bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Terapêutica atual na insuficiência cardíaca congestiva: Tratamento não farmacológico vs terapia medicamentosa
Authors: Gomes Vitória Luciana Barbosa , Rocha Arthur Almeida Colares da , Cruz Cind Carolin dos Santos , Carvalho Larissa Brabo Collyer , Silva Maria Eduarda Freitas , Lima Maya Abdon d’Oliveira Eluan , Sarraff Rafaela Gonçalves , Diniz Isabela Guerreiro , Guimarães Márcia Cristina Monteiro
Published: June 2023

A revisão de literatura proposta neste trabalho tem como intenção tratar acerca das alternativas não farmacológicas e das opções medicamentosas disponíveis para o tratamento de Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC). A pesquisa foi, então, realizada nas bases de dados Brasil Scientific Electronic Library (Scielo), PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana em ciências da saúde (Lilacs), Biblioteca virtual em Saúde (BVS), tendo como base a seguinte pergunta norteadora: qual a diferença no prognóstico de pacientes com ICC em terapia medicamentosa (IECA e ARA II) vs a terapia não medicamentosa? Como resultados, concluiu-se que tal prognóstico depende de ambas as vias terapêuticas, uma vez que o trato da IC demanda tratamentos que busquem amenizar e controlar os sintomas, bem como garantir qualidade de vida para os pacientes. Com ressalvas para a importância da prevenção, a qual requer hábitos saudáveis de vida.
Pengetahuan Legal Entity dan Legal Product Perangkat Kelurahan dan Pengurus UMKM Kebon Manggis Matraman Jakarta Timur
Authors: Purwaningsih Endang , Anisariza Nelly Ulfah , Santosa Irwan
Published: June 2023

Tujuan kegiatan ini bermaksud memberikan tambahan pengetahuan kepada pelaku UMKM Kebon Manggis Matraman dan sekitarnya tentang legal entity dan legal product untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan hukum mereka supaya terbangun kesadaran hukumnya. Mitra dalam program ini adalah perangkat kelurahan dan pengurus UMKM di Kelurahan Kebon Manggis Matraman. Permasalahan yang dihadapi mitra antara lain: (1) Keterbatasan akses informasi hukum terlebih tentang pengetahuan legal entity dan legal product, jenis-jenisnya serta prosedural perolehannya, dan (2) Kurangnya wawasan pengetahuan hukum pelaku UMKM terkait regulasi dan legalitas seputar usaha dan produknya, seperti halnya merek, desain, bentuk badan usaha dan badan hukum. Solusi yang ditawarkan adalah dengan memberikan edukasi dan pelatihan serta pendampingan hingga para pelaku UMKM termotivasi untuk mendapatkan legalitas produknya. Kegiatan telah dilaksanakan dengan baik, dengan hasil terjadi peningkatan kesadaran dan pemahaman akan pentingnya legalitas usaha, legalitas produk, perolehan legalitas usaha, dan syarat dan cara perolehan legalitas produk antara sebelum dan sesudah pemberikan penyuluhan tentang legal entity dan legal product.
The Relationship between Psychological Factors and Subjective Oral Symptoms in Hotel Service Workers: The Mediating Effect of Somatic Symptoms
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Hong Min-Hee , Lee Jung-Min
Published: June 2023

Objectives: To examine the mental health of hotel service workers and to verify the mediating effect of somatic symptoms in the relationship between mental health and oral symptoms. Methods: From March 1 to June 30, 2022, a survey was conducted of 579 workers at three hotels in Seoul. Research analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 27.0 Version. Results: Firstly, the higher the symptoms of depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms, the higher the oral symptoms, showing a significant difference. Secondly, in the relationship between depression and anxiety symptoms and oral symptoms, somatic symptoms showed a partial mediating effect. Conclusions: Somatic symptoms of hotel service workers are an important mediating factor. If somatic symptoms are prominent during work activities, it can be predicted that negative mental and oral health symptoms will appear.
The Effect of Fear in COVID-19 Situation on Dental Hygiene Students' Clinical Practice
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Lee Yu-Hee , Yoon Na-Na
Published: June 2023

Objectives: This study aims to study the satisfaction of students' clinical practice during COVID-19 situation for dental hygiene students and to prepare educational plans to increase satisfaction. Methods: This study conducted an online survey of 135 dental hygiene students from Daegu, Gyeongnam, and Busan, from September to October, 2021. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between clinical practice stress and satisfaction with clinical practice, and between clinical practice stress and fear of COVID-19 (p<0.05, p<0.01). The factor affecting fear of COVID-19 was clinical practice stress (p=0.010). Conclusions: Considering the emotional and mental health of students during clinical practice, it is considered that there is a need for a plan and educational program to reduce clinical practice stress and increase satisfaction.
О трещинообразовании в водоизоляционном ковре кровли из битумных материалов при низкой температуре
Authors: ВОРОНИН Алексей Михайлович , ПЕШКОВА Александра Викторовна
Published: June 2023

Изложены результаты исследования водоизоляционного ковра кровли в процессе его эксплуатации при отрицательной температуре. Рассмотрен процесс образования трещин в приклеенном битумном слое не только за счет его связи с основанием под кровлю, но и за счет значительных различий значений коэффициентов линейного изменения битумных слоев армирующих материалов и материалов основания под кровлю. Показано, что под воздействием отрицательной температуры водоизоляционный ковер кровли меняет свои деформационные свойства. При этом также происходит раскрытие температурных швов либо внезапно образуются трещины в основании под кровлю (в стяжке). Рассмотрены изменения в водоизоляционном ковре при температурных деформациях выравнивающей стяжки. Приведены значения коэффициентов линейного изменения кровельных материалов (битумные и битумно-резиновые мастики, битумно-латексные эмульсии, рулонные материалы и полимерные пленки), а также водоизоляционного ковра и материалов основания под кровлю. Для уменьшения трещинообразования в водоизоляционном ковре кровли целесообразно в зимний период сохранять на кровле снежный покров толщиной 200-300 мм (на кровлях с небольшими уклонами), способствующий снижению теплопотерь через покрытие здания и температурных деформаций ковра.
Опыт проектирования и возведения первого в России модульного климатического фасада
Authors: ВАХРУШЕВ Константин Геннадьевич , МЫЛЬНИКОВ Сергей Анатольевич
Published: June 2023

Рассмотрена уникальная светопрозрачная конструкция модульного фасада, реализованная в Екатеринбурге в отеле "Хаятт". Фасадная конструкция относится к разновидности двухслойных конструкций, во внутреннее пространство которой производится забор воздуха из помещения с последующей рекуперацией. Представлены проектные решения конструкций профильной системы и модульных панелей, а также данные о работе фасадной оболочки совместно с инженерными системами обеспечения климатического и санитарного режима в номерах отеля. Приведены некоторые результаты научно-инженерных изысканий, проведенных в лаборатории Научно-исследовательского института строительной физики РААСН с целью уточнения параметров работы климатических систем совместно с разработанной фасадной конструкцией.
Framing Post-2011 Syria in the Translation of Samar Yazbek’s
Bawa:ba:t ard alʿadam: The Crossing My Journey to the Shattered Heart
of Syria
Authors: Ihssan Zabadi Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Drawing on narrative theory and theories of paratext, this article examines the
translation of Samar Yazbek’s 2014 Bawa:ba:t ard alʿadam into English, paying close
attention to how this text is translated, packaged and circulated for the consumption of
Anglophone literary market. It argues that the translation and packaging of Yazbek’s text
becomes a means of foregrounding or suppressing certain narratives and of positioning and
enacting agency. Considering the metamorphosis of a once peaceful, secular revolution into
radicalised insurgency hijacked by Daesh and other extremist groups, this article argues
that translatorial agents demonstrate a proclivity to feed entrenched stereotypes and public
narratives about the protagonists of the Syrian civil conflict through translation and
translation peritexts. Through the use of various textual, contextual, and peritextual framing
strategies, the translation appears to be entangled with pre-existing and ideologically-motivated public narratives circulating in the West. These narratives include Orientalist
depictions of the Arab World and contentious discourses on veiling, oppression, and
terrorism, which are reflected in how the highly politicised narratives of the source text are
translated, and the way peritextual materials are designed and packaged by the publisher.
These effects have ultimately produced the text for the Anglophone readership both familiar
and exotic.
.
Reading Mahfouz through a Girardian Lens: Plague and Contagious
Violence in The Harafish
Authors: Yousri Muhammad
Published: June 2023

This study seeks to investigate the influence of plague on Naguib Mahfouz’s
novel, The Harafish (1977), which traces the changes that take place in an unnamed
Egyptian alley after it has been struck by the plague. Crucially, the plague, along with its
biomedical effect, plays a central role in the de/formation of the community’s sociopolitical
structure. To approach Mahfouz’s novel as a plague narrative, the study utilizes Rene
Girard’s theory of plague and literature that combines concepts such as reversal,
undifferentiating, violence, and scapegoating. Following a Girardian perspective, the
concepts of reversal and undifferentiation are used to explore the collapse of the pre-pandemic sociopolitical order, and the formation of a new structure in which the harafish,
led by Ashur al-Naji, take control of the alley’s sources of power and wealth. Although
undifferentiation becomes the ruling principle, violence, like the plague, infects the alley.
Violence, through mimesis, becomes contagious and ends a sacrificial crisis. The study
ultimately concludes that there is a close relationship between the plague’s biomedical and
sociopolitical influence. Approaching The Harafish as a plague narrative adds value to the
current scholarly and academic discourse over Mahfouz’s work itself and the post-COVID-19 world crisis as well..
Heat inactivation by high temperature as an approach to combat infections caused by airborne pathogens
Authors: Slavikova Monika , Strukova Jana , Klempa Boris , Simancik Frantisek , Pastorekova Silvia , Zelnik Vladimir , Kopacek Juraj
Published: June 2023

The current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection has highlighted the importance of control measures to combat infections caused by airborne pathogens. Non-specific actions include various means of microorganism inactivation by chemical or physical methods targeting structural components of a given pathogen. Exposure of viruses and bacteria to elevated temperatures is one of the effective methods for discharging their harmful potential. Using a model of the Human Adenovirus 5 exposed to elevated temperatures with subsequent titration of the virus in vitro in A549 cells, we showed a dramatic decrease of the virus titer after heat treatment for 5 s at temperatures over 100°C. To verify the potential of the heat inactivation in a closed environment, the prototype of a high-capacity pathogen-cleaning device was constructed and tested. Application of the device for 2 h at an airflow rate of 900 m3/h in a room of 226 m3 reduced the total number of microorganisms in the air by more than 50% at all collection sites in the room.
Quantum science in a nutshell: fostering students' functional understanding of models
Authors: Ubben Malte S. , Veith Joaquin M. , Merzel Avraham , Bitzenbauer Philipp
Published: June 2023

Fostering students' understanding of models is a challenge. However, in particular for learning quantum physics an elaborate understanding of models is required. We investigated activities to foster students' functional thinking about (quantum) models in a synchronous online course. The results of an evaluation study (N= 59) showed that the participants improved in their quantum physical thinking about photons and had slightly improved their understanding of physics models in general. A correlation analysis indicates that there are no significant correlations between the students' general understanding of models in physics and their functional understanding of quantum models. Implications of our findings for both teaching and future research with regard to quantum physics education are discussed.
Interaction between SIRT1 and non-coding RNAs in different disorders
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Shoorei Hamed , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Poornajaf Yadollah , Taheri Mohammad , Sharifi Guive
Published: June 2023

SIRT1 is a member of the sirtuin family functioning in the process of removal of acetyl groups from different proteins. This protein has several biological functions and is involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, malignancy, aging, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammation. Several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to interact with SIRT1. These interactions have been assessed in the contexts of sepsis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cardiac fibrosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, diabetes, ischemic stroke, immune-related disorders and cancers. Notably, SIRT1-interacting non-coding RNAs have been found to interact with each other. Several circRNA/miRNA and lncRNA/miRNA pairs that interact with SIRT1 have been identified. These axes are potential targets for design of novel therapies for different disorders. In the current review, we summarize the interactions between three classes of non-coding RNAs and SIRT1.
Activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 improves ischemic random skin flap survival in rats
Authors: Zhou Taotao , Wang Xibin , Wang Kaitao , Lin Yi , Meng Zhefeng , Lan Qicheng , Jiang Zhikai , Chen Jianpeng , Lin Yuting , Liu Xuao , Lin Hang , Wu Shijie , Lin Dingsheng
Published: June 2023

Objective

Random skin flaps have many applications in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. However, distal flap necrosis restricts wider clinical utility. Mitophagy, a vital form of autophagy for damaged mitochondria, is excessively activated in flap ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, thus inducing cell death. Aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), an allosteric tetrameric enzyme, plays an important role in regulating mitophagy. We explored whether ALDH2 activated by N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichlorobenzamide (Alda-1) could reduce the risk of ischemic random skin flap necrosis, and the possible mechanism of action.

Methods

Modified McFarlane flap models were established in 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats assigned randomly to three groups: a low-dose Alda-1 group (10 mg/kg/day), a high-dose Alda-1 group (20 mg/kg/day) and a control group. The percentage surviving skin flap area, neutrophil density and microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated on day 7. Oxidative stress was quantitated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Blood perfusion and skin flap angiogenesis were assessed via laser Doppler flow imaging and lead oxide-gelatin angiography, respectively. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ALDH2, PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) were immunohistochemically detected. Indicators of mitophagy such as Beclin-1, p62, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) were evaluated by immunofluorescence.

Results

Alda-1 significantly enhanced the survival area of random skin flaps. The SOD activity increased and the MDA level decreased, suggesting that Alda-1 reduced oxidative stress. ALDH2 was upregulated, and mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, Parkin, Beclin-1, p62, and LC3) were downregulated, indicating that ALDH2 inhibited mitophagy through the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Treatment with Alda-1 reduced neutrophil infiltration and expressions of inflammatory cytokines. Alda-1 significantly upregulated VEGF expression, increased the MVD, promoted angiogenesis, and enhanced blood perfusion.

Conclusion

ALDH2 activation can effectively enhance random skin flap viability via inhibiting PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy. Moreover, enhancement of ALDH2 activity also exerts anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties.
RANBP1, a member of the nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking-regulator complex, is the terminal-striking point of the SGK1-dependent Th17+ pathological differentiation
Authors: Brescia Carolina , Dattilo Vincenzo , D’Antona Lucia , Chiarella Emanuela , Tallerico Rossana , Audia Salvatore , Rocca Valentina , Iuliano Rodolfo , Trapasso Francesco , Perrotti Nicola , Amato Rosario
Published: June 2023

The Th17+ arrangement is critical for orchestrating both innate and acquired immune responses. In this context, the serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) exerts a key role in the governance of IL-23R-dependent Th17+ maturation, through the phosphorylation-dependent control of FOXO1 localization. Our previous work has shown that some of the SGK1-key functions are dependent on RAN-binding protein 1 (RANBP1), a terminal gene in the nuclear transport regulation. Here, we show that RANBP1, similarly to SGK1, is modulated during Th17+ differentiation and that RANBP1 fluctuations mediate the SGK1-dependent effects on Th17+ maturation. RANBP1, as the final effector of the SGK1 pathway, affects FOXO1 transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, thus enabling RORγt activation. In this light, RANBP1 represents the missing piece, in an essential and rate-limiting manner, underlying the Th17+ immune asset.
Bioluminescence in cephalopods: biodiversity, biogeography and research trends
Authors: Otjacques Eve , Pissarra Vasco , Bolstad Kathrin , Xavier José C. , McFall-Ngai Margaret , Rosa Rui
Published: June 2023

Numerous terrestrial and marine organisms, including cephalopods, are capable of light emission. In addition to communication, bioluminescence is used for attraction and defense mechanisms. The present review aims to: (i) present updated information on the taxonomic diversity of luminous cephalopods and morphological features, (ii) describe large-scale biogeographic patterns, and (iii) show the research trends over the last 50 years on cephalopod bioluminescence. According to our database (834 species), 32% of all known cephalopod species can emit light, including oegopsid and myopsid squids, sepiolids, octopuses, and representatives of several other smaller orders (bathyteuthids, and the monotypic vampire “squid”, Vampyroteuthis infernalis and ram’s horn “squid”, Spirula spirula). Most species have a combination of photophores present in different locations, of which light organs on the head region are dominant, followed by photophores associated with the arms and tentacles and internal photophores. Regarding the biogeographic patterns of cephalopod species with light organs, the most diverse ocean is the Pacific Ocean, followed by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The least diverse are the Southern and the Arctic Oceans. Regarding publication trends, our systematic review revealed that, between 1971 and 2020, 277 peer-reviewed studies were published on bioluminescent cephalopods. Most research has been done on a single species, the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes. The interest in this species is mostly due to its species-specific symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Vibrio fischeri, which is used as a model for the study of Eukaryote–Prokaryote symbiosis. Because there are many knowledge gaps about the biology and biogeography of light-producing cephalopods, new state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., eDNA for diversity research and monitoring) can help achieve a finer resolution on species’ distributions. Moreover, knowledge on the effects of climate change stressors on the bioluminescent processes is nonexistent. Future studies are needed to assess such impacts at different levels of biological organization, to describe the potential broad-scale biogeographic changes, and understand the implications for food web dynamics.
The role of sea spray in air-sea fluxes during Typhoon Molave: a study based on drifting buoy observations
Authors: Li Shuo , Wang Bin , Deng Zengan , Dang Chaoqun , Li Yawen , Sun Dongbo , Chen Zhaohui
Published: June 2023

The exchange of heat and momentum between the ocean and the atmosphere greatly affects the growth of typhoons. Utilizing the meteorological and oceanic variables observed by a Drifting Air-sea Interface Buoy (DrIB) during Typhoon Molave, a new air-sea turbulent fluxes product (referred to as DrIB product) is developed with the consideration of the thermal and dynamic effects of sea spray in the Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Response Experiment algorithm. The performances of two reanalysis products, ERA5 and MERRA2, under typhoon conditions are evaluated by comparing them to the DrIB observations. In particular, the air-sea turbulent fluxes during Typhoon Molave are systematically studied. The averaged heat (momentum) flux of the DrIB product is ~200% (~30%) higher than the reanalysis. However, the reanalysis products have higher latent heat than the DrIB product, because the reanalysis products have lower wind speed, smaller air-sea temperature difference, and drier atmosphere. The sea spray-induced mean heat (momentum) flux increase is ~1% (8%) in normal weather and is ~5% (17%) at the during-typhoon stage. Sea spray amplifies the dominance of wind speed on heat fluxes and weakens the contribution of air-sea temperature and humidity differences to heat fluxes. Sea spray starts to obviously contribute to the heat fluxes at a 10-m wind speed of ~10 m/s, and it non-linearly accelerates the air-sea heat exchange at a 10-m wind speed of ~20 m/s. When the 10-m wind speed is less than 20 m/s, the basic momentum flux (without sea spray effects) at the air-sea interface is roughly one or two orders of magnitude higher than the sea spray-induced momentum flux. Including the sea spray effects, the maximum momentum flux can even double at the 10-m wind speed of ~30 m/s.
Genomic and phenotypic insight into Xanthomonas vesicatoria strains with different aggressiveness on tomato
Authors: Bianco María Isabel , Ponso María Agustina , Garita-Cambronero Jerson , Conforte Valeria Paola , Galván Tadeo E. , Dunger Germán , Morales Gustavo M. , Vojnov Adrián Alberto , Romero Ana María , Cubero Jaime , Yaryura Pablo Marcelo
Published: June 2023

Xanthomonas vesicatoria is one of the causal agents of bacterial spot, a disease that seriously affects the production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and pepper (Capsicum annum) worldwide. In Argentina, bacterial spot is found in all tomato producing areas, with X. vesicatoria being one of the main species detected in the fields. Previously, we isolated three X. vesicatoria strains BNM 208, BNM 214, and BNM 216 from tomato plants with bacterial spot, and found they differed in their ability to form biofilm and in their degree of aggressiveness. Here, the likely causes of those differences were explored through genotypic and phenotypic studies. The genomes of the three strains were sequenced and assembled, and then compared with each other and also with 12 other publicly available X. vesicatoria genomes. Phenotypic characteristics (mainly linked to biofilm formation and virulence) were studied in vitro. Our results show that the differences observed earlier between BNM 208, BNM 214, and BNM 216 may be related to the structural characteristics of the xanthan gum produced by each strain, their repertoire of type III effectors (T3Es), the presence of certain genes associated with c-di-GMP metabolism and type IV pili (T4P). These findings on the pathogenicity mechanisms of X. vesicatoria could be useful for developing bacterial spot control strategies aimed at interfering with the infection processes.
Purification, characterization and probiotic proliferation effect of exopolysaccharides produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HDC-01 isolated from sauerkraut
Authors: Yu Liansheng , Ye Guangbin , Qi Xintong , Yang Yi , Zhou Bosen , Zhang Yunye , Du Renpeng , Ge Jingping , Ping Wenxiang
Published: June 2023

In this study, an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HDC-01 was isolated from sauerkraut, and the structure, properties and biological activity of the studied EPS were assessed. The molecular weight of the isolated EPS is 2.505 × 106 Da. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results showed that the EPS was composed of glucose/glucopyranose subunits linked by an α-(1 → 6) glycosidic bond and contained an α-(1 → 3) branching structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the EPS. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the isolated EPS had a smooth and compact surface with several protrusions of varying lengths and irregularly shaped material. Moreover, the studied EPS showed good thermal stability, water holding capacity, and milk coagulation ability and promoted the growth of probiotics. L. plantarum EPS may be used as prebiotics in the fields of food and medicine.
The efficacy of the benzimidazoles oxfendazole and flubendazole against Litomosoides sigmodontis is dependent on the adaptive and innate immune system
Authors: Risch Frederic , Scheunemann Johanna F. , Reichwald Julia J. , Lenz Benjamin , Ehrens Alexandra , Gal Joséphine , Fercoq Frédéric , Koschel Marianne , Fendler Martina , Hoerauf Achim , Martin Coralie , Hübner Marc P.
Published: June 2023

Filarial nematodes can cause debilitating diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. Oxfendazole (OXF) is one promising macrofilaricidal candidate with improved oral availability compared to flubendazole (FBZ), and OXF is currently under preparation for phase 2 clinical trials in filariasis patients. This study aimed to investigate the immune system’s role during treatment with OXF and FBZ and explore the potential to boost the treatment efficacy via stimulation of the immune system. Wild type (WT) BALB/c, eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGata1, IL-4r/IL-5−/−, antibody-deficient μMT and B-, T-, NK-cell and ILC-deficient Rag2/IL-2rγ−/− mice were infected with the rodent filaria Litomosoides sigmodontis and treated with an optimal and suboptimal regimen of OXF and FBZ for up to 5 days. In the second part, WT mice were treated for 2–3 days with a combination of OXF and IL-4, IL-5, or IL-33. Treatment of WT mice reduced the adult worm burden by up to 94% (OXF) and 100% (FBZ) compared to vehicle controls. In contrast, treatment efficacy was lower in all immunodeficient strains with a reduction of up to 90% (OXF) and 75% (FBZ) for ΔdblGata1, 50 and 92% for IL-4r/IL-5−/−, 64 and 78% for μMT or 0% for Rag2/IL-2rγ−/− mice. The effect of OXF on microfilariae and embryogenesis displayed a similar pattern, while FBZ’s ability to prevent microfilaremia was independent of the host’s immune status. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed strain-and treatment-specific immunological changes. The efficacy of a shortened 3-day treatment of OXF (−33% adult worms vs. vehicle) could be boosted to a 91% worm burden reduction via combination with IL-5, but not IL-4 or IL-33. Our results suggest that various components of the immune system support the filaricidal effect of benzimidazoles in vivo and present an opportunity to boost treatment efficacy.
Unveiling the complexity of transcription factor networks in hematopoietic stem cells: implications for cell therapy and hematological malignancies
Authors: Benyoucef Aissa , Haigh Jody J. , Brand Marjorie
Published: June 2023

The functionality and longevity of hematopoietic tissue is ensured by a tightly controlled balance between self-renewal, quiescence, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the many different blood lineages. Cell fate determination in HSCs is influenced by signals from extrinsic factors (e.g., cytokines, irradiation, reactive oxygen species, O2 concentration) that are translated and integrated by intrinsic factors such as Transcription Factors (TFs) to establish specific gene regulatory programs. TFs also play a central role in the establishment and/or maintenance of hematological malignancies, highlighting the need to understand their functions in multiple contexts. TFs bind to specific DNA sequences and interact with each other to form transcriptional complexes that directly or indirectly control the expression of multiple genes. Over the past decades, significant research efforts have unraveled molecular programs that control HSC function. This, in turn, led to the identification of more than 50 TF proteins that influence HSC fate. However, much remains to be learned about how these proteins interact to form molecular networks in combination with cofactors (e.g. epigenetics factors) and how they control differentiation, expansion, and maintenance of cellular identity. Understanding these processes is critical for future applications particularly in the field of cell therapy, as this would allow for manipulation of cell fate and induction of expansion, differentiation, or reprogramming of HSCs using specific cocktails of TFs. Here, we review recent findings that have unraveled the complexity of molecular networks controlled by TFs in HSCs and point towards possible applications to obtain functional HSCs ex vivo for therapeutic purposes including hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and prospects for the derivation and expansion of functional adult HSCs in the near future.
A novel training program: laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted low anterior resection for rectal cancer can be trained simultaneously
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Wen Dongpeng , Zhang Cheng , Wang Zhikai , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Current expectations are that surgeons should be technically proficient in minimally invasive low anterior resection (LAR)—both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. However, methods to effectively train surgeons for both approaches are under-explored. We aimed to compare two different training programs for minimally invasive LAR, focusing on the learning curve and perioperative outcomes of two trainee surgeons.

Methods

We reviewed 272 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic LAR by surgeons A and B, who were novices in conducting minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Surgeon A was trained by first operating on 80 cases by laparoscopy and then 56 cases by robotic-assisted surgery. Surgeon B was trained by simultaneously performing 80 cases by laparoscopy and 56 by robotic-assisted surgery. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to evaluate the learning curves of operative time and surgical failure.

Results

For laparoscopic surgery, the CUSUM plots showed a longer learning process for surgeon A than surgeon B (47 vs. 32 cases) for operative time, but a similar trend in surgical failure (23 vs. 19 cases). For robotic surgery, the plots of the two surgeons showed similar trends for both operative times (23 vs. 25 cases) and surgical failure (17 vs. 19 cases). Therefore, the learning curves of surgeons A and B were respectively divided into two phases at the 47th and 32nd cases for laparoscopic surgery and at the 23rd and 25th cases for robotic surgery. The clinicopathological outcomes of the two surgeons were similar in each phase of the learning curve for each surgery.

Conclusions

For surgeons with rich experience in open colorectal resections, simultaneous training for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted LAR of rectal cancer is safe, effective, and associated with accelerated learning curves.
Synchronous multiple primary malignancies of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid, thyroid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Tan Yaxian , Chen Xiaowen , Ye Mushi , Li Xiaofang , Liu Wenci , Liao Sihai , Xie Zhong , Zuo Yufang
Published: June 2023

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are defined as the presence of two or more malignancies with different histologies in the same patient. MPMNs are rare, accounting for fewer than 4% of all tumor cases. Depending on the time interval between the diagnosis of the different malignancies, they are classified as either simultaneous or metachronous MPMNs, with simultaneous being rarer in MPMNs. Here, we present a 63-year-old female patient presenting with multiple primary renal and thyroid carcinomas and discuss the risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis of rare dual carcinomas. We focus on managing multidisciplinary teams and selecting individualized treatment options to deliver valuable treatment strategies to patients.
Pan-cancer evaluation of clinical value of mitotic network activity index (MNAI) and its predictive value for immunotherapy
Authors: Mao Xuanyu , Cai Yimeng , Long Sarah , Perez-Losada Jesus , Mao Jian-Hua , Chang Hang
Published: June 2023

Increased mitotic activity is associated with the genesis and aggressiveness of many cancers. To assess the clinical value of mitotic activity as prognostic biomarker, we performed a pan-cancer study on the mitotic network activity index (MNAI) constructed based on 54-gene mitotic apparatus network. Our pan-cancer assessment on TCGA (33 tumor types, 10,061 patients) and validation on other publicly available cohorts (23 tumor types, 9,209 patients) confirmed the significant association of MNAI with overall survival, progression-free survival, and other prognostic endpoints in multiple cancer types, including lower-grade gliomas (LGG), breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), as well as many others. We also showed significant association between MNAI and genetic instability, which provides a biological explanation of its prognostic impact at pan-cancer landscape. Our association analysis revealed that patients with high MNAI benefitted more from anti-PD-1 and Anti-CTLA-4 treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that multimodal integration of MNAI and the AI-empowered Cellular Morphometric Subtypes (CMS) significantly improved the predictive power of prognosis compared to using MNAI and CMS alone. Our results suggest that MNAI can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for different tumor types toward different clinical endpoints, and multimodal integration of MNAI and CMS exceeds individual biomarker for precision prognosis.
Seasonality and geographical distribution of Kawasaki disease among Black children in the Southeast United States
Authors: Padilla Luz A. , Idigo Adeniyi J. , Maxwell Kathryn , Lau Yung , Wiener Howard W. , Shrestha Sadeep
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is a leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease in the United States, affecting up to 7,000 children annually. Seasonal variation, an epidemiological characteristic of KD, has previously been reported predominantly among Asian children; however, little is known about the epidemiology and seasonality of KD of Black children within the U.S.

Methods

Electronic medical records were abstracted from 529 hospitalized KD patients admitted to a single tertiary center in Alabama between 2005 and 2019. Medical charts were reviewed to confirm KD diagnosis following American Heart Association criteria. Cases were stratified by the month of diagnosis date to assess seasonality, and statewide distribution of incidence is reported at county level using geographical spatial analysis. Comparisons were performed between Black patients and White patients with KD.

Results

The average number of KD cases per year was 35. Approximately, 60% were males and 44% were White children (N = 234), 45% were Black children (N = 240) and 11% were other races (N = 55). Black children were younger than White children at KD admission (median age 32 vs. 41 months respectively, p = 0.02). Overall, the highest rates of cases occurred between January and April. When stratifying by race, cases started to rise in December among White children with the highest rates between February and April with a peak in March. Among Black children cases were high during the winter season (January–April) with a peak in April. Similarly high rates also occurred in June, July and November. There were no differences in geographical distribution of cases by race.

Conclusion

KD incidence among White children in Alabama follows a seasonal cycle similar to other regions in the U.S. However, sustained incidence and additional peaks outside of the usual KD seasonality were seen among Black children with KD. Further studies are needed to investigate differential triggers between races.
Case report: Minimally invasive removal of a dislodged thoracoamniotic shunt with an integral cystoscope in a preterm infant
Authors: Zhu Lichao , Wang Yanze , Song Honghao , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Mingang , Guo Feng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Fetal pleural effusion is a rare condition that is associated with significant mortality. Although the insertion of fetal thoracoamniotic shunts can improve perinatal outcomes, there are several associated complications, such as intrathoracic dislodgement of the shunts. The optimal neonatal treatment for retained shunts remains uncertain.

Case Description

A male infant was born at 32 weeks of gestation. He had antenatal hydrothorax that was detected at 27 weeks of gestation and was managed by intrauterine thoracoamniotic shunting. However, the shunt catheter dislodged into the fetal chest, which caused reaccumulated pleural effusion and respiratory distress requiring ventilatory support after birth. After the patient’s condition stabilized, minimally invasive removal of the retained catheter was performed on day 17 of life using an integral pediatric cystoscope via a 3-mm thoracic incision. The procedure took approximately 5 min. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient, who was discharged 39 days postnatally, is thriving at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions

We present a novel and effective approach to the management of an intrathoracic shunt using an integral cystoscope. This approach may offer a valuable alternative to traditional thoracoscopy in the neonatal period.
Cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in osteosarcoma: the discrepancy in subtypes pathways and immunosuppression
Authors: Zhihao Zhang , Cheng Ju , Xiaoshuang Zuo , Yangguang Ma , Tingyu Wu , Yongyong Yang , Zhou Yao , Jie Zhou , Tao Zhang , Xueyu Hu , Zhe Wang
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Osteosarcoma (OS), the primary malignant bone tumor, has a low survival rate for recurrent patients. Latest reports indicated that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were the main component of tumor microenvironment, and would generate a variable role in the progression of tumors. However, the role of CAFs is still few known in osteosarcoma.

Methods: The processed RNA-seq data and the corresponding clinical and molecular information were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database and processed data of tumor tissue was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Xcell method was used in data processing, and Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was used to calculates enrichment scores. Nomogram was constructed to evaluate prognostic power of the predictive model. And the construction of risk scores and assessment of prognostic predictive were based on the LASSO model.

Results: This study classified Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort into high and low CAFs infiltrate phenotype with different CAFs infiltration enrichment scores. Then TOP 9 genes were screened as prognostic signatures among 2,488 differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Key prognostic molecules were CGREF1, CORT and RHBDL2 and the risk score formula is: Risk-score = CGREF1*0.004 + CORT*0.004 + RHBDL2*0.002. The signatures were validated to be independent prognostic factors to predict tumor prognosis with single-factor COX and multi-factor COX regression analyses and Norton chart. The risk score expression of risk score model genes could predict the drug resistance, and significant differences could be found between the high and low scoring groups for 17-AAG, AZD6244, PD-0325901 and Sorafenib.

Discussion: To sum up, this article validated the prediction role of CAF infiltration in the prognosis of OS, which might shed light on the treatment of OS.
Relationships between anthropometric and body composition characteristics and age in Polish women over 60 as affected by their socioeconomic and health status and physical activity levels
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Omelan Aneta , Borysławski Krzysztof , Wąsik Jacek
Published: June 2023

Background: Little is known about changes in anthropometric and body composition (A&BC) characteristics during the aging process. Research indicates that body composition can be linked with socioeconomic status (SES), health status (HS), and physical activity (PA) levels.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related changes in A&BC characteristics in female seniors aged 60+ in view of their SES, HS, and PA levels.

Methods: The survey was conducted in November and December 2022 on a total of 661 female seniors. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain information about the participants’ socioeconomic status (chronic diseases, health status, marital status, membership in social organizations, financial status, place of residence, education). The respondents’ PA levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and their A&BC characteristics were determined in a bioelectrical impedance analysis with the InBody 270 body composition analyzer. The relationships between A&BC characteristics and age were evaluated based on the values of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).

Results: The mean values of Percent Body Fat (PBF), Body Mass Index (BMI), and the waist-hip ratio (WHR) were relatively high (37.2%, 28.5 kg/m2, and 0.8, respectively) and indicative of overweight and gynoid obesity. A higher number of significant negative correlations between A&BC characteristics and age were observed in seniors with lower values of SES, HS, and PA, which points to more rapid involutional changes in this group of respondents. A segmental analysis also revealed significantly lower values of fat-free mass (FFM) and body fat mass (BFM) (both indicators were calculated in percentage and kg), in particular in the upper limbs, in women with lower SES, HS, and PA levels.

Conclusion: Environmental factors, including biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioral, and social factors, are significantly associated with aging in women. Age-related changes in A&BC characteristics tend to proceed more rapidly in female seniors with low values of SES and HE and insufficient PA levels.
Single fibre cytoarchitecture in ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) assessed by quantitative morphometry second harmonic generation imaging: Positive effects of BGP-15 chaperone co-inducer and VBP-15 dissociative corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Mnuskina Sofia , Bauer Julian , Wirth-Hücking Anette , Schneidereit Dominik , Nübler Stefanie , Ritter Paul , Cacciani Nicola , Li Meishan , Larsson Lars , Friedrich Oliver
Published: June 2023

Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD) is a common sequela of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) and neuromuscular blockade (NMBA). It is characterised by diaphragm weakness, prolonged respirator weaning and adverse outcomes. Dissociative glucocorticoids (e.g., vamorolone, VBP-15) and chaperone co-inducers (e.g., BGP-15) previously showed positive effects in an ICU-rat model. In limb muscle critical illness myopathy, preferential myosin loss prevails, while myofibrillar protein post-translational modifications are more dominant in VIDD. It is not known whether the marked decline in specific force (force normalised to cross-sectional area) is a pure consequence of altered contractility signaling or whether diaphragm weakness also has a structural correlate through sterical remodeling of myofibrillar cytoarchitecture, how quickly it develops, and to which extent VBP-15 or BGP-15 may specifically recover myofibrillar geometry. To address these questions, we performed label-free multiphoton Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging followed by quantitative morphometry in single diaphragm muscle fibres from healthy rats subjected to five or 10 days of MV + NMBA to simulate ICU treatment without underlying confounding pathology (like sepsis). Rats received daily treatment of either Prednisolone, VBP-15, BGP-15 or none. Myosin-II SHG signal intensities, fibre diameters (FD) as well as the parameters of myofibrillar angular parallelism (cosine angle sum, CAS) and in-register of adjacent myofibrils (Vernier density, VD) were computed from SHG images. ICU treatment caused a decline in FD at day 10 as well as a significant decline in CAS and VD from day 5. Vamorolone effectively recovered FD at day 10, while BGP-15 was more effective at day 5. BGP-15 was more effective than VBP-15 in recovering CAS at day 10 although not to control levels. In-register VD levels were restored at day 10 by both compounds. Our study is the first to provide quantitative insights into VIDD-related myofibrillar remodeling unravelled by SHG imaging, suggesting that both VBP-15 and BGP-15 can effectively ameliorate the structure-related dysfunction in VIDD.
Adult conspecific density affects Janzen-Connell patterns by modulating the recruitment exclusion zones
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Bobrovskikh Aleksandr , Cartenì Fabrizio , Mazzoleni Stefano , Giannino Francesco
Published: June 2023

Plant-soil negative feedback (NF) is a well-established phenomenon that, by preventing the dominance of a single species, allows species coexistence and promotes the maintenance of biodiversity. At community scale, localized NF may cause the formation of exclusion zones under adult conspecifics leading to Janzen-Connell (JC) distribution. In this study, we explore the connection between adult density, either conspecifics or heterospecifics, on the probability of occurrence of JC distributions. Using an individual-based modelling approach, we simulated the formation of exclusion zones due to the build-up of NF in proximity of conspecific adult plants and assessed the frequency of JC distribution in relation to conspecifics and heterospecifics density ranging from isolated trees to closed forest stands. We found that JC recruitment distribution is very common in the case of an isolated tree when NF was strong and capable to form an exclusion zone under the parent tree. At very low NF intensity, a prevalence of the decreasing pattern was observed because, under such conditions, the inhibitory effect due to the presence of the mother tree was unable to overcome the clustering effect of the seed dispersal kernel. However, if NF is strong the JC frequency suddenly decreases in stands with a continuous conspecific cover likely as a result of progressive expansion of the exclusion zone surrounding all trees in closed forest stands. Finally, our simulations showed that JC distribution should not be frequent in the case of rare species immersed in a matrix of heterospecific adults. Overall, the model shows that a plant suffering from strong NF in monospecific stands can rarely exhibit a recruitment pattern fitting the JC model. Such counterintuitive results would provide the means to reconcile the well-established NF framework with part the forest ecologists’ community that is still skeptical towards the JC model.

Synthesis

Our model highlights the complex interconnection between NF intensity, stand density, and recruitment patterns explaining where and why the JC distribution occurs. Moreover, predicting the occurrence of JC in relation to stand density we clarify the relevance of this ecological phenomenon for future integration in plant community frameworks.