical conditions, there are not enough concepts and data related to sexual self-care. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of explaining the status of sexual self-care and its predictor factors in women of reproductive age referring to healthcare centers.

Material and methods

This research was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 400 women of reproductive age that referring to healthcare centers affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari in 2021. Data were collected using personal-obstetric characteristics and sexual self-care questionnaires in women of reproductive age. Pearson correlation coefficients, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the data.

Results

The average total score of sexual self-care in reproductive age women participating in the research was 70.66% ± 12.52%. In addition, the prevention of women's cancers and the prevention of unintended pregnancies obtained the lowest and highest scores, respectively. Factors such as age, education, education related to medical sciences, history of HIV testing, history of HPV vaccination, source of sexual information, method of contraception and infection-related action in a person can affect the level of sexual self-care in women. Based on the final regression model, education related to medical sciences (B = 5.46, P = 0.035), family income (B = 5.58, P = 0.025), prevention method (B = 10.127, P = 0.000) and action related to infection in the person (B = 12.27, P = 0.047) were the final predictors of sexual self-care score in reproductive age women.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, education related to medical sciences, family income, contraceptive method and action related to infection are the final predictors of sexual self-care score in reproductive age women. The results of this study can be used to formulate interventions, and can be available to experts and policy makers to design programs to promote sexual self-care in women.
Unusual Manifestation of Gastric Adenocarcinoma presenting with Lymphedema, Chylothorax, and Chylous ascites: A Case Report
Authors: Wongrukmit Siree , Ngamphaiboon Nuttapong , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Phanachet Pariya , Warodomwichit Daruneewan , Shantavasinkul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai
Published: October 2022

Background: Gastric cancer is one of most common cancers worldwide with a high mortality rate. Lymphedema and chyle leakage are unusual presentations of metastatic gastric carcinoma. We present a rare case of advanced stage gastric carcinoma presenting with lower limb lymphedema, bilateral chylothorax, and chylous ascites caused by metastatic infiltration of the lymphatics.
Case presentation: A 62-year-old Thai man with a 2-year history of bilateral lymphedema and an unprovoked left axillary vein thrombosis presented with progressive leg, scrotal, and abdominal swelling, and shortness of breath. He denied any gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. His lymphedema had initially been diagnosed as chronic filariasis due to positive blood tests for anti-filarial antibodies, however treatment with anti-filarial drugs failed to improve his symptoms. Subsequently, he underwent surgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis with scrotal reduction, which proved to be of limited symptomatic relief. Later investigations revealed bilateral chylothorax and chylous ascites, with the presence of metastatic adenocarcinoma. Histopathological examination of the patient’s skin and scrotum biopsy from his previous surgery revealed invasion of the lymphatics by neoplastic cells with signet ring cell formation. Gastroscopy uncovered a gastric mass, and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell. He later received palliative chemotherapy. For the management of chyle leakage, he was prescribed a very low-fat diet and supplemented with parenteral nutrition. Despite treatment, he developed cutaneous metastasis and was transitioned to best supportive care. The patient passed away 14 months after diagnosis.
Conclusion: The differential diagnosis of uncertain causes of lymphedema and chyle leakage should include metastatic gastric cancer, regardless of GI symptoms. Early upper GI endoscopy is a crucial diagnostic tool, as imaging alone may be insufficient to detect the primary lesion. Nutritional interventions form an integral component of chyle leakage management as it may help to reduce chyle flow, minimise nutrient loss, and improve patients’ nutritional status, leading to better survival and quality of life.
Dietary insulinemic potential, sleep quality and quantity in Iranian adults: Yazd Health Study and TAMYZ study
Authors: Sarsangi Peyman , Mohammadi Mohammad , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Mirzaei Masoud
Published: October 2022

Background & Aims:
To examine the link between dietary insulin index (DII) and load (DIL) and sleep duration/quality for the first time.
Methods
This cross-sectional study conducted on data from the recruitment phase of YaHS-TAMYZ prospective study in Yazd, central Iran. Data on demographic characteristics, dietary intakes, sleep quantity and quality, and potential confounders were gathered by interview. Sleep quality and its components (insufficient sleep, delay in falling asleep, medication use for sleep, and sleep disorder) were assessed by a modified version of Pittsburgh questionnaire. The link between DII/DIL and low sleep quality and short/long sleep duration was studied using multivariable logistic regression.
Results
In total, 5925 individuals aged 20 to 70 were eligible to take part in the current study. After adjustment for all potential confounders, participants in the highest DIL score tertile had a lower chance for sleep disorder (OR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.17–0.85, Ptrend=0.02) and delay in falling asleep (OR = 0.66; 95%CI: 0.42–1.03, Ptrend=0.05) compared to those in the lowest tertile. The DII was also linked to a lower chance for sleep disorder (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.39–0.93, P trend = 0.02). The DIL was inversely associated with sleep medication use and delay in falling sleep in men and women, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, DII was linked to a decreased odds of sleep disorder in women (P < 0.05). The associations were observed in those with overweight or obesity but not in those without overweight (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Higher DIL and DII might be associated with sleep quality and its components. Prospective investigations are needed in the future to confirm these findings.
Mentoring & Support Practices for Final Year Medical Students during a pandemic – ‘The Covid Doctors’
Authors: Brar Gurjot , Harney Sarah , McGarr Oliver , McFarland John
Published: October 2022

Background
Transition from final-year medical student to newly graduated doctor is challenging with evidence of associated increased patient mortality and medical errors. Previous work suggests tackling preparedness alone does not ‘solve’ this transition. The current focus on mentoring and support provision during this period and is an under-researched area. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a unique disruptive critical incident in which to examine mentoring and support practices, exposing strengths and weaknesses. The perspectives of this cohort and their implications remains an under-researched area.
Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine graduate-entry final-year medical students. An inductive latent phenomenological approach explored individual experiences of mentoring and support practices during final-year and transition to professional practice.
Results
Three major themes emerged: 1) Mentoring & Support; 2) Clinical Exposure; 3) Graduation & Transition. A journey metaphor was used to aid the description of participants’ lived experience of mentoring and support practices during their final year. Final year medical students (FYMs) felt under-supported and found practices inadequate. Reduced clinical exposure yielded unpreparedness and regression, potentially impacting future careers. Positive experiences were variable and unstructured. ‘The COVID Doctors’, subtheme provided rich insights into shared narratives and identities amongst participants.
Discussion and Conclusion
Cultural change and reframing transitions as critically intensive learning periods may allow better engagement with the idiosyncrasies of workplace environments and support legitimate peripheral participation. Recommendations from the current study include updating contingency plans, balancing clinical exposure with patient safety issues, and providing support to ‘bottom-up’ mentoring practices.
Chaos of the coupled generalized Klein-Gordon equations with superlinear boundary conditions
Authors: Zhu Pengxian , Yang Jiaopeng
Published: October 2022

The complicated dynamics is considered for a system of coupled generalized Klein-Gordon equations with two symmetric superlinear boundary conditions. The coupled equations studied here becomes coupled damped Klein-Gordon equations or telegraph equations or wave equations at a certain parameter value. The system is reduced to a discrete iteration of a 2D map differing from the unary map induced by the non-coupled hyperbolic PDEs. In this article, the approach of snapback repeller is applied to establish the sufficient condition on the Li-Yorke chaos of the system. Moreover, by characterizing the asymptotic behavior of the 2D map, the global stability of the system is obtained under a certain range of parameter. In particular, the obtained dynamics not only extends the chaotic results on coupled wave equations with van der Pol type boundary conditions, but also gives the criterion of global stability.
Synergistic anticancer activity of cisplatin combined with tannic acid enhances apoptosis in lung cancer through the PERK-ATF4 pathway
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Yang Lei , Zhai Wei , Geng Nana , Zhang Zhimin , Wu Mingsong , Li Xueying
Published: October 2022

Background: Cisplatin (CDDP) is a common anticancer drug whose side effects limit its clinical applications. Tannins (TA) are plant-derived polyphenols that inhibit tumor
growth in different types of cancer. Here, we evaluated the anticancer effect of TA combined with CDDP on lung cancer cell lines (GLC-82 and H1299) and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis.
Methods: Cell lines were treated with CDDP, TA, and CDDP+TA, and the effect of the combination was assessed using MTT assay and observed under light and fluorescence microscopes. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of key factors in the ER stress apoptotic pathway was detected using qRT-PCR and western blotting. The effects of the drug combination on the tumors of nude mice injected with H1299 cells were investigated, and the expression of key factors in the ER stress apoptotic pathway was investigated.
Results: The combination of CDDP and TA significantly inhibited lung cancer cell viability indicating a synergistic antitumoral effect. The mRNA and protein expression levels of key ER stress factors in the CDDP+TA group were considerably higher than those in the CDDP and TA groups, the tumor volume in tumor-bearing mice was the smallest and the number of apoptotic cells and the protein expression levels of the key ER stress in the combination group were considerably higher.
Conclusions: The combination of TA and CDDP may produce synergistic antitumoral effects, mediated by the PERK-ATF4-CHOP apoptotic axis, suggesting a novel adjuvant treatment for lung cancer.
Putative adverse outcome pathway for silver nanoparticle toxicity on male reproductive system: A literature review
Authors: Kose Ozge , Mantecca Paride , Costa Anna , Carrière Marie
Published: October 2022

Background: Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) are conceptual frameworks that organize knowledge about biological interactions and toxicity mechanisms. They present a sequence of events commencing with initial interaction(s) of a stressor, which defines the perturbation in a biological system (molecular initiating event, MIE), and a dependent series of key events (KEs), ending with an adverse outcome (AO). AOPs have recently become the subject of intense studies in a view to better understand the mechanisms of nanomaterial (NM) toxicity. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are one of the most explored nanostructures and are extensively used in various application. This, in turn, has increased the potential for interactions of Ag NPs with environments, and toxicity to human health. The aim of this study was to construct a putative AOPs (pAOP) related to reproductive toxicity of Ag NPs, in order to lay the groundwork for a better comprehension of mechanism affecting both undesired toxicity (against human cell) and expected toxicity (against microorganisms).
Methods: PubMed and Scopus were systematically searched for peer-reviewed studies examining reproductive toxicity potential of Ag NPs. The quality of selected studies was assessed through ToxRtool. Eventually, forty-eightstudies published between 2005 and 2022 were selected to identify the mechanisms of Ag NPs impact on reproductive function in male. The biological endpoints, measurements, and results were extracted from these studies. Where possible, endpoints were assigned to a potential KE and an AO using expert judgment. Then, KEs were classified at each major level of biological organization.
Results: We identified the impairment of intracellular SH-containing biomolecules, which are major cellular antioxidants, as a putative MIE, with subsequent KEs defined as ROS accumulation, mitochondrial damage, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, reduced production of reproductive hormones and reduced quality of sperm. These successive KEs may result in impaired male fertility (AO).
Conclusion: This research recapitulates and schematically represents complex literature data gathered from different biological levels and propose a pAOP related to the reproductive toxicity induced by AgNPs. The development of AOPs specific to NMs should be encouraged in order to provide new insights to gain a better understanding of NP toxicity.
Electronic structure, cationic and excited states of nitrogen-containing spiroborates
Authors: Sidorin Andrey , Tikhonov Sergey , Samoilov Ilya , Osmushko Ivan , Svistunova Irina , Tretyakova Galina , Puzyr'kov Zahar N. , Vovna Vitaliy
Published: October 2022

Electronic structure, cationic and excited states of three spiroborate complexes (2-acetylacetonato-1,3,2-benzodioxaborol, its NH- and NMe-derivatives) and three corresponding ligands (acetylacetone, 4-aminopent-3-en-2-one and 4-methylaminopent-3-en-2-one) were studied by photoelectron spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, high-level ab initio quantum chemical computations, including the algebraic diagrammatic construction method for the polarization propagator of the second order, the outer-valence Green's function method, the density functional approach, and the time-dependent density functional approach. Analysis of experimental and calculated data allowed determining the influence of functional groups on the parameters of the electronic structure and energy of electronic transitions. Compared to acetylacetone and its NH- and NMe-derivatives, the upper filled molecular orbitals of the corresponding spiroborates are stabilized at 0.4–1.7 eV, which is due to the positive charge of the ligand due to the acceptor properties of the dioxyphenylene fragment. Among the studied compounds, when replacing the oxygen atom in the α-position with the NH- or NMe-group, a bathochromic shift of intense bands in the absorption spectra is observed, since the energy intervals between the orbitals of the π3 and π4 ligand are reduced. In addition, in a number of spiroborates, the violation of C2v symmetry when replacing an oxygen atom leads to the appearance of a low-intensity maximum in the long-wave part of the absorption spectrum, due to the π2X → π4 transition.
Influence of masticatory side switch frequency on chewing mixing ability and sensory perception in adults with healthy dentitions: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Ignatova-Mishutina Tatiana , Khoury-Ribas Laura , Flores-Orozco Elan Ignacio , Rovira-Lastra Bernat , Martinez-Gomis Jordi
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of varying the frequency of masticatory side switches on chewing mixing ability and sensory perception in dentate adults.

Materials and Methods

This non-blinded, randomized, twelve-period crossover study, conducted at Barcelona Dental school from January to March 2022, included 36 healthy adults with natural dentitions (median age, 23.5 years; 26 women). We randomly allocated participants to 12 sequences and performed 12 masticatory assays chewing a two-colored gum for 40 cycles each using the following masticatory styles as interventions: freestyle, unilateral right, unilateral left, and switching sides 5%, 15%, and 25%. The primary outcome was the Mixing Ability Index (MAI), defined as the standard deviation of the red channel intensity of the chewed gum in the Color-Histogram plugin of ImageJ. Participants also rated the perceived flavor intensity and salivary flow on a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

The MAI was similar for all masticatory styles (P = 0.63). Participants perceived greater flavor intensity (mean difference, 8%; 95%CI, 1–15%) and salivary flow (mean difference, 11%; 95%CI, 0–21%) with 25% side switching compared to freestyle or unilateral chewing.

Conclusions

Frequently switching the masticatory side while chewing gum does not alter the mixing ability, but it does seem to enhance salivary flow and flavor intensity.

Clinical relevance

In dentate adults, increasing the frequency of masticatory side switching to 25% does not impair mixing, but it may improve salivary production and flavor intensity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05173259
Altered DNA repair related proteins in Parkinson’s disease model VMAT2 Lo mice
Authors: Parker Karsten , Zeng Fei , Zhan Yanqiang , Miller Matthew , Zhu Meng-Yang
Published: October 2022

DNA damage and repair processes play an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD), as DNA repair pathways delay cell senescence and aging by maintaining genomic integrity. In the present study, the expression of DNA repair-related enzymes and proteins were examined in the brain of VMAT2 Lo mice, a PD animal model. The results demonstrated that in the frontal cortex (FC) and locus coeruleus (LC) of VMAT2 Lo mice at 2, 6, and 15 months of age, OGG1 protein levels were significantly increased. However, OGG1 protein levels in the hippocampus, substantia nigra (SN) and LC of these model mice at 18 and 23 months of age exhibited a marked reduction. This reduction of OGG1 proteins in the hippocampus and SN was accompanied by the relatively similar diminishment of their mRNAs. Furthermore, immunochemical and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that in most measured brain regions, the immunoreactivities of PARP1, ERCC1, XRCC1 and PCNA, four enzymes and protein related to DNA repair processes, were considerably reduced in VMAT2 Lo mice at 18 and 23 months of age. These analysis results reveal the DNA oxidative damage triggers the activation of DNA repair process in this PD model, and provides important insights for the involvement of DNA repair processes in the PD pathogenesis.
Effects of Landfill Food Waste Diversion- a Focus on Microbial Populations and Methane Generation
Authors: Chickering Giles , Krause Max J. , Schwarber Amy
Published: October 2022

The early stages of municipal solid waste degradation in landfills are complex harmonies of physical, biological, and chemical interactions that all work in concert to degrade trash into smaller and more stable materials. While many approaches have been taken to understand parts of this process, this new work attempted to simulate the early stages of landfills in controlled laboratory environments while observing the impacts of food waste content at different concentrations. This was completed by operating landfill lysimeters in a laboratory for approximately 1,000 days, simulating landfill interior conditions while measuring the gas and liquid byproducts to study the impact of food waste presence in these environments. Metagenomic analysis after the experiment identified over 18,000 individual species and allowed comparison with past studies while also surveying microorganisms present in landfills. Similar populations found in past studies suggested the current experiments successfully replicated landfill conditions. While food waste diversion had a discernable impact on gas production, it did not show a clear and consistent impact on the microbiomes identified in this study.