bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted Delivery of Polyclustered-SPION Labeled Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ototoxic Hearing Loss Mouse Model
Authors: Ahn Yeji , Choi Seonmin , Ho Tien Son , Choi Jin Sil , Ha Sun Mok , Batsaikhan Temuulen , Choi Seung Ho , Key Jaehong , Seo Young Joon
Published: October 2023

Background
Highly specialized cells with self-renewal and differentiation potentials are known to as stem cells. These cells can keep their stemness or develop into more specialized cells. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based cell treatment has caught researchers' interest due to its lack of ethical problems, simplicity of isolation, and abundance. The use of stem cell treatment in regenerative medicine has recently been a subject of great interest. In vitro and in vivo, MSCs have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The ability of MSCs to decrease T-cell proliferation and reduce T-cell functioning is responsible for their potent immunosuppressive effects. They possess potential to home to injury site and stimulate indigenous cells to repair and rebuild it, despite their homing ability delivering the stem cell to the anatomically complex area such as inner is still remains as challenge. Studies on enhancing the delivery of stem cells has been emerging.
Method
The Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) with an iron oxide-based nanoparticle cluster core covered with PLGA-Cy5.5 has been developed. To allow PCS nanoparticles to be transported into MSCs by endocytosis, we modified the nanoparticles for internalization. Nanoparticle labeled mesenchymal stem cells are administered in ototoxic mouse model with or without magnetic field.
Results
As an outcome, when compared to the control groups, the intratympanic administration with magnet group had the most cells in the brain, followed by the liver, cochlea, and kidney. The magnetic interaction between the produced PCS (poly clustered superparamagnetic iron oxide) nanoparticles and MSCs may increase stem cell delivery effectively. In a variety of experimental models examining cell responsiveness in vitro and in situ, the potential use of SPION to increase the spatial control of stem cells by the application of magnetic fields was examined. The application of the magnetic field has significantly increased the number of cells that migrate toward the area of magnet application in vitro. However, in in vivo settings the quantification of the effect of magnetic field was yet solved.
Conclusion
The visualization of delivered MSCs, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis of the processes, will contribute in the formulation of an assessment system for a powerful delivery system in the inner ear, which will aid in the treatment of hearing loss
Genome-wide cross-disease analyses highlight causality and shared biological pathways of type 2 diabetes with gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel , Porter Tenielle , O’Brien Eleanor , Olaniru Oladapo , Verdile Giuseppe , Laws Simon
Published: October 2023

Observational studies suggest links between diabetes and gastrointestinal (GI) traits; however, the question of their underlying biological mechanisms and whether the observed relationship reflects shared genetic aetiology remains unresolved. Here, we comprehensively assess the genetic relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and common GI disorders, leveraging several large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. Our study demonstrates a significant positive global genetic correlation of T2D with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis-duodenitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and diverticular disease, but not inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Also, we identify several positive local genetic correlations (negative for T2D – IBD) contributing disproportionately to T2D's relationship with GI disorders. Multivariable Mendelian randomisation analyses suggest causal effects of genetic liability to T2D on PUD and gastritis-duodenitis, and a bidirectional causal association with GERD. Gene-based association analysis reveals gene-level genetic overlap between T2D and GI disorders, identifying several shared genes reaching genome-wide significance (Fisher’s combined P value [FCPgene] < 2.62 × 10− 6). Pathway-based functional enrichment analysis implicates leptin (T2D – IBD), thyroid, interferon, and notch signalling (T2D – IBS), QT interval anomaly and abnormal circulating calcium (T2D – PUD), viral, proinflammatory and (auto)immune-mediated mechanisms in T2D and GI disorders. Current findings provide evidence for a risk-increasing genetic overlap between T2D and GI disorders (except IBD), implicate shared genetically controlled biological pathways, highlight putative causality for certain T2D – GI disorders pairs, and identify important avenues for further exploration.
Achievements on Matrix Hilbert spaces and reproducing kernel matrix Hilbert spaces
Authors: Osgooei Elnaz
Published: October 2023

‎Hilbert space is a very powerfull mathematical tool that has proven to be incredibily useful in a wide range of applications‎. ‎Matrix Hilebrt space is a new frame work that has been presented recently to perform a matrix inner product space when data observation is proposed as matrices and it is needed to analyse large dataset with complex and multi-dimensional structure‎. ‎In this paper‎, ‎a new norm associated to sequences in matrix Hilbert spaces is defined and the relation between this new norm and the norm obtained by matrix inner product is investigated‎. ‎Also‎,‎it is discussed that although‎, ‎some results and concepts in Hilbert spaces can be extended to the matrix Hilbert spaces‎, ‎but counterexamples show that the results like Pythagorean theorem‎, ‎Parallelogram law‎, ‎Jordan-Von Neumann theorem are not hold in matrix Hilbert spaces‎. ‎At last the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) is extended to reproducing kernel matrix Hilbert space (RKMHS) and by considering some appropriate conditions on a matrix Hilbert space‎, ‎an explicit structure of reproducing kernel is obtained and the RKMHS‎, ‎H(K)‎, ‎which is obtained by reproducing kernel $K=K_{1}+K_{2}$ is characterized‎.
Long-term evaluation of the safety of a rectal-prostate spacer, the ProSpace® balloon, in patients treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Janoray G. , Bruguière E. , Mazurier J. , Dudouet P. , Guillotreau J. , Tollon C. , Labarthe P. , Seguin P. , Latorzeff I.
Published: October 2023

Background
Due to the close proximity of the prostate and rectum, rectal toxicity remains a major problem in patient treated by radiotherapy for prostate adenocarcinoma. One method of increasing the distance between the prostate and the rectum is to use a spacer implanted into the rectoprostatic space. This report describes the long-term outcomes obtained with a new ballon spacer.
Methods
Patients treated with curative radiotherapy for low- or intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma, who underwent insertion of the ProSpace® (BioProtect Ltd, Tzur Yigal, Israel) rectal-prostate balloon spacer, were included. The main objective was to evaluate the dosimetric benefit of the spacer for OARs. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of ProSpace® balloon placement and to evaluate its long-term therapeutic efficacy and tolerance.
Results
Between October 2013 and March 2015, 16 patients were enrolled in the Pasteur Clinic, Toulouse, France. The median follow-up was 85.5 months. From top to bottom, the space created was a mean of 16.3 mm (range: 11–20.5 mm) at the base of the prostate, 12.1 mm (range: 4–16 mm) at the middle and 8.9 mm at the apex (range: 5–15 mm). On average, rectal volumes receiving a dose of 70 Gy, 60 Gy and 50 Gy were significantly lower after balloon implantation: -4.81 cc (1.5 vs. 6.3; p<0.0005), -8.08cc (6.4 vs. 14.5; p=0.002) and -9.06cc (16.7 vs. 25.7; p=0.003), respectively. There were significant differences in coverage after balloon implantation: Mean V95% (p<0.0005), mean Dmin (p=0.01) and mean V98% (p<0.001) were higher after balloon implantation. At 5 years, cumulative gastrointestinal toxicity was grade 1 in 6% (1/16 patients). No toxicity of grade 2 or higher was found. At 5 years, no urinary toxicity grade 3 or 4 toxicity was found. The QoL was not deteriorated.
Conclusions
The use of the ProSpace® balloon seems to be well accepted by patients, allowing a double dosimetric gain: a decrease in doses received by the rectum and an improvement in the coverage of the high-risk PTV. The long-term gastrointestinal toxicity remains low and QoL is preserved in all treated patients.
Fat1 suppresses the CSCs properties through CaMKII-mediated activation of the IFN pathway
Authors: Shang Zhengjun , Wang Jingjing , Chen yang , Sun Yunqing , Liu Hanzhe , Du Ruixue , Wang Xuewen , Shao Zhe , Liu Ke
Published: October 2023

FAT atypical cadherin 1 (Fat1), which encodes an atypical cadherin-coding protein, exhibits a high mutation rate and is commonly regarded as a tumor-suppressor gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nonetheless, the potential regulatory mechanisms by which Fat1 influences the progression of HNSCC remain an unresolved enigma. In this context, we reported FAT1 was down-regulated in tumor tissues/cells when compared to the normal tissues/cells and correlated with the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HNSCC. Knockdown of FAT1 enhanced the CSCs properties and decreased the apoptosis rate of tumor cells. Mechanically, FAT1 knockdown increased the phosphorylation levels of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), subsequently resulting in a diminished interaction between phosphorylated STAT1 and interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), which inactivated the interferons pathways and facilitated the malignant phenotype of HNSCC cells. Overexpression of STAT1 and IRF9 alleviated the malignant behavior caused by FAT1 inhibition. In summary, our study unveils the role of FAT1 in suppressing the CSCs properties of HNSCC via the CaMKII /STAT1/IRF9 pathway and targeting FAT1 might be a promising treatment for HNSCC.
Causal association between inflammatory bowel disease and type 2 diabetes: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Mengjiao , Ye Yongjuan , Zhang Meng , Chang Hong , Ouyang Jing , Zheng Ya , Wang Yuping , Guo Qinghong
Published: October 2023

Background
Previous observational studies have shown a paradoxical association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and the causal relationship between the two is unclear. Using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we explored the causal connection between IBD and T2DM.
Methods
We obtained the datasets of IBD, UC, CD and T2DM from IEU genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics and extracted genetic variants as instrumental variables for bidirectional two-sample MR. The main MR analysis methods are Inverse-variance weighted. Mendelian randomization-Egger (MR-Egger) and the weighted median as a complementary MR analysis method. Finally, heterogeneity tests, horizontal multiple validity tests, and the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the robustness of the study results.
Results
MR analysis results showed no causal connection between IBD (IVW OR = 1.017, 95%CI 0.981–1.053, p = 0.361), ulcerative colitis (UC) (IVW OR = 0.997, 95%CI 0.964–1.031, p = 0.864), Crohn’s disease (CD) (IVW OR = 1.018, 95%CI 0.986–1.052, p = 0.27) and T2DM. In addition, the results of the reverse MR analysis revealed no proof to support the risk of T2DM with the development of IBD (IVW OR = 1.049, 95%CI 0.898–1.225, p = 0.544), UC (IVW OR = 0.945, 95%CI 0.801–1.115, p = 0.501), and CD (IVW OR = 1.085, 95%CI 0.928–1.27, p = 0.307). Similar results were obtained for the complementary MR analysis method. The SNPs used in this study exhibited no conspicuous horizontal pleiotropy, and sensitivity analysis showed the robustness of the findings.
Conclusion
Our bidirectional two-sample MR results showed no evidence to support a causal connection between IBD, UC, CD and T2DM in the European population.
Treatment and clinical outcomes of acute glomerulonephritis among children admitted to the pediatric ward, Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Arsi, Ethiopia
Authors: Demssie Solomon , Abay Tigist , Derso Yonas
Published: October 2023

Background
Acute glomerulonephritis is an acute kidney injury syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of edema and new-onset or worsening hypertension. It is common in school-aged children and typically presents with hematuria, edema, oliguria and varying degrees of renal insufficiency. This problem is particularly important in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the treatment and clinical outcomes of AG among children admitted to the pediatric ward in Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted at the Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital pediatrics ward from September 2017 to June 2021. A simple random sampling technique was applied to select 282 study participants. Modified questionnaires based on a previous study were used to collect the data and then entered into Epi-info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for further analysis.
Result
A total of two hundred eighty-two records of children diagnosed with acute glomerulonephritis were included in this study. The age range of the participating patients was 2 to 14 years. More affected patients were male. The most affected age group was between 6 and 10 years (55.3%). The most common clinical manifestation was facial edema (100%), and leg edema was 90.1%. The complications were hyperkalemia (10.6%), heart failure (9.9%) and anemia (9.2%). A total of 131 (92.9%) patients improved and were discharged within two weeks (positive outcome).
Conclusion
The highly affected age group was between 6 and 10 years, and most of the patients were admitted with different complications. Timely and proper intervention is necessary, and long-term follow-up should be performed in every patient.
Factors Influencing Interprofessional Collaboration in General and During Multidisciplinary Team Meetings in Long-term Care and Geriatric Rehabilitation: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Doornebosch Arno J. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Smaling Hanneke J.A.
Published: October 2023

Background Interprofessional collaboration is essential to respond to the growing complexity of care and to maintain high-quality care in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. However, little is known regarding factors perceived by the actors involved as influencing interprofessional collaboration in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. We therefore examined the facilitators of and barriers to interprofessional collaboration in general and during multidisciplinary team meetings specifically as mentioned by the actors involved, as well as the differences between long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation. Also investigated was whether, and if so which patient outcome measures are used in multidisciplinary team meetings.Methods Qualitative study using thematic analysis. Ten focus groups and 18 semi-structured interviews were held with 14 patients, 13 informal caregivers, and 22 healthcare professionals in eight long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation facilities across the Netherlands.Results The perceived influencing factors can be classified into two general themes: 1) ‘Involvement of patient, informal caregiver, and healthcare professional’, categorised into: ‘participation of patients and informal caregivers’, ‘behaviour and attitude of team members’, ‘expectations of team members towards each other’, and ‘exchange of information, knowledge, and reciprocity in communication’; and 2) ‘Methodical approach to providing care for older people’, consisting of: ‘coordination of team procedures’, and ‘coordination of organisational procedures’. Also, one specific theme for multidisciplinary team meetings was identified: ‘Involvement of patient, informal caregiver, and healthcare professional in multidisciplinary team meeting, categorised into: ‘team procedures’, ‘working methodically’, and ‘participation in multidisciplinary team meetings. Standardised patient outcome measures were not often used in multidisciplinary team meetings.Conclusion People involved in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation indicated that, apart from working methodically, being involved in care and multidisciplinary team meetings are essential factors influencing interprofessional collaboration. These factors must be taken into consideration to provide valuable, high-quality care to older people residing in long-term care and geriatric rehabilitation through interprofessional collaboration.Trial registration Not applicable
Flexible Adaptive Sensing Tonometry for Medical-grade Multi-parametric Hemodynamic Monitoring
Authors: Pan Tingrui , Deng Mengkang , Du Chentao , Fang Jiayuan , Xu Changshun , Guo Chenhui , Huang Jiantao , Li Kang , Chen Lei , Zhang Yuan-Ting , Chang Yu
Published: October 2023

Continuous hemodynamic monitoring in a wearable means can play a crucial role in managing hypertension and preventing catastrophic cardiovascular events. In this study, we have described the first wearable tonometric device, referred to as flexible adaptive sensing tonometry (FAST), which is capable of continuous and accurate monitoring of hemodynamic parameters within the medical-grade precision. In particular, the FAST system integrates a 1×8 unit array of highly sensitive and highly flexible iontronic sensing (FITS) with 1mm spatial resolution and a closed-loop motion system. The flexible tonometric architecture has been used to determine the radial arterial position with high sensitivity and high conformability, which simplifies the biaxial searching process of the traditional applanation tonometry into a highly efficient uniaxial applanation while keeping the medical-precision assessments. Importantly, a self-calibration algorithm can be automatically implemented during the applanation process, from which the intra-arterial blood pressure wave can be continuously predicted within the medical-grade precision, and subsequently, multi-parametric hemodynamic analysis can be performed in real-time. Experimental validations on health volunteers have demonstrated that the FAST measurements are all within the required accuracy of the clinical standards for continuous pulse wave assessments, blood pressure monitoring as well as other key hemodynamic parameter evaluations. Therefore, the FAST system, by integrating the flexible iontronic sensing array, provides a real-time, medical-grade hemodynamic monitoring solution in a continuously wearable manner, from which remote patient-centered monitoring can be delivered with both medical precision and convenience.
Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in looked after children (Lac) versus children that are not looked after (non-Lac) and adverse outcomes: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Heady Nicola , Watkins Alan , John Ann , Hutchings Hayley
Published: October 2023

Background
Looked after children (Lac) continue to attain suboptimal health and social outcomes and have a high prevalence of mental, developmental and behavioural disorders. Limited in research is the exploration of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in this vulnerable population. This review aims to compare prevalence rates of NDDs in children who are looked after (Lac) versus children not looked after (non-Lac) and identify any impacts on Lac diagnosed with a NDD.
Methods
Articles were identified in PubMed, ASSIA, IBSS, Web of Science, PsychINFO, Scopus, Psych articles, Social Care Online. Studies that provided primary data on the prevalence of a ND for both Lac and non-Lac under the age of < 25 years were included. Two reviewers appraised the articles using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Risks ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model were used to express and estimate the mean effect,
Results
Of a total 5,611 records, 12 studies met eligibility. Six studies that met inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis highlight how Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) RR = 2.69 [1.44, 5.01] and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) RR = 2.23 [1.63, 3.05] have a higher prevalence in Lac compared to non-Lac. The remaining six studies that compared prevalence of NDDs but were not eligible for the meta-analysis are described as a narrative and highlight the adverse outcomes that effect the Lac with a NDD. Findings related to foster care placement, mental health service usage and medication, physical, emotional abuse and criminal justice involvement are discussed.
Conclusion
Results show that the prevalence of NDDs is higher in Lac versus non-Lac and propose that Lac with a NDD experience more adverse outcomes compared to their non-Lac peers with a NDD. More research is needed to explore the prevalence of NDDs in both populations and further investigate the adverse outcomes that may affect the Lac with a NDD.
Treatment Preferences and Experiences Among Patients With Postpartum Depression
Authors: Raines Christena , Saacks Cynthia B. , Chiang Tina H. , Devendorf Andrew R. , Prilliman Claudia , Stout Coy
Published: October 2023

Purpose To understand which treatment attributes postpartum depression (PPD) patients prefer and contribute to treatment selection.Methods An online survey was administered to 154 PPD patients to investigate the following treatment attributes: route of administration, dosing schedule, location where treatment is received/administered, most common side effects, and ability to breastfeed during treatment. The survey modeled the discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology to ascertain treatment choices based on 4 blinded profiles: Profile A (investigational long-acting injectable), Profile B (currently available intravenous infusion administered over 60 hours in an in-patient setting), Profile C (investigational oral medication dosed over 14 days), and Profile D (a composite of commonly prescribed oral medications).Results The study sample’s mean age was 35.3 years, 24% had a history of multiple births, 27% had given cesarean delivery, and on average, received 2 PPD diagnoses by a healthcare professional. The DCE results showed that Profile D was preferred over others, primarily due to the route of administration and the ability to breastfeed concurrently. Profile B was least preferred, and there was no difference in preference between Profiles A and C. This study showed a preference for an orally administered medication profile; however, the long-acting injectable administered in a single office visit was preferred equally to the oral medication (Profile C), dosed over 14 days.Conclusions The results suggests that the route of administration and the ability to breastfeed concurrently are strong drivers for patient treatment choice and knowing what each patient prefers may help providers to tailor their care.
Simulated physicomechanical and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Assessment of Basalt Powder Waste Added to Portland Cement in Different Corrosive Media
Authors: Hashem Israa A. Abo , Gaber Ghalia A. , Ahmed Amal S. I. , Ghany Nabil A. Abdel
Published: October 2023

A basalt stone-crushing plant's byproduct is basalt powder. Proposing the use of these byproducts presents significant disposal, environmental pollution and health risk issues. Basalt can be employed as a novel mineral additive and had obvious potential for pozzolan activity. This study evaluated basalt powder's (BP) usage as a partial replacement (5, 10, 20%) of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to enhance cement pastes properties. The conducted investigations were to ascertain physicomechanical properties and corrosion resistance using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of cement pastes with a partial addition of basalt powder in different solutions of 5% NaCl and 5% MgCl2 for up to 270 days. Infra-red spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were also performed to investigate the hydration process and microstructure formation of the basalt blended paste. Results showed that replacing OPC with basalt powder improved the compressive strength of cement pastes. This is a result of the addition of basalt powder filler. The results of the BP20% specimen in 5% NaCl showed the highest values of Rp 953 ohms.cm2 after 270 days. This indicates high corrosion resistance as a result of binding by high Al2O3, which reduced free chloride in the solution. Furthermore, the decrease in iron rebar bonds in 5% MgCl2 compared to 5% NaCl showed a highly adherent protective layer developed on the surface of the rebar.
Individual, familial, community and health service factors associated with teenage pregnancy in Malawi: a community-based case-control study.
Authors: Kalulu James , Stones William
Published: October 2023

Background: Teenage pregnancies are a global concern. Malawi is one of the countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates, with current teenage childbearing at 29%. There is a paucity of information on factors associated with pregnancy in Malawi. Therefore, this study aimed to identify individual, familial, community and health service level factors associated with teenage pregnancies in Malawi.
Methods: This was a community-based case‒control study that used secondary data from the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey from all 28 districts of Malawi. The study population comprised women aged 20 – 24 who participated in the survey. The study ran from September 2021 to October 2022 and used a sample size of 3,435 participants who were all women aged 20 – 24 in the dataset who met the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed using Stata 16 software. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors. Variables with a P value of < 0.1 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analyses, where statistical significance was obtained at a P value < 0. 05.
Results: Data on 3435 participants were analysed. In multivariate analyses: no teenage marriage (p <0.001); secondary education (p < 0.001); higher education (p < 0.001); richest category of wealth index (p = 0.004), use of contraception (p = 0.001) under individual factors and domestic violence by father or mother (p = 0.001) under familial level factors were found to be significant factors.
Conclusion: This study found that teenage pregnancy is associated with individual and familial factors. The government has to sustain and expand initiatives that increase protection from teenage pregnancy, reinforce the implementation of amended marriage legislation, introduce policies to improve the socioeconomic status of vulnerable girls and increase contraceptive use among adolescent girls before their first pregnancy. Further research is also recommended to resolve inconclusive results.
Higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody response following infection in children compared to adult members of the same family
Authors: Mentor Girlande , Farrar Daniel S. , Chiara Costanza , Dufour Mi-Suk Kang , Valois Silvie , Taillefer Suzanne , Drouin Olivier , Renaud Christian , Kakkar Fatima
Published: October 2023

Background
While children have had less severe clinical disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19), the cause of this remains unclear. The objective of this study was to describe the humoral immune response to COVID-19 in children vs. adult household contacts, and to identify predictors of the response over time.
Methods
Prospective cohort study of children with COVID-19 and their families at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ) in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, between August 2020 and July 2021. Children with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (index case) were recruited along with their household contacts. Serum IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 spike proteins were compared between children and adults at 6- and 12-months after infection.
RESULTS
132 participants were enrolled, this included 54 index cases (children) and 78 household contacts from 36 families. Median SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer at 6 months post-infection was significantly higher in children vs. adults (92.7 AU/ml 23.8 AU/ml, p = 0.004). Significant predictors of lack of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were age ≥ 25 vs. <12 years (odds ratio [OR] = 0.23, p = 0.04), presence of comorbidities (vs. no adjusted OR = 0.23, p = 0.03), and immunosuppression (vs. immunocompetent, adjusted OR = 0.17, p = 0.02). While there were differences in the magnitude of median antibody titers by family, within families, children consistently had a higher antibody titer than adults.
CONCLUSION
Children produced a stronger humoral (anti-S1/S2 spike IgG) response to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection than their adult household contacts. These data reinforce the differences in the clinical and immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection between children vs. adults.
Food passage following proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and its effect on nutritional status in early gastric cancer
Authors: Park Ji Yeon , Park Ki Bum , Lee Seung Soo , Chung Ho Young , Jeong Shin Young , Lee Sang-Woo , Kwon Oh Kyoung
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the food passage patterns following laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (LPG-DTR) and its effect on nutritional outcomes up to 1 year in patients with upper-third gastric cancer. Ten patients with early gastric cancer scheduled for LPG-DTR were enrolled in this prospective cohort study, with data collected over 12 months. Liquid and solid food transits were evaluated with fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal study and radionuclide scintigraphy, respectively. The findings revealed that the serum vitamin B12 levels initially decreased but recovered to the baseline level within 12 months. Patients lost 14.5% ± 3.6% of their initial bodyweight. The main passage routes between liquid and solid foods were different, which was mainly via the interposed jejunum in liquid contents, whereas via both tracts following solid food intake. The median half-life of solid food emptying from the remnant distal stomach was 105.1 minutes, and duodenal passage of solid food was noted in 9 of 10 patients. In conclusion, LPG-DTR demonstrated varying food passage patterns depending on the food contents. The emptying of solid food from the remnant stomach through the pyloric ring was considerably delayed, which could be related to the ineffective prevention of weight loss.
Comparing the results of human chorionic gonadotropin and dual triggering protocols in consecutive IVF cycles of women with poor ovarian response: A retrospective case-control study.
Authors: YAZICI MELIS GOKCE KOCER , Ozkara Gulcin , Yesiladali Mert , Caglar Ece Gumusoglu , Algoz Oya , Attar Erkut
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Bolus administration of GnRH analogs mimics physiological ovulation and adding GnRH-a to hCG (“dual triggering”) to induce final oocyte maturation stimulates the luteinizing hormone surge which improves IVF outcomes by decreasing immature oocyte rates. Effects of dual triggering on oocytes have been investigated in previous studies. However, retrieved oocytes in consecutive hCG and dual triggering cycles of poor responder(POR) patients has not been studied yet. In this study, we aimed to examine the retrieved/mature oocyte counts after administering hCG and dual triggering to POR patients in their consecutive IVF cycles.
Method
A total of 54 patients with two consecutive cycles within two years were included into this single-centered, retrospective cohort study that was conducted at Yeditepe University Hospitals, Istanbul, Turkey, between 2014 and 2021. All patients were diagnosed with POR according to the Bologna Criteria (2011). Dual vs hCG triggering protocols were compared using Wilcoxon test in terms of oocyte count and maturation.
Results
Although a statistically significant difference was observed between the ages of patients in their consecutive IVF cycles, it did not have a clinical significance (38.80±3.72 vs 38.17±3.75, p<0.001). Anti mullerian hormone levels and body mass indexes, basal follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels were similar between two cycles (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in terms of total and mature oocytes between two protocols.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that the choice of triggering method, whether hCG or dual triggering, did not significantly influence neither the retrieved oocyte count nor maturation in POR patients.
Genome-wide identification, Expression Profiling, and Protein Interaction Analysis of the CCoAOMT Gene Family in the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Wang Tao , Qi Siyu , Zhao Jiamin , Kong Jiumei , Xue Zhihui , Sun Weijiang , Zeng Wen
Published: October 2023

Background
The caffeoyl-CoA-O methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) family is a key enzyme in the oxidative methylation of phenolic substances and is involved in many plant processes, such as growth, development, and stress response. However, the interactions between CCoAOMT protein members in tea plants are limited.
Results
In this study, 10 CsCCoAOMT members with conserved gene structures and motifs were identified based on the genome of Camellia sinensis (cultivar ‘HuangDan’). CsCCoAOMT was located on six different chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 14). The phylogenetic relationship divided CsCCoAOMT into two groups, including I and II, the CsCCoAOMT of Ia was identified as likely to include candidate genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. In addition, the CsCCoAOMT family member protein interaction networks established by the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay showed 9 pairs of members with interaction relationships.
Conclusions
We identified the CCoAOMT gene family in Camellia sinensis and systematically investigated their classifications, phylogenetic and synteny relationships, gene structures, protein interactions, tissue-specific, and stresses-responsive expression patterns. Our results will provide insights into the evolution and composition of CsCCoAOMT, the CCoAOMT interaction found in this study suggests the potential formation of the O-methyltransferase (OMT) complex in the methylation modification process, which may extend our knowledge of this gene family’s functions in diverse biological processes.
The effect of educational intervention on the quality of life of women suffering from pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting: A systematic review
Authors: Piri Mahsa , Maleki Azam , Saed Omid
Published: October 2023

Background
Various interventions have been implemented to improve the quality of life for women suffering from pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
Objective
The present study aimed to determine the influence of educational interventions on improving the quality of life of women suffering from pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting as a systematic review.
Methods
The current Systematic Review followed the standard PRISMA checklist guideline. The English electronic databases were used to identify relevant studies published until 14 August 2023. The search strategies employed were based on Mesh browser keywords. and free-text words. The study risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias tools and publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Begg and Egger tests. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using I2 and tau-squared tests. Data were analyzed using the RevMan 5 software. Results of the random-effects meta-analysis were presented using the standard mean difference, along with a 95% confidence interval.
Results
Out of the 7 RCT studies with a total of 946 subjects included in the review, five studies reported a significant result, indicating that the interventions had a statistically significant effect on the quality of life of women suffering pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting and in two studies did not have a significant result. A subgroup analysis was done based on the type of quality-of-life measurements.
The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of four articles (NVPQOL) with a total of 335 subjects was -2.91, and (CI) of -4.72 to -1.11, p-value= 0.002, I2=97.2%). The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of three articles (SF36) with a total of 611 subjects was -0.05, and (CI) of -0.23 to -0.12, p-value = 0.550, I2=10%.
Conclusion
The overall results of the analysis indicated that educational intervention had a small positive impact on the quality of life of women experiencing pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. However, to draw a better conclusion, it is recommended to conduct further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.
The relationship between preoperative blood pressure during anesthetic examinations and pre-intubation blood pressure
Authors: Koibuchi Ikuya , Kadoi Yuji , Asou Chizu , Saito Shigeru
Published: October 2023

Background
There have been few reports showing the relationship between blood pressure (BP) measured at clinics preoperatively and BP measured immediately before intubation. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between BP measured at different times and settings preoperatively and BP measured before intubation.
Methods
A total of 182 patients who underwent general anesthesia between March 2021 and April 2022 in a university hospital were examined. In addition to self-reported BP asked on an anesthetic examination sheet completed by each patient, BPs were measured three times, before, during, and after preoperative examination by the anesthesiologist. The derived parameter was compared with BP measured immediately before intubation at the time of general anesthesia induction.
Results
The systolic BP in the intra-examination period had the most significant correlation with pre-intubation systolic BP (r = 0.5230, p < 0.0001, 95% CI = 0.4050 to 0.6238). On Bland-Altman analysis, the intra-examination systolic BP seemed to be similar and showed better agreement with pre-intubation systolic BP than other measured BPs, with a mean bias of 2.2 mmHg and the narrowest 95% limits of agreement (-33.7 to + 38.1 mmHg).
Conclusions
The preoperative systolic BP value measured during the examination by the anesthesiologist was found to be closely related to pre-intubation systolic BP measured in the operating room. Higher BP during the preoperative examination may be a result of anxiety-induced stress or white-coat hypertension. Measuring BP during the anesthesiologist’s examination may be useful for predicting hypertension in the pre-intubation period.
A combination of human activity and climate drives forest fire occurrence in Central Europe: case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Berčák Roman , Holuša Jaroslav , Trombik Jiří , Resnerová Karolina , Hlásny Tomáš
Published: October 2023

Background
Central Europe is not a typical wildfire region; however, an increasingly warm and dry climate and model-based projections indicate that the number of forest fires are increasing. This study provides new insights into the drivers of forest fire occurrence in the Czech Republic, during the period 2006 to 2015, by focusing on climate, land cover, and human activity factors.
Results
The average annual number of forest fires during the study period was 728, with a median burned area of 0.01 ha. Forest fire incidence showed distinct spring (April) and summer (July to August) peaks,with median burned areas of 0.04 ha and 0.005 ha, respectively. Relationships between the predictors (climate data, forest-related data, socioeconomic data, and landscape-context data) and the number of forest fires in individual municipality districts were analyzed using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) on three time scales (annually, monthly, and during the summer season). The constructed GAMs explained 48.7 and 53.8% of forest firevariability when fire occurrence was analyzedon a monthly scale and during thesummer season, respectively. On an annual scale, the models explained 71.4% of the observed forest fire variability. The number of forest fires was related to the number of residents and overnight tourists in the area. The effect of climate was manifested on monthly and summer season scales only, with warmer and drier conditions associated with higher forest fire frequency. A higher proportion of conifers and the length of the wildland–urban interface were also positively associated with forest fire occurrence.
Conclusions
Forest fire occurrence was influenced by a combination of climatic, forest-related, and social activity factors. The effect of climate was most pronounced on a monthly scale, corresponding with the presence of two distinct seasonal peaks of forest fire occurrence. The significant effect of factors related to human activity suggests that measures to increasepublic awareness about fire risk and targeted activity regulation are essential in controlling the risk of fire occurrence in Central Europe. An increasing frequency of fire-conducive weather, forest structure transformations due to excessive tree mortality, and changing patterns of human activity on the landscape require permanent monitoring and assessment of possible shifts of forest fire risk.
Comparison of Light Transmittance and Color Changes between Polyurethane and Copolyester Retainer Materials after Staining and Destaining.
Authors: Viana Grace , Virji Insia , Susarchick Laurie , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Lown Sullivan , Gruber Max , Lukic Henry , Megremis Spiro , Atsawasuwan Phimon
Published: October 2023

Background
Retainers are the only effective approach to prevent orthodontic relapse. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in color and light-transmittance of rough and smooth thermoformed polyurethane and copolymer retainer samples after staining in different solutions and destaining with different approaches.
Methods
Four hundred copolyester (Essix® ACE) and 400 polyurethane (Zendura®) samples with different surface textures, smooth and rough, were stained in 4 different solutions (n = 100 per solution) over 28 days. Each of the four groups of 100 stained samples of each material was subdivided into 5 groups of 20 samples and subjected to different destaining solutions. Light transmittance and color changes were evaluated using a spectrometer and a spectrophotometer. Mean differences were compared using appropriate statistical tests at P = 0.05.
Results
No significant differences in light transmittance were found between both untreated materials. Both materials were stained in a similar fashion and showed no significant differences between two materials. Coffee and tea stained both materials more significantly than wine, but there was a significant difference of changes of color and light transmittance between rough and smooth surfaces during the destaining in coffee- and tea-stained samples of copolyester material. All destaining solutions were effective at removing all stains on the samples. The surface roughness of the material plays a significant role in the ability of the materials to be destained, demonstrating a more significant greater effect on cleaning rough samples for improvements in light-transmittance and greater changes in color.
Conclusions
This study concluded that the surface of materials plays a significant role in the material destaining and staining. In addition, the different polymer used for retainer fabrication exhibited different responses during the destaining process depending on types of stains.
The clinicopathological and prognostic value of CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Luyao , Qin Xiaobing , Yu Aoyang , Liu Haonan , Gao Ying , Ma Xiao , Pan Di , Wu Zichen , Chen Zihan , Zhang Xinran , Han Zhengxiang
Published: October 2023

Objective
The tight junction protein Claudin-18.2 is a potential target for gastric cancer therapy. Given the divergent results of multiple published studies on the expression of CLDN18.2, this meta-analysis aimed to assess its clinicopathologic and prognostic significance in gastric cancer.
Method
We identified 14 eligible studies in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wangfangdate, and CBM databases from their inception to August 2023 and performed meta-analyses using STATA version 15.0.
Result
14 eligible studies including 2908 patients were subjected to analysis. High CLDN18.2 expression was associated with a poorer OS (HR = 1.171, 95% CI: 1.035–1.325, p = 0.012), as well as a poorer PFS (HR = 1.307, 95% CI: 1.041–1.642, p = 0.021). Furthermore, CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer was apparently correlated with EBV status (OR = 3.082, 95% CI: 1.024-9.20, p = 0.045), ECOG score (OR = 1.750, 95% CI: 1.029–2.977, p = 0.039), HER2 expression (OR = 0.650, 95% CI: 0.455–0.929, p = 0.018), grade level (OR = 0.504, 95% CI = 0.299–0.849, p = 0.01), presence of liver metastases (OR = 0.586, 95% CI: 0.363–0.945, p = 0.029), PD-L1 expression (OR = 1.684, 95% CI: 1.132–2.506, p = 0.01), and TNM stage (OR = 2.028, 95% CI: 1.056–3.896, p = 0.034).
Conclusion
Elevated expression of CLDN18.2 has been observed to be correlated with poor OS and PFS in cases of gastric cancer. This finding suggests that CLDN18.2 is a valuable prognostic marker in addition to being a therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
The sexed retina: a combined single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analysis of healthy aging human retina
Authors: Tan Qiang , Liu Hongling , Bian Baishijiao , Liu Yong
Published: October 2023

Background
The human retina is subjected to age-related neurodegenerative diseases like other CNS tissues, but little attention is paid to sex. Previous studies have exhibited divergent sexual responses to aging, but how gene expression profiles differ between males and females and how these differences could be associated with age-related retinal diseases remains elusive. As such, we performed a combined analysis of single-cell RNA (scRNA) and bulk RNA sequencing of the healthy aged retina of females and males.
Results:
We discovered significant differences in transcriptome profiles in the macular and peripheral retina regions between the two sexes. Despite all major retinal cell types being identified in female and male healthy aging retinas, sex specificity is prominent in gene expression and retinal disease-related genes. Cell-to-cell communication analysis revealed an elevated CCL7/TGFB1/VEGFA-associated interaction in the glial cells of the female retina. Finally, we identified MC1 as a subpopulation of microglia responsible for the susceptibility to immune inflammation in the macular retina of females. In males, the differentially expressed genes of retinal glial cells were associated with regeneration and protection.
Conclusions:
This study provides a comprehensive comparison between females and males and found a profound dissimilarity between sexes in healthy aging human retinas, suggesting that age-related changes in the retina are sex-related and that the female retina is more susceptible to neuroinflammation. This study provides valuable insights into identifying therapeutic and prevention targets in retinal aging diseases by considering sex as an important factor.