bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of ribosome RNA processing protein 15 suppresses migration of hepatocellular carcinoma through inhibiting PATZ1-associated LAMC2/FAK pathway
Authors: Pan Tongtong , Li Jinhai , Zhang Ouyang , Zhu Yuqin , Zhou Hongfei , Ma Mengchen , Yu Yanwen , Lyu Jiaojian , Chen Yongping , Xu Liang
Published: March 2024

Background

Ribosomal RNA processing protein 15 (RRP15) has been found to regulate the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the extent to which it contributes to the spread of HCC cells remains uncertain. Thus, the objective of this research was to assess the biological function of RRP15 in the migration of HCC.

Methods

The expression of RRP15 in HCC tissue microarray (TMA), tumor tissues and cell lines were determined. In vitro, the effects of RRP15 knockdown on the migration, invasion and adhesion ability of HCC cells were assessed by wound healing assay, transwell and adhesion assay, respectively. The effect of RRP15 knockdown on HCC migration was also evaluated in vivo in a mouse model.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed that high expression of RRP15 was significantly associated with low survival rate of HCC. The expression level of RRP15 was strikingly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines compared with the corresponding controls, and TMA data also indicated that RRP15 was a pivotal prognostic factor for HCC. RRP15 knockdown in HCC cells reduced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited migration in vitro and in vivo, independent of P53 expression. Mechanistically, blockade of RRP15 reduced the protein level of the transcription factor POZ/BTB and AT hook containing zinc finger 1 (PATZ1), resulting in decreased expression of the downstream genes encoding laminin 5 subunits, LAMC2 and LAMB3, eventually suppressing the integrin β4 (ITGB4)/focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/nuclear factor κB kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Conclusions

RRP15 promotes HCC migration by activating the LAMC2/ITGB4/FAK pathway, providing a new target for future HCC treatment.
The longitudinal relationship between leisure activities and depressive symptoms among older Chinese adults: an autoregressive cross-lagged analysis approach
Authors: Wang Juanjuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Existing studies have shown a correlation between leisure activities and depressive symptoms in older adults, but the direction of the longitudinal relationship is inconsistent. This study used an autoregressive cross-lagged model to examine the longitudinal relationship between leisure activity participation and geriatric depression.

Methods

A total of 7,138 participants aged 60 years or older from the 2nd to the 4th wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analysed.

Results

First, present depressive symptoms were significantly associated with future depressive symptoms (β2013-2015 = .893, p < .001; β2015-2018 = .946, p < .001), and the same rule applied to leisure activities (β2013-2015 = .402, p < .001; β2015-2018 = .404, p < .001). Second, current depressive symptoms negatively predicted future leisure activities (β2013-2015 = –.071, p < .001; β2015-2018 = –.085, p < .001), but the inverse relationship was not statistically significant (β2013-2015 = –.003, p > .05; β2015-2018 = –.003, p > .05).

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of interventions targeting depressive symptoms to potentially enhance engagement in leisure activities among older adults. The results contribute to the understanding of the complex dynamics between mental health and lifestyle choices in older populations, highlighting the potential of proactive mental health interventions to improve overall well-being.
Prevalence of and factors associated with multimorbidity among adults in Kuwait
Authors: Saoud Fajer , AlHenaidi Maryam , AlOtaibi Hajer , AlEnezi Asayel , Mohammed Mariam , AlOtaibi Fatemah , AlShammari Danah , AlKharqawi Sebakah , AlMayas Hadil , AlMathkour Hatoun , Akhtar Saeed
Published: March 2024

Background

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of morbidity i.e., one morbidity and multimorbidity (≥ 2 morbid conditions) among adults in Kuwait and to examine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with morbidity as a multinomial outcome in the study population.

Methods

The data were collected from January 26, 2021, to February 3, 2021, using an electronic questionnaire, which was distributed on social media platforms. The consent form was attached with the questionnaire and the participants were requested to sign the consent form before completing the questionnaire. The prevalences (%) of each morbidity and multimorbidity were computed. Multivariable polychotomous logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the demographic and lifestyle factors with morbidity as a multinomial outcome.

Results

Of 3572 respondents included, 89% were Kuwaiti, 78.3% females and 66% were 21- 40 years old. The prevalence of multimorbidity and one morbidity respectively was 27.4% and 29.7%. The prevalence of multimorbidity with two, three, four or five ill-health conditions were 14.3%, 7.4%, 3.5%, and 1.2%, respectively. A higher prevalence of multimorbidity was among respondents over 60 years of age (71%) and Kuwaiti nationals (28.9%). The final multivariable polychotomous logistic regression model revealed that age, sex, nativity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol drinking were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with multimorbidity. However, age and alcohol drinking were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of one morbidity.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that multimorbidity is more prevalent among the elderly, females, and Kuwaiti nationals. Sedentary behaviour, smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly and independently associated with multimorbidity. These findings highlight the burden of multimorbidity and should be considered in the development of future prevention programs.
KGSCS—a smart care system for elderly with geriatric chronic diseases: a knowledge graph approach
Authors: Li Aihua , Han Che , Xing Xinzhu , Wei Qinyan , Chi Yuxue , Pu Fan
Published: March 2024

Background

The increasing aging population has led to a shortage of geriatric chronic disease caregiver, resulting in inadequate care for elderly people. In this global context, many older people rely on nonprofessional family care. The credibility of existing health websites cannot meet the needs of care. Specialized health knowledge bases such as SNOMED—CT and UMLS are also difficult for nonprofessionals to use. Furthermore, professional caregiver in elderly care institutions also face difficulty caring for multiple elderly people at the same time and working handovers. As a solution, we propose a smart care system for the elderly based on a knowledge graph.

Method

First, we worked with professional caregivers to design a structured questionnaire to collect more than 100 pieces of care-related information for the elderly. Then, in the proposed system, personal information, smart device data, medical knowledge, and nursing knowledge are collected and organized into a dynamic knowledge graph. The system offers report generation, question answering, risk identification and data updating services. To evaluate the effectiveness of the system, we use the expert evaluation method to score the user experience.

Results

The results of the study showed that compared to existing tools (health websites, archives and expert team consultation), the system achieved a score of 8 or more for basic information, health support and Dietary information. Some secondary evaluation indicators reached 9 and 10 points. This finding suggested that the system is superior to existing tools. We also present a case study to help the reader understand the role of the system.

Conclusion

The smart care system provide personalized care guidelines for nonprofessional caregivers. It also makes the job easier for institutional caregivers. In addition, the system provides great convenience for work handover.
Bacterial DnaK reduces the activity of anti-cancer drugs cisplatin and 5FU
Authors: Benedetti Francesca , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Badger Jonathan H. , Munawwar Arshi , Cellini Ashley , Yuan Weirong , Silvestri Giovannino , Kraus Carl N. , Marini Simone , Rathinam Chozha V. , Salemi Marco , Tettelin Hervé , Gallo Robert C. , Zella Davide
Published: March 2024

Background

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for cancer, but its efficacy is often limited by cancer-associated bacteria (CAB) that impair tumor suppressor functions. Our previous research found that Mycoplasma fermentans DnaK, a chaperone protein, impairs p53 activities, which are essential for most anti-cancer chemotherapeutic responses.

Methods

To investigate the role of DnaK in chemotherapy, we treated cancer cell lines with M. fermentans DnaK and then with commonly used p53-dependent anti-cancer drugs (cisplatin and 5FU). We evaluated the cells’ survival in the presence or absence of a DnaK-binding peptide (ARV-1502). We also validated our findings using primary tumor cells from a novel DnaK knock-in mouse model. To provide a broader context for the clinical significance of these findings, we investigated human primary cancer sequencing datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified F. nucleatum as a CAB carrying DnaK with an amino acid composition highly similar to M. fermentans DnaK. Therefore, we investigated the effect of F. nucleatum DnaK on the anti-cancer activity of cisplatin and 5FU.

Results

Our results show that both M. fermentans and F. nucleatum DnaKs reduce the effectiveness of cisplatin and 5FU. However, the use of ARV-1502 effectively restored the drugs' anti-cancer efficacy.

Conclusions

Our findings offer a practical framework for designing and implementing novel personalized anti-cancer strategies by targeting specific bacterial DnaKs in patients with poor response to chemotherapy, underscoring the potential for microbiome-based personalized cancer therapies.
FLASH radiotherapy for the treatment of symptomatic bone metastases in the thorax (FAST-02): protocol for a prospective study of a novel radiotherapy approach
Authors: Daugherty EC , Zhang Y , Xiao Z , Mascia AE , Sertorio M , Woo J , McCann C , Russell KJ , Sharma RA , Khuntia D , Bradley JD , Simone CB , Breneman JC , Perentesis JP
Published: March 2024

Background

FLASH therapy is a treatment technique in which radiation is delivered at ultra-high dose rates (≥ 40 Gy/s). The first-in-human FAST-01 clinical trial demonstrated the clinical feasibility of proton FLASH in the treatment of extremity bone metastases. The objectives of this investigation are to assess the toxicities of treatment and pain relief in study participants with painful thoracic bone metastases treated with FLASH radiotherapy, as well as workflow metrics in a clinical setting.

Methods

This single-arm clinical trial is being conducted under an FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) approved for 10 patients with 1–3 painful bone metastases in the thorax, excluding bone metastases in the spine. Treatment will be 8 Gy in a single fraction administered at ≥ 40 Gy/s on a FLASH-enabled proton therapy system delivering a single transmission proton beam. Primary study endpoints are efficacy (pain relief) and safety. Patient questionnaires evaluating pain flare at the treatment site will be completed for 10 consecutive days post-RT. Pain response and adverse events (AEs) will be evaluated on the day of treatment and on day 7, day 15, months 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12, and every 6 months thereafter. The outcomes for clinical workflow feasibility are the occurrence of any device issues as well as time on the treatment table.

Discussion

This prospective clinical trial will provide clinical data for evaluating the efficacy and safety of proton FLASH for palliation of bony metastases in the thorax. Positive findings will support the further exploration of FLASH radiation for other clinical indications including patient populations treated with curative intent.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05524064.
Long-term outcome in new onset refractory status epilepticus: a retrospective study
Authors: Stretti Federica , Bögli Stefan Yu , Casagrande Francesca , Eisele Amanda , Galovic Marian , Keller Emanuela , Brandi Giovanna
Published: March 2024

Background

New onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a neurologic emergency without an immediately identifiable cause. The complicated and long ICU stay of the patients can lead to perceiving a prolongation of therapies as futile. However, a recovery is possible even in severe cases. This retrospective study investigates ICU treatments, short- and long-term outcome and ethical decisions of a case series of patients with NORSE.

Methods

Overall, 283 adults were admitted with status epilepticus (SE) to the Neurocritical Care Unit of the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, between 01.2010 and 12.2022. Of them, 25 had a NORSE. We collected demographic, clinical, therapeutic and outcome data. Descriptive statistics was performed.

Results

Most patients were female (68%), previously healthy (Charlson comorbidity index 1 [0–4]) and relatively young (54 ± 17 years). 96% presented with super-refractory SE. Despite extensive workup, the majority (68%) of cases remained cryptogenic. Most patients had a long and complicated ICU stay. The in-hospital mortality was 36% (n = 9). The mortality at last available follow-up was 56% (n = 14) on average 30 months after ICU admission. The cause of in-hospital death for 89% (n = 8) of the patients was the withholding/withdrawing of therapies. Medical staff except for one patient triggered the decision. The end of life (EOL) decision was taken 29 [12–51] days after the ICU admission. Death occurred on day 6 [1–8.5] after the decision was taken. The functional outcome improved over time for 13/16 (81%) hospital survivors (median mRS at hospital discharge 4 [3.75–5] vs. median mRS at last available follow-up 2 [1.75–3], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the long-term outcome can still be favorable in NORSE survivors, despite a prolonged and complicated ICU stay. Clinicians should be careful in taking EOL decisions to avoid the risk of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our results encourage clinicians to continue treatment even in initially refractory cases.
Epidemiological and transcriptome data identify shared gene signatures and immune cell infiltration in type 2 diabetes and non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yuan Qian , Li Long , Wang Liu-shun , Xing Shi-gui
Published: March 2024

Background

Numerous previous studies have reported an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and lung cancer risk, but the underlying mechanism of the interaction remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the shared genetic features and immune infiltration processes between lung cancer and T2DM.

Methods

Epidemiological data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2000–2018 was used to explore the relationship between lung cancer and diabetes systematically. In addition, we also used bioinformatics methods to analyze the transcriptome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore the potential functional mechanisms from the perspective of genes and immune infiltration.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that prediabetes (OR = 3.289,95%CI 1.231, 8.788, p = 0.01760, model 3)and type 2 diabetes (OR = 3.032 95%CI,1.015, 9.054, p = 0.04689) were significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer after adjusting for multiple covariates. Data from NHANES showed an inverted U-shaped relationship between fasting blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin and the risk of lung cancer (P for non-linear < 0.001). Transcriptome data showed that we screened 57 co-DEGs, of which 25 were up-regulated co-DEGs and 32 were down-regulated. Ten core DEGs were identified by bioinformatics analysis, which were SMC6, CDC27, CDC7, RACGAP1, SMC4, NCF4, NCF1, NCF2, SELPLG and CFP. Correlation analysis showed that some core DEGs were significantly associated with simultaneous dysregulation of immune cells.

Conclusion

The identified core genes of NSCLC and T2DM are associated with dysregulated immune cells, which provides a potential research avenue for diagnosing and treating lung cancer combined with diabetes.
Variable Herz–Morrey estimates for rough fractional Hausdorff operator
Authors: Hussain Amjad , Khan Ilyas , Mohamed Abdullah
Published: March 2024

As a first attempt, we obtain the boundedness of the rough fractional Hausdorff operator on variable exponent Herz-type spaces. The method used in this paper enables us to study the operator on some other function spaces with variable exponents.
An exploration of COVID-19 vaccination models for newcomer refugees and immigrants in Calgary, Canada
Authors: Aghajafari Fariba , Wall Laurent , Weightman Amanda M. , Ness Alyssa , Lake Deidre , Anupindi Krishna , Moorthi Gayatri , Kuk Bryan , Santana Maria , Coakley Annalee
Published: March 2024

Background

The World Health Organization stresses the need for tailored COVID-19 models of vaccination to meet the needs of diverse populations and ultimately reach high rates of vaccination. However, little evidence exists on how COVID-19 models of vaccination operated in the novel context of the pandemic, how vulnerable populations, such as refugees, experience COVID-19 vaccination systems in high-income countries, and what lessons may be learned from vaccination efforts with vulnerable populations. To address this gap, this study explored COVID-19 vaccine delivery models available to newcomer refugees and immigrants, and refugee experiences across different COVID-19 vaccine delivery models in Calgary, Canada, and surrounding area in 2021 and 2022, to understand the barriers, strengths, and strategies of models to support access to COVID-19 vaccination for newcomer refugees and immigrants.

Methods

Researchers conducted structured interviews with Government Assisted Refugees (n = 39), and semi-structured interviews with Privately Sponsored Refugees (n = 6), private refugee sponsors (n = 3), and stakeholders involved in vaccination systems (n = 13) in 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to draw out themes related to barriers, strengths, and strategies of vaccine delivery models and the intersections with patient experiences.

Results

Newcomer refugee and immigrant focused vaccination models and strategies were explored. They demonstrated how partnerships between organizations, multi-pronged approaches, and culturally responsive services were crucial to navigate ongoing and emergent factors, such as vaccine hesitancy, mandates, and other determinants of under-vaccination. Many vaccination models presented through interviews were not specific to refugees and included immigrants, temporary residents, ethnocultural community members, and other vulnerable populations in their design.

Conclusions

Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake for newcomer refugees and immigrants, is complex and requires trust, ongoing information provision, and local partnerships to address ongoing and emerging factors. Three key policy implications were drawn. First, findings demonstrated the need for flexible funding to offer outreach, translation, cultural interpretation, and to meet the basic needs of patients prior to engaging in vaccinations. Second, the research showed that embedding culturally responsive strategies within services ensures community needs are met. Finally, collaborating with partners that reflect the diverse needs of communities is crucial for the success of any health efforts serving newcomers.
The cost of the perfect body: influence mechanism of internalization of media appearance ideals on eating disorder tendencies in adolescents
Authors: Bi Xiaoyan , Liang Qian , Jiang Guangyan , Deng Min , Cui Hongbo , Ma Yankun
Published: March 2024

Background

Some studies have examined the relationship between internalization of media appearance ideals and eating disorders. However, few have discussed the relationship between eating disorder tendencies. To fill this research gap, this study was to explore the influencing mechanisms of internalization of media appearance ideals on adolescents’ eating disorder tendencies in Chinese cultural context.

Method

The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, Eating Attitude Test-26, Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, Body Image Depression Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were employed in this study to investigate 1523 adolescents. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0.

Result

The results showed that: (1) internalization of media appearance ideals had a significant positive predictive effect on adolescents’ eating disorder tendencies; (2) internalization of media appearance ideals significantly influenced adolescents’ eating disorder tendencies through the mediating role of body esteem and body image disturbance respectively, and also influenced eating disorder tendencies through the chain mediating of both; and (3) social support played a moderating role between body image disturbance and eating disorder tendency.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest distinct pathways through which internalization of media appearance ideals may influence adolescents’ eating disorder tendencies. It is suggested that reducing body image disturbance and enhancing social support can help reducing eating disorder tendency.
A multiscalar methodology for holistic analysis of prehistoric rock carvings in Scotland
Authors: Barnett Tertia , Valdez-Tullett Joana , Bjerketvedt Linda Marie , Alexander-Reid Frederick , Hoole Maya , Jeffrey Stuart , Robin Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Prehistoric rock carvings are one of Scotland’s most enigmatic and poorly understood monument types. This article discusses the pioneering approach used by Scotland’s Rock Art Project to enhance understanding of the abstract motifs through multiscalar computational analyses of a large dataset co-produced with community teams. The approach can be applied to suitable rock art datasets from other parts of the world and has international relevance for rock art reserach. Our analysis incorporates data from across Scotland in order to investigate inter-regional differences and similarities in the nature and contexts of the carvings. Innovative application of complementary analytical methods identified subtle regional variations in the character of the rock art and motif types. This variability suggest an understanding of the rock art tradition that was widely shared but locally adapted, and reflects connections and knowledge exchange between specific regions.
Influence of snowmelt on increasing Arctic river discharge: numerical evaluation
Authors: Park Hotaek , Kim Youngwook , Suzuki Kazuyoshi , Hiyama Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

Snow is the most important component of the Arctic climatic and hydrological system and is directly vulnerable to climate change. In recent decades, observations have indicated significant decreases in the Arctic snow cover and snowfall rate, whereas water discharge from circumpolar Arctic river basins into the Arctic Ocean has increased. To evaluate the contribution, not well quantified, of snow to the river discharge increase, we conducted sensitivity simulations with surface air temperature and precipitation as climatic treatment variables, combining a land surface model and a distributed discharge model. Variables were treated assuming higher climate variations in the Arctic cold season in 1979–2018. The surface and subsurface runoffs simulated by the land surface model were set as inflows in the discharge model to estimate river discharge. Snowmelt mostly converted to surface runoff, accounting for 73.6% of the anomalous surface runoff increase and inducing the simulated peak discharge in spring and early summer. This relationship was enhanced by the winter precipitation increase. Snow loss induced by higher air temperature contributed to the decrease in the peak and annual discharges, but caused the peak discharge to occur earlier. Additionally, warmer temperature increased the proportion of rainfall in the partitioning of precipitation, causing more subsurface runoff, particularly in autumn and winter. These results provide a first separate evaluation of factors influencing Arctic water discharge, including seasonal hydrographs, and illustrate the influence of climate warming-induced snowfall and rainfall variations on the circumpolar Arctic river discharge.
The combination of preoperative celiac axis stenting and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in an elderly patient with pancreatic cancer: a case report
Authors: Doita Susumu , Aoki Hideki , Kajioka Hiroki , Tanakaya Kohji , Kawamoto Kenji
Published: March 2024

Background

Celiac axis stenosis (CAS) is frequently observed in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This poses challenges because of the potential disruption of the hepatic arterial blood flow.

Case presentation

We present the case of an 81-year-old woman diagnosed with pancreatic head cancer and severe CAS caused by calcification. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and underwent preoperative endovascular stenting of the celiac axis to restore blood flow. After two cycles of NAC, subtotal stomach-preserving PD was performed. An intraoperative assessment of the hepatic arterial blood flow determined that it was well maintained. PD was performed using the standard technique; specialized techniques were not necessary. Importantly, no ischemic complications were encountered.

Conclusion

This case report describes the successful combination of preoperative celiac axis stenting, NAC, and surgical intervention for the management of CAS in an elderly patient with pancreatic cancer. This approach offers a potential solution for maintaining the hepatic arterial blood flow in the presence of CAS without vascular reconstruction, particularly in elderly individuals.
Esophageal cancer in an adult with congenital esophageal stenosis: a case report
Authors: Fujiwara Yushi , Kitagami Hidehiko , Kikkawa Tomohiro , Sakashita Keita , Kusumi Takaya , Nishida Yasunori
Published: March 2024

Background

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare condition. We encountered a case of esophageal cancer that developed in an adult with persistent CES. Although many studies have investigated the therapeutic outcomes and performed surveillance for symptoms after treatment for CES, few have performed long-term surveillance or reported on the development of esophageal cancer. We report this case because it is extremely rare and has important implications.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old woman with worsening dysphagia was transferred to our hospital. The patient was diagnosed with CES at 5 years of age and underwent surgery at another hospital. The patient underwent esophageal dilatation for stenosis at 36 years of age. Esophagoscopy performed at our hospital revealed a circumferential ulcerated lesion and stenosis 15–29 cm from the incisors. Histological examination of the biopsy specimen revealed squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed abnormal circumferential wall thickening in parts of the cervical and almost the entire thoracic esophagus. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-CT revealed increased uptake in the cervical and upper esophagus. No uptake was observed in the muscular layers of the middle or lower esophagus. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with clinical stage IVB cervical and upper esophageal cancer (T3N1M1 [supraclavicular lymph nodes]). The patient underwent a total esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The esophagus was markedly thickened and tightly adhered to the adjacent organs. Severe fibrosis was observed around the trachea. Marked thickening of the muscular layer was observed throughout the esophagus; histopathological examination revealed that this thickening was due to increased smooth muscle mass. No cartilage, bronchial epithelium, or glands were observed. The carcinoma extended from the cervical to the middle esophagus, oral to the stenotic region. Finally, we diagnosed the patient with esophageal cancer developing on CES of the fibromuscular thickening type.

Conclusions

Chronic mechanical and chemical irritations are believed to cause cancer of the upper esophagus oral to a persistent CES, suggesting the need for long-term surveillance that focuses on residual stenosis and cancer development in patients with CES.
Serum adropin level in wet-type age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Saeedi-Maleki Zahra , Javadzadeh Alireza , Brumandpur Fariborz , Ghorbanihaghjo Amir , Khanzadeh Shokoufeh , Mousavi Farideh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Our objective was to compare the serum Adropin levels between patients with wet-type Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and otherwise healthy individuals.

Method

The study included 45 patients with wet-type AMD and 45 individuals without age-related macular degeneration. Patients with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and a previous history of visual impairment; were excluded. FBS, Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), lipid profile, and serum Adropin level were checked.

Results

The mean serum Adropin level of patients with wet-type AMD was significantly lower than the control group (P-value < 0.001). Also, the mean High-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( hsCRP) level and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly higher in wet-type AMD patients (P-value = 0.031 and < 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

In our study, wet-type AMD was associated with a lower level of serum Adropin. Because of Adropin involvement in glucose metabolism and age-related changes, it may have a role in the pathogenesis of AMD, but it requires more investigations at the molecular level to elucidate its function.
Non-contrast short MRI surveillance for HCC screening: the study protocol of the SMS-HCC prospective multicenter study
Authors: van de Braak Céline , Willemssen François E. J. A. , de Man Rob A. , van der Lugt Aad , Uyl-de Groot Carin A. , Bos Daniel , Dwarkasing Roy S.
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comprises 75 to 85% of all primary liver cancers. Current guidelines recommend a biannual HCC surveillance using ultrasound (US) for high-risk patients. However, due to its low sensitivity for detection of early-stage HCC lesions, there is an urgency for more sensitive surveillance tools. Here, we describe the potential of a short MRI surveillance (SMS) protocol for HCC, including axial T1-weighted in-out phase, fat-saturated T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted sequences. In this prospective, multicenter, patient cohort study, patients will be recruited from existing HCC surveillance cohorts of six medical centers in The Netherlands. Surveillance patients who undergo biannual US, will be invited for SMS on the same day for 3 years. In case of a suspicious finding on either US or SMS, patients will be invited for a full MRI liver protocol including gadolinium-based contrast agent intravenous injection within 2 weeks. To our knowledge, this will be the first study to perform a head-to-head comparison with a paired US-MRI design. We hypothesize that the sensitivity of SMS for detection of early-stage HCC will be higher than that of US leading to improved survival of surveillance patients through timely HCC diagnosis. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the SMS-HCC protocol will prove cost-effective.

Relevance statement The US sensitivity for detecting early-stage HCC has been reported to be less than 50%. We expect that the proposed SMS will detect at least twice as many early-stage HCC lesions and therefore prove to be cost-effective.

Key points

• The low sensitivity of US necessitates better imaging tools for HCC screening.

• This is the first study with a paired US-MRI design.

• This design will allow a head-to-head comparison in both diagnostics and patient-acceptance.

• We expect that SMS can contribute to a higher survival rate.

Graphical Abstract
Sirtuin-1 level and gene polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Nageeb Rania S. , Fawzy Amal , Ateya Marwa Abdel-Monem , Talaat Aliaa
Published: March 2024

Background

Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) may affect multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. This study aimed to investigate the level of serum SIRT1, mRNA expression and genetic polymorphisms in Egyptian MS sufferers. Also, to assess its role as a possible biomarker in predicting the risk of MS and to evaluate the association between its levels and disability of MS. Measurement of SIRT1, serum level, mRNA expression level and genotyping for sirtuin-1 gene polymorphisms in 240 Egyptian subjects; 120 MS sufferers and 120 healthy control subjects.

Results

There was a significant diminishment of level of serum sirtuin-1, and sirtuin-1 mRNA expression in MS sufferers compared to control subjects. Different sirtuin-1 single nucleotide polymorphism frequencies were statistically significant in MS sufferers compared to the control subjects. Moreover, a negative correlation of serum level of sirtuin-1 in MS sufferers with MS disease duration, disability according to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, cholesterol, and triglyceride serum levels. Regarding the sirtuin-1 gene polymorphisms in MS sufferers, the rs7895833 GG genotype had significant higher cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels than the GA and AA genotypes and that the rs7069102 GG genotype had a higher LDL level than the CG and CC genotypes while the rs2273773 TT genotype was significantly associated with cholesterol, and LDL levels than the TC and CC genotypes. No significant difference was detected in EDSS score comparing different sirtuin-1 genotypes among MS sufferers. In MS sufferers, rs7895833 G allele can be independently associated with cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. rs7069102 C allele can be independently associated with LDL level. With regard to rs2273773, T allele, it can be independently associated with cholesterol and LDL levels.

Conclusion

There was a significant association between different sirtuin-1 gene polymorphisms and dyslipidemia which may modulate the course of MS disease. Furthermore, serum sirtuin-1 level can be considered as a possible predictor of disability in multiple sclerosis sufferers.
A simple and effective VIGS system facilitates the control of citrus canker by silencing CsLOB1
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Ma Zhimin , Zhou Jinhuan , Li Jiaxin , Cao Peng , Song Chenhu , Li Chuxin , Wang Xinliang , Bin Yu , Zhou Changyong , Song Zhen
Published: March 2024

Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful technology for molecular characterization of gene functions in plants and has the potential to prevent and control plant diseases. Unfortunately, VIGS in many woody perennials such as citrus are severely hindered because they have a long juvenile period and are recalcitrant to infection compared to herbaceous plants. Here, we report the development of a simple and effective VIGS system based on citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV), a virus endemic in most citrus-producing countries but showing no symptoms in most citrus varieties. By Agrobacterium-mediated vacuum-infiltration (AVI), pCLBV201-su245 and pCLBV201-pds391 triggered efficient gene silencing (85%) and silencing phenotypes began to appear at 30 days post infiltration/inoculation (dpi), a similar period for achieving that on herbaceous plants. Moreover, the silencing phenotypes could still be observed four years post inoculation. Further, pCLBV201-lob369 was constructed to silence the gene lateral organ boundaries1 (lob1), encoding a key factor for susceptibility to citrus canker that caused by Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (Xcc). The resistance evaluation results showed that the lesion area, disease index, and bacterial content in the pCLBV201-lob369 treatment group were decreased by 64%, 14%, and 67%, respectively. This work provides a simple and effective VIGS system for citrus which has the potential to be used for diseases control.
Endoscopic endonasal approach for skull base chordoma
Authors: Youssef Ahmed , Morsi Haitham , Bazak Remon , Ibrahim Ahmed Aly , Farhoud Ahmed , Agamy Mohamed M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Chordoma is a rare slow-growing malignant bone tumor that arises from embryonic notochordal remnants in the axial skeleton. Clival chordomas have a high propensity for extension through the skull base and a high proclivity for recurrence. Recently, resection of skull base chordomas through the endoscopic transnasal approach has become the standard way of managing these lesions with the new advancements in neuronavigation and reconstructive techniques in skull base surgery.

Methods

It is a retrospective study of all patients with clival chordoma that were operated upon using endoscopic endonasal resection at the Main Alexandria University Hospital during the period from March 2008 to April 2013. The extent of surgical resection was assessed intraoperatively and confirmed by the postoperative MRI study performed 8–12 weeks, 6 months, and yearly after the surgery.

Results

Twelve patients with clival chordoma were managed by endoscopic transnasal resection. Gross total resection confirmed by postoperative MRI was achieved in four cases, subtotal resection in six cases, and partial resection in two cases of clival chordoma. In cases where gross total resection was not achieved, residual tumors were adherent to vital neurovascular structures as confirmed with the utilization of an intraoperative imaging navigation device. A study of postoperative complications and possible recurrence was done for all cases.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlight the significance of gross total resection as a major determinant for preventing the recurrence of chordoma. Our findings also support the validity of the endoscopic approach for the management of clival chordoma especially when the approach is tailored based on the site and extent of the tumor.
Effects of Overweight on Risk of Thyroid Nodules in Children and Adolescents: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Ohira Tetsuya , Nagao Masanori , Hayashi Fumikazu , Shimura Hiroki , Suzuki Satoru , Yasumura Seiji , Takahashi Hideto , Suzuki Satoshi , Iwadate Manabu , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Sakai Akira , Ishikawa Tetsuo , Furuya Fumihiko , Suzuki Shinichi , Yokoya Susumu , Ohto Hitoshi , Kamiya Kenji
Published: March 2024

Context

Examining how overweight/obesity impacts thyroid nodule development in children and adolescents by sex and age allows speculation on the mechanism.

Objective

We examined whether overweight/obesity in children and adolescents is associated with thyroid nodule development by sex and age.

Methods

Approximately 300 000 participants who underwent thyroid ultrasonography in the Fukushima Health Management Survey after a nuclear accident were enrolled. Those without nodules in the initial 2 examinations (1-3 and 4-5 years postaccident) were prospectively assessed for nodule development in the third examination (6-7 years postaccident) relative to baseline overweight status, with an average follow-up of 4.2 years. This was a population-based prospective cohort study. The first and second thyroid examinations involved 299 939 and 237 691 participants, respectively, excluding those with thyroid nodules. After the third examination, 184 519 participants were finalized for analysis. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios of new detected thyroid nodules for overweight participants were compared with normal-weight participants.

Results

New thyroid nodules were detected in 660 participants. Being overweight was positively associated with thyroid nodules. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of thyroid nodules for overweight participants compared with other participants was 1.27 (1.04-1.57). Additionally, the multivariable adjusted odds ratios for overweight males and females were 1.21 and 1.32, respectively, and those for different age groups (0-9, 10-14, and 15-19 years) ranged from 1.17 to 1.75.

Conclusion

Being overweight was associated with thyroid nodules in children and adolescents, mostly adolescent females, regardless of their proximity to the nuclear power plant.
Clinical and Metabolic Characterization of Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Within the First Year Postpartum
Authors: Knudsen Laura Løftgaard , Knorr Sine , Prange Susanne Kastberg , Wolff Charlotte , Nørgaard Helle , Torp Anne Mette , Madsen Lene Ring , Mortensen Lene , Thomsen Henrik Holm , Sørensen Lars Peter , Ovesen Per Glud , Fuglsang Jens , Kampmann Ulla
Published: March 2024

Context

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of long-term complications, including impaired glucose metabolism, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, and obesity. In current clinical practice, a 1 size fits all approach to GDM is applied, although heterogeneity among women with GDM has been recognized.

Objective

To give the most adequate preventive care and postpartum (PP) guidance, we aimed to make a metabolic characterization and identify subgroups of women with previous GDM within the first year PP.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we collected data in gestational week 34-38, at 3 months, and 1 year PP on women with GDM who participated in a PP follow-up program in Central Region Denmark from April 2019 to December 2022.

Results

In total, 1270 women were included in the program in late pregnancy. Of the 768 women participating in either the oral glucose tolerance test 3 months PP (n = 545) or the 1-year follow-up (n = 493) or both (n = 261), 608 (79.2%) were normoglycemic, 137 (17.8%) had prediabetes, 20 (2.6%) had T2DM, and 3 (.4%) had developed T1DM. More than 40% of the women gained weight in the first year PP compared with their pregestational weight.

Conclusion

Our study shows that 20.8% of women with GDM who volunteered to participate in a clinical follow-up program developed prediabetes or diabetes (T1DM and T2DM) within the first year PP. The GDM diagnosis encompasses a heterogenetic group of women and a deeper characterization may provide an opportunity for a more personalized risk assessment to prevent the progression to T2DM.
Descriptive Geometry Today: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Semagina Yuliya , Kozik E. , Vanchinova M.
Published: March 2024

Against the background of constant reduction of the time allocated for contact work with students in curricula, there are discussions on the necessity of teaching some disciplines in universities, and their list is constantly changing. In the current case, the current round of discussion is connected with the signing of the decree on the reform by the President of Russia V.V. Putin. Putin signed a decree on the reform of higher education. Now it is a pilot project, which will be tested in several universities for three years. It is about the transition of engineering training from bachelor's degree to specialization. The reform will require considerable efforts to develop new curricula, adjust the list of academic disciplines included in them. Simultaneously with the inclusion of modern disciplines into this list, the process of excluding obsolete and irrelevant disciplines is underway.

According to the experience of the past years, disciplines of the general engineering cycle are constantly subjected to "reforms". In the case of technical specialties, descriptive geometry is a permanent outsider [8, 28]. The developers of the Federal State Educational Standards of Higher Education (FSES HE), who announced a competency-based approach to the learning process and assessment of knowledge of university graduates, probably also hold the opinion that descriptive geometry is a "dying" discipline.

The purpose of the authors of the article is an attempt to look at the problem not from the point of view of the age of descriptive geometry, but only guided by the frequency and efficiency of its methods in engineering practice and modeling of geometric objects of spaces of dimension 2+ and more.

The set goal required the solution of several problems. One of them is to clarify the question of what exactly the reformers are trying to do. Is it to remove an academic discipline or a section of mathematics, which is, in fact, descriptive geometry, from the course of engineers' training? It is also necessary to find out for which specialties or directions the descriptive geometry course is superfluous or obsolete.
Un hallazgo que puede cambiar lo que sabemos del dengue en Colombia
Authors: Ramírez González Juan David
Published: March 2024

El dengue es una vieja amenaza en la salud pública global que arremete por ciclos de forma obstinada en los países tropicales. Da tregua durante algunos años para luego volver con más fuerza en temporadas específicas. 2023, por ejemplo, es uno de esos periodos en los que esta enfermedad transmitida por mosquitos se ha ensañado con Colombia.
Integrated Decision Support for Disaster Risk Management: Aiding Preparedness and Response Decisions in Wildfire Management
Authors: Suarez Daniel , Gomez Camilo , Medaglia Andrés L. , Akhavan-Tabatabaei Raha , Grajales Sthefania
Published: March 2024

A central challenge in disaster risk management (DRM) is that there are key dependencies and uncertainty between the decisions made at the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery stages. Decision support systems for disaster management require information systems that allow timely and reliable integration of data sources from different domains, including information on hazards and vulnerabilities for risk analysis, as well as organizational and logistical information for decision analysis. We propose an analytics-centered framework that integrates predictive and prescriptive models responding to unique characteristics of DRM. The framework relies on probabilistic risk assessment and uses optimization-based simulation of the response phase as a means to inform decisions at the preparedness stage. This paper presents a case study regarding the analysis of preparedness and response decisions for wildfire control in Uruguay. Numerical results illustrate insights from the risk-informed analyses. For instance, slight reductions in the preparedness budget can lead to disproportionate losses during the response stage, whereas slight increases have little effect unless explicitly directed to control high-consequence scenarios. Motivated by a real-world problem, this case study emphasizes the challenges for integrated information systems that enable the potential of analytical decision support frameworks for DRM.