bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgG receptors and their role in antibody trafficking
Authors:   , Brinkhaus Maximilian
Published: September 2023

Immunoglobulins (Ig) are the results of an adaptive immune response and link humoral and cellular immunity in host defence with IgG being the most abundant of the Ig classes. IgG can bind via its fragment crystallizable (Fc) to a variety of IgG Fc receptor systems, among others Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs), C1q of the complement cascade, and the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). While FcγRs and the complement system mediate cellular and soluble immune effector functions upon binding to complexes IgG on e.g. pathogens, FcRn’s main task is to transport monomeric IgG across epithelial barriers like the placenta as well as to mediate the relatively long serum half-life of IgG. Recently, a role of FcRn in regulating adaptive immune responses to IgG immune complexes has been reported. Systemic lowering of IgG by FcRn antagonism is clinically investigated as a strategy to treat IgG-mediated autoimmunity. One of such approaches is to antagonize FcRn with a modified human IgG1 Fc fragment bearing five amino acid substitutions (M252Y, S254T, T256E, H433K, N434F, called MST-HN), which exhibits stronger binding to FcRn than WT IgG. Tailoring IgG binding to Fc receptors has gained increasing importance for the rational design of monoclonal antibodies for therapy. During this PhD study, we investigated interactions of IgG with FcγRs, C1q and FcRn. We discovered how several permutations in the lower hinge region of IgG affect binding of the IgG Fc to FcγRs and C1q and found that a single amino acid deletion of a glycine at position 236 from IgG1 differentiates complement from FcγR binding. We also uncovered how the structurally and functionally distinct fragments antigen binding (Fab) influence binding of the IgG Fc to FcRn. We describe how the Fab regions sterically hinder IgG binding to FcRn and how they affect cellular trafficking of IgG with consequences for in vivo half-life and FcRn blocking efficacy of an IgG with MST-HN substitutions. Additionally, we found that FcγRs and FcRn cooperate in the cellular trafficking of monomeric IgG in myeloid cells, that are indispensable for efficient recycling of IgG. We describe how FcγRs mediate the internalization of IgG in such cells as well as how specific engagement of FcγRs can be exploited to increase IgG delivery to FcRn. We apply our findings in the context of therapeutic targeting of FcRn by an Fc-MST-HN. We hypothesize that FcRn is necessary to rescue IgG after efficient internalization by FcγRs and that expression of FcγRs and FcRn have evolutionarily co-evolved in myeloid cells. Altogether, the findings have broad implications for rational design of therapeutic antibodies.
A specific and rapid method for detecting Bacillus and Acinetobacter species in Daqu
Authors: Wei Yanwei , Zhang Shuyue , Guan Guikun , Wan Ziran , Wang Ruiming , Li Piwu , Liu Yu , Wang Junqing , Jiao Guanhua , Wang Hao , Sun Chuying
Published: September 2023

Daqu is a spontaneous, solid-state cereal fermentation product used for saccharification and as a starter culture for Chinese Baijiu production. Bacillus and Acinetobacter, two dominant microbial genera in Daqu, produce enzymes and organic acids that influence the Daqu quality. However, there are no rapid analytical methods for detecting Bacillus and Acinetobacter. We designed primers specific to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter to perform genetic comparisons using the 16 S rRNA. After amplification of polymerase chain reaction using specific primers, high-throughput sequencing was performed to detect strains of Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The results showed that the effective amplification rates for Bacillus and Acinetobacter in Daqu were 86.92% and 79.75%, respectively. Thus, we have devised and assessed a method to accurately identify the species associated with Bacillus and Acinetobacter in Daqu, which can also hold significance for bacterial typing and identification.
Bitcoin equilibrium dynamics: a long term approach
Authors: Rogers Jack R.
Published: September 2023

In the long run, Bitcoin transaction fees are the only source of revenue for miners. They compete broadly in two main ways: proof of work effort to win blocks; and transaction processing to gather fee rewards into the blocks they win. This paper contributes to existing literature by developing a dynamic model that separates these two functions, and explores implications for aggregate efficiency outcomes. Specifically, when set by free market forces (unrestricted by artificially imposed block size caps), what happens to overall transaction prices and quantities relative to total energy use? When is it worth Stackelberg-leading miners investing in efficiency-improving R&D? What effect does this have on overall efficiency over time? By explicitly separating specialised capital dedicated to SHA256 hashing (for proof of work) from transaction processing capital (for transaction collection and verification), this paper sheds light on these questions. One key conclusion is that miner innovation lowers energy use per transaction over time for elastic enough transaction demand schedules. The more competitors Bitcoin has (existing fiat and data services, and other new Blockchain-based systems), the stronger is this conclusion.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid assists in the diagnosis of pathogens associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Xu Yunjian , Jiang Yueting , Wang Yan , Meng Fanlin , Qin Wenyan , Lin Yongping
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are an important cause of hospitalization in children. Due to the relative limitations of traditional pathogen detection methods, new detection methods are needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples for diagnosing children with LRTI based on the interpretation of sequencing results. A total of 211 children with LRTI admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from May 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled. The diagnostic performance of mNGS versus traditional methods for detecting pathogens was compared. The positive rate for the BALF mNGS analysis reached 95.48% (95% confidence interval [CI] 92.39% to 98.57%), which was superior to the culture method (44.07%, 95% CI 36.68% to 51.45%). For the detection of specific pathogens, mNGS showed similar diagnostic performance to PCR and antigen detection, except for Streptococcus pneumoniae, for which mNGS performed better than antigen detection. S. pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus and Candida albicans were the most common bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens. Common infections in children with LRTI were bacterial, viral and mixed bacterial-viral infections. Immunocompromised children with LRTI were highly susceptible to mixed and fungal infections. The initial diagnosis was modified based on mNGS in 29.6% (37/125) of patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to predict the relationship between inflammation indicators and the type of pathogen infection. BALF mNGS improves the sensitivity of pathogen detection and provides guidance in clinical practice for diagnosing LRTI in children.
Bloodstream infection, peritonitis, and pneumonia caused by Pasteurella multocida in a patient with liver cirrhosis despite no animal contact: case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Bin , Feng Xuewen , Ye Tinghua , Shan Kangfei , Wang Sipei , Shi Yunzhen , Pan Xinling
Published: September 2023

Pasteurella multocida is an opportunistic pathogen. Previously reported infections associated with P. multocida have often been linked to contact with cats, dogs, and other animals. Cases of systemic multiple-site infections following P. multocida infection are rare. This case study presents a 49-year-old middle-aged man with post-hepatitis B cirrhosis and no history of animal contact. The patient was admitted with symptoms of fever accompanied by diarrhea, abdominal distension, and cough. Blood tests showed elevated levels of CRP, PCT, and IL-6, and blood culture revealed the growth of P. multocida. CT scans revealed a large amount of abdominal effusion, a small amount of pleural effusion, and pulmonary infection foci. The patient’s condition improved after successive administration of ceftriaxone and levofloxacin to fight the infection, and abdominal puncture and drainage. Multiple-site infections caused by P. multocida are rarely encountered in patients with liver cirrhosis but without animal contact, which could be regarded as serious conditions warranting careful attention in terms of clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Topology and control strategy optimization of an auxiliary resonant commutated pole-based, soft-switching grid-connected inverter
Authors: Liu Chuang , Wang Yanping
Published: September 2023

With the development of new energy industries such as photovoltaics, microgrids, or distributed energy sources require many DC-AC grid-connected interfaces. Reducing the switching loss of the inverter is important to improve the transmission efficiency of the inverter, reduce the heat generation of the inverter, promote the high frequency and miniaturization of the inverter, and efficiently use the distributed energy. Therefore, considering the wide application of DC-AC power electronic interfaces in microgrid and distributed energy, and to make up for existing deficiencies in traditional hard-switching inverters, an optimal control strategy and topology for an optimal-auxiliary resonant commutated pole (O-ARCP) inverter is proposed in this article. Firstly, this paper introduces the proposed inverter topology and analyzes the operation mode of the circuit with the control strategy. Then simulation experiments in islanding mode are carried out to verify the rationality of the content, and finally simplified experimental verification is carried out based on the simulation results. Simulation and experimental testing reveal that all switches of the proposed topology are in soft-switching mode, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy and analysis. The analysis and validation of this paper provide assistance in the development of control strategies and structures for soft-switching inverters.
Research on performance improvement of acoustic resonance-based wind sensors by using dual closed-loop control
Authors: Zeng Xiangbao , Chen Meng , Yu Hua
Published: September 2023

To achieve high-precision and high-stability detection of wind speed and direction in complex environments, this research proposes a dual closed-loop control scanning technique for the wind sensor system based on the acoustic resonance principle. This technique has been found to significantly enhance the system’s performance indicators. The acoustic resonance method used on wind sensors allows for the simultaneous modulation of frequency and intensity of signals generated by the transducer, resulting in linear scanning of the ultrasonic transducer. Frequency modulation resolves the issue of a resonance frequency shift caused by environmental factors like pressure and temperature, while intensity modulation addresses transducer performance degradation over time and can significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio. However, when confronted with issues such as wind shear, the rapid change in the ambient pressure of the wind sensor may lead to the failure of the frequency modulation, followed by the change in the rate of wind shear, resulting in significant errors in wind speed detection. Therefore, the dual closed-loop control method is used to combine the frequency scanning modes—the slow and long scanning and the short and fast scanning. The slow and long scanning is used to solve the resonance frequency shift caused by various slow external changes and achieve frequency following, while the short and fast scanning resolves the resonance frequency shift resulting from rapid changes in wind shear and achieves rapid frequency following. Experimental results demonstrate that the scanning method employing dual closed-loop control can accurately measure wind speed and direction. The wind speed measurement range is 0–50 m/s, with a measurement accuracy of ±0.3 m/s (≤15 m/s)/±4% (>15 m/s), while the wind direction measurement range is 0°–360°, with a measurement accuracy of ±3°. After improvements, the system has high accuracy and stability and strong anti-interference ability and is less affected by environmental changes in complex environments.
Static parameter estimation and testability analysis of distribution lines based on multi-source measurement information
Authors: Chen Lupeng , Liu Jian , Pan Zhongmei , Zhang Zhihua
Published: September 2023

The information monitoring of distribution networks usually relies on multiple measurement systems, and the placement and number of measurement configurations are also restricted by objective factors. It is highly likely that insufficient measurements will affect the parameter estimation of distribution lines. To deal with the aforementioned issue, this paper establishes the measurement equations for static parameters of distribution lines and proposes a method of parameter estimation based on the elitist searching approach. Aiming at different measurement conditions, the testability analysis method is introduced to distinguish clear parameters and uncertain parameters of distribution lines. For the constructed line parameter samples, the estimated values of line parameters are calculated with the consideration of multi-source effective measurement data at different time points. Moreover, the indices of relative errors between the sample values and the estimated values are used to judge the testability of static parameters of distribution lines. The case study on IEEE 33 bus distribution system analyzes the application scenarios with and without measurement errors. The simulation results show that the testability analysis method can effectively identify whether the parameters to be estimated are clear or not, and then the estimated values of clear parameters and the bounds of some disturbing uncertain parameters can be estimated accurately to provide certain decision support for engineering applications.
Progressive failure analysis of soil slopes considering the influences of humidity and loading
Authors: Fang Juan , Luo Aizhong , Shao Shengjun , Chen Changlu
Published: September 2023

To analyze the progressive failure of structural loess slopes due to changes in humidity and loading, this study analyzes the degrees of influence of these changes on slope failure and their relationships with various structural parameters. According to the analysis, the shear failure of the soil gradually develops with the change of the water content. When the water content reaches a 17%, with the development of shear deformation, the shear zone is formed and finally penetrates the soil body. With the increase of the water content, the total displacement of the slope body gradually develops. When the water content reaches 17%, the total displacement of the slope body changes suddenly. This mutation is consistent with the formation of the shear zone. The sudden change of displacement indicates the penetration of the shear zone and the damage and slippage of the slope. With the increase of the soil moisture of the slope, the strain localization phenomenon occurs, the development of strain localization and shear bands increases, the structural damage increases, and the quantitative structural parameters decrease. The quantitative parameters can therefore be used to evaluate the feasibility and rationality of the progressive failure process of homogeneous structural loess slopes.
Helicobacter zhangjianzhongii sp. nov., isolated from dog feces
Authors: Wang Hairui , Gu Yixin , Zhou Guilan , Chen Xiaoli , Zhang Xin , Shao Zhujun , Zhang Maojun
Published: September 2023

In 2019, two distinct bacterial isolates were independently isolated from the fecal samples of separate dogs in Beijing, China. These cells exhibit microaerobic, are Gram-negative, motile, and possess a characteristic spiral shape with bipolar single flagellum. They display positive results for the oxidase test while being negative for both catalase and urease. These organisms measure approximately 0.2–0.3 μm in width and 4.5–6 μm in length. The colonies are wet, flat, grey, circular, and smooth with sizes ranging from 1 to 2 mm in diameter after 2 days of growth. However, strains may exhibit variations in size and morphology following extended incubation. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and core genome indicated that these two isolates belong to the genus Helicobacter and formed a robust clade that was remains distinctly separate from currently recognized species. These two isolates shared low dDDH relatedness and ANI values with their closest species Helicobacter canis CCUG 32756T, with these values falling below the commonly cutoff values for strains of the same species. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strain XJK30-2 were 44.93 mol%. Comparing the phenotypic and phylogenetic features between these two isolates and their closely related species, XJK30-2 represents a novel species within the genus Helicobacter, for which the name Helicobacter zhangjianzhongii sp. nov. (Type strain XJK30-2T = GDMCC 1.3695T) is proposed.
Engineering NK-CAR.19 cells with the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex improved proliferation and anti-tumor effect in vivo
Authors: Silvestre Renata Nacasaki , Eitler Jiri , de Azevedo Julia Teixeira Cottas , Tirapelle Mariane Cariati , Fantacini Daianne Maciely Carvalho , de Souza Lucas Eduardo Botelho , Swiech Kamilla , Covas Dimas Tadeu , Calado Rodrigo T. , Montero Paola Ortiz , Malmegrim Kelen Cristina Ribeiro , Figueiredo Marxa L. , Tonn Torsten , Picanço-Castro Virginia
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Natural killer 92 (NK-92) cells are an attractive therapeutic approach as alternative chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) carriers, different from T cells, once they can be used in the allogeneic setting. The modest in vivo outcomes observed with NK-92 cells continue to present hurdles in successfully translating NK-92 cell therapies into clinical applications. Adoptive transfer of CAR-NK-92 cells holds out the promise of therapeutic benefit at a lower rate of adverse events due to the absence of GvHD and cytokine release syndrome. However, it has not achieved breakthrough clinical results yet, and further improvement of CAR-NK-92 cells is necessary.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis between CD19-targeted CAR (CAR.19) co-expressing IL-15 (CAR.19-IL15) with IL-15/IL-15Rα (CAR.19-IL15/IL15Rα) to promote NK cell proliferation, activation, and cytotoxic activity against B-cell leukemia. CAR constructs were cloned into lentiviral vector and transduced into NK-92 cell line. Potency of CAR-NK cells were assessed against CD19-expressing cell lines NALM-6 or Raji in vitro and in vivo in a murine model. Tumor burden was measured by bioluminescence.

Results

We demonstrated that a fourth- generation CD19-targeted CAR (CAR.19) co-expressing IL-15 linked to its receptor IL-15/IL-15Rα (CAR.19-IL-15/IL-15Rα) significantly enhanced NK-92 cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic activity against B-cell cancer cell lines in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model.

Conclusion

Together with the results of the systematic analysis of the transcriptome of activated NK-92 CAR variants, this supports the notion that IL-15/IL-15Rα comprising fourth-generation CARs may overcome the limitations of NK-92 cell-based targeted tumor therapies in vivo by providing the necessary growth and activation signals.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the metabolic programming of GM-CSF- and M-CSF- differentiated mouse macrophages
Authors: Zhang Qianyue , Song Qiaoling , Liu Shan , Xu Yuting , Gao Danling , Lu Peizhe , Liu Yuantao , Zhao Guanghui , Wu Lihong , Zhao Chenyang , Yang Jinbo
Published: September 2023

Macrophages play a critical role in the inflammatory response and tumor development. Macrophages are primarily divided into pro-inflammatory M1-like and anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages based on their activation status and functions. In vitro macrophage models could be derived from mouse bone marrow cells stimulated with two types of differentiation factors: GM-CSF (GM-BMDMs) and M-CSF (M-BMDMs), to represent M1- and M2-like macrophages, respectively. Since macrophage differentiation requires coordinated metabolic reprogramming and transcriptional rewiring in order to fulfill their distinct roles, we combined both transcriptome and metabolome analysis, coupled with experimental validation, to gain insight into the metabolic status of GM- and M-BMDMs. The data revealed higher levels of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and urea and ornithine production from arginine in GM-BMDMs, and a preference for glycolysis, fatty acid storage, bile acid metabolism, and citrulline and nitric oxide (NO) production from arginine in M-BMDMs. Correlation analysis with the proteomic data showed high consistency in the mRNA and protein levels of metabolic genes. Similar results were also obtained when compared to RNA-seq data of human monocyte derived macrophages from the GEO database. Furthermore, canonical macrophage functions such as inflammatory response and phagocytosis were tightly associated with the representative metabolic pathways. In the current study, we identified the core metabolites, metabolic genes, and functional terms of the two distinct mouse macrophage populations. We also distinguished the metabolic influences of the differentiation factors GM-CSF and M-CSF, and wish to provide valuable information for in vitro macrophage studies.
Recent progress in pneumococcal protein vaccines
Authors: Li Sha , Liang Hangeri , Zhao Shui-Hao , Yang Xiao-Yan , Guo Zhong
Published: September 2023

Pneumococcal infections continue to pose a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of effective vaccines. Despite the progress shown by pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines, their limited coverage and the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes have highlighted the need for alternative approaches. Protein-based pneumococcal vaccines, targeting conserved surface proteins of Streptococcus pneumoniae, have emerged as a promising strategy. In this review, we provide an overview of the advancements made in the development of pneumococcal protein vaccines. We discuss the key protein vaccine candidates, highlight their vaccination results in animal studies, and explore the challenges and future directions in protein-based pneumococcal vaccine.
Elevated expression of glycolytic genes as a prominent feature of early-onset preeclampsia: insights from integrative transcriptomic analysis
Authors: He Jie , Yang Huan , Liu Zheng , Chen Miaomiao , Ye Ying , Tao Yuelan , Li Shuhong , Fang Jie , Xu Jiacheng , Wu Xiafei , Qi Hongbo
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Preeclampsia (PE), a notable pregnancy-related disorder, leads to 40,000+ maternal deaths yearly. Recent research shows PE divides into early-onset (EOPE) and late-onset (LOPE) subtypes, each with distinct clinical features and outcomes. However, the molecular characteristics of various subtypes are currently subject to debate and are not consistent.

Methods: We integrated transcriptomic expression data from a total of 372 placental samples across 8 publicly available databases via combat algorithm. Then, a variety of strategies including Random Forest Recursive Feature Elimination (RF-RFE), differential analysis, oposSOM, and Weighted Correlation Network Analysis were employed to identify the characteristic genes of the EOPE and LOPE subtypes. Finally, we conducted in vitro experiments on the key gene HK2 in HTR8/SVneo cells to explore its function.

Results: Our results revealed a complex classification of PE placental samples, wherein EOPE manifests as a highly homogeneous sample group characterized by hypoxia and HIF1A activation. Among the core features is the upregulation of glycolysis-related genes, particularly HK2, in the placenta-an observation corroborated by independent validation data and single-cell data. Building on the pronounced correlation between HK2 and EOPE, we conducted in vitro experiments to assess the potential functional impact of HK2 on trophoblast cells. Additionally, the LOPE samples exhibit strong heterogeneity and lack distinct features, suggesting a complex molecular makeup for this subtype. Unsupervised clustering analysis indicates that LOPE likely comprises at least two distinct subtypes, linked to cell-environment interaction and cytokine and protein modification functionalities.

Discussion: In summary, these findings elucidate potential mechanistic differences between the two PE subtypes, lend support to the hypothesis of classifying PE based on gestational weeks, and emphasize the potential significant role of glycolysis-related genes, especially HK2 in EOPE.
A robust and reliable methodology to perform GECI-based multi-time point neuronal calcium imaging within mixed cultures of human iPSC-derived cortical neurons
Authors: Patel Niraj , Ouellet Vincent , Paquet-Mercier François , Chetoui Nizar , Bélanger Erik , Paquet Marie-Eve , Godin Antoine G. , Marquet Pierre
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), with their ability to generate human neural cells (astrocytes and neurons) from patients, hold great promise for understanding the pathophysiology of major neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, which includes alterations in cerebral development. Indeed, the in vitro neurodifferentiation of iPSCs, while recapitulating certain major stages of neurodevelopment in vivo, makes it possible to obtain networks of living human neurons. The culture model presented is particularly attractive within this framework since it involves iPSC-derived neural cells, which more specifically differentiate into cortical neurons of diverse types (in particular glutamatergic and GABAergic) and astrocytes. However, these in vitro neuronal networks, which may be heterogeneous in their degree of differentiation, remain challenging to bring to an appropriate level of maturation. It is therefore necessary to develop tools capable of analyzing a large number of cells to assess this maturation process. Calcium (Ca2+) imaging, which has been extensively developed, undoubtedly offers an incredibly good approach, particularly in its versions using genetically encoded calcium indicators. However, in the context of these iPSC-derived neural cell cultures, there is a lack of studies that propose Ca2+ imaging methods that can finely characterize the evolution of neuronal maturation during the neurodifferentiation process.

Methods

In this study, we propose a robust and reliable method for specifically measuring neuronal activity at two different time points of the neurodifferentiation process in such human neural cultures. To this end, we have developed a specific Ca2+ signal analysis procedure and tested a series of different AAV serotypes to obtain expression levels of GCaMP6f under the control of the neuron-specific human synapsin1 (hSyn) promoter.

Results

The retro serotype has been found to be the most efficient in driving the expression of the GCaMP6f and is compatible with multi-time point neuronal Ca2+ imaging in our human iPSC-derived neural cultures. An AAV2/retro carrying GCaMP6f under the hSyn promoter (AAV2/retro-hSyn-GCaMP6f) is an efficient vector that we have identified. To establish the method, calcium measurements were carried out at two time points in the neurodifferentiation process with both hSyn and CAG promoters, the latter being known to provide high transient gene expression across various cell types.

Discussion

Our results stress that this methodology involving AAV2/retro-hSyn-GCaMP6f is suitable for specifically measuring neuronal calcium activities over multiple time points and is compatible with the neurodifferentiation process in our mixed human neural cultures.
Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy in the treatment of panurothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Huimin , Wen Zhi , Jiang Yu , Huang Jing , Wang Chongjian , Chen Caixia , Wang Jiahao , Bao Erhao , Yang Xuesong
Published: September 2023

Background

Panurothelial carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy that requires effective treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of English publications in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to May 2023. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Methodological Quality and Synthesis of Case Series and Case Reports tool. Data statistics and analysis were performed using Stata 15.1 software (StataSE, USA).

Results

Six studies involving 339 patients were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that Simultaneous Radical Cystectomy and Nephroureterectomy had 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates of 68% (95% CI 60%-76%, I2 = 12.4%, P < 0.001) and 44% (95% CI 36%-53%, I2 = 0, P < 0.001), respectively. The 2-year and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 91% (95% CI 86%-95%, I2 = 95%, P < 0.001) and 65% (95% CI 58%-73%, I2 = 91.5%, P < 0.001), respectively. The 2-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 73% (95% CI 66%-81%, I2 = 16.7%, P < 0.001) and 57% (95% CI 49%-66%, I2 = 0, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, the incidence of minor complications was 19% (95% CI 15%-23%, P < 0.01), major complications was 49% (95% CI 34%-63%, P < 0.01), and the intraoperative blood transfusion rate was 53% (95% CI 44%-61%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy represent feasible approaches for the treatment of Panurothelial carcinoma. Nonetheless, a comprehensive assessment of the surgical risks and benefits is imperative, and larger-scale prospective cohort studies are required to validate therapeutic efficacy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023426401.
Case report: Cardiac intimal sarcoma in a young child
Authors: Verbeek Sanne , Sciot Raf , Debiec-Rychter Maria , Labarque Veerle , Meyns Bart , Cools Bjorn
Published: September 2023

Undifferentiated mesenchymal tumors from the intimal layer (intimal sarcomas) are rare within the ventricles and exceptional in children. A rare case of an intimal sarcoma located in the right ventricle in a young child is presented with need for urgent surgical resection due to mechanical flow obstruction. Tumor cells showed amplification of MDM2 gene and a homozygous loss of CDKN2A on 9p21. A review of the literature regarding primary cardiac malignancies and intimal sarcoma in children is provided.
The role of novel programmed cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: from mechanisms to potential therapies
Authors: Xi Yujie , Gao Ling , Li Shaming , Sun Kai , Chen Peishen , Cai Zhen , Ren Wenhao , Zhi Keqian
Published: September 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common oral cancer with poor prognosis and for which no targeted therapeutic strategies are currently available. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that programmed cell death (PCD) is essential in the development of HNSCC as a second messenger. PCD can be categorized into numerous different subroutines: in addition to the two well-known types of apoptosis and autophagy, novel forms of programmed cell death (e.g., necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis) also serve as key alternatives in tumorigenesis. Cancer cells are not able to avoid all types of cell death simultaneously, since different cell death subroutines follow different regulatory pathways. Herein, we summarize the roles of novel programmed cell death in tumorigenesis and present our interpretations of the molecular mechanisms with a view to the development of further potential therapies.
Assessing disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients and drug-utilization patterns of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in the Tuscany region, Italy
Authors: Convertino Irma , Cazzato Massimiliano , Tillati Silvia , Giometto Sabrina , Gini Rosa , Valdiserra Giulia , Cappello Emiliano , Ferraro Sara , Bonaso Marco , Bartolini Claudia , Paoletti Olga , Lorenzoni Valentina , Trieste Leopoldo , Filippi Matteo , Turchetti Giuseppe , Cristofano Michele , Blandizzi Corrado , Mosca Marta , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Tuccori Marco
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The disease activity associated with the drug-utilization patterns of biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) is poorly investigated in real-world studies on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. To investigate the relationship between biologic DMARD initiation/discontinuations in RA patients identified in the healthcare administrative databases of Tuscany and the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) reported in the medical charts.

Methods: This retrospective population-based study included RA’s first-ever biologic DMARD users of the Pisa University Hospital from 2014 to 2016. Patients were followed up until 31 December 2019. We evaluated the DAS28 recorded before (T0) and after (T1) the biologic DMARD initiation and before (TD0) and after (TD1) discontinuations. Patients were classified as “off-target” (DAS28 > 3.2) or “in-target” (DAS28 ≤ 3.2). We described the disease activity trends at initiation and discontinuation.

Results: Ninety-five users were included (73 women, mean age 59.6). Among 70 patients (74%) with at least three DAS28 measures, 28 (40.0%) were off-target at T0 and 38 (54.3%) in-target at T1. Thirty-three (47%) patients had at least one discontinuation, among those with at least three DAS28 assessments. In the disease activity trend, disease stability or improvement was observed in 28 out of 37 (75.7%) patients at initiation and in 24 out of 37 (64.9%) at discontinuation.

Discussion: Biologic DMARD discontinuations identified in the healthcare administrative databasese of Tuscany are frequently observed in situations of controlled RA disease. Further studies are warranted to confirm that these events can be used in studies using healthcare administrative databases as proxies of treatment effectiveness.
A review of research progress on mechanisms of peritoneal fibrosis related to peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li Jin’e , Liu Yinghong , Liu Jianping
Published: September 2023

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective alternative treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and is increasingly being adopted and promoted worldwide. However, as the duration of peritoneal dialysis extends, it can expose problems with dialysis inadequacy and ultrafiltration failure. The exact mechanism and aetiology of ultrafiltration failure have been of great concern, with triggers such as biological incompatibility of peritoneal dialysis solutions, uraemia toxins, and recurrent intraperitoneal inflammation initiating multiple pathways that regulate the release of various cytokines, promote the transcription of fibrosis-related genes, and deposit extracellular matrix. As a result, peritoneal fibrosis occurs. Exploring the pathogenic factors and molecular mechanisms can help us prevent peritoneal fibrosis and prolong the duration of Peritoneal dialysis.
Marker-assisted enhancement of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) resistance in a salt-tolerant rice variety for sustaining rice production of tropical islands
Authors: Gautam Raj Kumar , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Sakthivel Krishnan , Venkatesan K. , Rao Shyam S. , Srikumar M. , Vijayan Joshitha , Rakesh B. , Ray Soham , Akhtar Jameel , Meena Bharat Raj , Langyan Sapna , Ali Sharik , Krishnamurthy S. L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is a major disease of rice, specially in the tropical regions of the world. Developing rice varieties with host resistance against the disease is the most effective and economical solution for managing the disease.

Methods

Pyramiding resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13,and Xa21) in popular rice varieties using marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB) has been demonstrated as a cost-effective and sustainable approach for establishing durable BB resistance. Here, we report our successful efforts in introgressing four resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13, and Xa21) from IRBB60 to CARI Dhan 5, a popular salt-tolerant variety developed from a somaclonal variant of Pokkali rice, through functional MABB.

Results and discussion

Both BB and coastal salinity are among the major challenges for rice production in tropical island and coastal ecosystems. Plants with four, three, and two gene pyramids were generated, which displayed high levels of resistance to the BB pathogen at the BC3F2 stage. Under controlled salinity microplot environments, the line 131-2-175-1223 identified with the presence of three gene pyramid (Xa21+xa13+xa5) displayed notable resistance across locations and years as well as exhibited a salinity tolerance comparable to the recurrent parent, CARI Dhan 5. Among two BB gene combinations (Xa21+xa13), two lines, 17-1-69-334 and 46-3-95-659, demonstrated resistance across locations and years, as well as salt tolerance and grain production comparable to CARI Dhan 5. Besides salinity tolerance, five lines, 17-1-69-179, 46-3-95-655, 131-2-190-1197, 131-2-175-1209, and 131-2-175-1239, exhibited complete resistance to BB disease. Following multilocation testing, potential lines have been identified that can serve as a prospective candidate for producing varieties for the tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands and other coastal locations, which are prone to BB and coastal salinity stresses.
Curiosity saved the cat: socio-emotional skills mediate the relationship between parental support and career exploration
Authors: Gamboa Vítor , Rodrigues Suzi , Bértolo Filipa , Marcelo Beatriz , Paixão Olímpio
Published: September 2023

According to career literature, greater parental support seems to be associated with higher levels of career exploration. This relationship may be mediated by self-regulatory processes, such as social–emotional skills, as curiosity. However, despite the large number of empirical studies that analyze the antecedents of career exploration, there are no references, to our knowledge, to the role of socio-emotional skills. Following this gap, the present study aims to examine the extent to which perceived parental support is associated with career exploration through the mediating effect of curiosity (socio-emotional skill), among a group of 8th and 9th grade students from public schools in southern Portugal (N = 540). An integrated model was conducted using AMOS 20.0 and the results revealed that curiosity is a partial mediator of the relationship between perceived parental support and career exploration. These results highlight the importance of considering socio-emotional skills (such as curiosity) when designing interventions to foster adaptive career behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed to open the opportunity to progressively extend the participation of proximal contexts (e.g., families) to career and socio-emotional skills development processes.
Exploring the mediating role of PsyCap in the relationship between orientation training and work engagement: the perspective of COR and SRT theories
Authors: Song Zibin , Zhang Houchen , Li Jie
Published: September 2023

In the domain of organizational socialization, a new research paradigm and trend concerns work engagement path way to studying newcomer assimilation through the lens of socialization resource theory (SRT). Drawing on theories of SRT and COR (conservation of resources), the present study develops and validates an integrative model, in which the effect of orientation training on work engagement involves the mediator of PsyCap and moderators of leader-member exchange (LMX) and education. SmartPLS 3.0 was used to analyze the data with 567 respondents with 5,000 bootstraps from 3- to 5-star hotels in Mainland China. The empirical results indicate that newcomers’ PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between orientation training and work engagement. They also suggest that education and LMX, respectively, moderate the effects of orientation training on PsyCap and work engagement. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are drawn in the context of organizational socialization and human resources development.
Asynchronous Deep Double Dueling Q-learning for trading-signal execution in limit order book markets
Authors: Nagy Peer , Calliess Jan-Peter , Zohren Stefan
Published: September 2023

We employ deep reinforcement learning (RL) to train an agent to successfully translate a high-frequency trading signal into a trading strategy that places individual limit orders. Based on the ABIDES limit order book simulator, we build a reinforcement learning OpenAI gym environment and utilize it to simulate a realistic trading environment for NASDAQ equities based on historic order book messages. To train a trading agent that learns to maximize its trading return in this environment, we use Deep Dueling Double Q-learning with the APEX (asynchronous prioritized experience replay) architecture. The agent observes the current limit order book state, its recent history, and a short-term directional forecast. To investigate the performance of RL for adaptive trading independently from a concrete forecasting algorithm, we study the performance of our approach utilizing synthetic alpha signals obtained by perturbing forward-looking returns with varying levels of noise. Here, we find that the RL agent learns an effective trading strategy for inventory management and order placing that outperforms a heuristic benchmark trading strategy having access to the same signal.
The outer dusty edge of accretion disks in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Landt Hermine
Published: September 2023

Recent models for the inner structure of active galactic nuclei (AGN) aim at connecting the outer region of the accretion disk with the broad-line region and dusty torus through a radiatively accelerated, dusty outflow. Such an outflow not only requires the outer disk to be dusty and thus predicts disk sizes beyond the self-gravity limit but requires the presence of nuclear dust with favorable properties. Here, we investigate a large sample of type 1 AGN by near-infrared (near-IR) cross-dispersed spectroscopy with the aim to constrain the astrochemistry, location, and geometry of the nuclear hot dust region. Assuming a thermal equilibrium for optically thin dust, we derive the luminosity-based dust radius for different grain properties using our measurement of the temperature. We combine our results with independent dust radius measurements from reverberation mapping and interferometry, and show that large dust grains that can provide the necessary opacity for the outflow are ubiquitous in AGN. Using our estimates of the dust covering factor, we investigate the dust geometry using the effects of the accretion disk anisotropy. A flared disk-like structure for the hot dust is favored. Finally, we discuss the implication of our results for the dust radius-luminosity plane.
PRESS survey: PREvention of surgical site infection—a global pan-specialty survey of practice protocol
Authors: Heinz J. , Walshaw J. , Kwan J. Y. , Long J. , Carradice D. , Totty J. , Kontouli K. M. , Lainas P. , Hitchman L. , Smith G. , Huo B. , Guadalajara H. , Garcia-Olmo D. , Sharma D. , Biyani C. S. , Tomlinson J. , Loubani M. , Galli R. , Lathan R. , Chetter I. , Yiasemidou M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Surgical site infections (SSI) complicate up to 40% of surgical procedures, leading to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Previous research identified disparities in SSI prevention guidelines and clinical practices across different institutions. The study aims to identify variations in SSI prevention practices within and between specialties and financial systems and provide a representation of existing SSI preventative measures to help improve the standardization of SSI prevention practices.

Methods

This collaborative cross-sectional survey will be aimed at pan-surgical specialties internationally. The study has been designed and will be reported in line with the CROSS and CHERRIES standards. An international study steering committee will design and internally validate the survey in multiple consensus-based rounds. This will be based on SSI prevention measures outlined in the CDC (2017), WHO (2018), NICE (2019), Wounds UK (2020) and the International Surgical Wound Complications Advisory Panel (ISWCAP) guidelines. The questionnaire will include demographics, SSI surveillance, preoperative, peri-operative and postoperative SSI prevention. Data will be collected on participants' surgical specialty, operative grade, of practice and financial healthcare system of practice. The online survey will be designed and disseminated using QualtricsXM Platform™ through national and international surgical colleges and societies, in addition to social media and snowballing. Data collection will be open for 3 months with reminders, and raking will be used to ascertain the sample. Responses will be analyzed, and the chi-square test used to evaluate the impact of SSI prevention variables on responses.

Discussion

Current SSI prevention practice in UK Vascular surgery varies considerably, with little consensus on many measures. Given the inconsistency in guidelines on how to prevent SSIs, there is a need for standardization. This survey will investigate the disparity in SSI preventative measures between different surgical fields and countries.
Effects of Fertilization Types and Base Saturation on the Growth and Water Productivity in Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri
Authors: de Oliveira Niclene Ponce Rodrigues , Bonfim-Silva Edna Maria , da Silva Tonny José Araújo , da Silva Patrícia Ferreira , da Silva Rocha Rosana Andréia , Meneghetti Luana Aparecida Menegaz , Custódio Alisson Silva Costa , Guimarães Salomão Lima , Duarte Thiago Franco , Koetz Marcio
Published: September 2023

Fertilization management is essential for forage production. However, excessive use of synthetic fertilizers causes environmental imbalances. An alternative to reduce these effects is to seek alternative fertilizers, such as wood ash produced from agro-industrial waste, when integrated with appropriate base saturation management. This study aims to compare the effects of fertilization with wood ash (WA), organomineral (OM), and mineral (M) fertilizers associated with different levels of base saturation on the growth and water productivity of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a randomized block design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of three types of fertilization (WA, OM and M) and three levels of base saturation (0, 25%, and 50%). Leaf area, chlorophyll index, shoot dry mass and root dry mass, water consumption, and water productivity of Zuri grass were evaluated. The results showed significant increases in leaf area, with values of up to 4564.5 cm2.pot−1 and a chlorophyll index of up to 36.2 units. In addition, the dry mass of the aerial part reached up to 46.7 g.pot−1, and the dry mass of the roots reached 21.7 g.pot−1 with the use of OM fertilizers. These values represent an increase of between 43.1% and 69.6% compared to the values of conventional fertilizers. In addition, water productivity reached 4.9 g.L−1 with WA-based fertilizers, an increase of around 39% compared to the values of mineral fertilizers.