bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of overweight, obesity and risk of urinary incontinence in middle-aged and older women: a meta epidemiology study
Authors: Shang Xin , Fu Yu , Jin Xiaoqin , Wang Chenxiao , Wang Ping , Guo Panpan , Wang Ying , Yan Shuxun
Published: October 2023

Aims

The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the potential correlation between obesity and overweight, and the vulnerability to urinary incontinence (UI) in women aged middle-aged and above.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase for observational studies published between the inception of the databases and April 25, 2023. A fixed-effects model was used when the P>0.1 and the I2 ≤ 50%. In cases where I2 ≥ 50% (indicating significant heterogeneity), a random-effects model was applied. For the purpose of evaluating publication bias, a funnel plot and Egger’s test were used. Stata 14.0 was used for all statistical analyses.

Findings

This meta-analysis includes 16 observational studies, covering29,618 individuals. The pooled analysis shows that being overweight(25 kg/m2≤BMI<30kg/m2) in middle-aged and elderly women is more likely to develop UI (OR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.17-1.37; I2 = 51.8%, P=0.013). Middle-aged and elderly women with obesity(30 kg/m2≤BMI<35 kg/m2) are significantly more likely to develop UI (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.42-1.81; I2 = 71.8%, P=0.000). In addition, the results indicated a higher probability of UI in middle-aged and older women with obesity class II (BMI≥35 kg/m2) (OR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.59-2.16; I2 = 48.1%, P=0.103). In subgroup analysis, there is no direct relationship between the obesity in middle-aged and elderly women and an increased risk of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (OR=1.31; 95% CI: 0.99-1.74; I2 = 63.7%, P=0.011). In middle-aged and elderly women with obesity are more likely to develop urgent urinary incontinence (UUI) (OR=2.11; 95% CI: 1.54-2.89; I2 = 80.2%, P=0.000).

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of UI in middle-aged and elderly women. Obesity and overweight are independent risk factors for UI, as demonstrated by this study.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023421986.
Disturbed bone marrow adiposity in patients with Cushing’s syndrome and glucocorticoid- and postmenopausal- induced osteoporosis
Authors: Sørensen Nina N. , Andreasen Christina M. , Jensen Pia R. , Hauge Ellen M. , Bollerslev Jens , Delaissé Jean-Marie , Kassem Moustapha , Jafari Abbas , Diaz-delCastillo Marta , Andersen Thomas L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) in the bone marrow can differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes in response to microenvironmental signalling input, including hormonal signalling. Glucocorticoids (GC) are corticosteroid hormones that promote adipogenic differentiation and are endogenously increased in patients with Cushing´s syndrome (CS). Here, we investigate bone marrow adiposity changes in response to endogenous or exogenous GC increases. For that, we characterize bone biopsies from patients with CS and post-menopausal women with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GC-O), compared to age-matched controls, including postmenopausal osteoporotic patients (PM-O).

Methods

Transiliac crest bone biopsies from CS patients and healthy controls, and from postmenopausal women with GC-O and matched controls were analysed; an additional cohort included biopsies from women with PM-O. Plastic-embedded biopsies were sectioned for histomorphometric characterization and quantification of adipocytes. The fraction of adipocyte area per tissue (Ad.Ar/T.Ar) and marrow area (Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar), mean adipocyte profile area (Ad.Pf.Ar) and adipocyte profile density (N.Ad.Pf/Ma.Ar) were determined and correlated to steroid levels. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of adipocytes in relation to trabecular bone was characterized and correlations between bone marrow adiposity and bone remodeling parameters investigated.

Results

Biopsies from patients with CS and GC-O presented increased Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar, along with adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. In patients with CS, both Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and Ad.Pf.Ar significantly correlated with serum cortisol levels. Spatial distribution analyses revealed that, in CS, the increase in Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar near to trabecular bone (<100 µm) was mediated by both adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, while N.Ad.Pf/Ma.Ar further into the marrow (>100 µm) remained unchanged. In contrast, patients with GC-O only presented increased Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and mean Ad.Pf.Ar>100 µm from trabecular bone surface, highlighting the differential effect of increased endogenous steroid accumulation. Finally, the Ad.Ar/Ma.Ar and Ad.Ar/T.Ar correlated with the canopy coverage above remodeling events.

Conclusion

Increased cortisol production in patients with CS induces increased bone marrow adiposity, primarily mediated by adipocyte hypertrophy. This adiposity is particularly evident near trabecular bone surfaces, where hyperplasia also occurs. The differential pattern of adiposity in patients with CS and GC-O highlights that bone marrow adipocytes and their progenitors may respond differently in these two GC-mediated bone diseases.
Xrcc5/KU80 is not required for the survival or activation of prophase-arrested oocytes in primordial follicles
Authors: Ratnayaka-Gamage Natasha D. , Alesi Lauren R. , Zerafa Nadeen , Stringer Jessica M. , Hutt Karla J.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The non-growing, meiotically-arrested oocytes housed within primordial follicles are exquisitely sensitive to genotoxic insults from endogenous and exogenous sources. Even a single DNA double-strand break (DSB) can trigger oocyte apoptosis, which can lead to accelerated depletion of the ovarian reserve, early loss of fertility and menopause. Therefore, repair of DNA damage is important for preserving the quality of oocytes to sustain fertility across the reproductive lifespan. This study aimed to evaluate the role of KU80 (encoded by the XRCC5 gene) – an essential component of the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway – in the repair of oocyte DNA DSBs during reproductive ageing, and following insult caused by the DNA-damaging chemotherapies cyclophosphamide and cisplatin.

Methods

To investigate the importance of KU80 following endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, ovaries from conditional oocyte-specific Xrcc5 knockout (Xrcc5 cKO) and wildtype (WT) mice that were aged or exposed to DNA damage-inducing chemotherapy were compared. Ovarian follicles and oocytes were quantified, morphologically assessed and analysed via immunohistochemistry for markers of DNA damage and apoptosis. In addition, chemotherapy exposed mice were superovulated, and the numbers and quality of mature metaphase- II (MII) oocytes were assessed.

Results

The number of healthy follicles, atretic (dying) follicles, and corpora lutea were similar in Xrcc5 cKO and WT mice at PN50, PN200 and PN300. Additionally, primordial follicle number and ovulation rates were similar in young adult Xrcc5 cKO and WT mice following treatment with cyclophosphamide (75mg/kg), cisplatin (4mg/kg), or vehicle control (saline). Furthermore, KU80 was not essential for the repair of exogenously induced DNA damage in primordial follicle oocytes.

Discussion

These data indicate that KU80 is not required for maintenance of the ovarian reserve, follicle development, or ovulation during maternal ageing. Similarly, this study also indicates that KU80 is not required for the repair of exogenously induced DSBs in the prophase-arrested oocytes of primordial follicles.
Treatment technology of shale gas fracturing flowback fluid: a mini review
Authors: Zhao Tianbiao
Published: October 2023

Shale gas fracturing flowback fluid, characterized by its large volume, complex composition, and potential adverse environmental impacts, has gradually become one of the problems affecting the large-scale development of shale gas resources. Failure to effectively address the treatment of fracturing flowback fluid will severely constrain shale gas development. This paper focuses on the treatment technologies for shale gas fracturing flowback fluid, discussing its water quality characteristics and summarizing the research progress in physical technology, chemical technology, biological technology, and combined technology. Development recommendations are also provided. The results show that shale gas fracturing flowback fluid exhibits characteristics such as complex composition, high viscosity, and high emulsification, and difficult to treat. Individual physical technology, chemical technology, or biological technology is effective in removing certain pollutants from the flowback fluid. Moreover, the combined use of these treatment technologies prove more effective in achieving reuse or discharge standards. With the continuous expansion of shale gas development and increasingly stringent environmental protection requirements worldwide, the volume of flowback fluid requiring treatment is continuously rising. By developing energy-efficient and emission-reduction treatment technologies, and actively recycling and utilizing resources and energy, and adopting clean fracturing fluid system, efficient, energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and economically viable treatment for shale gas fracturing flowback fluid can be achieved.
Unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: TARE or TACE, which one to choose?
Authors: Cocozza Maria Adriana , Braccischi Lorenzo , De Cinque Antonio , Bruno Antonio , Cappelli Alberta , Renzulli Matteo , Basile Antonello , Venturini Massimo , Lucatelli Pierleone , Modestino Francesco , Mosconi Cristina
Published: October 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver malignancy and its incidence is rising in Western countries. Although surgical resection is considered the only curative treatment, up to 70% of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which precludes surgical intervention. Those who are inoperable become candidates for systemic treatment. Currently, the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapy, with a median overall survival (OS) of about one year. Recently, there has been a notable increase in evidence regarding chemotherapy for biliary tract cancer; however, the effectiveness of the new chemotherapy drugs still needs to be evaluated. Today, intra-arterial therapies (IAT), especially trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE), are widely used. Both TACE and TARE have demonstrated good efficacy in controlling localized disease and in improving survival. However, current literature does not conclusively show whether TACE is superior to TARE or vice versa. As recent meta-analyses have indicated, both TACE and TARE offer suboptimal objective response rates but yield similar positive outcomes. It’s important to note that these findings are based on single-center studies, which often include a small number of patients and lack a comparative design. Therefore, when comparing such studies, there’s an inevitable selection bias among the treatment groups (TACE or TARE) and significant heterogeneity. This review outlines the current evidence on the use of interventional IAT in managing ICC.
Spore-FP1 tuberculosis mucosal vaccine candidate is highly protective in guinea pigs but fails to improve on BCG-conferred protection in non-human primates
Authors: White Andrew D. , Tran Andy C. , Sibley Laura , Sarfas Charlotte , Morrison Alexandra L. , Lawrence Steve , Dennis Mike , Clark Simon , Zadi Sirine , Lanni Faye , Rayner Emma , Copland Alastair , Hart Peter , Diogo Gil Reynolds , Paul Matthew J. , Kim Miyoung , Gleeson Fergus , Salguero Francisco J. , Singh Mahavir , Stehr Matthias , Cutting Simon M. , Basile Juan I. , Rottenberg Martin E. , Williams Ann , Sharpe Sally A. , Reljic Rajko
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis remains a major health threat globally and a more effective vaccine than the current Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) is required, either to replace or boost it. The Spore-FP1 mucosal vaccine candidate is based on the fusion protein of Ag85B-Acr-HBHA/heparin-binding domain, adsorbed on the surface of inactivated Bacillus subtilis spores. The candidate conferred significant protection against Mycobacterium. tuberculosis challenge in naïve guinea pigs and markedly improved protection in the lungs and spleens of animals primed with BCG. We then immunized rhesus macaques with BCG intradermally, and subsequently boosted with one intradermal and one aerosol dose of Spore-FP1, prior to challenge with low dose aerosolized M. tuberculosis Erdman strain. Following vaccination, animals did not show any adverse reactions and displayed higher antigen specific cellular and antibody immune responses compared to BCG alone but this did not translate into significant improvement in disease pathology or bacterial burden in the organs.
Phytoplankton spring succession pattern in the Yellow Sea surveyed at Socheongcho Ocean Research Station
Authors: Hyun Myung Jin , Choi Dong Han , Lee Howon , Won Jongseok , Kim Go-Un , Lee Yeonjung , Jeong Jin-Young , Ra Kongtae , Yang Wonseok , Lee Jaeik , Jeong Jongmin , Lee Charity Mijin , Noh Jae Hoon
Published: October 2023

The spring phytoplankton bloom is a critical event in temperate oceans typically associated with the highest productivity levels throughout the year. To investigate the bloom process in the Yellow Sea, daily data on physical, chemical, and phytoplankton taxonomic group biomass, calculated via the chemotaxonomic approach, were collected from late March or early April to late May between 2018 and 2020 at the Socheongcho Ocean Research Station. During early spring (late March to mid-April), phytoplankton biomass increased, accompanied by a decrease in nutrient levels, with Bacillariophyceae and Cryptophyceae being the dominant groups. As water temperature increased, a pycnocline began to develop in late April, leading to a peak of the phytoplankton bloom dominated by chlorophytes and Cryptophyceae. Network analysis suggested that this phytoplankton bloom was caused by the onset of vertical stratification induced by increased sea surface temperature. The chlorophyte peak induced phosphate limitation above the pycnocline, resulting in succession to Prymnesiophyceae and Dinophyceae. Following pycnocline formation, phytoplankton biomass below the pycnocline was dominated by Bacillariophyceae and Cryptophyceae, with decreasing or fluctuating trends depending on phosphate concentration. Apart from these general patterns, 2019 and 2020 both had distinctive traits. The 2019 data revealed lower phosphate concentrations than the other 2 years, leading to a smaller chlorophyte peak at the surface compared to 2018 and extreme phosphate limitation above the pycnocline. This limitation resulted in decreased biomass of late successional groups, including Prymnesiophyceae and Dinophyceae. Pycnocline formation was delayed in year 2020, and stratification was significantly weaker compared to the previous 2 years. Due to the pycnocline delay, the surface chlorophyte peak did not develop and no succession to late successional groups was observed. Instead, high levels of Bacillariophyceae and Cryptophyceae biomass were observed throughout the water column with no surface bloom. Thus, among various environmental factors, increasing surface water temperature and phosphate concentrations play pivotal roles in shaping phytoplankton bloom dynamics. Distinct yearly variation points to the broader impacts of climate shifts, emphasizing the need for continued marine monitoring.
Role of prostanoids, nitric oxide and endothelin pathways in pulmonary hypertension due to COPD
Authors: Alqarni Abdullah A. , Aldhahir Abdulelah M. , Alghamdi Sara A. , Alqahtani Jaber S. , Siraj Rayan A. , Alwafi Hassan , AlGarni Abdulkareem A. , Majrshi Mansour S. , Alshehri Saad M. , Pang Linhua
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is classified as Group 3 PH, with no current proven targeted therapies. Studies suggest that cigarette smoke, the most risk factor for COPD can cause vascular remodelling and eventually PH as a result of dysfunction and proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). In addition, hypoxia is a known driver of pulmonary vascular remodelling in COPD, and it is also thought that the presence of hypoxia in patients with COPD may further exaggerate cigarette smoke-induced vascular remodelling; however, the underlying cause is not fully understood. Three main pathways (prostanoids, nitric oxide and endothelin) are currently used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with different groups of PH. However, drugs targeting these three pathways are not approved for patients with COPD-associated PH due to lack of evidence. Thus, this review aims to shed light on the role of impaired prostanoids, nitric oxide and endothelin pathways in cigarette smoke- and hypoxia-induced pulmonary vascular remodelling and also discusses the potential of using these pathways as therapeutic target for patients with PH secondary to COPD.
Favoring the cognitive-motor process in the closed-loop of BCI mediated post stroke motor function recovery: challenges and approaches
Authors: Mang Jing , Xu Zhuo , Qi YingBin , Zhang Ting
Published: October 2023

The brain-computer interface (BCI)-mediated rehabilitation is emerging as a solution to restore motor skills in paretic patients after stroke. In the human brain, cortical motor neurons not only fire when actions are carried out but are also activated in a wired manner through many cognitive processes related to movement such as imagining, perceiving, and observing the actions. Moreover, the recruitment of motor cortexes can usually be regulated by environmental conditions, forming a closed-loop through neurofeedback. However, this cognitive-motor control loop is often interrupted by the impairment of stroke. The requirement to bridge the stroke-induced gap in the motor control loop is promoting the evolution of the BCI-based motor rehabilitation system and, notably posing many challenges regarding the disease-specific process of post stroke motor function recovery. This review aimed to map the current literature surrounding the new progress in BCI-mediated post stroke motor function recovery involved with cognitive aspect, particularly in how it refired and rewired the neural circuit of motor control through motor learning along with the BCI-centric closed-loop.
Regorafenib combined with sintilimab as second-line treatment for advanced HCC patient: a case report
Authors: Wan Yanzhi , Zhu Hong
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor with a high degree of malignancy. Patients have poor outcomes and short survival times, especially after progression to first-line systemic therapy. Regorafenib is the standard second-line treatment for HCC, but there is no conclusive evidence that regorafenib combined with immunotherapy can be used as a second-line treatment. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with a chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection for more than 30 years who was diagnosed with stage Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC)-B hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, recurrence and metastasis occurred soon after radical surgery and standard first-line treatment with lenvatinib. The patient was then treated with regorafenib plus sintilimab as second-line treatment. Surprisingly, soon after treatment, the patient reached a state of partial response (PR) that lasted for more than one year, which is currently close to that of complete response (CR). Regorafenib combined with sintilimab as second-line treatment showed an excellent curative effect in this patient, who had HCC with multiple metastases to the liver and lungs. This treatment, which has tolerable side effects, enabled the patient to reach a state of PR that lasted over one year, which is currently close to CR. Therefore, it may be a potential second-line treatment strategy.
Secreted and surface proteome and transcriptome of Opisthorchis felineus
Authors: Wong Yide , Pearson Mark S. , Fedorova Olga , Ivanov Vladimir , Khmelevskaya Ekaterina , Tedla Bemnet , Arachchige Buddhika Jayakody , Reed Sarah , Field Matt , Laha Thewarach , Loukas Alex , Sotillo Javier
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Clonorchis sinensis are the most medically important species of fish-borne zoonotic trematodes. O. felineus is endemic to the river plains of Western Siberia and Eastern Europe, and it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people could be infected with this parasite. Chronic opisthorchiasis may lead to significant gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary pathology. This study aimed to identify and characterize proteins from the secreted and tegumental proteomes of O. felineus.

Methods

Adult flukes were collected from experimentally infected hamsters and cultured in vitro in serum-free media. We extracted proteins from different compartments of the O. felineus secretome, including (i) soluble excretory/secretory (ES) products; (ii) secreted 15K-extracellular vesicles (EVs); and (iii) tegument.

Results

We also generated a transcriptome using long-read sequencing, and when this was combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) separation, and protein digestion, we identified 686, 894, 389, 324, and 165 proteins from the ES, 15K-EV, and the three sequentially extracted tegument (TEG) protein fractions, respectively. We conducted in-depth gene ontology and protein family analyses on the identified proteins and discussed comparisons against similar proteome data sets acquired for the Southeast Asian liver fluke O. viverrini and the Chinese liver fluke C. sinensis.

Discussion

The information from this study will form a biologically relevant data set of O. felineus proteins that could be used to develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools to manage the human cost of O. felineus infection and its associated comorbidities.
Influence of diverse timescales on the evolution of cooperation in a double-layer lattice
Authors: Mao Yajun , Rong Zhihai , Xu Xiongrui , Han Zhongming
Published: October 2023

This paper studies the influence of diverse strategy-updating timescales on the evolution of cooperation, defection, and extortion strategies in a double-layer lattice. Individuals can adjust the frequencies with which they updating their strategies adaptively according to their fitness and interlayer information. On the basis of Fermi dynamics, we find that information sharing between the two lattice layers can effectively promote cooperative behavior in a double-layer lattice. In each lattice layer, cooperation–extortion alliances can be formed to defend against invasion by defection. We find that there exists an optimal value of the extortion factor to promote the evolution of cooperation and that the frequency of cooperation in a double-layer lattice is higher than that in a single-layer one.
Pollinator probing preference and switching mode-mediated self-interference within a monoecious plant significantly reduced reproductive fitness
Authors: Wu Bi-Xian , Ma Li-Na , Xia Nan , Wang Hao , Cao Guo-Xing
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Monoecy is usually interpreted as an important evolutionary route of the plant sexual system from hermaphroditism to dioecy. This floral mechanism can effectively reduce self-interference during the reproductive process, and the services provided by pollinators may play an essential role in monoecious species; however, relevant research is still lacking. Thus, we aimed to determine whether monoecious plants could effectively avoid self-interference and promote the evolution of monoecy under the service of pollinators.

Methods

Here, we successfully performed manipulation experiments to test self-compatibility, pollinator behavior, and self-interference between male and female functions in Akebia trifoliata, a typical monoecious species.

Results

We demonstrated that experimental self-pollination did not yield any fruit, and supplemental pollination significantly increased fruit set and fruit weight compared to natural pollination, suggesting that this species is completely self-incompatible and experiences strong pollen limitation. Simultaneous self- and cross-pollination and self-pollination prior to cross-pollination significantly reduced reproductive fitness, but self-pollination after cross-pollination did not, indicating self-interference in this plant. Moreover, both male flower probing preference and switching modes within inflorescences by pollinators successfully reinforced self-interference and were also responsible for decreasing reproductive fitness in A. trifoliata.

Discussion

In summary, pollinator-mediated self-interference significantly reduced selfing, providing potential dynamics for the maintenance and evolution of monoecy.
One-time fertilization of controlled-release urea with compound fertilizer and rapeseed cake maintains rice grain yield and improves nitrogen use efficiency under reduced nitrogen conditions
Authors: Hu Yajie , Cai Qin , Xu Yi , Xue Jiantao , Yu Enwei , Wei Haiyan , Xu Ke , Huo Zhongyang , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: October 2023

Nitrogen (N) rate reduction and simplified fertilization can mitigate environmental impacts and reduce the involvement of manual labor in rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Controlled-release urea (CRU) has been recommended as an effective alternative technique to conventional urea fertilization, and it can improve rice yield and N use efficiency (NUE) and reduce labor costs. However, the information on the effects of one-time fertilization with CRU on maintaining yield and improving NUE under reduced chemical N conditions is limited. In this study, controlled-release bulk blending fertilizer (CRF), consisting of CRU with release periods of 40 and 100 days, mixed with compound fertilizer, was applied as basal fertilizer. Increased ~20% plant density (ID) and rapeseed cake fertilizer (RC, increase 20% organic N) were combined with CRF, respectively. The N treatments with 20% chemical N reduction were as follows: reduced N fertilizer (RNF), CRF, CRF+ID, and CRF+RC. In addition, a conventional split fertilizer application with 300 kg ha-1 N was applied as the control (CK). Rice yield and its components, dry matter accumulation, N uptake, and NUE were investigated to evaluate whether one-time N fertilization realized stable yield and high NUE under reduced 20% chemical N conditions. Compared with CK, the CRF+RC treatment exhibited a comparable grain yield, while the other reduced N treatments (RNF, CRF, and CRF+ID) had a lower grain yield. Moreover, CRF+ID exhibited a higher rice grain yield than RNF or CRF under the same N level. Irrespective of exogenous organic N, CRF+RC exhibited significantly higher NUE than CK. The CRF+ID treatment showed a significantly higher N partial factor productivity (PFN) than CK but comparable N agronomic efficiency (NAE) and N recovery efficiency (NRE). Therefore, a one-time fertilizer application of CRF+RC maintained grain yield and improved the NUE while reducing the N rate and fertilization times, demonstrating its potential application in rice production.
Efficacy of an environmental enrichment intervention for endometriosis: a pilot study
Authors: De Hoyos Grace , Ramos-Sostre Darlenne , Torres-Reverón Annelyn , Barros-Cartagena Bárbara , López-Rodríguez Verónica , Nieves-Vázquez Cristina , Santiago-Saavedra Fanny , Appleyard Caroline B. , Castro Eida M. , Flores Idhaliz
Published: October 2023

Introduction

We have previously shown that Environmental Enrichment (EE), a multi-modal psychosocial intervention consisting of increased social interaction, novelty, and open spaces, improved disease presentation, anxiety, and immune-related disturbances in the rat model of endometriosis. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effects of EE interventions in patients with this painful, inflammatory chronic disease.

Aim

To adapt and test the efficacy of an EE intervention on pelvic pain, mental health, perceived stress, quality of life, and systemic inflammation in endometriosis patients through a randomized clinical trial (RCT).

Materials and methods

A multidisciplinary team with expertise in physiology, neuroscience, psychology, and women’s health adapted and implemented a two-arm RCT comparing an EE intervention with a wait-list control group. Six EE modules administered on alternate weeks were provided to patients in the intervention (N = 29); controls received education only. Survey data and biospecimens were collected at baseline, end-of-study, and 3-months post-intervention to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory, BPI), endometriosis-related quality of life-QoL (Endometriosis Health Profile-30, EHP30), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, GAD7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression 8, PHQ8), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Score, PCS), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14, PSS14), and saliva cortisol levels (AM, PM).

Results

Compared to the wait-list controls, participants in the EE intervention showed significantly decreased GAD-7 scores at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Depression, perceived stress, and QoL improved at the 3-month follow-up compared to baseline. While pain levels did not improve, they significantly correlated with anxiety, depression, QoL and pain catastrophizing scores.

Conclusion

This pilot RCT demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms, QoL, and perceived stress, supporting enriched environments as an integrative psychosocial intervention to be used as adjuvant to the standard of care for endometriosis pain.
Hair cortisol as outcome parameter for psychological and neuropsychiatric interventions—a literature review
Authors: Botschek Tim , Hußlein Vincent , Peters Eva M. J. , Brosig Burkhard
Published: October 2023

Background

Studies measuring hair cortisol concentration (HCC) have been increasingly conducted to document stress-related, endocrine changes aggregated over time. Previous studies have shown that HCC reflects abnormalities in the hypothalamic–pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA axis) in the context of somatic diseases, such as Cushing’s syndrome. HCC variations also reveal a corresponding alteration in HPA-axis-function in mental disorders, highlighting its potential role as a biomarker for interventions targeting mental health problems.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of HCC in various psychological and neuropsychiatric interventions and to explore the extent to which HCC can serve as a predictive or outcome parameter in such interventions by conducting a PRISMA-compliant review of the literature.

Methods

From May to July 2022, the databases Web of Science, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, and ResearchGate were systematically searched using different combinations of relevant keywords. Studies of different types that examined HCC in the context of a wide range of psychological and neuropsychiatric interventions were included. Studies in languages other than English or German and animal studies were excluded. The MMAT tool was used, to assesses the Risk of bias.

Results

The initial search identified 334 studies. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 publications with a total number of 1,916 participants were identified. An association between HCC and PTSD, depressive disorders, and ongoing social and family stress can be documented. The effect of relaxation techniques, mental training, CBT, or PTSD therapy on HCC has been studied with equivocal results. Some studies found decreased HCC after treatment, while others did not show a clear effect. Baseline HCC appears to be of particular importance. In some studies, higher baseline HCC was associated with increased treatment response, providing a predictive value for HCC.

Discussion

HCC is increasingly being used as a biomarker for the mapping of psychological and neuropsychiatric interventions. However, due to the wide range of study populations and interventions, results are still heterogeneous. Nevertheless, HCC seems to be an encouraging biological parameter to describe the trajectory of different interventions aimed at improving mental health.
The influence of alcohol consumption on Self-Rated Health and Mood during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Recio Raquel , Parrilla-Huertas Juan Antonio , Asensio-Martinez Ángela , Valdivieso-Pardos Sergio , Zúñiga-Antón María , Cerdán-Bernad Marta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There is evidence of a significant upturn of certain unhealthy lifestyle choices such as Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To analyze whether Alcohol Consumption has increased since the onset of pandemic and whether it affects the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health among adult Spanish population.

Methodology

Study of two cross-sectional cohorts (1—initial period of confinement COVID-19 pandemic, 2—between fifth and sixth waves of pandemic) to examine Alcohol Consumption in the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health using a moderation analysis with PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

5,949 people (62.1% women) participated in the study. Alcohol Consumption showed a significant increase, with men consuming more Alcohol than women in both periods (58.6% vs. 44.7% and 72.1% vs. 56.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). The moderation analysis revealed that sex and Alcohol Consumption conditioned the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health in the first survey, with a greater effect on women, who stated that not consuming Alcohol had a positive effect on the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health (B: −0.530; p < 0.001).

Discussion

Currently it is about of implementing strategies to manage the pandemic—some of them aimed at promoting healthy living and stress management as assets that favor healthy lifestyles with fewer risk factors. New studies are needed to address the social thresholds of alcohol consumption, considering different perspectives for understanding variations in the intrapersonal and social perception of drunkenness, as this has been shown to be inconsistent across cultures and time periods.
Spatiotemporal and kinematic adjustments in master runners may be associated with the relative physiological effort during running
Authors: Jamkrajang Parunchaya , Suwanmana Sarit , Limroongreungrat Weerawat , Verheul Jasper
Published: October 2023

Master runners maintain a similar running economy to young runners, despite displaying biomechanical characteristics that are associated with a worse running economy. This apparent paradox may be explained by a greater physiological effort—i.e., percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2-max)—that master runners perform at a given speed. Moreover, age-related responses to non-exhaustive sustained running are yet underexplored. The aims of this study were, therefore, to examine if biomechanical adjustments in master runners are physiological-effort dependent, and to explore the age-related biomechanical changes during a non-exhaustive sustained run. Young (23.9 ± 6; n = 12) and master (47.3 ± 6.9; n = 12) runners performed a sustained 30-minute treadmill run matched for relative physiological effort (70% VO2-max), while spatiotemporal and lower-limb kinematic characteristics were collected during the 1st and 30th minute. Group differences were observed in step/stride length, knee touch-down angle, and knee stiffness. However, both groups of runners had a similar step frequency, vertical center of mass oscillation, and knee range of motion. Age-related adjustment in these latter characteristics may thus not be an inevitable result of the aging process but rather a strategy to maintain running economy. The relative physiological effort of runners should, therefore, be considered when examining age-related adjustments in running biomechanics.
Melatonin Modulates the SIRT1-Related Pathways via Transdermal Cryopass-Laser Administration in Prostate Tumor Xenograft
Authors: Bonomini Francesca , Favero Gaia , Petroni Anna , Paroni Rita , Rezzani Rita
Published: October 2023

Melatonin displays antitumor activity in several types of malignancies; however, the best delivery route and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Alternative non-invasive delivery route based on transdermal administration of melatonin by cryopass-laser treatment demonstrated efficiency in reducing the progression of LNCaP prostate tumor cells xenografted into nude mice by impairing the biochemical pathways affecting redox balance. Here, we investigated the impact of transdermal melatonin on the tumor dimension, microenvironment structure, and SIRT1-modulated pathways. Two groups (vehicle cryopass-laser and melatonin cryopass-laser) were treated for 6 weeks (3 treatments per week), and the tumors collected were analyzed for hematoxylin eosin staining, sirius red, and SIRT1 modulated proteins such as PGC-1α, PPARγ, and NFkB. Melatonin in addition to simple laser treatment was able to boost the antitumor cancer activity impairing the tumor microenvironment, increasing the collagen structure around the tumor, and modulating the altered SIRT1 pathways. Transdermal application is effective, safe, and feasible in humans as well, and the significance of these findings necessitates further studies on the antitumor mechanisms exerted by melatonin.
Serum Insights: Leveraging the Power of miRNA Profiling as an Early Diagnostic Tool for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Charkiewicz Radoslaw , Sulewska Anetta , Mroz Robert , Charkiewicz Alicja , Naumnik Wojciech , Kraska Marcin , Gyenesei Attila , Galik Bence , Junttila Sini , Miskiewicz Borys , Stec Rafal , Karabowicz Piotr , Zawada Magdalena , Miltyk Wojciech , Niklinski Jacek
Published: October 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer is the predominant form of lung cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. MiRNAs implicated in cancer initiation and progression can be easily detected in liquid biopsy samples and have the potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers. In this study, we employed next-generation sequencing to globally profile miRNAs in serum samples from 71 early-stage NSCLC patients and 47 non-cancerous pulmonary condition patients. Preliminary analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs revealed 28 upregulated miRNAs in NSCLC compared to the control group. Functional enrichment analyses unveiled their involvement in NSCLC signaling pathways. Subsequently, we developed a gradient-boosting decision tree classifier based on 2588 miRNAs, which demonstrated high accuracy (0.837), sensitivity (0.806), and specificity (0.859) in effectively distinguishing NSCLC from non-cancerous individuals. Shapley Additive exPlanations analysis improved the model metrics by identifying the top 15 miRNAs with the strongest discriminatory value, yielding an AUC of 0.96 ± 0.04, accuracy of 0.896, sensitivity of 0.884, and specificity of 0.903. Our study establishes the potential utility of a non-invasive serum miRNA signature as a supportive tool for early detection of NSCLC while also shedding light on dysregulated miRNAs in NSCLC biology. For enhanced credibility and understanding, further validation in an independent cohort of patients is warranted.
The T Cell Immunoscore as a Reference for Biomarker Development Utilizing Real-World Data from Patients with Advanced Malignancies Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Eljilany Islam , Saghand Payman Ghasemi , Chen James , Ratan Aakrosh , McCarter Martin , Carpten John , Colman Howard , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Puzanov Igor , Arnold Susanne , Churchman Michelle , Hwu Patrick , Conejo-Garcia Jose , Dalton William S. , Weiner George J. , El Naqa Issam M. , Tarhini Ahmad A.
Published: October 2023

Background: We aimed to determine the prognostic value of an immunoscore reflecting CD3+ and CD8+ T cell density estimated from real-world transcriptomic data of a patient cohort with advanced malignancies treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in an effort to validate a reference for future machine learning-based biomarker development. Methods: Transcriptomic data was collected under the Total Cancer Care Protocol (NCT03977402) Avatar® project. The real-world immunoscore for each patient was calculated based on the estimated densities of tumor CD3+ and CD8+ T cells utilizing CIBERSORTx and the LM22 gene signature matrix. Then, the immunoscore association with overall survival (OS) was estimated using Cox regression and analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves. The OS predictions were assessed using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index). The Youden index was used to identify the optimal cut-off point. Statistical significance was assessed using the log-rank test. Results: Our study encompassed 522 patients with four cancer types. The median duration to death was 10.5 months for the 275 participants who encountered an event. For the entire cohort, the results demonstrated that transcriptomics-based immunoscore could significantly predict patients at risk of death (p-value < 0.001). Notably, patients with an intermediate–high immunoscore achieved better OS than those with a low immunoscore. In subgroup analysis, the prediction of OS was significant for melanoma and head and neck cancer patients but did not reach significance in the non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma cohorts. Conclusions: Calculating CD3+ and CD8+ T cell immunoscore using real-world transcriptomic data represents a promising signature for estimating OS with ICIs and can be used as a reference for future machine learning-based biomarker development.
DNA Mismatch Repair Gene Variant Classification: Evaluating the Utility of Somatic Mutations and Mismatch Repair Deficient Colonic Crypts and Endometrial Glands
Authors: Walker Romy , Mahmood Khalid , Como Julia , Clendenning Mark , Joo Jihoon E. , Georgeson Peter , Joseland Sharelle , Preston Susan G. , Pope Bernard J. , Chan James M. , Austin Rachel , Bojadzieva Jasmina , Campbell Ainsley , Edwards Emma , Gleeson Margaret , Goodwin Annabel , Harris Marion T. , Ip Emilia , Kirk Judy , Mansour Julia , Mar Fan Helen , Nichols Cassandra , Pachter Nicholas , Ragunathan Abiramy , Spigelman Allan , Susman Rachel , Christie Michael , Jenkins Mark A. , Pai Rish K. , Rosty Christophe , Macrae Finlay A. , Winship Ingrid M. , Buchanan Daniel D.
Published: October 2023

Germline pathogenic variants in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (Lynch syndrome) predispose to colorectal (CRC) and endometrial (EC) cancer. Lynch syndrome specific tumor features were evaluated for their ability to support the ACMG/InSiGHT framework in classifying variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) in the MMR genes. Twenty-eight CRC or EC tumors from 25 VUS carriers (6xMLH1, 9xMSH2, 6xMSH6, 4xPMS2), underwent targeted tumor sequencing for the presence of microsatellite instability/MMR-deficiency (MSI-H/dMMR) status and identification of a somatic MMR mutation (second hit). Immunohistochemical testing for the presence of dMMR crypts/glands in normal tissue was also performed. The ACMG/InSiGHT framework reclassified 7/25 (28%) VUS to likely pathogenic (LP), three (12%) to benign/likely benign, and 15 (60%) VUS remained unchanged. For the seven re-classified LP variants comprising nine tumors, tumor sequencing confirmed MSI-H/dMMR (8/9, 88.9%) and a second hit (7/9, 77.8%). Of these LP reclassified variants where normal tissue was available, the presence of a dMMR crypt/gland was found in 2/4 (50%). Furthermore, a dMMR endometrial gland in a carrier of an MSH2 exon 1-6 duplication provides further support for an upgrade of this VUS to LP. Our study confirmed that identifying these Lynch syndrome features can improve MMR variant classification, enabling optimal clinical care.
Nature-Inspired Energy Enhancement Technique for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hezekiah James Deva Koresh , Ramya Karnam Chandrakumar , Selvan Mercy Paul , Kumarasamy Vishnu Murthy , Sah Dipak Kumar , Devendran Malathi , Arumugam Sivakumar Sabapathy , Maheswar Rajagopal
Published: October 2023

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) play a major role in various applications, yet maintaining energy efficiency remains a critical challenge due to their limited energy availability. Network lifetime is one of the primary parameters for analyzing the performance of a WSN. This proposed work aims to improve the network lifetime of a WSN by enhancing its energy utilization through the Enhanced Monkey Search Algorithm (E-MSA). The E-MSA provides an optimum solution for this issue by finding a better routing decision by analyzing the available energy on the nodes and the distance between the source and destination. Additionally, a Class Topper Optimization (CTO) algorithm is also included in the work for determining an efficient node to be the cluster head and lead cluster head. In this technique, the data packets are collected by the lead cluster head from the other cluster heads for sending the information in a sequential manner to the base station for reducing data loss. A simulation model is implemented in the NS2 platform with 700 nodes in a 300 × 300 square meter area with 0.5 J of energy to each node for finding the efficiency of the proposed E-MSA with CTO algorithm over the traditional On-Demand Distance Vector (ODV) and Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) approaches. The experimental outcome indicates that the proposed work can reach a maximum lifetime of 1579 s which is comparatively better than the ODV and DSDV approaches by 212 and 358 s, respectively. Similarly, a packet delivery ratio of 79% is achieved with a throughput of 0.85 Mbps along with a delay of 0.48 s for the operation of all 700 nodes.
Mathematical Model of the Susceptibility of an Electronic Element to a Standardised Type of Electromagnetic Disturbance
Authors: Sabat Wiesław , Klepacki Dariusz , Kuryło Kazimierz , Kamuda Kazimierz
Published: October 2023

The problem of estimating the deterministic susceptibility coefficient of electronic components to standardised types of electromagnetic disturbance has been presented in this paper. From a theoretical point of view, the problem of damage to electronic elements is presented with the impact of disturbances of critical values on them and the potential impact of this effect on the reliability of the element and ultimately the system or electronic device. For a selected exemplary electronic component, a method for estimating the susceptibility coefficient according to the developed methodology is discussed. Experimental tests were carried out by exposing the test component to a standardised surge of 1.2/50 μs which was observed in an electrical grid. In order to illustrate the developed method, aimed at describing the immunity of an electronic component to a standardised type of disturbance, a signal diode was selected for testing. Using this element as an example, it is shown how, using statistical techniques, the coefficient of its susceptibility to a specific type of disturbance can be estimated.