bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of digital infrastructure on energy-environmental efficiency: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Sun Xiangxiang
Published: October 2023

Frontier studies have focused on the environmental performance of traditional infrastructure, but have generally neglected the effects and mechanisms of digital infrastructure on energy-environmental efficiency. This study attempts to use fixed effect models and mediating effect model based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2017 to assess the impact of digital infrastructure on energy environmental efficiency and identify its mechanism. The non-radial directional distance function is used to measure energy environmental efficiency. The empirical results show that digital infrastructure promotes energy-environmental efficiency, which remains robust after a series of tests. Technological progress and energy industry advancement are the pathways through which digital infrastructure affects energy-environmental efficiency. Furthermore, we find that the positive effect of digital infrastructure on energy and environmental efficiency is significant in the east and where factor mismatch is high. Therefore, policymakers should develop digital technology and enact various environmental policies to effectively increase the construction of digital infrastructure, promote investment in technology research and development, accelerate the energy technology progress, and improve energy efficiency.
Evaluation of properties and formaldehyde removal efficiency of biocarbon prepared at variable pyrolytic temperatures
Authors: Zouari Mariem , Marrot Laetitia , DeVallance David Brian
Published: October 2023

Biocarbon (BC) represents a potential material for application in air remediation. This study investigated the efficiency of BC particles in the removal of formaldehyde. BC samples were prepared from Arundo donax (AD) and olive stone (OS) feedstocks at variable pyrolysis temperatures (from 300°C to 800°C). The BC particles were characterized using proximate, Fourier transform infrared, water contact angle, particle size, and physisorption analyses. The formaldehyde removal capacity was tested using an electrochemical formaldehyde sensor in a batch experiment. The physicochemical and structural properties depended on the pyrolysis temperature at which the BC was produced. The increase in pyrolysis temperature increased the BC’s pH, hydrophobicity, and porosity. All the samples achieved a formaldehyde removal capacity ranging between 26% and 64% for BC pyrolyzed at 300°C and 800°C, respectively. In BC pyrolyzed at temperatures under 500°C, the formaldehyde capture was governed by a partitioning mechanism through diffusion in the noncarbonized organic fraction. In comparison, formaldehyde capture was controlled by a physical adsorption mechanism through pore filling for BC pyrolyzed at 500°C or above. BC pyrolyzed at 800°C was more efficient for formaldehyde adsorption due to the well-developed microporous structure for both AD and OS. AD-derived BC prepared at 800 °C (AD-BC800) was selected for the re-usability test, using thermal regeneration to remove the adsorbed components. The regenerated sample maintained a comparable formaldehyde removal capacity up to four re-use cycles. Moreover, the comparison between non-activated and activated AD-BC800 revealed that physical activation significantly enhanced BC’s adsorptive ability.
Riverbank lupine’s (Lupinus rivularis) influence on conifer growth, ectomycorrhizal colonization, and neighboring vegetation in coarse sediments left behind after dam removal
Authors: Kardouni James , Danilchik Lindsay Maile , Labay Andrew , Bauman Jenise M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Until recently, much of the Elwha River was inaccessible to anadromous fish species due to the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams. Dam deconstruction resulted in approximately 325 ha of formerly inundated lake beds devoid of natural riparian corridors or adjacent forests. Efforts to restore the vegetation have had varying success. Areas where fine sediments settled along the valley walls quickly regenerated, while coarse terraces were slower to revegetate from plantings and directed seeding. One seeded species, riverbank lupine (Lupinus rivularis), quickly established on the coarse-textured terraces. Riverbank lupine is a pioneering species that assimilates nitrogen (N) through N-fixing bacteria; thus, it enriches the soil with bioavailable N and organic matter upon decomposition.

Methods

The goal of this study was to investigate lupine’s influence on conifer establishment in the coarse sediments of the former Lake Mills basin along the Elwha River. Conifers planted 3 years prior to the study in plots with different levels of lupine cover (sparse, medium, or dense) were measured for growth, foliar total nitrogen, and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) root colonization. Soil N, organic matter (OM), and surrounding plant community composition were also evaluated at this time.

Results

After 3 years, conifers did not statistically differ in height or basal diameter among differing levels of lupine cover. However, conifers in the medium- and dense-cover plots had significantly greater foliar N concentrations (β = 0.25, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001). The roots of conifers in the dense- and medium-cover plots had significantly less ECM colonization than those in the sparse-cover plots (β = 0.14, SE = 0.03, p = 0.03). No differences existed regarding soil total N or OM. Plant community composition differed among lupine cover classes (permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), (F(2,21) = 2.02, p = 0.01). Higher lupine cover resulted in lower species richness (β = 25.9, SE = 0.61, p = 0.04).

Discussion

Based on our findings, the inclusion of native lupine in coarse, N-limiting soils contributes to the N pools without reducing the growth of planted conifers, which may accelerate forest succession leading to closed canopies much faster than passive recovery.
The role of noncoding RNA and its diagnostic potential in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: a research update
Authors: Xiong Liling , Tang Mi , Xing Shasha , Yang Xiao
Published: October 2023

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common liver disorder that generally occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It rarely causes any harm to the mother; however, it can result in short- and long-term complications in the offspring. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose and treat this condition to avoid poor pregnancy outcomes. The identification of novel markers with potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic utility in ICP has gained attention. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA, are a type of transcripts that are not translated into proteins. They possess vital biological functions, including transcriptional and translational regulation and DNA, RNA, and protein interactions. The pathogenesis of ICP is related to the aberrant expression of several circulating or placenta-related ncRNAs. In this review, we summarized all recent findings on ncRNAs and ICP and outlined the concepts that form the basis for the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of ICP.
Significance of HLA-E and its two NKG2 receptors in development of complications after allogeneic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Siemaszko Jagoda , Łacina Piotr , Szymczak Donata , Szeremet Agnieszka , Majcherek Maciej , Czyż Anna , Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka Małgorzata , Fidyk Wojciech , Solarska Iwona , Nasiłowska-Adamska Barbara , Skowrońska Patrycja , Bieniaszewska Maria , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Basak Grzegorz W. , Giebel Sebastian , Wróbel Tomasz , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) is a procedure commonly used in treatment of various haematological disorders which is associated with significantly improved survival rates. However, one of its drawbacks is the possibility of development of post-transplant complications, including acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or CMV infection. Various studies suggested that NK cells and their receptors may affect the transplant outcome. In the present study, patients and donors were found to significantly differ in the distribution of the NKG2A rs7301582 genetic variants – recipients carried the C allele more often than their donors (0.975 vs 0.865, p<0.0001). Increased soluble HLA-E (sHLA-E) levels detected in recipients’ serum 30 days after transplantation seemed to play a prognostic and protective role. It was observed that recipients with higher sHLA-E levels were less prone to chronic GvHD (11.65 vs 6.33 pg/mL, p=0.033) or more severe acute GvHD grades II-IV (11.07 vs 8.04 pg/mL, p=0.081). Our results also showed an unfavourable role of HLA-E donor-recipient genetic incompatibility in CMV infection development after transplantation (OR=5.92, p=0.014). Frequencies of NK cells (both CD56dim and CD56bright) expressing NKG2C were elevated in recipients who developed CMV, especially 30 and 90 days post-transplantation (p<0.03). Percentages of NKG2C+ NK cells lacking NKG2A expression were also increased in these patients. Moreover, recipients carrying a NKG2C deletion characterized with decreased frequency of NKG2C+ NK cells (p<0.05). Our study confirms the importance of NK cells in the development of post-transplant complications and highlights the effect of HLA-E and NKG2C genetic variants, sHLA-E serum concentration, as well as NKG2C surface expression on transplant outcome.
Case Report: A case of TAFRO syndrome with severe and prolonged thrombocytopenia: diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Sato Hironori , Kanno Atsuhiro , Sato Minato , Endo Akari , Ito Hiroki , Ohara Takahiro , Shirota Yuko , Sumitomo Kazuhiro , Mori Takefumi , Furukawa Katsutoshi
Published: October 2023

Thrombocytopenia, anasarca, myelofibrosis, renal dysfunction, and organomegaly (TAFRO) syndrome is a rare condition with diverse clinical and pathological characteristics related to multi-organ damage. We report a case of TAFRO syndrome complicated by immune thrombocytopenia with prolonged fever and thrombocytopenia for several weeks. A 61-year-old man was transferred with sepsis caused by Enterococcus faecalis, and developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. Antibiotics treatment was initiated: however, low-grade fever and thrombocytopenia persisted despite the adequate antimicrobial treatment. Systemic edema, pleural effusion, and ascites had developed before hospitalization, and renal and liver function had deteriorated, resulting in progressive multi-organ damage. Prednisolone 40 mg/day was initiated based on the assumption of a condition in which excessive production of inflammatory cytokines would lead to systemic deterioration and fatal organ damage. Subsequently, the fever resolved, and renal function began to normalize. However, thrombocytopenia did not show much recovery trend after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and initiation of thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Bone marrow biopsy results showed normal bone marrow with no malignant findings. Alternatively, significant clinical signs met the diagnostic criteria for TAFRO syndrome, and a renal biopsy revealed thrombotic microangiopathy, which is also reasonable for renal involvement in TAFRO syndrome. The use of cyclosporine remarkably corrected the thrombocytopenia. We considered this a case of TAFRO syndrome that developed after sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation and performed the differential diagnosis of prolonged thrombocytopenia and excluded it. Although TAFRO syndrome is a unique disease concept, diagnostic criteria may consist of nonspecific elements such as generalized edema, thrombocytopenia, persistent fever, and elevated inflammatory response, and there are many differential conditions to exclude, requiring caution in diagnosing TAFRO syndrome.
Long-term decline in body condition of female Australian fur seals: potential causes and implications
Authors: Geeson Johanna J. , Hindell Mark A. , Hobday Alistair J. , Speakman Cassie N. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: October 2023

The Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, AUFS) population is still recovering from the over-exploitation of the commercial-sealing era (18th and 19th centuries). While the population is considered to be only < 47% of its pre-harvest size, it now represents the greatest resident marine predator biomass in the south-eastern Australian marine ecosystem. The region is experiencing rapid environmental change and, as a keystone predator species, the AUFS is an indicator of ecosystem health. In the present study, the body mass, standard length and body condition index (BCI) were analysed between 1997-2021 in adult female AUFS provisioning pups on Kanowna Island (northern Bass Strait), the third largest colony for the species. While substantial inter-annual fluctuations were observed, there was no temporal trend in standard length during the 23-year study period. In contrast, body mass and, consequently, BCI decreased significantly, suggesting the population is experiencing changing nutritional conditions. While these changes do not appear to be due to competition with commercial fisheries or population expansion, weak but significant negative relationships were observed between BCI and 1-year lagged sea surface temperature and summer zonal winds in the Bonney Upwelling region, and both current- and 2-year lagged Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). These findings suggest the BCI of AUFS may continue to decline under predicted climate change conditions. While a lack of a concurrent decline in pup production could indicate a degree of nutritional tolerance or flexibility in energy allocation, further monitoring is required to assess decreases in reproductive parameters (e.g., birth mass, pre-weaning growth rates) or vital rates, which would be expected with continued nutritional stress.
Observed amplification of the seasonal CO2 cycle at the Southern Ocean Time Series
Authors: Shadwick Elizabeth H. , Wynn-Edwards Cathryn A. , Matear Richard J. , Jansen Peter , Schulz Eric , Sutton Adrienne J.
Published: October 2023

The Subantarctic Zone, the circumpolar region of the Southern Ocean between the Subtropical and Subantarctic fronts, plays an important role in air-sea CO2 exchange, the storage of anthropogenic CO2, and the ventilation of the lower thermocline. Here we use a time series from moored platforms deployed between 2011 and 2021 as part of the Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS) observatory to investigate the seasonality and interannual variability of upper ocean hydrography and seawater CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). The region is a net sink for atmospheric CO2 over the nearly 10-year record, with trends revealing that the ocean pCO2 may be increasing slightly faster than the atmosphere, suggesting that oceanic as well as anthropogenic atmospheric forcing contributes to the decadal change, which includes a decline in pH on the order of 0.003 yr−1. The observations also show an amplification of the seasonal cycle in pCO2, potentially linked to changes in mixed layer depth and biological productivity.
Dechlorination of wastewater from shell-based glucosamine processing by mangrove wetland-derived fungi
Authors: Han Zhiping , Moh Edward S. X. , Santos André L. S. , Barcellos Iuri C. , Peng Yuanhuai , Huang Weicong , Ye Jianzhi
Published: October 2023

Wastewater from processing crustacean shell features ultrahigh chloride content. Bioremediation of the wastewater is challenging due to the high chloride ion content, making it inhospitable for most microorganisms to survive and growth. In this study, mangrove wetland-derived fungi were first tested for their salt tolerance, and the highly tolerant isolates were cultured in shrimp processing wastewater and the chloride concentration was monitored. Notably, the filamentous fungal species Aspergillus piperis could remove over 70% of the chloride in the wastewater within 3 days, with the fastest biomass increase (2.01 times heavier) and chloride removal occurring between day one and two. The chloride ions were sequestered into the fungal cells. The genome of this fungal species contained Cl− conversion enzymes, which may have contributed to the ion removal. The fungal strain was found to be of low virulence in larval models and could serve as a starting point for further considerations in bioremediation of shell processing wastewater, promoting the development of green technology in the shell processing industry.
Emerging biotechnologies and non-thermal technologies for winemaking in a context of global warming
Authors: Comuzzo Piergiorgio , del Fresno Juan Manuel , Voce Sabrina , Loira Iris , Morata Antonio
Published: October 2023

In the current situation, wine areas are affected by several problems in a context of global warming: asymmetric maturities, pH increasing, high alcohol degree and flat wines with low freshness and poor aroma profile. The use of emerging biotechnologies allows to control or manage such problems. Emerging non-Saccharomyces as Lachancea thermotolerans are very useful for controlling pH by the formation of stable lactic acid from sugars with a slight concomitant alcohol reduction. Lower pH improves freshness increasing simultaneously microbiological stability. The use of Hanseniaspora spp. (specially H. vineae and H. opuntiae) or Metschnikowia pulcherrima promotes a better aroma complexity and improves wine sensory profile by the expression of a more complex metabolic pattern and the release of extracellular enzymes. Some of them are also compatible or synergic with the acidification by L. thermotolerans, and M. pulcherrima is an interesting biotool for reductive winemaking and bioprotection. The use of bioprotection is a powerful tool in this context, allowing oxidation control by oxygen depletion, the inhibition of some wild microorganisms, improving the implantation of some starters and limiting SO2. This can be complemented with the use of reductive yeast derivatives with high contents of reducing peptides and relevant compounds such as glutathione that also are interesting to reduce SO2. Finally, the use of emerging non-thermal technologies as Ultra High-Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) and Pulsed Light (PL) increases wine stability by microbial control and inactivation of oxidative enzymes, improving the implantation of emerging non-Saccharomyces and lowering SO2 additions.
Optimizing the “Time to pregnancy” in women with multiple sclerosis: the OPTIMUS Delphi survey
Authors: Carbone Luigi , Landi Doriana , Di Girolamo Raffaella , Anserini Paola , Centonze Diego , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Alviggi Carlo ,   the Interdisciplinary Group for Fertility in Multiple Sclerosis (IGFMS)
Published: October 2023

Background

The debate on how to manage women affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) during reproductive age is still open, as is the issue of fertility in such patients. Main issue regard the identification of the optimal window for pregnancy and how to deal with medical therapy before and during conception. The aim of this Delphi consensus was to collect the opinions of a multidisciplinary group, involving reproductive medicine specialists and neurologists with experience in the management of multiple sclerosis women with reproductive desire.

Methods

Four experts plus scientific coordinators developed a questionnaire distributed online to 10 neurologists and later discussed the responses and amended a list of statements. The statements were then distributedviaan online survey to 23 neurologists (comprising the first 10), who voted on their level of agreement/disagreement with each statement. Consensus was achieved if agreement or disagreement with a statement exceeded 66%.

Results

Twenty-one statements reached consensus after two rounds of voting, leading to the following main recommendations: (1) Fertility evaluation should be suggested to wMS, in case of the need to shorten time to pregnancy and before treatment switch in women on DMTs contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in case of highly active disease and age > 35 years. (2) ART should not be discouraged in wMS, but the use of DMTs until pregnancy confirmation should be suggested; ART may be considered in order to reduce time to pregnancy in MS women with a reduced ovarian reserve and/or age > 35 years, but in case of an expected poor ART prognosis and the need for more than one ART cycle, a switch to a high-efficacy DMD before ART should be offered. (3) Oocyte cryopreservation may be considered in women with reduced ovarian reserve, with unpredictable time to complete diagnostic workup and achieve disease control; a risk/cost–benefit analysis must be performed in women >35 years, considering the diminished ovarian reserve.

Conclusion

This consensus will help MS neurologists to support family planning in wMS, respecting MS therapeutic needs while also taking into account the safety and impact of advancing age on fertility.
Tree representations of brain structural connectivity via persistent homology
Authors: Li Didong , Nguyen Phuc , Zhang Zhengwu , Dunson David
Published: October 2023

The brain structural connectome is generated by a collection of white matter fiber bundles constructed from diffusion weighted MRI (dMRI), acting as highways for neural activity. There has been abundant interest in studying how the structural connectome varies across individuals in relation to their traits, ranging from age and gender to neuropsychiatric outcomes. After applying tractography to dMRI to get white matter fiber bundles, a key question is how to represent the brain connectome to facilitate statistical analyses relating connectomes to traits. The current standard divides the brain into regions of interest (ROIs), and then relies on an adjacency matrix (AM) representation. Each cell in the AM is a measure of connectivity, e.g., number of fiber curves, between a pair of ROIs. Although the AM representation is intuitive, a disadvantage is the high-dimensionality due to the large number of cells in the matrix. This article proposes a simpler tree representation of the brain connectome, which is motivated by ideas in computational topology and takes topological and biological information on the cortical surface into consideration. We demonstrate that our tree representation preserves useful information and interpretability, while reducing dimensionality to improve statistical and computational efficiency. Applications to data from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) are considered and code is provided for reproducing our analyses.
Activated protein C in epilepsy pathophysiology
Authors: Zoungrana Linda Ines , Didik Steven , Wang Hao , Slotabec Lily , Li Ji
Published: October 2023

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders that is characterized by recurrent seizures, and depending on the type of seizure, it could lead to a severe outcome. Epilepsy’s mechanism of development is not fully understood yet, but some of the common features of the disease are blood-brain barrier disruption, microglia activation, and neuroinflammation. Those are also targets of activated protein C (APC). In fact, by downregulating thrombin, known as a pro-inflammatory, APC acts as an anti-inflammatory. APC is also an anti-apoptotic protein, instance by blocking p53-mediated apoptosis. APC’s neuroprotective effect could prevent blood-brain barrier dysfunction by acting on endothelial cells. Furthermore, through the downregulation of proapoptotic, and proinflammatory genes, APC’s neuroprotection could reduce the effect or prevent epilepsy pathogenesis. APC’s activity acts on blood-brain barrier disruption, inflammation, and apoptosis and causes neurogenesis, all hallmarks that could potentially treat or prevent epilepsy. Here we review both Activated Protein C and epilepsy mechanism, function, and the possible association between them.
Regulation of microglial responses after pediatric traumatic brain injury: exploring the role of SHIP-1
Authors: Chu Erskine , Mychasiuk Richelle , Green Tabitha R. F. , Zamani Akram , Dill Larissa K. , Sharma Rishabh , Raftery April L. , Tsantikos Evelyn , Hibbs Margaret L. , Semple Bridgette D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the world’s leading cause of permanent neurological disability in children. TBI-induced neurological deficits may be driven by neuroinflammation post-injury. Abnormal activity of SH2 domain-containing inositol 5′ phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) has been associated with dysregulated immunological responses, but the role of SHIP-1 in the brain remains unclear. The current study investigated the immunoregulatory role of SHIP-1 in a mouse model of moderate–severe pediatric TBI.

Methods

SHIP-1+/− and SHIP-1−/− mice underwent experimental TBI or sham surgery at post-natal day 21. Brain gene expression was examined across a time course, and immunofluorescence staining was evaluated to determine cellular immune responses, alongside peripheral serum cytokine levels by immunoassays. Brain tissue volume loss was measured using volumetric analysis, and behavior changes both acutely and chronically post-injury.

Results

Acutely, inflammatory gene expression was elevated in the injured cortex alongside increased IBA-1 expression and altered microglial morphology; but to a similar extent in SHIP-1−/− mice and littermate SHIP-1+/− control mice. Similarly, the infiltration and activation of CD68-positive macrophages, and reactivity of GFAP-positive astrocytes, was increased after TBI but comparable between genotypes. TBI increased anxiety-like behavior acutely, whereas SHIP-1 deficiency alone reduced general locomotor activity. Chronically, at 12-weeks post-TBI, SHIP-1−/− mice exhibited reduced body weight and increased circulating cytokines. Pro-inflammatory gene expression in the injured hippocampus was also elevated in SHIP-1−/− mice; however, GFAP immunoreactivity at the injury site in TBI mice was lower. TBI induced a comparable loss of cortical and hippocampal tissue in both genotypes, while SHIP-1−/− mice showed reduced general activity and impaired working memory, independent of TBI.

Conclusion

Together, evidence does not support SHIP-1 as an essential regulator of brain microglial morphology, brain immune responses, or the extent of tissue damage after moderate–severe pediatric TBI in mice. However, our data suggest that reduced SHIP-1 activity induces a greater inflammatory response in the hippocampus chronically post-TBI, warranting further investigation.
Radiopharmaceutical administration practices—Are they best practice?
Authors: Harris Stephen , Crowley James R. , Warden Nancy
Published: October 2023

Background

The nuclear medicine community has stated that they are using best practices to gain venous access and administer radiopharmaceuticals, and therefore do not contribute to extravasations. We tested this hypothesis qualitatively and quantitatively by evaluating four different perspectives of current radiopharmaceutical administration practices: (1) clinical observations of nuclear medicine technologists on the job, (2) quality improvement (QI) projects, (3) a high-level survey of current practices in 10 acute care hospitals, (4) intravenous (IV) access site data for 29,343 procedures. These four areas were compared to the gold standard of pharmaceutical administration techniques.

Results

From clinical observations of radiopharmaceutical administrations in adult populations, technologists extensively used 24-gauge peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) and butterfly needles. They also performed direct puncture (straight stick). Technologists predominantly chose veins in areas of flexion (hand, wrist, and antecubital fossa), rather than forearm vessels for IV access placement; in many circumstances, antecubital fossa vessels are chosen first, often without prior assessment for other suitable vessels. For selecting the injection vein, technologists sometimes used infrared vein finders but primarily performed blind sticks. Review of QI projects suggested that smaller gauge needles were contributing factors to extravasations. Additionally, the review of surveys from 10 hospitals revealed an absence of formalized protocols, training, knowledge, and skills necessary to ensure the safety/patency of IV devices prior to the administration of radiopharmaceuticals. Finally, findings from a review of IV access data for 29,343 procedures supported the observations described above.

Conclusions

We expect that nuclear medicine technologists have the best intentions when providing patient care, but many do not follow venous access best practices; they lack formal protocols, have not received the latest comprehensive training, and do not use the best placement tools and monitoring equipment. Thus, the presumption that most nuclear medicine technologists use best practices may not be accurate. In order to improve radiopharmaceutical administration and patient care, the nuclear medicine community should update technical standards to address the most recent peripheral IV access and administration best practices, provide technologists with vascular visualization tools and the proper training, develop and require annual vascular access competency, and provide active monitoring with center and patient-specific data to create ongoing feedback.
Micronutrient intake from three popular diet patterns in the United States: modeled replacement of foods highest in added sugar and sodium using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2018
Authors: Basak Tukun Avonti , Rowe Sarah , Johnson LuAnn K. , Love David C. , Belury Martha , Conrad Zach
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Fifty-two percent of adults in the United States reported following a popular diet pattern in 2022, yet there is limited information on daily micronutrient intakes associated with these diet patterns. The objective of the present study was to model the impact on micronutrient intake when foods highest in added sugar and sodium were replaced with healthier alternatives to align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations.

Methods

Dietary data were acquired from 34,411 adults ≥ 20 y in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2018. The National Cancer Institute methodology was used to estimate usual dietary intake at baseline of 17 micronutrients using information from up to two dietary recalls per person. A food substitution model was used to evaluate the impact on micronutrient intake when three servings of foods highest in added sugar and sodium were substituted with healthier alternatives.

Results

Dietary modeling to replace foods highest in added sugar with healthier alternatives increased the mean intake of fat-soluble vitamins (0.15% for vitamin A to 4.28% for vitamin K), most water-soluble vitamins (0.01% for vitamin B1 to 12.09% for vitamin C), and most minerals (0.01% for sodium to 4.44% for potassium) across all diet patterns. Replacing foods highest in sodium had mixed effects on the mean intake of micronutrients. The intake of most fatsoluble vitamins increased by 1.37–6.53% (particularly vitamin A and D), yet while the intake of some water-soluble vitamins and minerals increased by 0.18–2.64% (particularly vitamin B2, calcium, and iron) others decreased by 0.56–10.38% (notably vitamin B3 and B6, magnesium, sodium, and potassium).

Discussion

Modeled replacement of foods highest in added sugar led to more favorable changes in mean micronutrient intake compared to modeled replacement of foods highest in sodium. Due to the composite nature of mixed dishes that include multiple ingredients, food substitutions may result in both favorable and unfavorable changes in micronutrient intake. These findings highlight the challenges of making singleitem food substitutions to increase micronutrient intake and call for further research to evaluate optimal combinations of replacement foods to maximize the intake of all micronutrients simultaneously.
Prognostic value of systemic inflammation response index in hepatoblastoma patients receiving preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Zheng Chen , Ye Shiru , Liu Wei , Diao Mei , Li Long
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Inflammation is closely associated with tumor development and patient prognosis. The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic value of the preoperative inflammatory indexes in pediatric hepatoblastoma patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical and pathological data of 199 hepatoblastoma patients who underwent hepatectomy with preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy from January 2015 to June 2020. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in predicting OS and EFS. Patients were grouped based on optimal cutoff values of preoperative inflammatory indexes. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival outcomes were compared between groups using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors, and a nomogram was constructed using R software to predict the probability of OS.

Results

The receiver operating characteristic curve showed prognostic value for OS, not EFS, in preoperative inflammatory indexes. Patients were categorized into low/high groups: SII ≤ 266.70/higher, NLR ≤ 1.24/higher, PLR ≤ 85.25/higher, and SIRI ≤ 0.72/higher. High NLR, PLR, SII, and SIRI groups had significantly lower 5-year OS than their low counterparts (all p-value < 0.05). The Cox analysis identified four independent prognostic factors: SIRI (HR=2.997, 95% CI: 1.119-8.031), microvascular invasion (HR=2.556, 95% CI: 1.14-5.73), the post-treatment extent of disease (POSTTEXT) staging (IV vs. I: HR=244.204, 95% CI:11.306-5274.556), and alpha-fetoprotein (>100 ng/ml: HR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.032-0.381) for hepatoblastoma patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. High SIRI group had more patients with adverse NLR, SII, and POSTTEXT III (all p-value < 0.05). Independent prognostic factors led to an OS nomogram with a concordance index of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91, p-value = 1.43e-27) and the calibration curve showed a good fit between the prediction curve and the true curve.

Conclusions

SIRI is an independent prognostic factor of hepatoblastoma patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The OS nomogram based on SIRI, POSTTEXT staging, MiVI, and AFP can be used to assess the prognosis of those patients.
Clinicopathological and molecular analysis of microsatellite instability in prostate cancer: a multi-institutional study in China
Authors: Zhang Huizhi , Yang Xiaoqun , Xie Jialing , Cheng Xiao , Chen Jiayi , Shen Miaomiao , Ding Wenyi , Wang Suying , Zhang Zhe , Wang Chaofu , Zhao Ming
Published: October 2023

Background

Microsatellite instability (MSI), or mismatch repair-deficiency (dMMR), is rare in prostate cancers (PCas). The histological and molecular features of PCas with MSI/dMMR are incompletely described. Thus, we sought to identify the characteristics of PCas with MSI/dMMR.

Methods and results

We analyzed 1,141 primary treatment-naive PCas by MMR-related protein immunohistochemistry (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6). We identified eight cases exhibiting MSI/dMMR (0.7%, 8/1141). Of these, six tumors had both MSH2 and MSH6 protein loss, one had both MLH1 and PMS2 protein loss, and one had only MSH6 loss. Histologically, MSI/dMMR-PCas frequently demonstrated high histological grade (Grade Group 4 or 5), ductal/intraductal histology (6/8 cases), pleomorphic giant-cell features (4/8 cases), and conspicuous tumor lymphocytic infiltration (8/8 cases). Polymerase chain reaction-based analysis of seven MSI/dMMR tumors revealed two MSI-H tumors with loss of both MSH2 and MSH6 proteins. Subsequently, the seven cases underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis with a highly validated targeted panel; four were MSI. All cases had a high tumor mutation burden (median: 45.3 mutations/Mb). Overall, the MSI/dMMR-PCas showed a high frequency of DNA damage-repair pathway gene changes, including five with pathogenic somatic or germline MMR gene mutations. Activating mutations in the MAPK pathway, PI3K pathway, and WNT/β-catenin pathway were common. TMPRSS2::ERG rearrangement was identified in one case (1/7, 14.3%).

Conclusions

Several pathological features are associated with MSI/dMMR in PCas. Identification of these features may help to select patients for genetic screening. As MSI/dMMR-PCas are enriched for actionable mutations, patients should be offered NGS to guide standard-of-care treatment.
Myeloid- and epithelial-derived RELMα contribute to tissue repair following lung helminth infection
Authors: Sveiven Stefanie N. , Kim Sang Yong , Barrientos Valeria , Li Jiang , Jennett Jennell , Asiedu Samuel , Anesko Kyle , Nordgren Tara M. , Nair Meera G.
Published: October 2023

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections impact billions of individuals globally; however, there is a need to clarify the long-term impacts of these infections on pulmonary health owing to their transient migration and subsequent damage to the lungs. In mouse models of these infections using Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, lung pathology persists at later time points post single infection. These studies also indicate the persistent transcriptional expression of resistin-like molecule α (RELMα), an immunomodulatory protein induced in type 2 immunity and alternatively activated macrophages. Using constitutive and tamoxifen-inducible cell-specific RELMα knockout mouse strains, we identified that epithelial- and myeloid-derived RELMα protein remained elevated at 30 days post infection and altered the immune cell signature and gene expression in lung compartments. Histopathological assessment of alveolar damage revealed a role for RELMα in tissue repair, suggesting the importance of sustained RELMα expression for lung recovery from helminth infection. Acellular three-dimensional (3D) lung scaffolds were prepared from the lungs of wild-type (WT), RELMα KO-naive, or 30 days post N. brasiliensis-infected mice to assess their ability to support epithelial cell growth. N. brasiliensis infection significantly altered the scaffold and impaired epithelial cell growth and metabolic activity, especially in the RELMα KO scaffolds. These findings underscore a need to identify the long-term impacts of helminth infection on human pulmonary disease, particularly as alveolar destruction can develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which remains among the top global causes of death. Translation of these findings to human protein resistin, with sequence homology to RELMα therapeutic opportunities in lung repair.
6-Gingerol alleviates placental injury in preeclampsia by inhibiting oxidative stress via BNIP3/LC3 signaling-mediated trophoblast mitophagy
Authors: Li Anna , Zhao Man , Yang Zexin , Fang Zhenya , Qi Weiyi , Zhang Changqing , Zhou Meijuan , Guo Junjun , Li Shuxian , Wang Xietong , Zhang Meihua
Published: October 2023

Background and aims: Preeclampsia (PE) is the leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apoptosis of trophoblast cells induced by oxidative stress is a principal reason of placental injury in PE. 6-Gingerol, an antioxidant from ginger, plays an important role in many disease models, but its effect on obstetric diseases has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of 6-gingerol against placental injury.

Methods:In vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of HTR8/Svneo cells and preeclamptic mice model were established to simulate PE. The effects of 6-Gingerol on PE were evaluated by morphological detection, biochemical analysis, and Western blot.

Results: We found that H/R treatment induced cell apoptosis, increased the production of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase, and decreased superoxide dismutase in trophoblast. In addition, the polarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and the cellular calcium flux were also destroyed under H/R condition, which also activated BCL2-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and provoked excessive mitophagy. Importantly, 6-Gingerol reversed these corrosive effects. Furthermore, the placenta damage in PE-like mouse caused by the cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and mitophagy was mitigated by 6-Gingerol.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that 6-Gingerol exerts a protective effect against placental injury in PE by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting excessive mitophagy caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Immunological role and prognostic value of somatostatin receptor family members in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yu Xiaoqian , Yang Xuejie , Nie Hui , Jiang Wenying , He Xiaoyun , Ou Chunlin
Published: October 2023

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, ranking as the third most prevalent malignancy in incidence and mortality. The somatostatin receptor (SSTR) family comprises G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which couple to inhibitory G proteins (Gi and Go) upon binding to somatostatin (SST) analogs. GPCRs are involved in hormone release, neurotransmission, cell growth inhibition, and cancer suppression. However, their roles in COAD remain unclear. This study used bioinformatics to investigate the expression, prognosis, gene alterations, functional enrichment, and immunoregulatory effects of the SSTR family members in COAD. SSTR1-4 are differentially downregulated in COAD, and low SSTR2 expression indicates poor survival. Biological processes and gene expression enrichment of the SSTR family in COAD were further analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology. A strong correlation was observed between SSTR expression and immune cell infiltration. We also quantified SSTR2 expression in 25 COAD samples and adjacent normal tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed its correlation with the dendritic cell–integrin subunit alpha X marker gene. The biomarker exploration of the solid tumors portal was used to confirm the correlation between SSTR2 with immunomodulators and immunotherapy responses. Our results identify SSTR2 as a promising target for COAD immunotherapy. Our findings provide new insights into the biological functions of the SSTR family and their implications for the prognosis of COAD.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori may predispose to atherosclerosis: role of inflammation and thickening of intima-media of carotid arteries
Authors: Aramouni Karl , Assaf Roland K. , Azar Maria , Jabbour Karen , Shaito Abdullah , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Eid Assaad A. , Rizzo Manfredi , Eid Ali H.
Published: October 2023

Atherosclerosis is a major instigator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a main cause of global morbidity and mortality. The high prevalence of CVD calls for urgent attention to possible preventive measures in order to curb its incidence. Traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis, like age, smoking, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension and chronic inflammation, are under extensive investigation. However, these only account for around 50% of the etiology of atherosclerosis, mandating a search for different or overlooked risk factors. In this regard, chronic infections, by Helicobacter pylori for instance, are a primary candidate. H. pylori colonizes the gut and contributes to several gastrointestinal diseases, but, recently, the potential involvement of this bacterium in extra-gastric diseases including CVD has been under the spotlight. Indeed, H. pylori infection appears to stimulate foam cell formation as well as chronic immune responses that could upregulate key inflammatory mediators including cytokines, C-reactive protein, and lipoproteins. These factors are involved in the thickening of intima-media of carotid arteries (CIMT), a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Interestingly, H. pylori infection was found to increase (CIMT), which along with other evidence, could implicate H. pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the involvement of H. pylori in CVD and atherosclerosis remains controversial as several studies report no connection between H. pylori and atherosclerosis. This review examines and critically discusses the evidence that argues for a potential role of this bacterium in atherogenesis. However, additional basic and clinical research studies are warranted to convincingly establish the association between H. pylori and atherosclerosis.
Size measurement and filled/unfilled detection of rice grains using backlight image processing
Authors: Feng Xiao , Wang Zhiqi , Zeng Zhiwei , Zhou Yuhao , Lan Yunting , Zou Wei , Gong Hao , Qi Long
Published: October 2023

Measurements of rice physical traits, such as length, width, and percentage of filled/unfilled grains, are essential steps of rice breeding. A new approach for measuring the physical traits of rice grains for breeding purposes was presented in this study, utilizing image processing techniques. Backlight photography was used to capture a grayscale image of a group of rice grains, which was then analyzed using a clustering algorithm to differentiate between filled and unfilled grains based on their grayscale values. The impact of backlight intensity on the accuracy of the method was also investigated. The results show that the proposed method has excellent accuracy and high efficiency. The mean absolute percentage error of the method was 0.24% and 1.36% in calculating the total number of grain particles and distinguishing the number of filled grains, respectively. The grain size was also measured with a little margin of error. The mean absolute percentage error of grain length measurement was 1.11%, while the measurement error of grain width was 4.03%. The method was found to be highly accurate, non-destructive, and cost-effective when compared to conventional methods, making it a promising approach for characterizing physical traits for crop breeding.