bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-Length Transcriptome Characterization and Functional Analysis of Pathogenesis-Related Proteins in Lilium Oriental Hybrid ‘Sorbonne’ Infected with Botrytis elliptica
Authors: Du Wenting , Chai Nan , Sun Zhengqiong , Wang Huiru , Liu Sixian , Sui Shunzhao , Luo Lan , Liu Daofeng
Published: December 2022

Gray mold (Botrytis elliptica) causes a deleterious fungal disease that decreases the ornamental value and yield of lilies. Lilium oriental hybrid ‘Sorbonne’ is a variety that is resistant to gray mold. Understanding the mechanism of resistance against B. elliptica infection in ‘Sorbonne’ can provide a basis for the genetic improvement in lily plants. In this study, a PacBio Sequel II system was used to sequence the full-length transcriptome of Lilium ‘Sorbonne’ after inoculation with B. elliptica. A total of 46.64 Gb subreads and 19,102 isoforms with an average length of 1598 bp were obtained. A prediction analysis revealed 263 lncRNAs, and 805 transcription factors, 4478 simple sequence repeats, and 17,752 coding sequences were identified. Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR), which may play important roles in resistance against B. elliptica infection, were identified based on the full-length transcriptome data and previously obtained second-generation transcriptome data. Nine non-redundant potential LhSorPR proteins were identified and assigned to two groups that were composed of two LhSorPR4 and seven LhSorPR10 proteins based on their genetic relatedness. The real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the patterns of expression of nine differentially expressed PR genes under B. elliptica stress were basically consistent with the results of transcriptome sequencing. The pattern of expression of LhSorPR4s and LhSorPR10s genes in different tissues was analyzed, and the expression of each gene varied. Furthermore, we verified the function of LhSorPR4-2 gene in Lilium. The expression of LhSorPR4-2 was induced by phytohormones such as methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and ethephon. Moreover, the promoter region of LhSorPR4-2 was characterized by several functional domains associated with phytohormones and stress response. The overexpression of LhSorPR4-2 gene in ‘Sorbonne’ increased the resistance of the lily plant to B. elliptica and correlated with high chitinase activity. This study provides a full-length transcript database and functionally analyzed the resistance of PR gene to B. elliptica in Lilium, thereby introducing the candidate gene LhSorPR4-2 to breed resistance in Lilium.
LaDAL1 Coordinates Age and Environmental Signals in the Life Cycle of Larix kaempferi
Authors: Li Xiang-Yi , Ye Zha-Long , Cheng Dong-Xia , Zang Qiao-Lu , Qi Li-Wang , Li Wan-Feng
Published: December 2022

Perennial woody plants are long-lived, and their life-cycle events occur in order in each generation, but what drives the occurrence and restart of these events in their offspring is unknown. Based on its age-dependent expression pattern and function, Larix kaempferi DEFICIENS-AGAMOUS-LIKE 1 (LaDAL1), a MADS transcription factor has been suggested to be a time recorder and life-cycle event coordinator. Here, we studied the dynamic spatiotemporal expression pattern of LaDAL1 in the life cycle of L. kaempferi to analyze the molecular mechanism of life-cycle progression. In full view of the life cycle, LaDAL1 transcription was related with life-cycle progression, and its transcript level increased sharply from age 3 to 5 years, which might be the molecular characteristic of the vegetative phase change, and then stayed at a high level. During sexual reproduction, LaDAL1 transcript level decreased sequentially during meiosis and embryogenesis, suggesting that meiosis rapidly lowers the age signal, and after fertilization, the age signal was reset to “0” with the embryogenesis. When a seed germinates, the next generation restarts, and the age is re-counted. Altogether, these results not only provide important and novel insights into the life-cycle progression and transgeneration in perennial woody plants, but also advance our understanding of age recording.
Mapping miRNA Research in Schizophrenia: A Scientometric Review
Authors: Lim Mengyu , Carollo Alessandro , Neoh Michelle Jin Yee , Esposito Gianluca
Published: December 2022

Micro RNA (miRNA) research has great implications in uncovering the aetiology of neuropsychiatric conditions due to the role of miRNA in brain development and function. Schizophrenia, a complex yet devastating neuropsychiatric disorder, is one such condition that had been extensively studied in the realm of miRNA. Although a relatively new field of research, this area of study has progressed sufficiently to warrant dozens of reviews summarising findings from past to present. However, as a majority of reviews cannot encapsulate the full body of research, there is still a need to synthesise the diversity of publications made in this area in a systematic but easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, this study adopted bibliometrics and scientometrics, specifically document co-citation analysis (DCA), to review the literature on miRNAs in the context of schizophrenia over the course of history. From a literature search on Scopus, 992 papers were found and analysed with CiteSpace. DCA analysis generated a network of 13 major clusters with different thematic focuses within the subject area. Finally, these clusters are qualitatively discussed. miRNA research has branched into schizophrenia, among other medical and psychiatric conditions, due to previous findings in other forms of non-coding RNA. With the rise of big data, bioinformatics analyses are increasingly common in this field of research. The future of research is projected to rely more heavily on interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, it can be expected that there will be more translational studies focusing on the application of these findings to the development of effective treatments.
Using Precision Agriculture (PA) Approach to Select Suitable Final Disposal Sites for Energy Generation
Authors: Seminar Kudang Boro , Nelwan Leopold Oscar , Budiastra I Wayan , Sutawijaya Arya , Wijayanto Arif Kurnia , Imantho Harry , Nanda Muhammad Achirul , Ahamed Tofael
Published: December 2022

Severe environmental pollution and disease exposure are caused by poor waste management, specifically in urban areas due to urbanization. Additionally, energy shortage has threatened almost all parts of human life in the world. To overcome this problem, a precision agriculture approach using spatial mapping based on social environmental factors and sustainability principles can be used to find the variability of sites with respect to their suitability for waste disposal and energy generation. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a system for selecting suitable areas for municipal waste disposal and energy generation based on several structured criteria as hierarchical weighted factors. The system prototype was developed and tested in a case study conducted in an Indonesian Megapolitan area. The suitability map produced by the system for waste disposal and energy generation had an accuracy of 84.3%. Furthermore, validation was carried out by ground-checking at 102 location points. A future application of the proposed system is to provide spatial data-based analysis to improve regional planning and policy-making for waste disposal and energy generation in certain areas, particularly in Indonesia.
The Use of Random Forest Regression for Estimating Leaf Nitrogen Content of Oil Palm Based on Sentinel 1-A Imagery
Authors: Munir Sirojul , Seminar Kudang Boro , Sudradjat  , Sukoco Heru , Buono Agus
Published: December 2022

For obtaining a spatial map of the distribution of nitrogen nutrients from oil palm plantations, a quite complex Leaf Sampling Unit (LSU) is required. In addition, sample analysis in the laboratory is time consuming and quite expensive, especially for large plantation areas. Monitoring the nutrition of oil palm plants can be achieved using remote-sensing technology. The main obstacles of using passive sensors in multispectral imagery are cloud cover and shadow noise. This research used C-SAR Sentinel equipped with active sensors that can overcome cloud barriers. A model to estimate leaf nitrogen nutrient status was constructed using random forest regression (RFR) based on multiple polarization (VV-VH) and local incidence angle (LIA) data on Sentinel-1A imagery. A sample of 1116 LSU data from different islands (i.e., Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan) was used to develop the proposed estimation model. The performance evaluation of the model obtained the averaged MAPE, correctness, and MSE of 9.68%, 90.32% and 11.03%, respectively. Spatial maps of the distribution of nitrogen values in certain oil palm areas can be produced and visualized on the web so that they can be accessed easily and quickly for various purposes of oil palm management such as fertilization planning, recommendations, and monitoring.
Cu2Zn(Sn1−xSix)Se4: Structural Characterization, Vibrational and Physical Properties of CZTSe-Derivatives
Authors: Valencia-Gálvez Paulina , Barahona Patricia , Galdámez Antonio , Moris Silvana
Published: December 2022

Herein, we report the structural characterization and vibrational and physical properties of Cu2ZnSn1−xSixSe4 solid solutions synthesized using the ceramic method. X-ray diffraction analysis and Rietveld analysis of the samples indicated that by increasing the x value from 0 to 0.8, the volume of the unit cell decreased because the ionic radius of silicon is smaller than that of tin. Simultaneously, a phase transition between stannite and wurtz-stannite was observed. The Raman peaks were analyzed by fitting the spectra to identify the vibrational modes by comparison with the experimental data from Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Cu2ZnSiSe4. The spectra of Cu2Zn(Sn1−xSix)Se4 (x = 0.2 and 0.3) show two dominant peaks at approximately 172 and 195 cm−1, which are assigned to the A1 mode of the stannite structure. The optical band gaps for Cu2Zn(Sn0.8Si0.2)Se4 and Cu2Zn(Sn0.2Si0.8)Se4 were 1.30 and 1.74 eV, respectively. These values were intermediate to those of the end members. Electrical properties of Cu2Zn(Sn0.8Si0.2)Se4 revealed p-type conductivity behavior with a carrier concentration of approximately ~+3.50 × 10−19 cm−3 and electrical mobility of 2.64 cm2/V·s.
Fe,Mg-Codoped Bismuth Tantalate Pyrochlores: Crystal Structure, Thermal Stability, Optical and Electrical Properties, XPS, NEXAFS, ESR, and 57Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Zhuk N. A. , Krzhizhanovskaya M. G. , Koroleva A. V. , Semenov V. G. , Selyutin A. A. , Lebedev A. M. , Nekipelov S. V. , Sivkov D. V. , Kharton V. V. , Lutoev V. P. , Makeev B. A.
Published: December 2022

The effect of Fe and Mg-codoping on the crystal structure, optical and dielectric properties of bismuth tantalate-based pyrochlores has been studied. Samples of Bi2MgxFe1−xTa2O9.5−Δ (x ≤ 0.7) are characterized by a porous dendrite-like microstructure. Fe,Mg-codoped bismuth tantalate pyrochlores are thermally stable up to a temperature of 1140 °C (x = 1). The Bi2Mg0.5Fe0.5Ta2O9.5−Δ thermal expansion coefficient increases uniformly and weakly from 3.6 to 9.3 × 10−6 °C−1 (30–1050 °C). The unit cell parameter of solid solutions increases uniformly from 10.5009(1) Å (x = 0.3) up to 10.5225(7) Å (x = 0.7). The structural parameters of disordered pyrochlore are determined by the Rietveld method (sp. gr. Fd3¯m:2 (227), Z = 8). According to near edge X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, ions in solid solutions are in the charge states Bi (+3), Mg (+2), Fe (+3), Ta (+5-δ). The Mössbauer spectrum is represented by a symmetric doublet with parameters IS = 0.365 ± 0.0020 mm/s, QS = 0.604 ± 0.034 mm/s, related to Fe3+ ions in regular axial octahedral positions. The samples exhibit the properties of dielectrics. The permittivity and the tangent of dielectric losses at 20 °C increases with the growth of iron content in the samples in the range of 28.5–30.5 and 0.001 (1 MHz). The width of the band gap of the obtained materials for direct allowed electronic transitions is in the range of 2.16(5)–2.41(5) eV. The studied samples satisfy the condition of efficient conversion of solar energy into an electrical one and are promising as catalysts and light-absorbing elements for solar panels.
Association of Keplerate-Type Polyoxometalate {Mo72Fe30} with Tetracycline: Nature of Binding Sites and Antimicrobial Action
Authors: Grzhegorzhevskii Kirill , Tonkushina Margarita , Gushchin Pavel , Gagarin Ilya , Ermoshin Alexander , Belova Kseniya , Prokofyeva Anna , Ostroushko Alexander , Novikov Alexander
Published: December 2022

The association process between the tetracycline (TC) antibiotic molecule and Keplerate-type nanocluster polyoxometalate (POM) {Mo72Fe30} was studied in aqueous solution. The novel supramolecular ensemble {Mo72Fe30}@TC12.5 was produced, its composition and structure were revealed by means of elemental analysis (C, N, H) and vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman). Based on the spectral data, the POM structure’s integrity was confirmed and binding sites of TC with the Keplerate {Mo72Fe30} surface were found. Due to thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and in-situ Raman spectroscopy during the process of {Mo72Fe30}@TC12.5 thermal destruction, we showed a significant change in the phase composition of POM’s destruction products after association with TC. The antibacterial activity of the obtained complex {Mo72Fe30}@TC12.5 was examined. The experimental results allowed us to note the partial inhibition of TC’s antibacterial activity owing to the coordination of TC to FeIII centers, in turn, which hinders the participation of TC in coordination via Mg2+ of ribosomal subunits 30S in bacteria.
Synthesis and Structural Comparisons of NHC-Alanes
Authors: Murphy Fáinché , Kennedy Alan R. , Weetman Catherine E.
Published: December 2022

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are widely used in organometallic chemistry. Here, we examine the role of NHCs in the stabilisation of aluminium hydrides, AlH3, also known as alanes. This includes an assessment of the various synthetic strategies, comparisons of structural parameters and theoretical insight. Based on percent buried volume (%Vbur) parameters, we report the largest and smallest NHC alanes to date, with noted differences in their observed stability in both the solution and solid state.
Leaf UV-B Irradiation and Mycorrhizal Symbionts Affect Lettuce VOC Emissions and Defence Mechanisms, but Not Aphid Feeding Preferences
Authors: Zeni Valeria , Grassi Arianna , Santin Marco , Ricciardi Renato , Pieracci Ylenia , Flamini Guido , Di Giovanni Filippo , Marmugi Margherita , Agnolucci Monica , Avio Luciano , Turrini Alessandra , Giovannetti Manuela , Castiglione Monica Ruffini , Ranieri Annamaria , Canale Angelo , Lucchi Andrea , Agathokleous Evgenios , Benelli Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) play important roles in plant–insect interactions by altering plant physiology and histology. We hypothesized that UV-B-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by AMF symbiosis. In this study, we conducted a multifactorial experiment to explore lettuce plant response to AMF inoculation and UV-B exposure (0.4 W m−2; 16 h d−1; 2 weeks), either together or individually, as well as the interaction with the polyphagous insect pest Myzus persicae (Sulzer). Lettuce plants subjected to UV-B radiation showed an increase in callose and oxidative stress indicators, as well as a decrease in stomatal density. Mycorrhizal colonization cancelled out the effect of UV-B on stomatal density, while the symbiosis was not affected by UV-B treatment. The plant volatile emission was significantly altered by UV-B treatment. Specifically, the non-terpene 1-undecene abundance (+M/+UVB: 48.0 ± 7.78%; −M/+UVB: 56.6 ± 14.90%) was increased, whereas the content of the non-terpene aldehydes decanal (+M/+UVB: 8.50 ± 3.90%; −M/+UVB: 8.0 ± 4.87%) and undecanal (+M/+UVB: 2.1 ± 0.65%; −M/+UVB: 1.20 ± 1.18%) and the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (+M/+UVB: 18.0 ± 9.62 %; −M/+UVB: 19.2 ± 5.90%) was decreased. Mycorrhization, on the other hand, had no significant effect on the plant volatilome, regardless of UV-B treatment. Aphid population was unaffected by any of the treatments, implying a neutral plant response. Overall, this study provides new insights about the interactions among plants, UV-B, and AMF, outlining their limited impact on a polyphagous insect pest.
UHPLC-MS/MS Analysis of the Accumulation and Excretion of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids Consumed by Potato Tuber Moth (Phthorimaea operculella) Larvae under Different Feeding Treatments
Authors: Li Yajin , Wang Qiong , Xu Xiaoyu , Guo Huachun
Published: December 2022

Food poisoning caused by potato glycoside alkaloids (SGA) remains a critical factor that affects potato production safety. The potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) is a notorious pest that displays good adaptability to SGA in potato tissues. Studies that explore the mechanisms underlying SGA homeostasis in potato tuber moth larvae are urgently needed. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was applied to detect the dominant SGA substances α-solanine and α-chaconine in potato leaves and PTM larval tissues. From the highest to lowest SGA concentrations, the potato cultivars studied were ranked as follows: DS47, LS6, DS23 and QS9. To exclude the influence of nutrients within different potato varieties, different SGA containing (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%) the artificial diet treatment groups were added. DS47 and 0.3% SGA-containing artificial diets presented the best conditions for PTM growth, development and reproduction compared to other potato cultivars and artificial diet controls. The potato tuber moth larva tissues were dissected and the SGA content within different tissues were detected using an UHPLC machine. The results showed that α-chaconine was dispersed in the feces, midgut, hindgut, head and cuticle, and α-solanine was distributed only in the feces and midgut. Antibiotic-treated insects exhibited higher concentrations of SGA than the normal microbiome group. Furthermore, the SGA concentrations of 100 newly-hatched PTM larvae and puparia were detected, with both of them found to contain small amounts of SGA. The results showed that ecdysis and the excretion process were effective approaches used by the potato tuber moth to equilibrate internal SGA accumulation. The microorganism-decreased SGA concentrations were excited in their gut. SGA may transfer from adults to the next generation, and SGAs in PTM are inheritable. In this study, we demonstrated that the potato tuber moth possessed an effective method to preliminarily decrease high SGA accumulation in potato.
The Efficacy of Biological Control for the Suppression of the Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon Pisum): Does the Resistance of Alfalfa Cultivars Matter?
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wu Qiong , Mu Jianing , Chao Zunqi , He Qi , Gao Ting , Wang Chuan , McNeill Mark R. , Lu Zhaozhi
Published: December 2022

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, is a major pest of alfalfa in northwestern China. However, the roles of different groups of natural enemies in combination with aphid-resistant cultivars in the suppression of the pea aphid have not been clarified under field conditions. In this study, we used experimental cages to better understand the top-down (natural enemies) and bottom-up (nine alfalfa cultivars) biological processes, as well as the individual roles of the two processes, in the control of the pea aphid. There was a significant difference in resistance among cultivar classes revealed when natural enemies were excluded. The functional contribution of top-down suppression was higher than the bottom-up process, with natural enemies significantly suppressing aphid populations, regardless of the resistance level of different alfalfa cultivars. The mean biological efficacies of predators, parasitoids, and mixed populations of natural enemies were 85%, 42%, and 88%, respectively. Overall, our study indicated that natural enemies play a critical role in suppressing aphid populations, especially in the summer, whereas cultivar resistance did not combine effectively with natural enemies to inhibit the growth of aphids. Conservation biological control (CBC) can be implemented in the alfalfa production regions in northwestern China to reduce the overreliance on insecticides for the control of pests and mitigate their harmful effects on humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
COPD Exacerbation-Related Pathogens and Previous COPD Treatment
Authors: Sim Yun Su , Lee Jin Hwa , Lee Eung Gu , Choi Joon Young , Lee Chang-Hoon , An Tai Joon , Park Yeonhee , Yoon Young Soon , Park Joo Hun , Yoo Kwang Ha
Published: December 2022

We evaluated whether the pathogens identified during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) are associated with the COPD medications used in the 6 months before AE-COPD. We collected the medical records of patients diagnosed with AE-COPD at 28 hospitals between January 2008 and December 2019 and retrospectively analyzed them. Microorganisms identified at the time of AE-COPD were analyzed according to the use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and systemic steroid after adjusting for COPD severity. We evaluated 1177 patients with AE-COPD and available medication history. The mean age of the patients was 73.9 ± 9.2 years, and 83% were males. The most frequently identified bacteria during AE-COPD were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (9.4%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (5.1%), whereas the most commonly identified viruses were rhinovirus (11%) and influenza A (11%). During AE-COPD, bacteria were more frequently identified in the ICS than non-ICS group (p = 0.009), and in the systemic steroid than non-systemic steroid group (p < 0.001). In patients who used systemic steroids before AE-COPD, the risk of detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly higher during AE-COPD (OR 1.619, CI 1.007–2.603, p = 0.047), but ICS use did not increase the risk of Pseudomonas detection. The risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) detection was low when ICS was used (OR 0.492, CI 0.244–0.988, p = 0.045). COPD patients who used ICS had a lower rate of RSV infection and similar rate of P. aeruginosa infection during AE-COPD compared to patients who did not use ICS. However, COPD patients who used systemic steroids within 6 months before AE-COPD had an increased risk of P. aeruginosa infection. Therefore, anti-pseudomonal antibiotics should be considered in patients with AE-COPD who have used systemic steroids.
Mobocertinib (TAK-788) in EGFR Exon 20 Insertion+ Metastatic NSCLC: Patient-Reported Outcomes from EXCLAIM Extension Cohort
Authors: Garcia Campelo Maria , Zhou Caicun , Ramalingam Suresh , Lin Huamao , Kim Tae , Riely Gregory , Mekhail Tarek , Nguyen Danny , Goodman Erin , Mehta Minal , Popat Sanjay , Jänne Pasi
Published: December 2022

Mobocertinib, an oral, first-in-class epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor selective for EGFR exon 20 insertions (ex20ins), achieved durable responses in adults with previously treated EGFR ex20ins+ metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in the EXCLAIM extension cohort of a phase 1/2 study (N = 96; NCT02716116). We assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with mobocertinib 160 mg once daily (28-day cycles) in EXCLAIM (N = 90) with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) v3.0, lung cancer module (QLQ-LC13), EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, and selected PRO Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) questionnaire. Median treatment duration was 6.8 (range, 0.0–18.8) months (median follow-up: 13.0 [0.7–18.8] months; data cutoff: 1 November 2020). Clinically meaningful improvements in lung cancer symptoms measured by EORTC QLQ-LC13 were observed for dyspnea (54.4% of patients), cough (46.7%), and chest pain (38.9%), evident at cycle 2 and throughout treatment (least-squares mean [LSM] changes from baseline: dyspnea, −3.2 [p = 0.019]; cough, −9.3 [p < 0.001]; chest pain, −8.2 [p < 0.001]). EORTC QLQ-C30 results indicated no statistically significant changes in global health status/quality of life (LSM change from baseline: −1.8 [p = 0.235]). On symptom scores, significant worsening from baseline was observed for diarrhea (LSM change from baseline: +34.1; p < 0.001) and appetite loss (+6.6; p = 0.004), while improvements were observed for dyspnea (LSM change from baseline: −5.1 [p = 0.002]), insomnia (−6.5 [p = 0.001]), and constipation (−5.7 [p < 0.001]). EQ-5D-5L health status was maintained. Common PRO-CTCAE symptoms were diarrhea, dry skin, rash, and decreased appetite (mostly low grade); in the first 24 weeks of treatment, 64.4% of patients had worsening diarrhea frequency and 67.8% had worsening dry skin severity. Overall, PROs with mobocertinib showed clinically meaningful improvement in lung cancer–related symptoms, with health-related quality of life maintained despite changes in some adverse event symptom scales.
Skincare in Rosacea from the Cosmetologist’s Perspective: A Narrative Review
Authors: Nowicka Danuta , Chilicka Karolina , Dzieńdziora-Urbińska Iwona , Szyguła Renata
Published: December 2022

Rosacea is a common skin disease that affects about 5% of the general population. Its symptoms include telangiectasia, persistent erythema, burning/stinging sensation, dry skin sensation, and pruritus. It is characterized by a chronic course with frequent exacerbation. It often coexists with anxiety and depression, reducing the quality of life of affected patients. The etiopathogenesis of rosacea is complex and not fully elucidated; hence, there is no causative effective treatment. In this review, we highlight the role of a cosmetologist in the treatment of rosacea and the maintenance of remission. As part of medical treatment, patients are advised to introduce lifestyle changes and use proper skin care; a cosmetologist can help educate patients affected with rosacea, create effective home care programs for skin care, and support them with treatments in beauty salons. Proper skin care is essential, including the use of dermocosmetics, cleansing of the skin, and frequent visits to beauty salons for tailored apparatus procedures. A cosmetologist is more accessible to patients and can help implement healthy daily habits, including skin care and eating habits, as well as support and mediate good communication between the patient and the patient’s treating physician, thereby improving compliance and ensuring long-term satisfactory outcomes.
Evaluation of (R)-[11C]PK11195 PET/MRI for Spinal Cord-Related Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Cervical Spinal Disorders
Authors: Kitade Makoto , Nakajima Hideaki , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Noriki Sakon , Mori Tetsuya , Kiyono Yasushi , Okazawa Hidehiko , Matsumine Akihiko
Published: December 2022

Activated microglia are involved in secondary injury after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and in development of spinal cord-related neuropathic pain (NeP). The aim of the study was to assess expression of translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) as an indicator of microglial activation and to investigate visualization of the dynamics of activated microglia in the injured spinal cord using PET imaging with (R)-[11C]PK11195, a specific ligand for TSPO. In SCI chimeric animal models, TSPO was expressed mainly in activated microglia. Accumulation of (R)-[3H]PK11195 was confirmed in autoradiography and its dynamics in the injured spinal cord were visualized by (R)-[11C]PK11195 PET imaging in the acute phase after SCI. In clinical application of (R)-[11C]PK11195 PET/MRI of the cervical spinal cord in patients with NeP related to cervical disorders, uptake was found in cases up to 10 months after injury or surgery. No uptake could be visualized in the injured spinal cord in patients with chronic NeP at more than 1 year after injury or surgery, regardless of the degree of NeP. However, a positive correlation was found between standardized uptake value ratio and the severity of NeP, suggesting the potential of clinical application for objective evaluation of chronic NeP.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Females with Stage 1 Hypertension and Elevated Blood Pressure Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Authors: Chen Shaomin , Wang Yang , Wang Yongqing , Wei Yuan , Li Yanguang , Li Zhaoping , Li Rong
Published: December 2022

Objective: To determine whether stage 1 hypertension and elevated blood pressure (BP), as defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines, prior to pregnancy contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes in females who conceived by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF–ET). Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 2239 females who conceived by IVF–ET and delivered live neonates. BPs recorded before IVF–ET were collected. Elevated BP was defined as at least two systolic BPs of 120 to 129 mmHg. Stage 1 hypertension was defined as at least two systolic BPs of 130 to 139 mmHg or diastolic BPs of 80 to 89 mmHg. Results: Among the females included in this study, 18.5% (415/2239) had elevated BP and 10.0% (223/2239) had stage 1 hypertension. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that females with stage 1 hypertension had higher risks of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–2.35] and preeclampsia (aOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.02–2.26) than normotensive females. However, the risks of HDP (aOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.64–1.21) and preeclampsia (aOR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.57–1.20) in females with elevated BP were not significantly different from those in normotensive females. The females were then categorized into five groups by systolic and diastolic BP; females with systolic BP of 130 to 139 mmHg or diastolic BP of 85 to 89 mmHg had significantly increased risks of HDP and preeclampsia. Conclusion: Stage 1 hypertension before IVF–ET was an independent risk factor for HDP and preeclampsia.
Are Cervical Length and Fibronectin Predictors of Preterm Birth after Fetal Spina Bifida Repair? A Single Center Cohort Study
Authors: Vonzun Ladina , Rüegg Ladina , Zepf Julia , Moehrlen Ueli , Meuli Martin , Ochsenbein-Kölble Nicole
Published: December 2022

Background: A remaining risk of fetal spina bifida (fSB) repair is preterm delivery. This study assessed the value of preoperative cervical length (CL), CL dynamics (∆CL) and fetal fibronectin (fFN) tests to predict obstetric complications and length of stay (LOS) around fSB repair. Methods: 134 patients were included in this study. All patients had CL measurement and fFN testing before fSB repair. ∆CL within the first 14 days after intervention and until discharge after fSB repair were compared in groups (∆CL ≥ 10 mm/<10 mm; ≥20 mm/<20 mm). CL before surgery, ∆CL’s, and positive fFN tests were correlated to obstetric complications and LOS. Results: Mean CL before surgery was 41 ± 7 mm. Mean GA at birth was 35.4 ± 2.2 weeks. In the group of ∆CL ≥ 10 mm within the first 14 days after intervention, LOS was significantly longer (p = 0.02). ∆CL ≥ 10 mm until discharge after fSB was associated with a significantly higher rate of GA at birth <34 weeks (p = 0.03). The 3 positive fFN tests before fSB repair showed no correlation with GA at birth. Conclusion: Perioperative ∆CL influences LOS after fetal surgery. ∆CL ≥ 10 mm until discharge after fSB repair has a 3-times higher rate of preterm delivery before 34 weeks. Preoperative fFN testing showed no predictive value for preterm birth after fSB repair and was stopped.
Broken Heart Syndrome: Evolving Molecular Mechanisms and Principles of Management
Authors: Sethi Yashendra , Murli Hamsa , Kaiwan Oroshay , Vora Vidhi , Agarwal Pratik , Chopra Hitesh , Padda Inderbir , Kanithi Manasa , Popoviciu Mihaela , Cavalu Simona
Published: December 2022

Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Syndrome (TS), is sudden and transient dysfunction of the left and/or right ventricle which often mimics Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Japan was the first country to describe this syndrome in the 1990s, and since then it has received a lot of attention from researchers all around the world. Although TS was once thought to be a harmless condition, recent evidence suggests that it may be linked to serious complications and mortality on par with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The understanding of TS has evolved over the past few years. However, its exact etiology is still poorly understood. It can be classified into two main types: Primary and Secondary TS. Primary TS occurs when the symptoms of myocardial damage, which is typically preceded by emotional stress, are the reason for hospitalization. Secondary TS is seen in patients hospitalized for some other medical, surgical, obstetric, anesthetic, or psychiatric conditions, and the dysfunction develops as a secondary complication due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of catecholamines. The etiopathogenesis is now proposed to include adrenergic hormones/stress, decreased estrogen levels, altered microcirculation, endothelial dysfunction, altered inflammatory response via cardiac macrophages, and disturbances in the brain-heart axis. The role of genetics in disease progression is becoming the focus of several upcoming studies. This review focuses on potential pathophysiological mechanisms for reversible myocardial dysfunction observed in TS, and comprehensively describes its epidemiology, clinical presentation, novel diagnostic biomarkers, and evolving principles of management. We advocate for more research into molecular mechanisms and promote the application of current evidence for precise individualized treatment.
Treatment with Cenobamate in Adult Patients with Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Falcicchio Giovanni , Lattanzi Simona , Negri Francesco , de Tommaso Marina , La Neve Angela , Specchio Nicola
Published: December 2022

Background. Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) in which drug resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is common. Focal-onset seizures (FOS) are among the seizure types characterizing LGS. Cenobamate (CNB) is a new AED indicated for the treatment of FOS and it has shown promising results in terms of seizure frequency reduction in both clinical trials and real-world experience. To date, the use of CNB in patients with DEEs is limited to Dravet syndrome. Methods: This was a retrospective study aimed to determine the 12-month effectiveness and tolerability of CNB in patients with LGS following real-world practice. Results: Four patients with LGS receiving CNB treatment were identified. At 12 months from starting CNB, the reduction in baseline seizure frequency ranged from 25 to 74%, with two patients achieving ≥50% seizure reduction. CNB was generally well tolerated and adjustments in doses of concomitant AEDs were required. Conclusions: CNB may represent a promising therapeutic option in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy associated with LGS. Further research is needed to confirm this preliminary evidence.
Myasthenia Gravis Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Emerging Neurotoxicity in Neuro-Oncology Practice: Case Series
Authors: Marco Carla , Simó Marta , Alemany Montse , Casasnovas Carlos , Domínguez Raúl , Vilariño Noelia , Calvo Mariona , Martín-Liberal Juan , Brenes Jesús , Sabater-Riera Joan , Bruna Jordi , Velasco Roser
Published: December 2022

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been reported to induce de novo or exacerbate pre-existing Myasthenia Gravis (MG). We present a single center case series of patients who developed an immune-related myasthenia gravis (irMG) related with ICIs. We performed a retrospective chart review of the electronic medical records between 1 September 2017 and 2022. We report the clinical features, presentation forms, diagnostic workflows, general management and outcomes of six patients who received ICIs for different solid organ malignancies and developed an irMG frequently overlapping with immune-related myocarditis and/or myositis. The aim of the article is to describe the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of this challenging and potentially life-threating syndrome, comparing our data with those described in the literature. Differences between irMG and classic MG are highlighted.
Construct Validity and Test–Retest Reliability of a Free Mobile Application to Evaluate Aerobic Capacity and Endurance in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Patients—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto , Jiménez-Antona Carmen , Melián-Ortiz Alberto , Molero-Sánchez Alberto , Gil-de Miguel Ángel , Lizcano-Álvarez Ángel , Hernández-Barrera Valentín , Varillas-Delgado David , Laguarta-Val Sofía
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Disability associated with the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome is one of its main features and can have a considerable impact on care and rehabilitation units. This, linked to a decreased aerobic capacity and endurance in post-COVID-19 syndrome patients, increases interest in studying the potential of mobile applications to assess performance capacity. The purpose of this research was to study how a free mobile application assesses aerobic capacity and endurance and its relationship with aerobic capacity, test-retest reliability, and endurance evaluated by a conventional test, along with fatigue and health-related quality of life. Methods: An observational study was conducted. RUNZI®, a free mobile application, was used by mounting a Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone using a strap on the right forearm while all participants simultaneously performed a 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Construct validity between the 6MWT and the total distance performed evaluated by RUNZI® was explored. Additionally, evaluation scales to assess fatigue (MFIS) and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were used to analyze the construct validity of RUNZI®. For test–retest reliability of the app, the same instructions about the 6MWT and procedure with the app were given to all participants at two different time periods. Results: A total of 16 post-COVID-19 syndrome patients (15 females and 1 male) completed the procedure. Distance measured with the RUNZI® showed an excellent correlation with the 6MWT assessed conventionally (p < 0.0001; r = 0.851). No statistical correlations were found between the distance assessed by the RUNZI® app with MFIS and the SF-36. Test–retest reliability was found to be close to statistical significance (p = 0.058) for distance (m) measured by RUNZI® with an ICC of 0.482. Conclusions: Instrumental 6MWT assessed by the RUNZI® app for the Android® operating system showed an excellent correlation with conventional 6MWT, indicating its construct validity in post-COVID-19 syndrome patients. Further, values for the test–retest reliability for the free mobile application were close to statistical significance with a reliability considered poor in an indoor setting.
Is the Anterolateral or Posterolateral Approach More Effective for Early Postoperative Recovery after Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Ohta Yoichi , Sugama Ryo , Minoda Yukihide , Mizokawa Shigekazu , Takahashi Shinji , Ikebuchi Mitsuhiko , Nakatsuchi Tamotsu , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: December 2022

Currently, various minimally invasive surgical techniques are applied for total hip arthroplasty (THA). There are few studies comparing the early postoperative clinical outcomes of minimally invasive THA between anterolateral and posterolateral approaches. In this retrospective study, 62 patients underwent minimally invasive THA via either the anterolateral approach with an intermuscular exposure using the modified Watson–Jones approach (MIS-AL, 34 hips) or mini-incision THA with a posterolateral approach (MIS-PL, 28 hips). We analyzed intraoperative data, postoperative hematological data, postoperative radiographic findings, and the postoperative recovery of muscle strength. The mean surgical time was significantly longer in the MIS-PL than in the MIS-AL group. The mean postoperative serum C-reactive protein level was significantly higher in the MIS-PL group than in the MIS-AL group only on postoperative day 3. There were no significant between-group differences in the postoperative recovery rate of muscle strength during hip abduction. The recovery rate of muscle strength during hip extension was better in the MIS-AL group than in the MIS-PL group only on postoperative day 3. In conclusion, we found no obvious advantage in early postoperative recovery between the MIS-AL and MIS-PL approaches. Therefore, the benefit of rapid postoperative recovery was comparable between the MIS-AL and MIS-PL approaches.
Etiology of Pneumoparotid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yoshida Kazuya
Published: December 2022

Pneumoparotid describes retrogradely insufflated air within the Stensen’s duct and/or parotid gland. It is a rare condition with variable causative factors. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of pneumoparotid. Reports in all languages were evaluated following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement 2020. A literature search was conducted using electronic medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Ovid, Google Scholar, SciElo, LILIACS, and others) from 1890 to 30 June 2022. One hundred and seventy patients (mean age; 28.4 years) from 126 studies were reviewed. Common symptoms included swelling (84.7%) and pain (35.9%). Characteristic findings were crepitus in the parotid region (40%) and frothy saliva from the orifice (39.4%). The common etiologies included abnormal habits such as blowing out the cheeks (23.5%), idiopathic (20%), self-induced (15.9%), playing wind instruments such as trumpets or flutes (8.8%), and diseases inducing coughing or sneezing (8.2%). The treatments included antibiotic therapy (30%), behavioral therapy to avoid continuing causative habits (25.9%), psychiatric therapy (8.2%), and surgical procedures (8.2%). Treatment should be individualized and etiology-based. However, the etiology was not identified in 20% of patients. Further detailed data from larger samples are required to clarify and improve the recognition of this entity.
Laser Efficiency and Laser Safety: Holmium YAG vs. Thulium Fiber Laser
Authors: Sierra Alba , Corrales Mariela , Somani Bhaskar , Traxer Olivier
Published: December 2022

(1) Objective: To support the efficacy and safety of a range of thulium fiber laser (TFL) pre-set parameters for laser lithotripsy: the efficiency is compared against the Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser in the hands of juniors and experienced urologists using an in vitro ureteral model; the ureteral damage of both lasers is evaluated in an in vivo porcine model. (2) Materials and Methods: Ho:YAG laser technology and TFL technology, with a 200 µm core-diameter laser fibers in an in vitro saline ureteral model were used. Each participant performed 12 laser sessions. Each session included a 3-min lasering of stone phantoms (Begostone) with each laser technology in six different pre-settings retained from the Coloplast TFL Drive user interface pre-settings, for stone dusting: 0.5 J/10 Hz, 0.5 J/20 Hz, 0.7 J/10 Hz, 0.7 J/20 Hz, 1 J/12 Hz and 1 J/20 Hz. Both lasers were also used in three in vivo porcine models, lasering up to 20 W and 12 W in the renal pelvis and the ureter, respectively. Temperature was continuously recorded. After 3 weeks, a second look was done to verify the integrity of the ureters and kidney and an anatomopathological analysis was performed. (3) Results: Regarding laser lithotripsy efficiency, after 3 min of continuous lasering, the overall ablation rate (AR) percentage was 27% greater with the TFL technology (p < 0.0001). The energy per ablated mass [J/mg] was 24% lower when using the TFL (p < 0.0001). While junior urologists performed worse than seniors in all tests, they performed better when using the TFL than Ho:YAG technology (36% more AR and 36% fewer J/mg). In the in vivo porcine model, no urothelial damage was observed for both laser technologies, neither endoscopically during lasering, three weeks later, nor in the pathological test. (4) Conclusions: By using Coloplast TFL Drive GUI pre-set, TFL lithotripsy efficiency is higher than Ho:YAG laser, even in unexperienced hands. Concerning urothelial damage, both laser technologies with low power present no lesions.
En Face Choroidal Vascularity in Both Eyes of Patients with Unilateral Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Tatti Filippo , Iovino Claudio , Demarinis Giuseppe , Siotto Pintor Emanuele , Pellegrini Marco , Beale Oliver , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Chhablani Jay , Peiretti Enrico
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the choroidal vascularity analyzing en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). We retrospectively evaluated 40 eyes of 20 CSC patients and 20 eyes of 10 gender- and age-matched healthy individuals. The sample consisted of: (1) CSC affected eyes; (2) unaffected fellow eyes; (3) healthy eyes. Multiple cross-sectional enhanced depth imaging OCT scans were obtained to create a volume scan. En face scans of the whole choroid were obtained at 5μm intervals and were binarized to calculate the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). The latter, defined as the proportion of the luminal area to the total choroidal area, was calculated at the level of choriocapillaris, superficial, medium and deep layers. No significant differences between choriocapillaris, superficial, medium and deep CVI were found in both eyes of CSC patients, whereas a significant different trend of changes was found in healthy eyes. Nevertheless, the en face CVI shows no difference between affected fellow and healthy eyes. In conclusion, CSC-affected eyes and fellow eyes showed a similar vascular architecture, with no statistical difference between all choroidal layers.
Devices and Treatments to Address Low Adherence in Glaucoma Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cvenkel Barbara , Kolko Miriam
Published: December 2022

Poor adherence to topical glaucoma medications has been linked to worse visual field outcomes in glaucoma patients. Therefore, identifying and overcoming the adherence barriers are expected to slow down the progression of disease. The most common barriers to adherence, in addition to the lack of knowledge, include forgetfulness, side effects of medications, difficulties with drop instillation and low self-efficacy. Symptoms and signs of ocular surface disease, which importantly reduce patients’ quality of life, are decreased by using preservative-free topical medications. Sustained drug delivery systems using different vehicles seem promising for relieving the burden of drop administration. Currently, only the bimatoprost sustained-release intracameral implant is available for clinical use and single administration. In the era of digitalization, smart drug delivery-connected devices may aid adherence and, by sharing data with care providers, improve monitoring and adjusting treatment. Selective laser trabeculoplasty as first-line treatment delays the need for drops, whereas minimally invasive glaucoma procedures with and without devices combined with cataract surgery increase the likelihood of patients with early-to-moderate glaucoma to remain drop free or reduce the number of drops needed to control intraocular pressure. The aim of this narrative review is to present and discuss devices and treatments that may improve adherence by reducing the need for drops and side effects of medications and aiding in glaucoma monitoring. For the future, there is a need for studies focusing on clinically important outcomes, quality of life and the cost of intervention with longer post-interventional follow up.