bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Neurological Adverse Events Following COVID-19 Vaccination: An Observational Study From a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India
Authors: CHAKRABORTY UDDALAK , RAY BIMAN KANTI , PANDIT ALAK , SADHUKHAN SOUMITA , ROY ARIJIT , BHAT SAUMEN , BHATTACHARYYA AISHEE , SAHA Rajdeep , SANTRA ARINDAM , KABIRAJ SUJOY , DUTTA AJITAVA , BHATTACHARYYA DWAIPAYAN , DAS MANSI , DAS SHAMBADITYA , MUKHERJEE DEBALEENA , CHAKRABORTY ARKA PRAVA , SARKAR PEYALEE , BHATTACHARYA SOUGATA , AGRAWAL RAJU , DAS GURUPADA , GANGOPADHYAY GOUTAM , BISWAS SAMAR , MUKHERJEE ADREESH , BISWAS ATANU , ROY UMA SINHA , GHOSAL JAYANTA , SARKAR SUMANTA , DAS GAUTAM , DAS SUMAN , CHAUDHURI JASODHARA , DUBEY SOUVIK
Published: September 2023

Background: As the world tends to recover from the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have served as one of the most valuable tools of combat and large-scale immunization has helped to tide over the catastrophe. However, several reports of post -vaccination neurological complications around the globe have surfaced up in recent literature. This study was conducted with an aim to describe the spectrum of neurological ailments requiring hospitalization following COVID-19 vaccination.Methods: An ambispective observational study was carried out from March 2021 to February 2022 at a tertiary care institute with 25 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria of a new onset neurological illness requiring hospitalization within 4 days to 42 days of vaccination. The patients were duly followed upto months after discharge.Results: The median age of the sample was 36 years and the median latency of onset of neurological events was 14 days. Guillain-Barré syndrome was documented in 11 patients; majority were acute motor axonal neuropathy (45.45%) followed by acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (36.36%) and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (18.18%). Central nervous system demyelination was reported in 9 patients; two patients had acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, 2 patients were diagnosed with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, one patient with aquaporin-4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder , and the rest were labelled as seronegative central nervous system demyelination. Vascular events were noted in 5 patients comprising of 2 cases each of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and intracerebral hemorrhage and a case of Moyamoya angiopathy. All patients were conservatively managed and had a complete to partial recovery suggestive of a favorable outcome after 3 months. Conclusion: The pathomechanisms of post -vaccination neurological complications is yet to be elucidatedand any causal association attributable to vaccination warrants further research. Compared to the enormity of the vaccinated population, the adverse effects are miniscule to hinder and discourage vaccination.
RAC1b Acts Upstream of TAp73α-SMAD4 Signaling to Induce Biglycan Expression and Inhibit Basal and TGF-β-Driven Cell Motility in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ungefroren Hendrik , Reimann Julissa , Konukiewitz Björn , Braun Rüdiger , Wellner Ulrich Friedrich , Lehnert Hendrik , Marquardt Jens U.
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease due to early metastatic spread, late diagnosis and the lack of efficient therapies. A major driver of cancer progression and hurdle to successful treatment is the desmoplastic reaction of the tumor stroma, the formation of which is orchestrated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Recent data from pancreatic cancer mouse models have shown that the TGF-β pathway is controlled by transcriptionally active p73 (TAp73) through secretion of biglycan (Bgn) via intermittent expression of the TGF-β signaling intermediates, Smad3 and Smad4. Genetic knockout of TP73, and, as a consequence, deficient induction of Smad3/Dpc4 and secretion of Bgn led to activation of TGF-β signaling through a (Smad-independent) ERK pathway, favoring epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell motility. Except for BGN, these functions of TAp73 have recently been shown to also operate in human PDAC cells and are reminiscent of what we previously observed for the small GTPase, RAC1b. This prompted us to hypothesize that TAp73 and RAC1b are part of the same tumor-suppressive pathway in human PDAC cells. The two objectives of this study, therefore, were to reveal i) if the regulatory interactions between TAp73 and Bgn previously discovered in murine PDAC-derived cells also operate in their human counterparts, and ii) if RAC1b collaborates with TAp73 in these tumor-suppressive activities in human PDAC cells. Using a variety of experimental approaches, including mutual rescue experiments, we were able to show that the previously proposed tumor-suppressive TAp73-Smad4-Bgn signaling also operates in human cells and that RAC1b is as an upstream activator of this pathway. Our findings highlight the complex role of TGF-β in pancreatic tumorigenesis and might have implications for therapeutic approaches targeting this growth factor for inhibition.
Rapid Remote Online Evaluation in Endoscopic Diagnostics: An Analysis of Biopsy-Proven Respiratory Cytopathology
Authors: Elmas Hatice , Onal Binnur , Steurer Stefan , Hantzsch-Kuhn Birgit , Claussen Martin , MEHDİ Elnur , Ince Umit , Rabe Klaus F. , Sauter Guido , Welker Lutz
Published: September 2023

Background: This prospective study assesses the use of Rapid Remote Online Cytological Evaluation analysis for diagnosing endoscopical achieved biopsies. It focuses on its effectiveness in identifying benign and malignant conditions using digital image processing. Methods: The study was conducted between April 2021 and September 2022 and involved a total of 314 Rapid Remote Online Cytological Evaluations (17 brush, 143 fine needle aspirations and 154 imprint cytologies) analyses performed on 239 patients at the LungenClinic Grosshansdorf. During on-site evaluation via telecytology, the time requirement was determined and the findings were compared with the cyto-/histological and final diagnoses. Results: By means of Rapid Remote Online Evaluation, 86 cytological benign and 190 malignant and 38 findings of unclear diagnosis were recorded (Ø assessment time 100 sec., range 11 - 370sec.). In 27 of the 38 cases with unclear diagnosis, the final findings were malignant tumours and only 6 were benign changes. The diagnosis of another five of these 38 cases remained unclear. Excluding these 38 findings, the Rapid Remote online cytology achieved a sensitivity of 78.6% with a specificity of 99.5% and a correct classification rate of 93.1% with regard to the final diagnosis of all cases. As expected, an increase in the sensitivity rate for the cytological detection of malignant tumours (76.1% vs. 92.5%) was found especially in fine-needle aspirations. Conclusions: Rapid remote online analysis allows fast quantitative and qualitative evaluation of clinically obtained cytological specimens. With a correct classification rate of more than 93%, sampling deficiencies can be corrected promptly and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches can be derived.
Pediatric Ocular Health and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Zaffanello Marco , Bonacci Erika , Piacentini Giorgio , Nosetti Luana , Pedrotti Emilio
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a respiratory condition identified by the partial or complete obstruction of the upper air passages during sleep. These episodes can lead to complications in neurobehavioral and cognitive domains and cardiovascular issues, especially in children. The involvement of OSA in ocular health during adulthood has been reported, but it remains a topic of debate in pediatric cases. Objective: This review aims to analyze the correlation between OSAS and ocular health in children. Specifically, it investigates the effects of OSA on ocular structures and conditions and explores potential improvements through treatment. Subjects and Methods: The research employed three search engines: PUBMED/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and WebOfScience. After initial identification, 120 irrelevant articles were excluded. Of these, 10 pertained to the adult population, and 110 focused on the pediatric population. Following a careful selection process and the application of enrollment criteria, six relevant articles were included, all in English, focusing on the effects of OSA on children's eyes. Among these, three studies explored correlations with choroidal alterations, while three investigated retinal and optic nerve changes. Two studies analyzed post-otorhinolaryngological intervention ocular changes. Results: OSA leads to increased intraocular pressure and reduced optic nerve thickness in adults, but treatment alleviates this condition. An immediate correlation between OSA and optic nerve thickness in children does not readily emerge, although age appears to play a role. Pediatric patients with OSA exhibit corneal anomalies and an increase in optic nerve thickness, possibly due to intermittent hypoxia. Studies indicate that OSA can influence retinal vascular density in children, with an increase observed after treatment and reduced choroidal thickness in cases of adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Conclusion: This literature review has highlighted how OSA in children can significantly impact ocular health, with observed alterations in the optic nerve, choroid, retina, and cornea. While the direct correlation with the optic nerve may not always be evident, OSA can elevate intraocular pressure and lead to structural changes. However, treatment appears to bring about improvements. The necessity for regular monitoring to detect potential adverse effects underscores the importance of promptly addressing childhood OSA.
The Impact of Data Injection on Predictive Algorithm Developed Within Electrical Manufacturing Engineering in the Context of Aerospace Cybersecurity
Authors: Bautista-Hernández Jorge , Martín-Prats María Ángeles
Published: September 2023

Cybersecurity plays a relevant role in the new digital age in aerospace industry. Predictive algorithms are necessary to interconnect complex systems within the cyberspace. In this context, where security protocols do not apply, challenges to maintain data privacy and security arise for the organizations. Thus, the need of cybersecurity is required. The four main categories to classify threats are interruption, fabrication, modification and interception. They all share a common thing, soften the three pillars which cybersecurity needs to guarantee. These pillars are confidentiality, availability and integrity of data (CIA). Data injection can contribute to this event by creation of false indicators which can lead to errors creation during the manufacturing engineering process. In this paper, the impact of data injection on existing dataset used on manufacturing process is shown. The design model synchronizes the following mechanisms developed within machine learning techniques which are, the risk matrix indicator to assess the probability of producing an error, the dendrogram to clusters the dataset in groups with similarities, the logistic regression to predict the potential outcomes and the confusion matrix to analyze the performance of the algorithm. The results presented in this study, which was carried out using a real dataset related to the electrical harnesses installed in a C295 military aircraft, estimate that injection of false data indicators increase the probability of errors creation in 24.22 % on the predicted outcomes required for the generation of the manufacturing process. Overall, implementing cybersecurity measures and advanced methodologies to detect and prevent cyberattacks are necessary.
Forecasting Employee Potential through Probationary Assessment
Authors: Novia Asradiani , Yuadi Imam
Published: September 2023

Effective corporate governance necessitates the continual nurturing and cultivation of employee potential for long-term professional success. However, assessing an employee's potential and performance objectively and consistently from the start of their career presents a substantial difficulty in reducing any mismatches with the company's goals and expectations. This study introduces a predictive methodology that uses probationary employee performance to map their potential. The study focuses on Performance (Y-axis) and Potential (X-axis) variables using data from 265 employees at Company X who went through a probationary period. Various machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, k-NN, SVM, and Decision Tree, were used to analyze data using Orange Data Mining software. The Logistic Regression model has the highest accuracy, at 90% (0.906). Validity testing, using the Confusion Matrix, allowed individuals to be classified into nine potential groups, in accordance with the 9-Box Matrix Talent Management paradigm. This classification provides HR with a strategic tool for tailoring career development strategies based on expected potential within their respective sectors.
SECURITY WITHOUT JUSTICE: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILISATION AND REINTEGRATION PROCESSES IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA
Authors: Folami Olakunle
Published: September 2023

The Niger Delta inhabitants became radicalised after Kaima Declaration under the auspices of Ijaw Youth Movement. The conference extensively considered the activities of the multinational oil companies as related to oil exploration and exploitation, and underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region. The decisions reached at the conference included positive and negative consequences towards peace and security in the region. Following this conference, militant groups were formed by various communities that represented at the conference. The militant groups involved in nefarious activities such as kidnapping and killing of oil workers, government officials and foreigners; they also involved in destruction of oil installations. Nigerian Government deployed military to enforce law and order in the region. The presence of military in the region led to confrontation with the militant groups. To resolve the conflict, government began de-radicalisation processes. Amnesty was given to the militant groups, Ministry of Niger Delta was created; this was followed by disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process. It was discovered in this study that radicalisation was a result of neglect, divide and rule, inequality, lack of development. The paper therefore suggested a long process of de-radicalisation programme to sustain fragile peace in the region; this is expected to be combined with transitional justice processes in order to serve the interest of victims of the conflict.
Prognostic and Immunological Significance of Immune Infiltration-Related Gene Signature in Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Ya , Zhang Xintan , Li Tingxuan , Zhang Yue , Zuo Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2023

Two datasets were employed in the study: a training dataset comprising 375 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and a validation dataset consisting of 300 samples sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The study employed single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to categorize patients into high and low immune cell infiltration groups based on immune scores derived from the ESTIMATE algorithm. The study identified overlapping genes that exhibited differential expression between tumor and normal samples, as well as between a high immune cell infiltration group (Immunity-H) and a low immune cell infiltration group (Immunity-L). These genes, referred to as differentially expressed immune infiltrated genes (DEIIGs), were selected and utilized to create a prognostic signature for DEIIGs. The developed signature was subsequently validated using the provided validation dataset. The research identified a prognostic signature consisting of nine differentially expressed immune infiltrated genes (DEIIGs): LINC00843, ADH4, ANGPT2, APOA1, ASLC2, GFRA1, KIAA1549L, MTTP, and PROC. The study found that the presence of B cells, T cells CD4+, neutrophils, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells positively correlated with the prognosis of STAD (stomach adenocarcinoma). Conversely, CD8+ exhibited a negative correlation with the prognosis of STAD. By performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, we observed that ADH4 expression was lower and ANGPT2 expression was higher in STAD tissues compared to normal tissues. In conclusion, this study provides a potential prognostic tool for predicting the survival of STAD patients based on the expression of immune-related genes.
The therapeutically actionable long non-coding RNA ‘T-RECS’ is essential to cell survival in NRAS/MAPK-driven melanoma
Authors: Feichtenschlager Valentin , Chen Linan , Zheng Yixuan James , Ho Wilson , Sanlorenzo Martina , Vujic Igor , Fewings Eleanor , Lee Albert , Chen Christopher , Callanan Ciara , Lin Kevin , Qu Tiange , Hohlova Dasha , Vujic Marin , Hwang Yeonjoo , Lai Kevin , Chen Stephanie , Nguyen Thuan , Muñoz Denise P , Kohwi Yoshinori , Posch Christian , Daud Adil , Rappersberger Klemens , Kohwi-Shigematsu Terumi , Coppé Jean-Philippe , Ortiz-Urda Susana
Published: September 2023

Finding effective therapeutic targets to treat NRAS-mutated melanoma remains a challenge. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) recently emerged as essential regulators of tumorigenesis. Using a discovery approach combining experimental models and unbiased computational analysis complemented by validation in patient biospecimens, we identified a nuclear-enriched lncRNA (AC004540.4) that is upregulated in NRAS/MAPK-dependent melanoma, and that we named T-RECS. Considering potential innovative treatment strategies, we designed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to target T-RECS. T-RECSASOs reduced the growth of melanoma cells and induced apoptotic cell death, while having minimal impacton normal primary melanocytes. Mechanistically, treatment with T-RECS ASOs downregulated the activity of pro-survival kinases and reduced the protein stability of hnRNPA2/B1, a pro-oncogenic regulator of MAPK signaling. Using patient- and cell line- derived tumor xenograft mouse models, we demonstrated that systemic treatment with T-RECS ASOs significantly suppressed the growth of melanoma tumors, with no noticeable toxicity. ASO-mediated T-RECS inhibition represents a promising RNA-targeting approach to improve the outcome of MAPK pathway-mutated melanoma.
Effect of dietary tryptophan supplementation on serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacities, cytokine levels and mitochondrial function of broilers under chronic heat stress
Authors: Ouyang Jingxin , Li Qiufen , Zhou Hua , Li Guiyao , Wu Yajing , Yang Lei , Li Guanhong
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on serum biochemical indices, antioxidant indices, cytokine levels and mitochondrial function of heat-stressed broilers. A total of 180 Arbor Acres broilers (18-d-old) were randomly allocated into 3 groups with 6 replicates and 10 broilers per replicates. Broilers in thermoneutral (TN) (23 ± 1℃) group were fed a basal diet, the other two groups were fed the basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 0.18%Trp under heat stress (HS) (34 ± 1℃ for 8 h/d and 23 ± 1℃ for the remaining time) condition. The heat stress lasted for 21 days (days 21 to 42). The results indicted that chronic heat stress reduced serum total protein content (TP), decreased the activities of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), but increased the levels of serum uric acid (UA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 (P < 0.05) compared with the TN group. However, dietary supplementation with 0.18%Trp enhanced serum TP content and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), SOD, catalase (CAT) activities and T-AOC, and decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities (P < 0.05), lowered serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 contents (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, chronic heat stress exposure down-regulated the mRNA expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5A (COX5A) in ileum (P < 0.05) as compared with the TN group. Dietary Trp supplementation enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1 in ileum mucosa (P < 0.05) and ameliorated the damage of mitochondrial structure. Collectively, dietary supplementation with Trp could improve antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial structure and regulate mitochondrial function-related genes, decreased inflammatory response in chronic heat-stressed broilers.
Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing
Authors: Maquiné Leandro de Carvalho , Rufino João Paulo Ferreira , Coelho Kelven Wladie dos Santos Almeida , Filho Gilberto Batista Viana , Chaves Francisco Alberto de Lima , Cruz Frank George Guimarães , Neto Pedro de Queiroz Costa
Published: September 2023

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2x2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicated of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered using cervical dislocation method to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 µm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 µm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.
Combining ultrahigh index with exceptional
nonlinearity in resonant transition metal
dichalcogenide nanodisks
Authors: Shegai Timur , Zograf George , Polyakov Alexander , Bancerek Maria , Antosiewicz Tomasz , Kücüköz Betül
Published: September 2023

Second-order nonlinearity in solids gives rise to a plethora of unique physical phenomena ranging from piezoelectricity and optical rectification to optical parametric amplification, spontaneous parametric down-conversion, and the generation of entangled photon pairs. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, exhibit one of the highest known second-order nonlinear coefficients. However, the monolayer nature of these materials prevents the fabrication of resonant objects exclusively from the material itself, necessitating the use of external structures to achieve optical enhancement of nonlinear processes. Here, we exploit the 3R phase of a molybdenum disulfide multilayer for resonant nonlinear nanophotonics. The lack of inversion symmetry, even in the bulk of the material, provides a combination of a massive second-order susceptibility, an extremely high and anisotropic refractive index in the near-infrared region (n > 4.5), and low absorption losses, making 3R-MoS2 highly attractive for nonlinear nanophotonics. We demonstrate this by fabricating 3R-MoS2 nanodisks of various radii, which support resonant anapole states, and observing substantial (> 100-fold) enhancement of second-harmonic generation in a single resonant nanodisk compared to an unpatterned flake of the same thickness. The enhancement is maximized at the spectral overlap between the anapole state of the disk and the material resonance of the second-order susceptibility. Our approach unveils a powerful tool for enhancing the entire spectrum of optical second-order nonlinear processes in nanostructured van der Waals materials, thereby paving the way for nonlinear and quantum high-index TMD-nanophotonics.
Mechanism of the High-Speed and Long-Run-out Landslide Considering the Evolution of the Frictional Heat in the Sliding Zone
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Zhang Wengang , Wang Luqi , Xiao Ting , Meng Xuanyu , Zhang Zhihua
Published: September 2023

A unified and systematic understanding of the dynamic mechanism of high-speed and long-run-out landslides has not been achieved due to the fast-movement speed and long sliding distance. It is difficult to explain the evolution process using conventional dynamic methods. In this study, the evolution of the frictional heat in the sliding zone and dynamic process of the Guang'an Village landslide were studied through field investigation and MatDEM numerical simulation software. A nucleated high-heat area was formed near the sliding zone, and it expanded in the forward motion direction during the sliding. The high-heat area corresponded to the trajectory projection of the thickest part of the sliding mass. It was difficult for the heat generated by the friction in the sliding zone to dissipate during the few seconds of the sliding process, and 80% of the heat was stored in the rock and soil near the sliding zone, causing the temperature of these materials to increase sharply. The connection state diagram and heat field diagram of the MatDEM unit intuitively showed the fracture development process in the sliding mass and sliding bed. The results of this study provide an important reference for the evolution mechanism of high-speed and long-run-out landslides.
Di-Dang-Tang ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in vascular dementia rats via inhibition of ferroptosis through PGK1/NRF2/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Junjie , Li Zhiyuan , Jiang Yongxia , Jiang Yongqu , Liu Xiaoli , Hu Yue , Yang Zhou
Published: September 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Expanding the horizon of patient informed consent: beyond the written word
Authors: Schulz Alexandra , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: September 2023

Background This study aims to investigate the integration of modern sources of patient information, such as videos, internet-based resources, and scientific abstracts, into the traditional patient informed consent process in outpatient elective surgeries. The goal is to optimize the informed consent experience, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote SDM between patients and surgeons. By exploring different patient informed consent formats and their impact on patient satisfaction, this research seeks to improve healthcare practices and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. The findings of this study will contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the informed consent process in public hospitals and advance patient-centred care.Methods Data collection occurred at the day care clinic of a prominent German public hospital, forming an integral component of a prospective clinical investigation. The study exclusively focused on individuals who had undergone surgical intervention for skin cancer. For the purpose of meticulous data examination, the statistical software SPSS version 21 was harnessed. In the course of this study, a chi-square test was aptly employed. Its purpose was to scrutinize the nuances in patient experiences pertaining to informed consent across four distinct categories, viz., oral informed consent discussion (Oral ICD), written informed consent discussion (Written ICD), video-assisted informed consent discussion (video-assisted ICD), and digitally assisted informed consent discussion (digital-assisted ICD). The primary dataset of this inquiry was diligently gathered via a structured questionnaire administered to a targeted cohort of 160 patients. Within this sample, a balanced representation of genders was observed, encompassing 82 males and 78 females. Their collective age span ranged from 18 to 92 years, with an average age of 71 years. A randomized selection methodology was employed to include participants in this study during the period spanning from July 2017 to August 2018.Results Significant differences were observed across the groups for all research questions, highlighting variations in patient responses. Video-assisted and digital-assisted IC were rated as superior in patient satisfaction with information compared to written and oral IC. Demographic profiles of the four study groups were found to be comparable.Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of digital technologies in the informed consent process can enhance patient understanding during outpatient elective skin cancer surgeries. These results have important implications for increasing patient satisfaction and improving the SDM process within the hospital environment.
New species and record of Entolomatoid fungi (Entolomataceae, Agaricales) from Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Abdul Nasir , Razzaq Fauzia , Naseer Arooj , Kanwal Sobia , Qasim Tayyaba
Published: September 2023

Taxonomic investigations on the familyEntolomataceaehave been conducted in Pakistan through surveys from 2018 to 2022. By combining morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses using ITS sequences, three new speciesEntoloma khanuspurensis,E. pakistanicum, andRhodophana margallensis, and one previously unrecorded speciesE. albotomentosumare introduced from Pakistan. This study marks the first report of the genusRhodophanain Pakistan.
A Reappraisal of the Preventive Effect of Statins on the Development of Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Yi-Hsuan , Hsu Grace Chia-Yen , Shih Shyang-Rong , Liao Shu Lang
Published: September 2023

Background/ Objectives: Recent studies have shown that statins decrease the risk of development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy, although most studies were based on Caucasian cohorts. Our study aims to identify the protective and risk factors for the development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy and the role of statin in newly diagnosed Taiwanese Graves’ disease patients.
Subjects/ Methods: This was a tertiary hospital-based retrospective cohort including Graves’ disease patients newly diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 at National Taiwan University Hospital. A total of 3,578 patients with Graves’ disease met the inclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the odds ratio of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors, management of Graves’ disease and thyroid hormone levels to identify protective and risk factors of Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Results: Usage of statins reduced the risk of Graves’ ophthalmopathy development (odds ratio = 0.2; 95% CI 0.08 ~ 0.50; p < .001) in our multivariate model. Thyroid dysfunction including hyperthyroidism (odds ratio = 4.2; 95% CI 2.97 to 5.88; p < .001) and hypothyroidism (odds ratio = 4.7; 95% CI 3.02 to 7.19; p < .001) both showed an increased risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy. Smoking status and lipid profile did not show as a risk factor.
Conclusions: In newly diagnosed Graves’ disease patients, the use of statins decreased the risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy by 80% while serum lipid levels were not found to be risk factors. Further nationwide population-based studies will help clarify the differences in risk factors between ethnic groups.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and anthropometric determinants in school children from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kyejo Willbroad , Matillya Nancy , Ismail Neelam , Gachocha Gloria , Salum Hajaj , Iseme Rosebella , Noorani Mariam
Published: September 2023

Background Peak expiratory flow rate is an important tool for assessing lung function, which can be affected by environmental and physical factors such as altitude, nutrition, genetics, age, height, and weight. Conducting a study to assess the correlation between peak expiratory flow rate and anthropometric measurements in Tanzanian schoolchildren is crucial to derive a population-specific prediction formula and further simplify respiratory health assessment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a single center private primary and secondary school in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania using data from an asthma screening camp. Variables of interest were height, weight, Body Mass Index and PEFR. Independent t-test was performed to identify any differences in mean flow rate values between different ethnicities and genders. Correlation coefficients (r) were used to observe the relationship between PEFR and anthropometric measurements. A prediction equation was generated using linear regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at the 5% level. All statistical data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.
Results: The study involved 260 participants with a mean age of 9.5 years. Males were 51.2% and 65% of participants were of Asian ethnicity. PEFR was not observed to differ across the different ethnic groups and genders. Height was found to have the strongest correlation coefficient of 0.745, while BMI had the weakest correlation coefficient of 0.366. The strongest correlation was found with height for females (r =0.787), while the weakest was with BMI for boys (r = 0.203). A prediction equation was derived as follows: PEFR = 293.04(Height of Student in meters) – 157.362
Conclusion: This study found a strong correlation between PEFR and anthropometric characteristics in school children from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It developed a predictive equation for PEFR based on their anthropometric characteristics, which may be applied in population-based studies or where peak flow meters are not conveniently accessible. Further research is needed to explore how well this prediction formula performs in other Tanzanian settings and to determine other factors that may affect lung function in this population.
Ultrathin, ultralight dual-scale fibrous networks with high infrared transmittance for high-performance, comfortable and sustainable PM0.3 air filter
Authors: Lai Yuekun , Yang Yuchen , Li Xiangshun , Qiu Qiaohua , Zhou Zhiyong , Chen Wenjing , Huang Jianying , Cai Weilong , Qin Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

Ultrathin, ultralight and radiative cooling fiber filter contributes to its wearing comfort and sustainability of raw materials. Nevertheless, to simultaneously endow the filter with above merits and ability of efficiently removing highly permeable particulate matter (PM) is still riddled with challenges. Herein, a facile yet massive strategy is developed to controllably prepare the high-performance, comfortable and sustainable filter with infrared transmittance of more than 80%. By tailoring the antibacterial surfactant-triggered splitting of charged jets, the hierarchically dual-scale fibrous networks, consisting of continuous nanofibers (44 ± 12 nm) and submicron-fibers (159 ± 32 nm), are fabricated by one-step electrospinning technique. Due to the unique structural characteristics, the membrane presents extremely low thickness of 1.49 µm (only 55 times thinner than single human hair) and base weight of 0.57 g/m2 (over 35 times lighter than commercial melt-blown filters) but superior protective performances (over 99.95% PM0.3 removal, excellent and durable antibacterial ability). Meanwhile, it possesses prominent wearing comfort of low air resistance (120 Pa), high heat dissipation (8.4 ℃ lower than N95 mask) and moisture permeability (9653 g/m2·24 h). More significantly, the ultralight filter can save more than 97% raw materials than commercial N95 nonwovens, enabling itself to be the sustainable and economic candidate for core protective materials. This work may offer a new paradigm for developing advanced and sustainable personal proteceive materials.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Non-response among Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kokogho Afoke , Crowell Trevor A. , Bain Paul A. , Popal Sudaba , Aleissa Muneerah , Chang Jun Bai Park , Aleissa Deema , Osamade Agho , Novack Lewis A. , Heithoff August , Baden Lindsey R. , Sherman Amy C. , Walsh Stephen R.
Published: September 2023

Background
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are uniquely vulnerable to adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Small, mostly observational studies suggest that some HSCT recipients may not generate protective antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and identify predictors of vaccine non-response.
Methods
A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register was conducted on January 20, 2023. We defined a non-response as not achieving a seroconversion (positive anti-S IgG titer) after receiving at least two vaccine doses, indicated by study-specific assay cut-off value. Only studies assessing COVID-19 vaccine induced antibody (anti-S IgG) responses in adult (≥ 18 years) HSCT recipients were included. With 95% confidence intervals (CI) across all studies, a random-effects model was used to combine the pooled effect sizes. Quality and risk of bias assessment were determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and ROBINS-I tool, respectively.
Results
Out of 903 unique articles identified and 439 screened, 45 were included in this analysis comprising 4568 participants. Pooled absent sero-conversion was 20% (95% CI: 17% − 24%) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95.10%) among included studies (1 clinical trial, 1 cross-sectional study, 1 case-control study, and 42 observational cohort studies). Subgroup analyses showed no difference between autologous [0.21 (95%CI 0.12–0.31)] and allogeneic [0.20 (95%CI 0.17–0.24)] transplant recipients. Identified predictors of non-response included time interval between transplantation and vaccination (< 12 months), concurrent anti-CD20 therapy, and specific treatments (high-dose glucocorticosteroid, calcineurin inhibitor, and anti-thymocyte globulin) for graft versus host disease. No publication bias was observed but the Galbraith’s plot asymmetry showed evidence of small-study effects.
Conclusion
Our findings emphasize the significant prevalence of non-responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in HSCT recipients and underscore need for close monitoring and aggressive risk factor management in this immunocompromised population.
Combination of transnasal ileus tube and local small intestine artery perfusion chemotherapy for late malignant small bowel obstruction
Authors: Li Er-Sheng , Zhai Yin-Jun , Han Yin , Chang Qiang , Wang Qi , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: September 2023

Objective Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis is a common complication of advanced abdominal malignancies, and surgical treatment provides little benefit. To investigate the decompression efficacy of transnasal ileus tube combined with local arterial infusion chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced malignant small intestine obstruction.Methods 109 patients diagnosed with malignant intestinal obstruction between January 2016 and December 2022 in our hospital were divided into the ileus tube + local infusion chemotherapy group (test group, n = 51) and the ileus tube group (control group, n = 58). The control group only received catheter decompression therapy, while the test group used ileus tube combined with local arterial infusion chemotherapy. The data on the technical success, initial and final angiographic results, GPS scores, KPS scores and the final clinical outcome were collected and follow-up was performed at 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-months, and yearly after the procedures.Results All patients had successful placement of the ileus tube and local infusion chemotherapy without complications. The average catheter duration in the test group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The final clinical follow-up showed that the remission rate of intestinal obstruction symptoms in the test group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05, 84.3% vs 22%), and the survival time of patients in the test group was significantly longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, although the GPS and KPS scores of both groups decreased significantly after surgery, compared with the control group, the test group had a more significant decrease and significant differences at each follow-up period (P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared with ileus tube group, the ileus tube combined with local small bowel arterial infusion chemotherapy can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms of malignant small intestinal obstruction and prolong patients' survival time, which is worth promoting clinically.
GAS-Luc2 Reporter Cell Lines for Immune Checkpoint Drug Screening in Solid Tumors
Authors: Chang Hyeyoun , Tyo Kevin , Foulke John , Chen Luping , Tian Fang , Gu Zhizhan
Published: September 2023

Recent studies highlight the integral role of the interferon gamma receptor pathway in T cell-mediated cytotoxicity against solid but not liquid tumors. IFNγ not only directly facilitates tumor cell death by T cells but also indirectly promotes cytotoxicity via myeloid phagocytosis. Meanwhile, full human ex vivo immune checkpoint drug screening remains challenging. We hypothesized engineered gamma interferon activation site response element luciferase reporter (GAS-Luc2) can be utilized for immune checkpoint drug screening in ex vivo T cell – solid tumor cell coculture systems. We comprehensively profiled cell surface proteins in ATCC’s extensive collection of tumor and immune cell lines, identifying established and novel immune checkpoint molecules and binding ligands. We then engineered GAS-Luc2 reporter tumor cell lines expressing immune checkpoints PD-L1, CD155, and B7-H3/CD276. Luciferase expression was suppressed upon relevant immune checkpoint – ligand engagement. In the presence of an immune checkpoint inhibitor, T cells released IFNγ, activating the JAK-STAT pathway in GAS-Luc2 cells, generating a quantifiable bioluminescent signal for inhibitor evaluation. These reporter lines also detected paracrine IFNγ signaling for immune checkpoint targeted ADCC drug screening. Further development into artificial antigen-presenting cell line (aAPC) significantly enhanced T cell signaling for superior performance in these immune checkpoint drug screening platforms.
Effective doses of ciprofol combined with alfentanil in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion, a prospective, single-arm, single- center clinical study
Authors: Wu Xiao-ru , Liao Min , Lin Xing-zhou , Hu Jia-ning , Zhao Tang-yuan-meng , Sun Hu
Published: September 2023

Background: Ciprofol is a novel intravenous sedative and anesthetic. Studies have shown that it features a rapid onset of action, a fast recovery time, slight inhibition of respiratory and cardiovascular functions, and a low incidence of adverse reactions. This study aims to explore the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion when combining with low dose alfentanil, and to evaluate its safety, to provide a reference for the rational use of ciprofol in clinical practices.
Methods: We included 25 patients aged 18-64 years of either sex who underwent gastroscopy under intravenous general anesthesia, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) 18-28 kg/m2, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II. In this study, the dose-finding strategy of ciprofol followed a modified Dixon’s up-and-down method with an initial dose of 0.30 mg/kg and an increment of 0.02 mg/kg. Ciprofol was administered after intravenous injection of 7 µg/kg of alfentanil, and 2 minutes later a gastroscope was inserted. When the insertion response of one participant was positive (including body movement, coughing, and eye opening), an escalation of 0.02 mg/kg would be given to the next participant; otherwise, a de-escalation of 0.02 mg/kg would be administered. The study was terminated when negative response and positive response alternated 8 times. A Probit model was used to calculate the ED50 and ED95 of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion when combined with alfentanil. Patients' recovery time, discharge time, vital signs and occurrence of adverse reactions were recorded.
Results: The ED50 of single-dose intravenous ciprofol injection with 7 µg/kg of alfentanil in inhibiting gastroscope insertion responses was 0.217 mg/kg, and the ED95 was 0.247 mg/kg. Patients’ recovery time and discharge time were (11.04±1.49) minutes and (9.64±2.38) minutes, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse reactions was 12%.
Conclusion: The ED50 of ciprofol combined with 7 µg/kg of alfentanil in inhibiting gastroscope insertion responses was 0.217 mg/kg, and the ED95 was 0.247 mg/kg. Ciprofol showed a low incidence of anesthesia-related adverse events.
Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200061727).
Photobiostimulation conjugated with stem cells or their secretome for treatment of temporomandibular joint arthritis; a comparative study
Authors: El-Qashty Rana , Elkashty Osama A. , Hany Eman
Published: September 2023

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis is a debilitating, challenging condition and different methods have been implicated for its treatment. This study aimed to test the therapeutic potentials of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) or their derived secretome on a murine model induced arthritis.
Methods: Forty eight rats were divided into four groups where group I was the sham control, the rest of animals were subjected to arthritis induction using complete Freund’s adjuvant, then divided as follows: group II received phosphate buffered saline (PBS) intraarticular injection and irradiation of 0 j/cm2, group III received ADSCs derived secretome and irradiation of 38 j/cm2, and group IV received ADSCs and irradiation of 38 j/cm2 as well. One and three weeks after treatment, animals were euthanized and histological, histomorphometrical, histochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed with the relevant statistical tests.
Results: The arthritis group showed histological signs of joint injury including cartilage atrophy, articular disc fibrosis, irregular osteochondral interface, and condylar bone resorption together with high inflammatory reaction and defective proteoglycan content. In contrast, the treated groups III and IV showed much restoration of the joint structure with normal cartilage and disc thickness. The inflammation process was significantly suppressed especially after three weeks, and the cartilage proteoglycan content was much enhanced. No significant difference between the results of the two treated groups was detected.
Conclusion: LLLT conjugated with ADSCs or ADSCs derived secretome can efficiently enhance the healing of arthritic TMJs. Stem cell secretome can be applied as a safe, potent therapy. However, further investigations are required to unravel its mechanism of action and pave its way as a safe, novel, cell free therapy.