bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning-Based Online Prediction Tool for Predicting Short-Term Postoperative Outcomes Following Spinal Tumor Resections
Authors: Karabacak Mert , Margetis Konstantinos
Published: January 2023

Background: Preoperative prediction of short-term postoperative outcomes in spinal tumor patients can lead to more precise patient care plans that reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes. With this study, we aimed to develop machine learning algorithms for predicting short-term postoperative outcomes and implement these models in an open-source web application. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical resection of spinal tumors were identified using the American College of Surgeons, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Three outcomes were predicted: prolonged length of stay (LOS), nonhome discharges, and major complications. Four machine learning algorithms were developed and integrated into an open access web application to predict these outcomes. Results: A total of 3073 patients that underwent spinal tumor resection were included in the analysis. The most accurately predicted outcomes in terms of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was the prolonged LOS with a mean AUROC of 0.745 The most accurately predicting algorithm in terms of AUROC was random forest, with a mean AUROC of 0.743. An open access web application was developed for getting predictions for individual patients based on their characteristics and this web application can be accessed here: huggingface.co/spaces/MSHS-Neurosurgery-Research/NSQIP-ST. Conclusion: Machine learning approaches carry significant potential for the purpose of predicting postoperative outcomes following spinal tumor resections. Development of predictive models as clinically useful decision-making tools may considerably enhance risk assessment and prognosis as the amount of data in spinal tumor surgery continues to rise.
Editorial for “Pre-Treatment T2-WI Based Radiomics Features for Prediction of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Non-Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Preliminary Study”
Authors: Zerunian Marta , Laghi Andrea , Caruso Damiano
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer still represents the third most frequent cancer in the world; around one-third of cancers are located in the rectum, with important differences in terms of diagnosis, treatment management, and survival compared to colon cancer [...]
MicroRNAs with Multiple Targets of Immune Checkpoints, as a Potential Sensitizer for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zhou Huiling , Jia Wentao , Lu Lingeng , Han Rui
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made significant progress in the treatment of breast cancer, yet there are still a considerable number of patients who are unable to gain lasting and ideal clinical benefits by immunotherapy alone, which leads to the development of a combination regimen as a novel research hotspot. Furthermore, one miRNA can target several checkpoint molecules, mimicking the therapeutic effect of a combined immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which means that the miRNA therapy has been considered to increase the efficiency of ICIs. In this review, we summarized potential miRNA therapeutics candidates which can affect multiple targets of immune checkpoints in breast cancer with more therapeutic potential, and the obstacles to applying miRNA therapeutically through the analyses of the resources available from a drug target perspective. We also included the content of “too many targets for miRNA effect” (TMTME), combined with applying TargetScan database, to discuss adverse events. This review aims to ignite enthusiasm to explore the application of miRNAs with multiple targets of immune checkpoint molecules, in combination with ICIs for treating breast cancer.
Groin Surveillance by Serial Ultrasonography Rather Than Sentinel Node Biopsy or Inguinofemoral Lymphadenectomy for Patients with Vulvar Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hacker Neville F. , Barlow Ellen L. , McNally Glenn , Morrell Stephen , Gebski Val , Obermair Andreas
Published: January 2023

A pilot study was conducted to determine whether 3-monthly groin ultrasonography could eliminate groin dissection after a negative bilateral groin ultrasound in three groups of patients: (i) Those with a unifocal stage 1B squamous cell carcinoma of up to 20 mm in diameter. (ii) Those with an ipsilateral squamous cell carcinoma of any size which extended to within 1 cm either side of the midline. These patients underwent ipsilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and ultrasonic surveillance of the contralateral groin. (iii) Patients with multifocal invasive lesions with the largest individual focus 20 mm or less in diameter. Three additional patients were added because they either refused groin dissection or were considered unfit for surgery. All ultrasonically positive nodes were confirmed histologically. Thirty-two patients were entered, and no patients were lost to follow-up. Forty-three groins were followed. With a median follow-up of 37 months, three positive nodes (9.4%) were detected. One patient died of her recurrence (3.1%), and 39 groins (90.7%) were preserved. The overall sensitivity of ultrasonic surveillance was 100% (95% CI: 44–100%), with a specificity of 97% (95% CI: 83–99%) and a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 88–100%). This pilot justifies a larger study on serial ultrasonography in lieu of groin dissection in selected patients with vulvar cancer.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Brain Plasticity in Low-Grade Gliomas: fMRI and Graph-Theory Provide Insights on Language Reorganization
Authors: Pasquini Luca , Peck Kyung K. , Tao Alice , Del Ferraro Gino , Correa Denise D. , Jenabi Mehrnaz , Kobylarz Erik , Zhang Zhigang , Brennan Cameron , Tabar Viviane , Makse Hernán , Holodny Andrei I.
Published: January 2023

Language reorganization may represent an adaptive phenomenon to compensate tumor invasion of the dominant hemisphere. However, the functional changes over time underlying language plasticity remain unknown. We evaluated language function in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG), using task-based functional MRI (tb-fMRI), graph-theory and standardized language assessment. We hypothesized that functional networks obtained from tb-fMRI would show connectivity changes over time, with increased right-hemispheric participation. We recruited five right-handed patients (4M, mean age 47.6Y) with left-hemispheric LGG. Tb-fMRI and language assessment were conducted pre-operatively (pre-op), and post-operatively: post-op1 (4–8 months), post-op2 (10–14 months) and post-op3 (16–23 months). We computed the individual functional networks applying optimal percolation thresholding. Language dominance and hemispheric connectivity were quantified by laterality indices (LI) on fMRI maps and connectivity matrices. A fixed linear mixed model was used to assess the intra-patient correlation trend of LI values over time and their correlation with language performance. Individual networks showed increased inter-hemispheric and right-sided connectivity involving language areas homologues. Two patterns of language reorganization emerged: Three/five patients demonstrated a left-to-codominant shift from pre-op to post-op3 (type 1). Two/five patients started as atypical dominant at pre-op, and remained unchanged at post-op3 (type 2). LI obtained from tb-fMRI showed a significant left-to-right trend in all patients across timepoints. There were no significant changes in language performance over time. Type 1 language reorganization may be related to the treatment, while type 2 may be tumor-induced, since it was already present at pre-op. Increased inter-hemispheric and right-side connectivity may represent the initial step to develop functional plasticity.
Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Surgery in Rectal Cancer Compared with Open and Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Khajeh Elias , Aminizadeh Ehsan , Dooghaie Moghadam Arash , Nikbakhsh Rajan , Goncalves Gil , Carvalho Carlos , Parvaiz Amjad , Kulu Yakup , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: January 2023

With increasing trends for the adoption of robotic surgery, many centers are considering changing their practices from open or laparoscopic to robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer. We compared the outcomes of robot-assisted rectal resection with those of open and laparoscopic surgery. We searched Medline, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases until October 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies comparing robotic surgery with open or laparoscopic rectal resection were included. Fifteen RCTs and 11 prospective studies involving 6922 patients were included. The meta-analysis revealed that robotic surgery has lower blood loss, less surgical site infection, shorter hospital stays, and higher negative resection margins than open resection. Robotic surgery also has lower conversion rates, lower blood loss, lower rates of reoperation, and higher negative circumferential margins than laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery had longer operation times and higher costs than open and laparoscopic surgery. There were no differences in other complications, mortality, and survival between robotic surgery and the open or laparoscopic approach. However, heterogeneity between studies was moderate to high in some analyses. The robotic approach can be the method of choice for centers planning to change from open to minimally invasive rectal surgery. The higher costs of robotic surgery should be considered as a substitute for laparoscopic surgery (PROSPERO: CRD42022381468).
Mixed Acinar Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Pancreas: Comparative Population-Based Epidemiology of a Rare and Fatal Malignancy in The United States
Authors: Abdelrahman Amro M. , Yin Jun , Alva-Ruiz Roberto , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Leiting Jennifer L. , Lynch Isaac T. , Fogliati Alessandro , Campbell Nellie A. , Carlson Danielle M. , Roberts Lewis R. , Gores Gregory J. , Smoot Rory L. , Graham Rondell P. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Truty Mark J.
Published: January 2023

Mixed acinar neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas (MANEC-P) is an extremely rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. However, epidemiological estimates of MANEC-P remain unknown. This study aimed to estimate and compare the incidence, prevalence, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of MANEC-P in the United States (US). Patients with MANEC-P were identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and National Program of Cancer Registries databases between 2000–2017. The primary outcomes included age-adjusted incidence rate, limited-duration prevalence, and CSS. A total of 630 patients were identified for the incidence analysis and 149 for the prevalence and CSS analyses. The MANEC-P incidence rate was 0.011 per 100,000 individuals, which was the lowest among pancreatic cancer histologic subtypes. The incidence rate was significantly higher in men and Black races and peaked at 75–79 years of age. The incidence rate was the lowest in the midwestern region (0.009) and the highest in the northeastern US (0.013). The 17-year prevalence was 0.00005%, indicating that 189 patients were alive in the United States at the beginning of 2018. The median CSS of MANEC-P was estimated to be 41 (23, 69) months. In conclusion, MANEC-P is very rare, and its incidence rate has been steady in the US over the last two decades. MANEC-P has a poor prognosis and is the 5th leading cause of pancreatic cancer-related death in the US.
Extradural Primary Malignant Spinal Tumors in a Population Younger than 25 Years: An Ambispective International Multicenter Study on Onco-Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Disch Alexander C. , Boriani Stefano , Luzzati Alessandro , Rhines Laurence D. , Fisher Charles G. , Lazary Aron , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Chou Dean , Clarke Michelle J. , Fehlings Michael G. , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Germscheid Nicole M. , Reynolds Jeremy J. ,   The AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor
Published: January 2023

Extradural malignant primary spinal tumors are rare and outcome data, especially for younger patients, is limited. In a worldwide (11 centers) study (Predictors of Mortality and Morbidity in the Surgical Management of Primary Tumors of the Spine study; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01643174) by the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor, patients surgically treated for primary tumors of the spine between 1992 and 2012, were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database of their medical history. Medical history, tumor characteristics, diagnostics, treatments, cross-sectional survival, and local recurrences were analyzed. Sixty-eight cases (32 f; 36 m), at an average age of 18.6 ± 4.7 years at the time of diagnosis, were identified (median follow-up 2.9 years). The most common entities were Ewing’s sarcoma (42.6%). Of the patients, 28% had undergone previous spine tumor surgery in another center (84% with intralesional margins). Resection was considered “Enneking appropriate” (EA) in 47.8% of the cases. Of the patients, 77.9% underwent chemotherapy and 50% radiotherapy. A local recurrence occurred in 36.4%. Over a third of patients died within a 10-year follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier-analysis demonstrated statistically significant overall survival (p = 0.007) and local recurrence rates (p = 0.042) for tumors treated with EA surgery versus Enneking inappropriate surgery. Aggressive resection of extradural primary malignant spinal tumors combined with adjuvant therapy reveals low local recurrence rates and better outcomes overall in younger patients.
Aquaporins and Ion Channels as Dual Targets in the Design of Novel Glioblastoma Therapeutics to Limit Invasiveness
Authors: Varricchio Alanah , Yool Andrea J.
Published: January 2023

Current therapies for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) focus on eradicating primary tumors using radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection, but have limited success in controlling the invasive spread of glioma cells into a healthy brain, the major factor driving short survival times for patients post-diagnosis. Transcriptomic analyses of GBM biopsies reveal clusters of membrane signaling proteins that in combination serve as robust prognostic indicators, including aquaporins and ion channels, which are upregulated in GBM and implicated in enhanced glioblastoma motility. Accumulating evidence supports our proposal that the concurrent pharmacological targeting of selected subclasses of aquaporins and ion channels could impede glioblastoma invasiveness by impairing key cellular motility pathways. Optimal sets of channels to be selected as targets for combined therapies could be tailored to the GBM cancer subtype, taking advantage of differences in patterns of expression between channels that are characteristic of GBM subtypes, as well as distinguishing them from non-cancerous brain cells such as neurons and glia. Focusing agents on a unique channel fingerprint in GBM would further allow combined agents to be administered at near threshold doses, potentially reducing off-target toxicity. Adjunct therapies which confine GBM tumors to their primary sites during clinical treatments would offer profound advantages for treatment efficacy.
EBV dUTPase: A Novel Modulator of Inflammation and the Tumor Microenvironment in EBV-Associated Malignancies
Authors: Williams Marshall V. , Mena-Palomo Irene , Cox Brandon , Ariza Maria Eugenia
Published: January 2023

There is increasing evidence that put into question the classical dogma that the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) exists in cells as either a lytic virus in which new progeny is produced or in a latent state in which no progeny is produced. Notably, a third state has now been described, known as the abortive-lytic phase, which is characterized by the expression of some immediate early (IE) and early (E) genes, but no new virus progeny is produced. While the function of these IE and E gene products is not well understood, several recent studies support the concept they may contribute to tumor promotion by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). The mechanisms by which these viral gene products may contribute to tumorigenesis remain unclear; however, it has been proposed that some of them promote cellular growth, immune evasion, and/or inhibit apoptosis. One of these EBV early gene products is the deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) encoded by BLLF3, which not only contributes to the establishment of latency through the production of activin A and IL-21, but it may also alter the TME, thus promoting oncogenesis.
Pervaporation Membrane-Catalytic Reactors for Isoamyl Acetate Production
Authors: Quintero-Arias Jesús David , Dobrosz-Gómez Izabela , de Lasa Hugo , Gómez-García Miguel-Ángel
Published: January 2023

This study reports the analysis and design of a liquid phase esterification process to convert acetic acid with isoamyl alcohol into isoamyl acetate via reactive pervaporation, in the presence of an Amberlite IR-120 ion exchange resin catalyst. To accomplish this, a catalytic reactor is coupled with a separation membrane unit (Pervaporation Membrane Reactor (PVMR)). In the proposed unit, the chemical reaction equilibrium is favorably shifted towards isoamyl acetate formation by removing water with the help of a separation membrane. The study is developed by using relevant thermodynamics, kinetics, and membrane transport models, and by considering different catalytic reactor-pervaporator membrane configurations such as: (a) a two-step continuous fixed bed-pervaporator process (FBR+PVMU), (b) a two-step continuous slurry reactor-pervaporator process (SR+PVMU), (c) a single-step integrated fixed bed-pervaporator reactor (IFBPVMR), and d) a single step integrated slurry-pervaporator reactor (ISPVMR). The performance of the PVMRs is evaluated by using a R recycle ratio, a Ω membrane area to reactor volume ratio, and Da Damköhler dimensionless parameters. From the various proposed configurations, it is shown that the integrated plug flow reactor-pervaporation reactor (IFBPVMR) provides the best performance. On the basis of various simulations and design charts developed in the present study, operational conditions leading to optimum ester yields as high as 0.94 are predicted. These results provide a valuable prospect for the industrial scale-up and implementation of isoamyl acetate production units.
Influence of Synthesis Methodology on the Properties and Catalytic Performance of Tin, Niobium, and Tin-Niobium Oxides in Fructose Conversion
Authors: Martins Thatiane Veríssimo dos Santos , Pryston Dhara Beatriz de Amorim , Meneghetti Simoni Margareti Plentz , Meneghetti Mario Roberto
Published: January 2023

Pure and mixed oxides were synthesized using three methods, namely, coprecipitation, hydrothermal treatment using CTAB and Pechini treatment using glycerol, and investigated for the transformation of fructose, aiming to determine the influence of textural, structural, and acid-base properties on conversion and selectivity. All systems led to fructose conversion in an aqueous medium, and the factors that influenced the transformation were the textural and structural properties, as well as the number of acid sites present in the catalysts. The best conversions were observed using mixed oxides, highlighting SnNb (CTAB) and SnNb (GLY), showing the importance of the modulation of properties using the synthesis method. All systems were selective mainly for 5-HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) and, to a lesser extent, for the products of the retro-aldolic route, and this selectivity was preserved, regardless of the catalytic system used.
Biodegradation of Different Types of Bioplastics through Composting—A Recent Trend in Green Recycling
Authors: Ahsan Wazir Aitizaz , Hussain Adnan , Lin Chitsan , Nguyen Minh Ky
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the adoption of sustainable alternatives has become a powerful tool for replacing petroleum-based polymers. As a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics, bioplastics are becoming more and more prevalent and have the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing plastic pollution in the environment. Meanwhile, their biodegradation is highly dependent on their environment. The leakage of bioplastics into the environment and their long degradation time frame during waste management processes are becoming major concerns that need further investigation. This review highlights the extent and rate of the biodegradation of bioplastic in composting, soil, and aquatic environments, and examines the biological and environmental factors involved in the process. Furthermore, the review highlights the need for further research on the long-term fate of bioplastics in natural and industrial environments. The roles played by enzymes as biocatalysts and metal compounds as catalysts through composting can help to achieve a sustainable approach to the biodegradation of biopolymers. The knowledge gained in this study will also contribute to the development of policies and assessments for bioplastic waste, as well as provide direction for future bioplastics research and development.
Ring-Opening Polymerization of rac-Lactide Catalyzed by Octahedral Nickel Carboxylate Complexes
Authors: Nikiforov Alexey , Panina Natalia , Blinou Daniil , Gurzhiy Vladislav , Nashchekina Juliya , Korzhikova-Vlakh Evgenia , Eremin Alexey , Stepanova Mariia
Published: January 2023

To date, nickel(II) complexes have not been practically investigated as catalysts in ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide to produce biodegradable poly(lactic acid), which is in demand in biomedicine and industry. In this study, carboxylate complexes of nickel(II) containing various N-donor ligands with different nuclearity, metal core rigidity and nature of carboxylate ligands were synthesized and studied by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The obtained complexes were examined in the ROP of the rac-lactide in bulk and in toluene solution with and without the addition of a benzyl alcohol initiator. In the series of complexes studied, the complex [Ni(DBED)2(O2CC(CH3)3)2]·(CH3)3CCO2H (DBED is N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine) was a syndioselective catalyst and showed the highest catalytic ability in the polymerization without the addition of benzyl alcohol. For this complex, according to 1D DOSY 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization, polymerization is initiated by a free secondary amine, DBED, leaving the metal’s inner coordination sphere. Based on the experimental data obtained, a comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) study of the ROP pathways including the initiation and first chain growth cycle steps with a detailed description of the intermediates and evaluation of the energy barriers of the steps was carried out. It was shown that one of the key roles in the reaction process is played by carboxylate ligands, which act as proton carriers from the initiator molecule and have a significant influence on the reactivity of the catalytic metal complexes.
Acute Stress Regulates Sex-Related Molecular Responses in the Human Jejunal Mucosa: Implications for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Rodiño-Janeiro Bruno K. , Pigrau Marc , Salvo-Romero Eloísa , Nieto Adoración , Expósito Elba , González-Castro Ana M. , Galán Carmen , de Torres Inés , Pribic Teodora , Hernández Laura , Lobo Beatriz , Fortea Marina , Gallart Milagros , Pardo-Camacho Cristina , Guagnozzi Danila , Santos Javier , Alonso-Cotoner Carmen
Published: January 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction and life stress. We have previously reported that female sex per se determines an increased susceptibility to intestinal barrier dysfunction after cold pain stress (CPS). We aimed to identify sex-related molecular differences in response to CPS in healthy subjects to understand the origin of sex bias predominance in IBS. In 13 healthy males and 21 females, two consecutive jejunal biopsies were obtained using Watson’s capsule, at baseline, and ninety minutes after CPS. Total mucosal RNA and protein were isolated from jejunal biopsies. Expression of genes related to epithelial barrier (CLDN1, CLDN2, OCLN, ZO-1, and ZO-3), mast cell (MC) activation (TPSAB1, SERPINA1), and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) were analyzed using RT-qPCR. NR3C1, ZO-1 and OCLN protein expression were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and western blot, and mucosal inflammation through MC, lymphocyte, and eosinophil numbering. Autonomic, hormonal, and psychological responses to CPS were monitored. We found an increase in jejunal MCs, a reduced CLDN1 and OCLN expression, and an increased CLDN2 and SERPINA1 expression 90 min after CPS. We also found a significant decrease in ZO-1, OCLN, and NR3C1 gene expression, and a decrease in OCLN protein expression only in females, when compared to males. CPS induced a significant increase in blood pressure, plasma cortisol and ACTH, and subjective stress perception in all participants. Specific and independent sex-related molecular responses in epithelial barrier regulation are unraveled by acute stress in the jejunum of healthy subjects and may partially explain female predominance in IBS.
Traditional Foods, Globalization, Migration, and Public and Planetary Health: The Case of Tejate, a Maize and Cacao Beverage in Oaxacalifornia
Authors: Soleri Daniela , Cleveland David Arthur , Aragón Cuevas Flavio , Jimenez Violeta , Wang May C.
Published: January 2023

We are in the midst of an unprecedented public and planetary health crisis. A major driver of this crisis is the current nutrition transition—a product of globalization and powerful multinational food corporations promoting industrial agriculture and the consumption of environmentally destructive and unhealthy ultra-processed and other foods. This has led to unhealthy food environments and a pandemic of diet-related noncommunicable diseases, as well as negative impacts on the biophysical environment, biodiversity, climate, and economic equity. Among migrants from the global south to the global north, this nutrition transition is often visible as dietary acculturation. Yet some communities are defying the transition through selective resistance to globalization by recreating their traditional foods in their new home, and seeking crop species and varieties customarily used in their preparation. These communities include Zapotec migrants from the Central Valleys of the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca living in greater Los Angeles, California. Focusing on the traditional and culturally emblematic beverage tejate, we review data from our research and the literature to outline key questions about the role of traditional foods in addressing the public and planetary health crisis. We conclude that to answer these questions, a transnational collaborative research partnership between community members and scientists is needed. This could reorient public and planetary health work to be more equitable, participatory, and effective by supporting a positive role for traditional foods and minimizing their harms.
Trinuclear and Cyclometallated Organometallic Dinuclear Pt-Pyrazolato Complexes: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Shi Zhichun , Li Fengyu , Zhao Hong , Chakraborty Indranil , Chen Zhongfang , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: January 2023

Two differently substituted pyrazole ligands have been investigated with regard to the topology of their Pt complexes: upon deprotonation, two mononuclear 1:2 PtII-pyrazole complexes—one of the sterically unhindered 4-Me-pzH and one of the bulky 3,5-tBu-pzH (pzH = pyrazole)—yield the corresponding 1:2 PtII-pyrazolato species; the former a triangular, trinuclear metallacycle (1), and the latter a dinuclear, half-lantern species (2) formed via the unprecedented cyclometallation of a butyl group. Stoichiometric oxidation of the colorless PtII2 complex produces the deep-blue, metal–metal bonded PtIII2 analog (3) with a rarely encountered unsymmetrical coordination across the Pt-Pt bond. All three complexes have been characterized by single crystal X-ray structure determination, 1H-NMR, IR, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic methods. The XPS spectra of the PtII2 and PtIII2 species are also reported. Density functional theory calculations were carried out to investigate the electronic structure, spectroscopic properties, and chemical bonding of the new complexes. The calculated natural population analysis charges and Wiberg bonding indices indicate a weak σ-interaction in the case of 2 and a formal Pt-Pt single bond in 3.
Toward Dynamic Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells Exploiting Specific Molecular Recognition Elements
Authors: Ding Rong , Ye Mengxue , Zhu Yijie , Zhao Yingyan , Liu Qi , Cao Ya , Xu Jingjing
Published: January 2023

Dynamic detection, as one of the core tenets in tumor diagnosis, relies on specific recognition, rapid reaction, and significant signal output. Circulating tumor cells that carry the most complete information of neoplastic lesions are analytes of interest for sensor designer. To overcome the deficiencies in the use of antibodies, some antibody-like structures were used to integrate chemosensors, such as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and aptamer conjugates that may perform specific detection of analytes. The sensors inherited from such structurally stable molecular recognition materials have the advantage of being cost-effective, rapid-to-fabricate and easy-to-use, whilst exhibiting specificity comparable to antibody-based kits. Moreover, the fabricated sensors may automatically perform quantitative analysis via digital and microfluidic devices, facilitating advances in wearable sensors, meanwhile bringing new opportunities and challenges. Although most MIPs-based sensors for tumor diagnosis to date have not been practically used in hospitals, with no doubt, material innovation and artificial intelligence development are the driving forces to push the process forward. At the same time, the challenges and opportunities of these sensors moving forward to intelligent and implantable devices are discussed.
Quantitative Analysis of the Head Tilt Using Three-Dimensional Temporal Scan in Children with Torticollis
Authors: Yun Rayu , Jung Hayoung , Cui Xin , Huh Sungchul , Lee Wonsup , You Heecheon , Kim Sooyeon
Published: January 2023

The head tilt of patients with torticollis is usually evaluated subjectively in clinical practice and measuring it in young children is very limited due to poor cooperation. No study has yet evaluated the head tilt using a three-dimensional (3D) scan and compared it with other measurement methods. Therefore, this study aimed to objectively demonstrate head tilt through clinical measurements and a 3D scan in children with torticollis. A total of 52 children (30 males, 22 females; age 4.6 ± 3.2 years) diagnosed with torticollis and 52 adults (26 men, 26 women; age 34.42 ± 10.4 years) without torticollis participated in this study. The clinical measurements were performed using a goniometer and still photography methods. Additionally, the head tilt was analyzed using a 3D scanner (3dMD scan, 3dMD Inc., Atlanta, GA, USA). There was a high correlation between the other methods and 3D angles, and the cut-off value of the 3D angles for the diagnosis of torticollis was also presented. The area under the curve of the 3D angle was 0.872, which was confirmed by a moderately accurate test and showed a strong correlation compared with other conventional tests. Therefore, we suggest that measuring the degree of torticollis three-dimensionally is significant.
Microbiome in Nasal Mucosa of Children and Adolescents with Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Azevedo André Costa , Hilário Sandra , Gonçalves Micael F. M.
Published: January 2023

The human upper respiratory tract comprises the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx regions and offers distinct microbial communities. However, an imbalance and alterations in the nasal mucosa microbiome enhance the risk of chronic respiratory conditions in patients with allergic respiratory diseases. This is particularly important in children and adolescents once allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, often associated with an increase in pulmonary allergic inflammation. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to collect scientific data published concerning the microbial community alterations in nasal mucosa of children and adolescents suffering from AR or in association with adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AH) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). The current study was performed using the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Publications related to microbiome alterations in the nasal mucosa in pediatric age, studies including next-generation sequencing platforms, and studies exclusively written in the English language were some of the inclusion criteria. In total, five articles were included. Despite the scarcity of the published data in this research field and the lack of prospective studies, the genera Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Dolosigranulum, Haemophilus, Moraxella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus dominate the nares and nasopharyngeal microbiome of the pediatric population regardless of their age. However, an imbalance in the resident bacterial community in the nasal mucosa was observed. The genera Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were more abundant in the nasal cavity of AR and AH children, while Streptococcus and Moraxella were predominant in the hypopharyngeal region of AR infants. An abundance of Staphylococcus spp. was also reported in the anterior nares and hypopharyngeal region of children and adolescents suffering from AR passive smoke exposure and ARC. These records suggest that different nasal structures, ageing, smoke exposure and the presence of other chronic disorders shape the nasal mucosa microbiome. Therefore, the establishment of adequate criteria for sampling would be established for a deeper understanding and a trustworthy comparison of the microbiome alterations in pediatric age.
Evaluation of Beta-Defensin 1 and Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 Polymorphisms in Children with Dental Caries Compared to Caries-Free Controls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hemati Ghazal , Imani Mohammad Moslem , Choubsaz Parsia , Inchingolo Francesco , Sharifi Roohollah , Sadeghi Masoud , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2023

Background and objective: Some variants in defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) and mannose-binding lectin 2 (MBL2) genes can be associated with oral diseases. Herein, we designed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of DEFB1 (rs11362, rs1799946, and rs1800972) and MBL2 (rs7096206 and rs1800450) polymorphisms with the susceptibility to dental caries (DC) in children. Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases until 3 December 2022, without any restrictions. The odds ratio (OR), along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of the effect sizes, are reported. Analyses including a subgroup analysis, a sensitivity analysis, and funnel plot analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 416 records were identified among the databases, and nine articles were entered into the meta-analysis. A significant relationship was found between the T allele of DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphism and DC susceptibility, and the T allele was related to an elevated risk of DC in children (OR = 1.225; 95%CI: 1.022, 1.469; p = 0.028; I2 = 0%). No other polymorphisms were associated with DC. All articles were of moderate quality. Egger’s test in homozygous and dominant models demonstrated a significant publication bias for the association of DEFB1 rs1799946 polymorphism with DC risk. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the T allele of DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphism had an elevated risk for DC in children. However, there were only few studies that evaluated this association.
Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and Fear of COVID-19 among Adolescent University Students
Authors: Aguayo-Estremera Raimundo , Cañadas Gustavo R. , Albendín-García Luis , Ortega-Campos Elena , Ariza Tania , Monsalve-Reyes Carolina S. , De la Fuente-Solana Emilia Inmaculada De la
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout syndrome in adolescents entering university studies, to detect differences in burnout levels, personality factors and fear of coronavirus in a pandemic context due to COVID-19. A cross-sectional predictive study was performed with a sample that comprised 134 individuals in their first year of a Psychology degree at Spanish universities. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale were applied. The prevalence of burnout is estimated according to three methods: Maslach and Jackson’s severity classification, Golembiewski’s phase model and Maslach et al.’s profile model. The estimates show significant differences. The results indicated that between 9 and 21% of students were at risk of developing burnout. On the other hand, students who reported having suffered psychological consequences of the pandemic showed greater emotional exhaustion, neuroticism and fear of COVID-19, and a lower level of personal accomplishment than those who did not suffer such consequences. Neuroticism was the only significant predictor for all burnout dimensions, and fear of COVID-19 did not contribute to any of them.
Evaluation of the Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Dynamics with Microvascular Imaging Ultrasound in Infants
Authors: Tierradentro-Garcia Luis Octavio , Onyango Levy , Dennis Rebecca , Freeman Colbey W. , Haddad Sophie , Kozak Brandi , Hwang Misun
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Microvascular imaging ultrasound (MVI) can detect slow blood flow in small-caliber cerebral vessels. This technology may help assess flow in other intracranial structures, such as the ventricular system. In this study, we describe the use of MVI for characterizing intraventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics in infants. Materials and methods: We included infants with brain ultrasound that had MVI B-Flow cine clips in the sagittal plane. Two blinded reviewers examined the images, dictated a diagnostic impression, and identified the third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, fourth ventricle, and CSF flow direction. A third reviewer evaluated the discrepancies. We evaluated the association of visualization of CSF flow as detectable with MVI, with the diagnostic impressions. We also assessed the inter-rater reliability (IRR) for detecting CSF flow. Results: We evaluated 101 infants, mean age 40 ± 53 days. Based on brain MVI B-Flow, a total of 49 patients had normal brain US scans, 40 had hydrocephalus, 26 had intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and 14 had hydrocephalus+IVH. Using spatially moving MVI signal in the third ventricle, cerebral aqueduct, and fourth ventricle as the criteria for CSF flow, CSF flow was identified in 10.9% (n = 11), 15.8% (n = 16), and 16.8% (n = 17) of cases, respectively. Flow direction was detected in 19.8% (n = 20) of cases; 70% (n = 14) was caudocranial, 15% (n = 3) was craniocaudal, and 15% (n = 3) bidirectional, with IRR = 0.662, p < 0.001. Visualization of CSF flow was significantly associated with the presence of IVH alone (OR 9.7 [3.3–29.0], p < 0.001) and IVH+hydrocephalus (OR 12.4 [3.5–440], p < 0.001), but not with hydrocephalus alone (p = 0.116). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MVI can detect CSF flow dynamics in infants with a history of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus with a high IRR.
A Parental Behavior Scale in Pediatric Dentistry: The Development of an Observational Scale
Authors: Vanhée Tania , Dadoun Farah , Vanden Abbeele Astrid , Bottenberg Peter , Jacquet Wolfgang , Loeb Isabelle
Published: January 2023

Children’s treatment means a triangular relationship between the child, practitioner, and parent, with specific interactions influencing the procedure. The objective was to create and validate a hetero-rating scale of parental behavior and verify the correlation between child and parental behavior during pediatric dentistry sessions. Treatment sessions were recorded and evaluated, including 60 children representing three age groups. Two raters interpreted the resulting video clips using the modified Venham scale for children and the new hetero-rating scale for parents. They analyzed the videos twice and attributed scores at different time points of the appointment. The correlation between parental behavior upon entrance and the children’s behavioral at the dental office in the treatment stage was significantly positive in both raters (Kendall Tau: 0.20–0.30). Furthermore, a panel of 20 dental practitioners scored a randomized selection of five recordings per age group. The level of agreement between the two experts was higher than that between the 20 clinicians. Venham types of scale involving multiple aspects can be used in research, but their application in dental practice requires further development. The link between parental anxiety and child anxiety is confirmed, but further research is required to incorporate specific aspects of treatment and parental behavior.
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Food Selectivity: Relationship with Sleep and Challenging Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bresciani Giulia , Da Lozzo Prisca , Lega Sara , Bramuzzo Matteo , Di Leo Grazia , Dissegna Andrea , Colonna Vissia , Barbi Egidio , Carrozzi Marco , Devescovi Raffaella
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, sleep problems, and challenging behaviors in children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their effect on parental stress. The secondary objective was to assess the frequency and type of GI and feeding disorders in a sample of children with ASD through a multidisciplinary assessment and, finally, to investigate families’ perceptions and satisfaction with the proposed multidisciplinary approach. All children underwent a comprehensive gastroenterological and neuropsychiatric evaluation supported by standardized questionnaires. Pediatric gastroenterologists, specifically trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), provided advice for parent-delivered behavioral intervention for food selectivity. Thirty-six children with an autism diagnosis (29 males, age 4.5 +/−2.2 years, mean +/− SD) were enrolled. A positive correlation between sleep problems and aggressive behavior was found, and this association was stronger in children experiencing more problematic mealtime behaviors (b = 0.788, p = 0.014). Sleep difficulties were associated with stereotyped behaviors and parent-perceived stress. Parents interviewed about the gastroenterology visit perceived this multidisciplinary approach as helpful in addressing food selectivity. This study shows that sleep and mealtime issues can have a synergistic negative impact on ASD symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach and an integrated assessment of GI, feeding problems, and sleep disorders could be helpful in diagnosing comorbidities and to provide targeted advice to parents.
Anxiety and Metabolic Disorders: The Role of Botanicals
Authors: Trebesova Hanna , Orlandi Valentina , Boggia Raffaella , Grilli Massimo
Published: January 2023

Anxiety and anxiety-related disorders are becoming more evident every day, affecting an increasing number of people around the world. Metabolic disorders are often associated with anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety branches into metabolic disorders by playing multiple roles as a cofactor, symptom, and comorbidity. Taken together, these considerations open the possibility of integrating the therapy of metabolic disorders with specific drugs for anxiety control. However, anxiolytic compounds often cause disabling effects in patients. The main goal could be to combine therapeutic protocols with compounds capable of reducing side effects while performing multiple beneficial effects. In this article we propose a group of bioactive ingredients called botanicals as a healthy supplement for the treatment of metabolic disorders related to anxiety.
Hidden Pitfalls of Using Onion Pollen in Molecular Research
Authors: Mardini Majd , Ermolaev Aleksey , Khrustaleva Ludmila
Published: January 2023

There is little information on the use of pollen in molecular research, despite the increased interest in genome editing by pollen-mediated transformation. This paper presents an essential toolbox of technical procedures and observations for molecular studies on onion (Allium cepa L.) pollen. PCR is a useful tool as an express method to evaluate editing results before pollination. A direct PCR protocol for pollen suspension has been adapted without needing DNA pre-extraction. We showed that the outer layer of lipids known as pollenkitt is a limiting factor for successful PCR on pollen. A simple pre-washing step of pollen suspension was able to eliminate the pollenkitt and enormously affect the PCR results. Additionally, our pollenkitt study helped us develop a simple and effective pollination method using wetted onion pollen grains. Classical manual pollination usually is conducted by intact pollen without wetting. Most existing methods of the editing system delivery into pollen are carried out in a wet medium with consequent drying before pollination, which adversely affects the viability of pollen. The optimal medium for wet pollination was 12% sucrose water solution. Our method of using wetted pollen grains for pollination might be very beneficial for pollen genetic manipulation.
NEAT1–SOD2 Axis Confers Sorafenib and Lenvatinib Resistance by Activating AKT in Liver Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Shinonaga Ririko , Sakaguchi Hiromi , Kitagawa Yutaka , Yoshida Kenji
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the effects of a long noncoding RNA, nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) variant 1 (NEAT1v1) on drug resistance in liver cancer cell lines. NEAT1 knockdown activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, including MAPK kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but suppressed AKT. Moreover, NEAT1 knockdown sensitized liver cancer cells to sorafenib and lenvatinib, both clinically used for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas it conferred resistance to an AKT-targeted drug, capivasertib. NEAT1v1 overexpression suppressed MEK/ERK and activated AKT, resulting in resistance to sorafenib and lenvatinib and sensitization to capivasertib. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) knockdown reverted the effects of NEAT1v1 overexpression on the sensitivity to the molecular-targeted drugs. Although NEAT1 or SOD2 knockdown enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, concomitant with the suppression of AKT, taurodeoxycholate, an ER stress suppressor, did not restore AKT activity. Although further in vivo and clinical studies are needed, these results suggested that NEAT1v1 switches the growth modality of liver cancer cell lines from MEK/ERK-dependent to AKT-dependent mode via SOD2 and regulates sensitivity to the molecular-targeted drugs independent of ER stress.