bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment and survival of Norwegian cattle after uterine prolapse
Authors: Martin Adam Dunstan , Groseth Per Kristian , Munthe-Kaas Maien , Nødtvedt Ane
Published: September 2023

Background

Bovine uterine prolapse is a sporadic but life-threatening postpartum condition. The aims of this study were; (i) to determine which clinical findings determined the likelihood of treatment vs. culling, (ii) to identify the treatment methods currently employed by Norwegian veterinary surgeons and evaluate their effect on survival, (iii) to determine if clinical findings at the time of treatment could be used to determine prognosis. Practicing veterinary surgeons in Norway were contacted and asked to fill out a questionnaire on cases of bovine uterine prolapse they attended between February and October 2012. The questionnaires gathered data on signalment, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. These data were supplemented with culling data from the Norwegian Dairy and Beef Herd Recording Systems. The chi-squared test and logistic regression modelling was performed to identify likelihood of treatment and cox proportional hazard modelling was performed to identify the hazard of death after treatment.

Results

Data from 126 cases of bovine uterine prolapse were collected (78 beef and 48 dairy cows). Twenty-six cows (21%) were emergency slaughtered, or underwent euthanasia, without treatment. Of the remaining 100 cases amputation of the uterus was performed once and repositioning was performed in 99 cases. Survival data were missing from 2 of the cases that had undergone treatment leaving a study sample of 97 cases (64 beef and 33 dairy cows). Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the explanatory variables showed that beef cows were more likely to be treated than dairy cows (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.81, P = 0.017) and that cows with a significantly oedematous or traumatised uterus were less likely to be treated (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.67, P = 0.006). Treatment methods amongst Norwegian practitioners were broadly similar. In a multivariable model cows general clinical state at time of treatment was positively correlated with survival (HR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.73, P = 0.008) and a history of a vaginal prolapse prepartum increased the hazard of death (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.95, P = 0.031) in the first 30 days after treatment of a uterine prolapse. In the first 180 days after treatment only veterinary assessment of a cows’ general clinical state was correlated with hazard of death (HR = 0.432, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.91, P = 0.046).

Conclusions

This study shows that the production system and extent of uterine damage affect the likelihood of treatment, and that practitioners use similar treatment methods. A cows’ general clinical state at time of treatment was positively correlated with survival, and a history of a vaginal prolapse prepartum increased the hazard of death in the first 30 days after treatment of a uterine prolapse.
CT041 CAR T cell therapy for Claudin18.2-positive metastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Qi Changsong , Xie Tong , Zhou Jun , Wang Xicheng , Gong Jifang , Zhang Xiaotian , Li Jian , Yuan Jiajia , Liu Chang , Shen Lin
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer lacks effective therapy. Here, we reported two metastatic pancreatic cancer patients administrated with Claudin 18.2 (CLDN 18.2) CART therapy after the failure of standard therapy (NCT04581473 and NCT03874897). In case 1, with CLDN 18.2 expression of 2+, 70%, 250 × 106 cells were infused after lymphodepletion. Grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred on d1 which was later controlled by tocilizumab. Partial response (PR) was achieved according to RECIST v1.1, with great shrinkage of lung metastasis. An increasing CD8+ T cell and Treg cells and declining CD4+ T cell and B cell were observed. In case 2, IHC result of ClDN18.2 showed 3+, 60%. 250 × 106 CLDN18.2 CART cells were subsequently administered. Patient experienced grade 2 CRS, which was controlled with tocilizumab. Target lesions of lung metastasis further achieved complete response. Similar increasing CD8+ T cell and Treg cell was detected from peripheral blood. Elevating IL-8 and declining TGF-β1 were also observed. The tumor is still under well control until the last follow-up on July 18, 2023.
Fusobacterium nucleatum-triggered neutrophil extracellular traps facilitate colorectal carcinoma progression
Authors: Kong Xuehua , Zhang Yu , Xiang Linwei , You Yan , Duan Yaqian , Zhao Yuqing , Li Shue , Wu Rui , Zhang Jiangbo , Zhou Lan , Duan Liang
Published: September 2023

Background

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) acts as a procarcinogenic bacterium in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) by regulating the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can be generated by persistent inflammation, have been recently considered to be significant contributors in promoting cancer progression. However, whether NETs are implicated in Fn-related carcinogenesis is still poorly characterized. Here, we explored the role of NETs in Fn-related CRC as well as their potential clinical significance.

Methods

Fn was measured in tissue specimens and feces samples from CRC patients. The expression of NET markers were also detected in tissue specimens, freshly isolated neutrophils and blood serum from CRC patients, and the correlation of circulating NETs levels with Fn was evaluated. Cell-based experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism by which Fn modulates NETs formation. In addition, we clarified the functional mechanism of Fn-induced NETs on the growth and metastasis of CRC in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Results

Tissue and blood samples from CRC patients, particularly those from Fn-infected CRC patients, exhibited greater neutrophil infiltration and higher NETs levels. Fn infection induced abundant NETs production in in vitro studies. Subsequently, we demonstrated that Fn-induced NETs indirectly accelerated malignant tumor growth through angiopoiesis, and facilitated tumor metastasis, as manifested by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cell migration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated basement membrane protein degradation, and trapping of CRC cells. Mechanistically, the Toll-like receptor (TLR4)-reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor (NOD1/2)-dependent signaling were responsible for Fn-stimulated NETs formation. More importantly, circulating NETs combined with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) could predict CRC occurrence and metastasis, with areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.92 and 0.85, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that Fn-induced NETs abundance by activating TLR4-ROS and NOD1/2 signalings in neutrophils facilitated CRC progression. The combination of circulating NETs and CEA was identified as a novel screening strategy for predicting CRC occurrence and metastasis.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum in Italy: results from a national survey and the Italian intersociety new position statements
Authors: Mondì Vito , Tzialla Chryssoula , Aversa Salvatore , Merazzi Daniele , Martinelli Stefano , Araimo Gabriella , Massenzi Luca , Cavallaro Giacomo , Gagliardi Luigi , Piersigilli Fiammetta , Giuffrè Mario , Lozzi Simona , Manzoni Paolo , Mosca Fabio , Cetin Irene , Trojano Vito , Valensise Herbert , Colacurci Nicola , Orfeo Luigi , Auriti Cinzia
Published: September 2023

Background

Ophthalmia neonatorum is an acute conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns within the first month of life. The most serious infections are due to Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, that may cause permanent damages. The use of ophthalmic prophylaxis varies widely around the world, according to the different health and socio-economic contexts. To date in Italy there is no a clear legislation regarding ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis at birth.

Methods

We invited all birth centers in Italy to carry out a retrospective survey relating the last three years. We collected data regarding demographics of neonates, drugs used for ophthalmic prophylaxis and results of the screening of pregnant women for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginal infections.

Results

Among 419 birth centers, 302 (72,1%) responded to the survey. Overall 1041384 neonates, 82,3% of those born in the three years considered, received ophthalmic prophylaxis. Only 4,585 (0,4%) of them received one of the drugs recommended by the WHO. The Centers that participated to the survey reported 12 episodes of Chlamydial conjunctivitis and no Gonococcal infection in the three years. Only 38% of the Centers performed vaginal swabs to pregnant women: 2,6% screened only for Neisseria, 9,6% only for Chlamydia and 25,8% for both germs.

Conclusions

The data obtained from the survey showed a low incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis due to either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis in Italy. Due to the lack of legislation regulating the prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns, the Italian Society of Neonatology, the Italian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine have recently issued new recommendations on this topic.
The role of three-dimensional in vitro models in modelling the inflammatory microenvironment associated with obesity in breast cancer
Authors: Blyth Rhianna Rachael Romany , Birts Charles N. , Beers Stephen A.
Published: September 2023

Obesity is an established risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, the underlying biological mechanisms of how obesity contributes to breast cancer remains unclear. The inflammatory adipose microenvironment is central to breast cancer progression and has been shown to favour breast cancer cell growth and to reduce efficacy of anti-cancer treatments. Thus, it is imperative to further our understanding of the inflammatory microenvironment seen in breast cancer patients with obesity. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models offer a key tool in increasing our understanding of such complex interactions within the adipose microenvironment. This review discusses some of the approaches utilised to recapitulate the breast tumour microenvironment, including various co-culture and 3D in vitro models. We consider how these model systems contribute to the understanding of breast cancer research, with particular focus on the inflammatory tumour microenvironment. This review aims to provide insight and prospective future directions on the utility of such model systems for breast cancer research.
The relationship between regulatory changes in cis and trans and the evolution of gene expression in humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Barr Kenneth A. , Rhodes Katherine L. , Gilad Yoav
Published: September 2023

Background

Comparative gene expression studies in apes are fundamentally limited by the challenges associated with sampling across different tissues. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing of embryoid bodies to collect transcriptomic data from over 70 cell types in three humans and three chimpanzees.

Results

We find hundreds of genes whose regulation is conserved across cell types, as well as genes whose regulation likely evolves under directional selection in one or a handful of cell types. Using embryoid bodies from a human-chimpanzee fused cell line, we also infer the proportion of inter-species regulatory differences due to changes incisandtranselements between the species. Using thecis/transinference and an analysis of transcription factor binding sites, we identify dozens of transcription factors whose inter-species differences in expression are affecting expression differences between humans and chimpanzees in hundreds of target genes.

Conclusions

Here, we present the most comprehensive dataset of comparative gene expression from humans and chimpanzees to date, including a catalog of regulatory mechanisms associated with inter-species differences.
ZINBMM: a general mixture model for simultaneous clustering and gene selection using single-cell transcriptomic data
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Mingcong , Ma Shuangge , Wu Mengyun
Published: September 2023

Clustering is a critical component of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis and can help reveal cell types and infer cell lineages. Despite considerable successes, there are few methods tailored to investigating cluster-specific genes contributing to cell heterogeneity, which can promote biological understanding of cell heterogeneity. In this study, we propose a zero-inflated negative binomial mixture model (ZINBMM) that simultaneously achieves effective scRNA-seq data clustering and gene selection. ZINBMM conducts a systemic analysis on raw counts, accommodating both batch effects and dropout events. Simulations and the analysis of five scRNA-seq datasets demonstrate the practical applicability of ZINBMM.
Genetic diversity and wing geometric morphometrics among four populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Benin
Authors: Hounkanrin Gildas , Tchibozo Carine , Sauer Felix Gregor , Agboli Eric , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Yadouleton Anges , Lühken Renke , Jöst Hanna
Published: September 2023

Background

The impact of the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti is of major concern for global public health as the viruses that it transmits affect millions of people each year worldwide. Originating in Africa, Ae. aegypti has now spread throughout much of the world. While the genetic makeup of Ae. aegypti in the New World has been extensively studied, there is limited knowledge on its genetic diversity in Africa, particularly at a microgeographical level.

Methods

We investigated mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I of four Ae. aegypti populations from Benin and employed wing morphometric analyses as a cost-effective and reliable tool to explore population structure. Our sampling encompassed various areas of Benin, from the southern to the northern borders of the country, and included urban, semi-urban, and sylvatic sites.

Results

We observed a notable level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity of 0.8333) and nucleotide diversity (0.00421986), and identified seven distinct haplotypes. Sylvatic and semi-urban sites exhibited a greater number of haplotypes compared to urban sites. Utilizing 18 wing landmarks, we calculated the centroid size, which revealed significant variation among the three landscape types. However, principal component analysis, employed to assess wing shape variation, did not demonstrate significant differences between populations based on landscape type.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate substantial genetic and morphological diversity among Ae. aegypti populations in Benin, and provide insight into important biological characteristics of these populations with respect to their potential to transmit viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study undertaken in Africa to integrate genetics with morphology to analyse the population structure of the major arbovirus vector Ae. aegypti.

Graphical Abstract
Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating etanercept, adalimumab, or Janus kinase inhibitor as first-line therapy: results from the real-world CorEvitas RA Registry
Authors: Pappas Dimitrios A. , O’Brien Jacqueline , Guo Lin , Shan Ying , Baker Joshua F. , Kricorian Gregory , Stryker Scott , Collier David H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Real-world studies assessing the comparative effectiveness of biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) as first-line targeted therapy are scarce. We analyzed the real-world persistence and effectiveness of etanercept (ETN), adalimumab (ADA), and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) as first-line therapy in b/tsDMARD-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Adults (≥ 18 years) enrolled in the CorEvitas RA Registry and initiating ETN, ADA, or a JAKi (alone or in combination with csDMARDs) between November 2012 and June 2021 were included if they had 6 and/or 12 months’ follow-up. Treatment persistence and effectiveness outcomes including the change in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated at follow-up, adjusting for covariates using linear and logistic regression models. An exploratory analysis for patients on monotherapy was also conducted.

Results

Of 1059 ETN, 1327 ADA, and 581 JAKi initiators; 803 ETN, 984 ADA, and 361 JAKi initiators had 6 months’ follow-up. JAKi initiators were older and had a relatively longer disease duration than ETN or ADA initiators (mean age: 61.3 vs 54.5 and 55.5 years; mean duration of RA: 8.1 vs 5.7 and 5.6 years). Unadjusted mean improvements in CDAI and PROs were similar between the groups at 6 months, except the proportion achieving LDA, remission, and MCID in CDAI, which were numerically higher in the ETN and ADA groups vs JAKi group (LDA: 43.4% and 41.9% vs 32.5%; remission: 18.2% and 15.1% vs 11.5%; MCID: 46.5% and 47.8% vs 38.0%). Adjusted effectiveness results did not reveal statistically significant differences between treatment groups at 6 months, with an exception in MCID (odds ratio [95% CI] for JAKi vs ETN: 0.65 [0.43–0.98]). At 6 months, 68.2% of ETN, 68.5% of ADA, and 66.5% of JAKi initiators remained on therapy. The findings at 12 months’ follow-up and sensitivity analysis among monotherapy initiators also showed no differences in effectiveness outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions

This analysis of real-world data from the CorEvitas RA Registry did not show differences in clinical effectiveness and treatment persistence rates in b/tsDMARD-naïve patients initiating ETN, ADA, or JAKi as first-line targeted therapy either alone or in combination with csDMARDs.
Association between inpatient glycemic variability and COVID-19 mortality: a prospective study
Authors: Ali El Chab Parolin Salma , Benicio Stocco Rebecca , Kneipp Lopes Julia do Carmo , Curcio Pereira Marcos Roberto , Massae Yamashita Milena , Domareski Goulart Maria Eduarda , Demeneck Henrique , Olandoski Marcia , Hermann de Souza Nunes Larissa , Keniche Morisawa Victor , Fanhani Cracco Luiz Augusto , Busto Silva Isabela , Silva Motta Júnior Jarbas , Veit Barreto Daniela , Lenci Marques Gustavo , Proença de Moraes Thyago , Pellegrino Baena Cristina
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to determine the association between glycemic variability (GV) and mortality in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

We prospectively analyzed data from inpatients (> 18 years old) with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 admitted between March 2020 and July 2021. All patients were hospitalized for more than 48 h and had at least six point-of-care capillary glucose tests obtained three times daily in the pre-prandial period during hospitalization. GV was measured using the glucose standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV). ROC curve was adjusted to determine the SD and CV cutoff values associated with mortality (44.7 mg/dL and 27.5%, respectively); values above these were considered indicative of high GV. Logistic regression models were fitted to explore the association between GV and mortality in patients with and without diabetes.

Results

A total of 628 patients were stratified into SD < 44.7 mg/dL (n = 357) versus ≥ 44.7 mg/dL (n = 271) and CV < 27.5% (n = 318) versus ≥ 27.5% (n = 310) groups. After controlling for age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease, we found a significant association between high GV and mortality (odds ratio 2.99 [1.88–4.77] for SD and 2.43 [1.54–3.85] for CV; p values < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher with SD ≥ 44.7 mg/dL and CV ≥ 27.5% compared to that with SD < 44.7 mg/dL and CV < 27.5%, regardless of DM (p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

High glycemic variability was independently associated with mortality in patients with and without DM, who were hospitalized with COVID-19.
Vitamin D improves the antidiabetic effectiveness of aerobic training via modulation of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase expression
Authors: Hoseini Zahra , Behpour Nasser , Hoseini Rastegar
Published: September 2023

Background

Although the effect of Vitamin D Supplementation (Vit D) on several chronic diseases has been well conceded, its role in diabetes remains ambiguous. The present study investigated the interactive effects of Aerobic Training (AT) and different Vit D doses on Protein Kinase B (Akt), Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase (PEPCK), and Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G6Pase) protein expressions in hepatocytes of type-2 diabetic rats.

Methods

Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8), and diabetic (n = 48). Then, diabetic rats were divided into six groups: AT with high doses of Vit D (D + AT + HD), AT with moderate doses of Vit D (D + AT + MD), high doses of Vit D (D + HD), moderate doses of Vit D (D + MD), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving). D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of Vit D; while D + AT + MD and D + MD groups receive 5000 IU of Vit D once a week by injection; D + AT + oil and SHAM groups received sesame oil. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). After 2 months of intervention, serum insulin, glucose, and visceral fat were measured; protein expressions of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase were assessed by western blotting. The paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test were used at the signification level of P < 0.05.

Results

Our data indicate that the diabeticization of rats increased the level of insulin, glucose, and PEPCK and G6Pase protein expressions and decreased the expression of the Akt (P < 0.05 for all variables). Combined AT and moderate or high Vit D significantly reduced body weight (P = 0.001; P = 0.001), body mass index (P = 0.001; P = 0.002), food intake (P = 0.001; P = 0.001) comparing the pre-test with the post-test, respectively. Also, AT and either high or moderate Vit D alone therapies lead to the improvement of the metabolic state, however, their combination had a more significant effect on the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

Findings from the present study suggested that combined Vit D supplementation and AT successfully improve liver function and attenuate insulin resistance via upregulating Akt and downregulating PEPCK and G6Pase expressions, compared with monotherapy.
Cortex-restricted deletion of Foxp1 impairs barrel formation and induces aberrant tactile responses in a mouse model of autism
Authors: Li Xue , Hao Shishuai , Zou Shimin , Tu Xiaomeng , Kong Weixi , Jiang Tian , Chen Jie-Guang
Published: September 2023

Background

Many children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display touch defensiveness or avoidance (hypersensitivity), or engage in sensory seeking by touching people or objects (hyposensitivity). Abnormal sensory responses have also been noticed in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Tactile sensory information is normally processed by the somatosensory system that travels along the thalamus to the primary somatosensory cortex. The neurobiology behind tactile sensory abnormalities, however, is not fully understood.

Methods

We employed cortex-specific Foxp1 knockout (Foxp1-cKO) mice as a model of autism in this study. Tactile sensory deficits were measured by the adhesive removal test. The mice’s behavior and neural activity were further evaluated by the whisker nuisance test and c-Fos immunofluorescence, respectively. We also studied the dendritic spines and barrel formation in the primary somatosensory cortex by Golgi staining and immunofluorescence.

Results

Foxp1-cKO mice had a deferred response to the tactile environment. However, the mice exhibited avoidance behavior and hyper-reaction following repeated whisker stimulation, similar to a fight-or-flight response. In contrast to the wild-type, c-Fos was activated in the basolateral amygdala but not in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex of the cKO mice. Moreover, Foxp1 deficiency in cortical neurons altered the dendrite development, reduced the number of dendritic spines, and disrupted barrel formation in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting impaired somatosensory processing may underlie the aberrant tactile responses.

Limitations

It is still unclear how the defective thalamocortical connection gives rise to the hyper-reactive response. Future experiments with electrophysiological recording are needed to analyze the role of thalamo-cortical-amygdala circuits in the disinhibiting amygdala and enhanced fearful responses in the mouse model of autism.

Conclusions

Foxp1-cKO mice have tactile sensory deficits while exhibit hyper-reactivity, which may represent fearful and emotional responses controlled by the amygdala. This study presents anatomical evidence for reduced thalamocortical connectivity in a genetic mouse model of ASD and demonstrates that the cerebral cortex can be the origin of atypical sensory behaviors.
Small airway disease in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, a non-conventional approach in three years follow-up of a patient with long COVID: a case report
Authors: Cherrez-Ojeda Ivan , Osorio Maria F. , Robles-Velasco Karla , Calderón Juan C. , Cortés-Télles Arturo , Zambrano Jorge , Guarderas Cristian , Intriago Belen , Gochicoa-Rangel Laura
Published: September 2023

Background

Small airways disease (SAD), a novel finding described in post-acute COVID-19 patients, should be suspected when respiratory symptoms continue, air trapping persists on expiratory CT scans, and imaging findings fail to improve despite objectively better conventional pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) and Multiple breathing washout (MBW) are both very sensitive methods for detecting anomalies in the peripheral airways.

Case presentation

We discuss the case of a 60-year-old Hispanic patient who had severe COVID-19 pneumonia and developed dyspnea, fatigue, and limited daily activity a year later. The PFTs revealed restrictive lung disease, as seen by significant diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) decrease, severe desaturation, and poor 6-min walk test (6MWT) performance. The patient was treated with lowering corticosteroids as well as pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). During the 24-month follow-up, the dyspnea and fatigue persisted. On PFTs, 6MWT performance and restricted pattern improved slightly, but MBW discovered significant ventilatory inhomogeneity. FOT revealed substantial peripheral airway obstructive abnormalities. On CT scans, air trapping and ground-glass opacities (GGO) improved somewhat. The patient used a bronchodilator twice a day and low-dose inhaled corticosteroids (160 µg of budesonide and 4.5 µg of formoterol fumarate dihydrate) for nine months. PR sessions were resuming. The restricting parameters were stabilized and the DLCO had normalized after 36 months, with a 6MWT performance of 87% but significant desaturation. The CT scan revealed traction bronchiectasis, low GGO, and persistent air trapping. Without normalization, FOT and MBW scores improved, indicating small airway disease.

Conclusions

The necessity of integrating these tests when detecting SAD is emphasized in our paper. This article lays the foundation for future research into the best ways to manage and monitor SAD in post-acute COVID-19 patients.
Reconstruction of isolated hypoplasia of the patella by a modified Galeazzi procedure: a case report
Authors: Toumia Mohamed Laroussi , Mohseni Ahmed Amine , Bennour Souha , Nessib Mohamed Nabil , Boussetta Rim , Bouchoucha Sami
Published: September 2023

Background

Isolated Patellar Aplasia Hypoplasia is a very rare autosomal dominant disorder. Its treatment depends on the clinical manifestations that can vary widely. The lack of active extension, which can be responsible for frequent falls due to a knee instability, is the most frequent and disabling manifestation. We report an original technique that is a modification of the Galeazzi technique for recurrent dislocation of the patella to gain active extension in case of PTLAH.

Case report

A 7-year-old Caucasian boy with isolated Patellar Aplasia Hypoplasia and an extension lag of the right knee has been treated by a modified Galeazzi technique. The tendons of the semi-tendinous and gracilis muscles have been harvested and their distal insertion was kept intact. Both tendons were fixed over the top of the patella to restore knee active extension. After 6 years of follow up the patient is symptom free with a strong active extension of the operated knee.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of isolated hypoplasia of the patella by a modified Galeazzi procedure is a safe and reliable technique for skeletally immature patients offering satisfying long-term outcomes.
Acoustic object canceller: removing a known signal from monaural recording using blind synchronization
Authors: Kawamura Takao , Yamaoka Kouei , Wakabayashi Yukoh , Ono Nobutaka , Miyazaki Ryoichi
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a technique for removing a specific type of interference from a monaural recording. Nonstationary interferences are generally challenging to eliminate from such recordings. However, if the interference is a known sound like a cell phone ringtone, music from a CD or streaming service, or a radio or TV broadcast, its source signal can be easily obtained. In our method, we define such interference as an acoustic object. Even if the sampling frequencies of the recording and the acoustic object do not match, we compensate for the mismatch and use the maximum likelihood estimation technique with the auxiliary function to remove the interference from the recording. We compare several probabilistic models for representing the object-canceled signal. Experimental evaluations confirm the effectiveness of our proposed method.
On stability of almost surjective functional equations of uniformly convex Banach spaces
Authors: Sun Yuqi , Zhang Wen
Published: September 2023

Let Y be a uniformly convex space with power type p, and let $(G,+)$
(
G
,
+
)
be an abelian group, $\delta ,\varepsilon \geq 0$
δ
,
ε
≥
0
, $0< r<1$
0
<
r
<
1
. We first show a stability result for approximate isometries from an arbitrary Banach space into Y. This is a generalization of Dolinar’ results for $(\delta ,r)$
(
δ
,
r
)
-isometries of Hilbert spaces and $L_{p}$

L
p

($1< p<\infty $
1
<
p
<
∞
) spaces. As a result, we prove that if a standard mapping $F:G\rightarrow Y$
F
:
G
→
Y
satisfies $d(u,F(G))\leq \delta \|u\|^{r}$
d
(
u
,
F
(
G
)
)
≤
δ

∥
u
∥

r

for every $u\in Y$
u
∈
Y
and $$ \bigl\vert \bigl\Vert F(x)-F(y) \bigr\Vert - \bigl\Vert F(x-y) \bigr\Vert \bigr\vert \leq \varepsilon , \quad x,y \in G, $$
|

∥
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x
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−
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≤
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,

x
,
y
∈
G
,
then there is an additive operator $A:G\rightarrow Y$
A
:
G
→
Y
such that $$ \bigl\Vert F(x)-Ax \bigr\Vert =o\bigl( \bigl\Vert F(x) \bigr\Vert \bigr) \quad \text{as } \bigl\Vert F(x) \bigr\Vert \rightarrow \infty . $$

∥
F
(
x
)
−
A
x
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=
o

(

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(
x
)
∥

)

as 

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F
(
x
)
∥

→
∞
.
Identification of molecular subgroups and establishment of risk model based on the response to oxidative stress to predict overall survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Linzhuang , Hou Qinghua , Chen Baorong , Lai Xiyi , Wang Hanwen , Liu Haozhen , Wu Liusheng , Liu Sheng , Luo Kelin , Liu Jixian
Published: September 2023

Objective

Oxidative stress is associated with the occurrence and development of lung cancer. However, the specific association between lung cancer and oxidative stress is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress in the progression and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

The gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information were collected from GEO and TCGA databases. Differentially expressed oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) were identified between normal and tumor samples. Consensus clustering was applied to identify oxidative stress-related molecular subgroups. Functional enrichment analysis, GSEA, and GSVA were performed to investigate the potential mechanisms. xCell was used to assess the immune status of the subgroups. A risk model was developed by the LASSO algorithm and validated using TCGA-LUAD, GSE13213, and GSE30219 datasets.

Results

A total of 40 differentially expressed OSRGs and two oxidative stress-associated subgroups were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that cell cycle-, inflammation- and oxidative stress-related pathways varied significantly in the two subgroups. Furthermore, a risk model was developed and validated based on the OSRGs, and findings indicated that the risk model exhibits good prediction and diagnosis values for LUAD patients.

Conclusion

The risk model based on the oxidative stress could act as an effective prognostic tool for LUAD patients. Our findings provided novel genetic biomarkers for prognosis prediction and personalized clinical treatment for LUAD patients.
Stratospheric gravity wave potential energy and tropospheric parameters relationships over South America: a study using COSMIC-2 and METOP radio occultation measurements
Authors: Ayorinde Toyese Tunde , Wrasse Cristiano Max , Takahashi Hisao , Barros Diego , Figueiredo Cosme Alexandre Oliveira Barros , Lomotey Solomon Otoo , Essien Patrick , Bilibio Anderson Vestena
Published: September 2023

Using COSMIC-2 and METOP radio occultation measurements during the years 2020 and 2021, the study presents the first direct and independent relationship between the potential energy (Ep) in the stratosphere, precipitable water vapour (PWV), tropopause heights (TPH), and cold-point heights (CPH) over South America. The South American continent comprises the tropical region, the Andes Mountain range, and mid-latitude climates. The seasonal mean of the potential energy (Ep), the PWV, and the tropopause parameters height (TPH and CPH) were obtained to investigate the relationship between the stratospheric gravity wave (SGW) Epand the tropospheric parameters (PWV, TPH, and CPH). Around the Andes Mountains to the east, there is significantly less water vapour (PWV < 10 mm) and a relatively high gravity wave Ep(Ep > 8 kJ kg−1). A good correlation of variability was found between the PWV and the lower SGW Epin summer over the tropical region (± 20◦). Generally, good and strong correlations were observed in the summer and spring, with negative/no correlations in the winter in 2020 and 2021. Also, good and strong correlations between SGW, PWV, and TPH were observed in the summer at$${20}^{o}N - {10}^{o}N$$20oN-10oNin 2020 and 2021. Our result demonstrated the possibility that convective activity was a major driver of the tropical gravity waves over South America. In the subtropical (30$$^\circ$$∘–40$$^\circ$$∘) region, especially in the winter, the tropospheric parameters make little or no contribution to gravity wave activity in the region. The CPH generally showed a no/negative with SGW over the South American tropics. The SGW activities in the tropical region showed an impact on the structure of the tropopause parameters, which could be a result of the convective activity in this region.

Graphical Abstract
Transformers for autonomous recognition of psychiatric dysfunction via raw and imbalanced EEG signals
Authors: Gour Neha , Hassan Taimur , Owais Muhammad , Ganapathi Iyyakutti Iyappan , Khanna Pritee , Seghier Mohamed L. , Werghi Naoufel
Published: September 2023

Early identification of mental disorders, based on subjective interviews, is extremely challenging in the clinical setting. There is a growing interest in developing automated screening tools for potential mental health problems based on biological markers. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of an AI-powered diagnosis of different mental disorders using EEG data. Specifically, this work aims to classify different mental disorders in the following ecological context accurately: (1) using raw EEG data, (2) collected during rest, (3) during both eye open, and eye closed conditions, (4) at short 2-min duration, (5) on participants with different psychiatric conditions, (6) with some overlapping symptoms, and (7) with strongly imbalanced classes. To tackle this challenge, we designed and optimized a transformer-based architecture, where class imbalance is addressed through focal loss and class weight balancing. Using the recently released TDBRAIN dataset (n= 1274 participants), our method classifies each participant as either a neurotypical or suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), subjective memory complaints (SMC), or obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). We evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture on both the window-level and the patient-level. The classification of the 2-min raw EEG data into five classes achieved a window-level accuracy of 63.2% and 65.8% for open and closed eye conditions, respectively. When the classification is limited to three main classes (MDD, ADHD, SMC), window level accuracy improved to 75.1% and 69.9% for eye open and eye closed conditions, respectively. Our work paves the way for developing novel AI-based methods for accurately diagnosing mental disorders using raw resting-state EEG data.
Meningococcal meningitis, a life-threatening disease with a dangerous skin rash: two case reports
Authors: Ibrahim Hamdy , Maksod Safwat Abdel , Khorshed Magdy , Alsisi Ahmed , Fouad Nasser , Rady Hanan , Al Amir Alaaa , Mohamed Adel , Hosny Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Meningococcal meningitis (MM) is a medical emergency that progresses rapidly to cause life-threatening organ failure, and a high level of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and intervention with antibiotics and fluid resuscitation. Herein, we present two cases of meningococcal meningitis in an adolescent boy and a young female child who presented with fever and rash; the purpose is to alert the emergency physicians about this life-threatening condition as early disease recognition and management is highly important for the patient’s survival.
Performance of nano titania-reinforced slag/basalt geopolymer composites
Authors: Mashout Hani A. , Razek Taha A. , Amin Mohamed S. , Hashem Fayza S. , Selim Faten A.
Published: September 2023

In Egypt, basalt manufacturing generates waste materials at a rate of about 33%. The disposal of basalt waste through the manufacturing of cementitious materials is an economically feasible approach. This work involved the fabrication of a one-part slag/basalt waste geopolymer cement (GP) enhanced by nano-TiO2. The physico-mechanical properties of the different GP mixes were investigated. The durability against fire at up to 750 °C, sulfate (SO4−2) attack, and irradiation with significant dosages of γ-rays at up to 1500 kGy were assessed. Phase composition and microstructure were explored through various techniques as XRD, TG, and SEM. The findings demonstrated that basalt incorporation up to 20% within the GP mix boosted its mechanical characteristics after 28 and 90 days of curing by 8.5 and 2.5%, respectively, while 60% replacement diminished the strength by 30%. Slag/basalt GP showed a comprehensible resistance to SO4−2 ions attack, and its strength was intensified by 14% after 4 months of immersion. Additionally, the blended GP mixes could preserve 40% of their strength after being exposed to 1500 kGy of γ-rays and about 50% of their strength after firing at 750 °C. Admixing GP by NT showed a synergic impact for diminishing setting times, boosting compressive strength by 5 ~ 15% compared to reference mix along with an improvement in the microstructure. Furthermore, distributing NT through GP greatly improved durability after firing at 500 and 700 °C and irradiating with high dosages of γ-rays. This feature is mostly connected to the catalytic capabilities and filling activities of NT in boosting geopolymerization processes.
Nighttime working as perceived by Italian anesthesiologists: a secondary analysis of an international survey
Authors: Galvano Alberto Nicolò , Ippolito Mariachiara , Noto Alberto , Lakbar Inès , Einav Sharon , Giarratano Antonino , Cortegiani Andrea
Published: September 2023

Background

No data are available on the working conditions and workload of anesthesiologists during perioperative nighttime work in Italy and on the perceived risks.

Results

We analyzed 1085 responses out of the 5292 from the whole dataset. Most of the responders (76%) declared working a median of 12 consecutive hours during night shifts, with an irregular nightshift schedule (70%). More than half of the responders stated to receive a call 2–4 (40%) or 5 times or more (25%) to perform emergency procedures and/or ICU activities during night shifts. More than 70% of the responders declared having relaxation rooms for nighttime work (74%) but none to be used after a nightshift before going back home (82%) and no free meals, snacks, or beverages (89%). Furthermore, almost all (95%) of the surveyed anesthesiologists declared not having received specifical training or education on how to work at night, and that no institutional program has been held by the hospital to monitor fatigue or stress for night workers (99%). More than half of the responders stated having the possibility, sometimes (38%) or always (45%), to involve another colleague in difficult medical decisions and to feel comfortable, sometimes (31%) or always (35%), to call the on-call colleague. Participants declared that nighttime work affects their quality of life extremely (14%) or significantly (63%), and that sleep deprivation, fatigue, and current working conditions may reduce performance (67%) and increase risk for the patients (74%).

Conclusions

Italian anesthesiologists declare current nighttime practice to negatively affect their quality of life, and their performance, and are thus concerned for their patients’ safety. Proper education on night work, starting from traineeship, and implementing institutional programs to monitor stress and fatigue of operators and to support them during nighttime work could be a mean to improve nighttime work conditions and safety for both patients and healthcare workers.
Immunoinformatic Risk Assessment of Host Cell Proteins During Process Development for Biologic Therapeutics
Authors: Haltaufderhyde Kirk , Roberts Brian J. , Khan Sundos , Terry Frances , Boyle Christine M. , McAllister Mitchell , Martin William , Rosenberg Amy , De Groot Anne S.
Published: September 2023

The identification and removal of host cell proteins (HCPs) from biologic products is a critical step in drug development. Despite recent improvements to purification processes, biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, enzyme replacement therapies, and vaccines that are manufactured in a range of cell lines and purified using diverse processes may contain HCP impurities, making it necessary for developers to identify and quantify impurities during process development for each drug product. HCPs that contain sequences that are less conserved with human homologs may be more immunogenic than those that are more conserved. We have developed a computational tool, ISPRI-HCP, that estimates the immunogenic potential of HCP sequences by evaluating and quantifying T cell epitope density and relative conservation with similar T cell epitopes in the human proteome. Here we describe several case studies that support the use of this method for classifying candidate HCP impurities according to their immunogenicity risk.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy combined with Laparoscopic Surgery in patients with Middle and Low Rectal Cancer and its Effect on serum VEGF Levels and quality of life
Authors: Hou Wei , Song Xin , Pan Qingfang , Liu Sukun , Zhao Qinglian , Hong Dan
Published: September 2023

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with laparoscopic surgery in patients with middle and low rectal cancer and its effect on serum VEGF level and quality of life.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 80 patients with middle and low rectal cancer admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from June 2018 to June 2020.They were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group underwent laparoscopic radical rectal cancer surgery, while those in the experimental group underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. The differences of various surgical indicators between the two groups were compared. The incidence of surgical complications, the serum VEGF levels and the improvement of quality of life were compared. The differences in local recurrence, metastasis and overall survival with in two years after surgery were compared.

Results: The various surgical indicators of the experimental group were significantly better than the control group (p<0.05). After treatment, the VEGF levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p=0.00), while the SF-36 score was significantly higher than that of the control group (p=0.00). The total incidence of surgical complications in experimental group was significantly lower (p=0.03), the local recurrence rate was significantly lower (p=0.02), and the overall survival rate was significantly higher than that in control group (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with laparoscopic surgery is superior to direct surgery alone in the treatment of middle and low rectal cancer and it needs to be promoted.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6763

How to cite this: Hou W, Song X, Pan Q, Liu S, Zhao Q, Hong D. Clinical efficacy of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy combined with Laparoscopic Surgery in patients with Middle and Low Rectal Cancer and its Effect on serum VEGF Levels and quality of life. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6763

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