bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Newtonian heating and heat generation on magnetohydrodynamics dusty fluid flow between two parallel plates
Authors: Ali Farhad , Ali Gohar , Khan Arshad , Khan Ilyas , Eldin Elsayed Tag , Ahmad Matin
Published: February 2023

Dusty fluids are utilized to minimize heat in systems like gas-freezing systems and nuclear-powered reactors, among other places. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Newtonian heating on dusty fluid flow. Between two parallel plates, the two-phase MHD fluctuating flow of the dusty fluid is considered. The dust particles inside the fluid are thought to be spherical and uniformly distributed. The generation and absorption of heat were also taken into consideration. The motion of the fluid is due to the motion of the right plate with free stream velocity Ut. Partial differential equations are utilized to represent the flow regime. The Poincare-Light Hill Technique is used to find exact solutions. The impact of parameters on the temperature and velocity profiles are shown graphically. Skin friction and rate of heat transfer, two essential fluid parameters for engineers, are also evaluated in tabular form. The velocity of the fluid is shown to decrease with increasing magnetic field. The Newtonian heating phenomena has an effect on the plate’s heating.
Osteoarticular tuberculosis cases in the southwest of China: A 9-year retrospective study
Authors: Wang Dong-Mei , An Qi , Yang Qing , Liao Yi , Jian Yao
Published: February 2023

Background

Osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary TB. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, common sites, and drug resistance profiles of osteoarticular TB infections occurring in southwest China.

Methods

A total of 3,254 cases of patients clinically diagnosed with osteoarticular TB infections between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Drug sensitivity testing was performed using the microporous plate ratio method. Chi-squared analysis was used to analyze the rates of and trends in mycobacterial isolates.

Results

Of the 3,254 patients, 1,968 (60.5%) were men and boys, and 1,286 (39.5%) were women and girls; patients' ages ranged from 1 to 91 years, with an average of 42 ± 19.3 years. In terms of disease, 2,261 (69.5%) had spinal TB, mainly thoracic (815, 36%) or lumbar (1,080, 48%); joint TB was found in 874 cases (26.9%), mainly occurring in the knee (263, 30%) or hip (227, 26%); and both spinal and joint TB were observed in 119 cases (3.7%). Drug susceptibility tests were performed on 241 isolated strains of MTB; 70 strains (29.0%) were resistant to at least one drug, and MDR-TB and XDR-TB were observed in 7.1 and 1.2% of strains, respectively.

Conclusions

In southwest China over this period, osteoarticular TB mainly affected middle-aged and young men with poor nutritional status. Patients from ethnic minority areas also accounted for a large proportion of cases. Spinal TB is prone to occur in the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, and joint TB is prone to occur in the lower limb joints. Additionally, there has been an increasing trend in the number of TB cases over the past 9 years, and drug resistance has also increased.
Bioequivalence study of ipratropium bromide inhalation aerosol using PBPK modelling
Authors: Zhang Jisheng , Wu Keheng , Liu Bo , Hou Shuguang , Li Xue , Ye Xiang , Liu Jack , He Qing
Published: February 2023

Aims

Systemic pharmacokinetic (PK) studies can reflect the overall exposure of orally inhaled drug Products (OIDPs) in the blood after inhalation into the lung and can be used to evaluate the bioequivalence of test and reference products. The aim of this article is: (1) to study the PK characteristics and bioequivalence of ipratropium bromide (IB) inhalation aerosol, reference and test products in healthy Chinese subjects; (2) to establish a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and verify the accuracy of the model in predicting bioequivalence; (3) attempt to use the model to predict the regional distribution of particles in the lung after inhalation, and discuss the effect of gastrointestinal drug absorption of IB on systemic exposure.

Methods

The study involved two clinical studies. Clinical study-1 (registration number: CTR20201284) was used with non-clinical data to construct and validate a PBPK model in the B2O simulator, a web-based virtual drug development platform. This model assessed different test and reference products’ bioequivalence. Results were compared to a second clinical study (Clinical study-2: registration number CTR20202291). The particles’ regional distribution in the lung and the gastrointestinal absorption effect on systemic exposure were discussed based on the simulation results.

Results

The established PBPK model successfully simulated the in vivo PK characteristics of IB inhalation aerosol, with r2 close to 1. Gastrointestinal absorption had a negligible effect on systemic exposure. Particles accumulated in the alveolar area were cleared within an hour, followed by particles in the bronchioles and bronchi.

Conclusion

This model provided a reliable method for exploring the correlation between in vitro and in vivo PK studies of IB inhalation aerosols. According to the simulation results, the test and reference products were bioequivalent.
Advances in animal models of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Zong Shimin , Du Peiyu , Li Hejie , Wang Miao , Xiao Hongjun
Published: February 2023

Animal experiments play an important role in the study of the pathogenesis of human diseases and new methods of diagnosis and treatment. Due to the great differences in the anatomical structure and physiology of the upper airway between animals and humans, there is currently no animal model that can fully simulate the pathological anatomy and pathophysiological characteristics of human obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Herein, we summarizes the construction methods of several OSA animal models that have been widely used in the studies published in the last 5 years, the advantages and limitations of each model as well as related evaluation techniques are described. This information has potential to provide further guide for the development of OSA related animal experiments.
Quality assurance in 3D-printing: A dimensional accuracy study of patient-specific 3D-printed vascular anatomical models
Authors: Nguyen Philip , Stanislaus Ivan , McGahon Clover , Pattabathula Krishna , Bryant Samuel , Pinto Nigel , Jenkins Jason , Meinert Christoph
Published: February 2023

3D printing enables the rapid manufacture of patient-specific anatomical models that substantially improve patient consultation and offer unprecedented opportunities for surgical planning and training. However, the multistep preparation process may inadvertently lead to inaccurate anatomical representations which may impact clinical decision making detrimentally. Here, we investigated the dimensional accuracy of patient-specific vascular anatomical models manufactured via digital anatomical segmentation and Fused-Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and PolyJet 3D printing, respectively. All printing modalities reliably produced hand-held patient-specific models of high quality. Quantitative assessment revealed an overall dimensional error of 0.20 ± 3.23%, 0.53 ± 3.16%, −0.11 ± 2.81% and −0.72 ± 2.72% for FDM, SLA, PolyJet and SLS printed models, respectively, compared to unmodified Computed Tomography Angiograms (CTAs) data. Comparison of digital 3D models to CTA data revealed an average relative dimensional error of −0.83 ± 2.13% resulting from digital anatomical segmentation and processing. Therefore, dimensional error resulting from the print modality alone were 0.76 ± 2.88%, + 0.90 ± 2.26%, + 1.62 ± 2.20% and +0.88 ± 1.97%, for FDM, SLA, PolyJet and SLS printed models, respectively. Impact on absolute measurements of feature size were minimal and assessment of relative error showed a propensity for models to be marginally underestimated. This study revealed a high level of dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed patient-specific vascular anatomical models, suggesting they meet the requirements to be used as medical devices for clinical applications.
Risk assessment of mycotoxins, the identification and environmental influence on toxin-producing ability of Alternaria alternate in the main Tibetan Plateau Triticeae crops
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Feilong , Yao Ting , Li Ying , Wei Na
Published: February 2023

In order to find out the contamination of mycotoxins in Triticeae crops of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a total of 153 Triticeae crop fruits were collected as target samples, and 22 mycotoxins were tested. High detection rate was found in the Alternaria mycotoxins, including tentoxin (TEN), tenuazonic acid (TEA) and alternariol (AOH) toxins. To further clarify the production rules of Alternaria mycotoxins. A number of 9 high yield toxic strains were selected from 65 bacterial strains and the gene sequences of each were determined. The nine selected Alternaria alternate were cultured under specific pH of the culture medium, temperature and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and their growth and toxicity were analyzed. The results showed that the toxic capacity of most A. alternate increased with the increase of culture environment temperature and decreased with the increase of UV irradiation. However, the production of some toxins did not meet this principle, or even met the principle of relativity. In the culture experiments, a total of five Alternaria toxins were detected as positive, which were TEN, AOH, alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), TEA, and Alternaria (ALT). The altenusin (ALS) toxin was not detected in the metabolites of the nine Alternaria strains. It indicated that the TEN, AOH, AME, TEA, and ALT toxins should be particularly valued in the future risk assessments. This finding provided comprehensive information of mycotoxins contamination in the Tibetan Plateau Triticeae crops, it pointed out a direction to the Tibetan Plateau food crops’ quality control.
Bacteria and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Xu Shiyao , Xiong Yan , Fu Beibei , Guo Dong , Sha Zhou , Lin Xiaoyuan , Wu Haibo
Published: February 2023

Cancer and microbial infections are significant worldwide health challenges. Numerous studies have demonstrated that bacteria may contribute to the emergence of cancer. In this review, we assemble bacterial species discovered in various cancers to describe their variety and specificity. The relationship between bacteria and macrophages in cancer is also highlighted, and we look for ample proof to establish a biological basis for bacterial-induced macrophage polarization. Finally, we quickly go over the potential roles of metabolites, cytokines, and microRNAs in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment by bacterially activated macrophages. The complexity of bacteria and macrophages in cancer will be revealed as we gain a better understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms, which will lead to new therapeutic approaches for both inflammatory illnesses and cancer.
Role of LGMN in tumor development and its progression and connection with the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Khan Safir Ullah , Khan Ibrar Muhammad , Khan Munir Ullah , Ud Din Muhammad Azhar , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Khan Nazir Muhammad , Liu Yong
Published: February 2023

Legumain (LGMN) has been demonstrated to be overexpressed not just in breast, prostatic, and liver tumor cells, but also in the macrophages that compose the tumor microenvironment. This supports the idea that LGMN is a pivotal protein in regulating tumor development, invasion, and dissemination. Targeting LGMN with siRNA or chemotherapeutic medicines and peptides can suppress cancer cell proliferation in culture and reduce tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, legumain can be used as a marker for cancer detection and targeting due to its expression being significantly lower in normal cells compared to tumors or tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Tumor formation is influenced by aberrant expression of proteins and alterations in cellular architecture, but the tumor microenvironment is a crucial deciding factor. Legumain (LGMN) is an in vivo-active cysteine protease that catalyzes the degradation of numerous proteins. Its precise biological mechanism encompasses a number of routes, including effects on tumor-associated macrophage and neovascular endothelium in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this work is to establish a rationale for thoroughly investigating the function of LGMN in the tumor microenvironment and discovering novel tumor early diagnosis markers and therapeutic targets by reviewing the function of LGMN in tumor genesis and progression and its relationship with tumor milieu.
Plant-derived compounds for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Jieting , Chen Jiaxin , Xu Jing , Xue Cheng , Mao Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the most common monogenic hereditary kidney disease, is the fourth leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. In recent years, significant progress has been made in delaying ADPKD progression with different kinds of chemical drugs, such as tolvaptan, rapamycin, and somatostatin. Meanwhile, numerous plant-derived compounds have been investigated for their beneficial effects on slowing ADPKD progression. Among them, saikosaponin-d, Ganoderma triterpenes, curcumin, ginkgolide B, steviol, resveratrol, Sparganum stoloniferum Buch.-Ham, Cordyceps sinensis, triptolide, quercitrin, naringin, cardamonin, gambogic acid, and olive leaf extract have been found to retard renal cyst development by inhibiting cell proliferation or promoting cell apoptosis in renal cyst-lining epithelial cells. Metformin, a synthesized compound derived from French lilac or goat’s rue (Galega officinalis), has been proven to retard the progression of ADPKD. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of plant-derived compounds in treating ADPKD, which may constitute promising new therapeutics in the future.
Case report: Novel compound heterozygosity for pathogenic variants in MED23 in a syndromic patient with postnatal microcephaly
Authors: Salzano Emanuela , Niceta Marcello , Pizzi Simone , Radio Francesca Clementina , Busè Martina , Mercadante Francesca , Barresi Sabina , Ferrara Arturo , Mancini Cecilia , Tartaglia Marco , Piccione Maria
Published: February 2023

Biallelic loss-of-function variants in MED23 cause a recessive syndromic intellectual disability condition with or without epilepsy (MRT18). Due to the small number of reported individuals, the clinical phenotype of the disorder has not been fully delineated yet, and the spectrum and frequency of neurologic features have not been fully characterized. Here, we report a 5-year-old girl with compound heterozygous for two additional MED23 variants. Besides global developmental delay, axial hypotonia and peripheral increased muscular tone, absent speech, and generalized tonic seizures, which fit well MRT18, the occurrence of postnatal progressive microcephaly has been here documented. A retrospective assessment of the previously reported clinical data for these subjects confirms the occurrence of postnatal progressive microcephaly as a previously unappreciated feature of the phenotype of MED23-related disorder.
Case report: Reversible punctate inflammatory foci in the corpus callosum: A novel radiological finding of CAR T-cell therapy-related neurotoxicity
Authors: Pensato Umberto , de Philippis Chiara , Pistolese Flavio , Mannina Daniele , Marcheselli Simona , Politi Letterio S. , Santoro Armando , Bramanti Stefania
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy-related neurotoxicity is a novel cytokine-mediated neurological syndrome that may present with a broad spectrum of manifestations. Descriptions of novel distinctive features are pivotal to untangling this condition's clinical and instrumental signature in order to inform diagnosis and pathophysiology.

Case

A 27-year-old female patient received anti-CD19 CAR T cells for a refractory primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. At 6 days after the infusion, she developed mild ideo-motor slowing, dysgraphia, and drowsiness. Despite specific treatment with dexamethasone, her neurological status progressively worsened to a comatose state within 24 h. EEG and CSF analyses were non-specific, showing background slowing and inflammatory findings. Brain MRI revealed multiple focal punctate areas of T2-weighted hyperintensity localized in the body and isthmus of the corpus callosum. Following the administration of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, her neurological status resolved within 48 h. Notably, the follow-up brain MRI did not reveal any abnormalities in the corpus callosum, except for a reduction of fractional anisotropy.

Conclusion

Reversible punctate inflammatory foci of the body and isthmus of the corpus callosum may represent a novel radiological finding of CAR T-cell therapy-related neurotoxicity.
Microchimerism in multiple sclerosis: The association between sex of offspring and MRI features in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bianchi Alessia , Aprile Maria , Schirò Giuseppe , Gasparro Claudia , Iacono Salvatore , Andolina Michele , Marrale Maurizio , Gattuso Irene , La Tona Giuseppe , Midiri Massimo , Gagliardo Cesare , Salemi Giuseppe , Ragonese Paolo
Published: February 2023

Aims

During pregnancy, fetal cells can migrate to the mother via blood circulation. A percentage of these cells survive in maternal tissues for decades generating a population of fetal microchimeric cells (fMCs), whose biological role is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the sex of offspring, an indirect marker of fMCs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in women with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We recruited 26 nulliparous MS patients (NPp), 20 patients with at least one male son (XYp), and 8 patients with only daughters (XXp). Each patient underwent brain MR scan to acquire 3D-T2w FLAIR FatSat and 3D-T1w FSPGR/TFE. Lesion Segmentation Tool (LST) and FreeSurfer were used to obtain quantitative data from MRI. Additional data were collected using medical records. Multiple regression models were applied to evaluate the association between sex of offspring and MS data.

Results

Comparing NPp and XXp, we found that NPp had larger 4th ventricle volume (2.02 ± 0.59 vs. 1.70 ± 0.41; p = 0.022), smaller left entorhinal volume (0.55 ± 0.17 vs. 0.68 ± 0.25; p = 0.028), and lower thickness in the following cortical areas: left paracentral (2.34 ± 0.16 vs. 2.39 ± 0.17; p = 0.043), left precuneus (2.27 ± 0.11 vs. 2.34 ± 0.16; p = 0.046), right lateral occipital (2.14 ± 0.11 vs. 2.25 ± 0.08; p = 0.006). NPp also had lower thickness in left paracentral cortex (2.34 ± 0.16 vs. 2.46 ± 0.17; p = 0.004), left precalcarine cortex (1.64 ± 0.14 vs. 1.72 ± 0.12; p = 0.041), and right paracentral cortex (2.34 ± 0.17 vs. 2.42 ± 0.14; p = 0.015) when compared to XYp. Comparing XYp and XXp, we found that XYp had higher thickness in left cuneus (1.80 ± 0.14 vs. 1.93 ± 0.10; p = 0.042) and left pericalcarine areas (1.59 ± 0.19 vs. 1.72 ± 0.12; p = 0.032) and lower thickness in right lateral occipital cortex (2.25 ± 0.08 vs. 2.18 ± 0.13; p = 0.027).

Discussion

Our findings suggested an association between the sex of offspring and brain atrophy. Considering the sex of offspring as an indirect marker of fMCs, we speculated that fMCs could accumulate in different brain areas modulating MS neuropathological processes.
Very early environmental enrichment protects against apoptosis and improves functional recovery from hypoxic–ischemic brain injury
Authors: Lee Hoo Young , Song Suk-Young , Hwang Jihye , Baek Ahreum , Baek Dawoon , Kim Sung Hoon , Park Jung Hyun , Choi Sungchul , Pyo Soonil , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: February 2023

Appropriate rehabilitation of stroke patients at a very early phase results in favorable outcomes. However, the optimal strategy for very early rehabilitation is at present unclear due to the limited knowledge on the effects of very early initiation of rehabilitation based on voluntary exercise (VE). Environmental enrichment (EE) is a therapeutic paradigm for laboratory animals that involves complex combinations of physical, cognitive, and social stimuli, as well as VE. Few studies delineated the effect of EE on apoptosis in very early stroke in an experimental model. Although a minimal benefit of early rehabilitation in stroke models has been claimed in previous studies, these were based on a forced exercise paradigm. The aim of this study is to determine whether very early exposure to EE can effectively regulate Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis following hypoxic–ischemic (HI) brain injury and improve neurobehavioral function. C57Bl/6 mice were housed for 2 weeks in either cages with EE or standard cages (SC) 3 h or 72 h after HI brain injury. Very early exposure to EE was associated with greater improvement in motor function and cognitive ability, reduced volume of the infarcted area, decreased mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and decreased oxidative stress. Very early exposure to EE significantly downregulated Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis, decreased expression of Fas, Fas-associated death domain, cleaved caspase-8/caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, as well as Bax and Bcl-2, in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. Delayed exposure to EE, on the other hand, failed to inhibit the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. This study demonstrates that very early exposure to EE is a potentially useful therapeutic translation for stroke rehabilitation through effective inhibition of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.
A stay of execution: ATF4 regulation and potential outcomes for the integrated stress response
Authors: Neill Graham , Masson Glenn R.
Published: February 2023

ATF4 is a cellular stress induced bZIP transcription factor that is a hallmark effector of the integrated stress response. The integrated stress response is triggered by phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 complex that can be carried out by the cellular stress responsive kinases; GCN2, PERK, PKR, and HRI. eIF2α phosphorylation downregulates mRNA translation initiation en masse, however ATF4 translation is upregulated. The integrated stress response can output two contradicting outcomes in cells; pro-survival or apoptosis. The mechanism for choice between these outcomes is unknown, however combinations of ATF4 heterodimerisation partners and post-translational modifications have been linked to this regulation. This semi-systematic review article covers ATF4 target genes, heterodimerisation partners and post-translational modifications. Together, this review aims to be a useful resource to elucidate the mechanisms controlling the effects of the integrated stress response. Additional putative roles of the ATF4 protein in cell division and synaptic plasticity are outlined.
Structural properties and anti-inflammatory activity of purified polysaccharides from Hen-of-the-woods mushrooms (Grifola frondosa)
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Chen Shuai , Liu Huijuan , Xie Jiao , Hasan K. M. Faridul , Zeng Qibing , Wei Shaofeng , Luo Peng
Published: February 2023

Grifola frondosa is an edible medicinal mushroom that has been proven to have a variety of health benefits. The main active ingredients of this mushroom are polysaccharides. In this study, ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used to obtain crude Grifola frondosa polysaccharides (GFPs). Then, purified GFP was obtained after purification. The optimum extraction conditions were an extraction time of 71 min, an extraction temperature of 90°C in a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:37 g/mL, and an ultrasonic power of 500 W. GFP was purified using DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-100. The structural characterization of GFP was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ion chromatography (IC), and ultraviolet (UV) visible photometry. The morphology of GFP was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and Congo red testing. In addition, the administration of GFP in oxazolone (OXZ)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice was found to prevent weight loss. Different doses of GFP (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg body weight) were used, and sulfapyridine (SASP) was used as a positive control (370 mg/kg body weight) for the treatment of OXZ-induced UC. After treatment, the mice were killed, and blood and colon tissue samples were collected. GFP was found to prevent decreases in colon length and the levels of leukocytes, platelets, and neutrophils in UC mice. Moreover, GFP also decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1 β], increased IL-10, and reduced colon injury in UC mice. The results showed that Under these conditions, the predicted polysaccharide yield was 21.72%, and the actual extraction rate was 21.13%. The polysaccharide composition (molar ratio) was composed of fucose (0.025), glucosamine hydrochloride (0.004), galactose (0.063), glucose (0.869), and mannose (0.038). GFP was also found to have a typical absorption peak, and the GFP extracted using the ultrasound-assisted extraction protocol was mainly β-glucan. These results indicate that ultrasound-assisted extraction of GFP could reduce OXZ-induced intestinal inflammation as a promising candidate for the treatment of UC, with the potential for development as a food supplement to improve intestinal diseases.
The clinical value of the Controlling Nutritional Status score for predicting prognosis in systolic heart failure cases in the vulnerable phase
Authors: Zhao Jinglin , Xie Wenli , Ye Suling , Zhang Shenglin , Shi Wenyu , Cui Ming , Wang Lili
Published: February 2023

Background

Malnutrition, a commonly encountered complication of heart failure, has an association with poor prognosis. The vulnerable phase of heart failure constitutes the most vulnerable stage of heart failure cases after discharge (usually within 3 months). At present, the prognostic value of Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in the vulnerable phase of systolic heart failure is unclear.

Methods

Totally 187 systolic heart failure cases were retrospectively assessed at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. Based on CONUT score at admission, cases were assigned to 3 groups, including the normal nutrition, and mild and moderate or severe malnutrition groups. The primary endpoint was all-cause death in the 90 days following discharge. The secondary, composite outcome encompassed all-cause death and rehospitalization due to heart failure. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed to compare outcome event rates between groups. The independent risk factors for outcome events were obtained by multivariate COX regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Delong test were used to compare the prediction performance of the CONUT score and other independent risk factors for all-cause death.

Results

During the 90 days of follow-up, 8.6% of HF patients had the primary endpoint and 23.5% had the secondary outcome. All-cause mortality was markedly elevated in the moderate or severe malnutrition group (Logrank: p < 0.001). Compared with the normal nutrition group, composite endpoint events had starkly increased incidence rates in both malnutrition groups, and the incidence increased with the severity of malnutrition (Logrank: p < 0.05). Multivariate COX risk analysis revealed higher CONUT score [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.791, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.379–2.327], age (HR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.028–1.134), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (HR = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.001), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (HR = 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.015) at admission as independent predictive factors of all-cause mortality. And higher CONUT score (HR = 1.162, 95% CI 1.024–1.318) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.966–0.993) for the secondary endpoint. The addition of the CONUT score significantly increased the predictive performance of age, BNP and AST, as well as their combination for all-cause death (Delong test: all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The CONUT score at admission independently predicts poor prognosis during the vulnerable phase in patients with systolic heart failure and may be combined with conventional risk factors to further improve the predictive efficacy.
There is a significantly inverse relationship between dietary riboflavin intake and prevalence of osteoporosis in women but not in men: Results from the TCLSIH cohort study
Authors: Wan Min , Wu Hongmei , Wang Xuena , Gu Yeqing , Meng Ge , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Zhang Juanjuan , Sun Shaomei , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Gao Weina , Yao Zhanxin , Niu Kaijun , Guo Changjiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Epidemiological evidence for the relationship between riboflavin intake and bone health is inconsistent, and this relationship has not been examined in Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of riboflavin and prevalence of osteoporosis in a Chinese adult population.

Methods

A total of 5,607 participants (mean age, 61.2 years; males, 34.4%) were included in this cross-sectional study. We calculated the riboflavin intake by using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in combination with Chinese food composition database. Bone mineral density (BMD) was detected by an ultrasound bone densitometer. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between dietary riboflavin intake and prevalence of osteoporosis.

Results

In this population, the dietary intake of riboflavin ranged from 0.13 to 1.99 mg/d, and the proportion of abnormal BMD was 36.6%. The prevalence of osteoporosis decreased gradually with increasing quartiles of riboflavin intake, before and after adjustment for a range of confounding factors. In the final model, the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CI) across the quartiles of riboflavin intake were 1.00 (reference), 0.84 (0.54, 1.31), 0.59 (0.34, 1.04), and 0.47 (0.22, 0.96), respectively (P for trend < 0.05). In sex-disaggregated analysis, similar results to the total population were observed in women, while no significant results were found in men.

Conclusion

The dietary riboflavin intake was negatively associated with the prevalence of osteoporosis. However, the association was significant in women but not in men. Our findings indicated that women are more sensitive to riboflavin intake in maintaining a normal BMD.
Clinical, pathological, and radiological features of 80 pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas: A single-institute study
Authors: Zhang Peng , Duan Yunyun , Gu Guocan , Qu Liying , Xiao Dan , Xi Tianshu , Pan Changcun , Liu Ya’ou , Zhang Liwei
Published: February 2023

Objective

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are rare but devastating diseases. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of DIPGs.

Materials and methods

The clinical data of 80 pediatric DIPGs under clinical treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital from July 2013 to July 2019 were retrospectively collected and studied. A follow-up evaluation was performed.

Results

This study included 48 men and 32 women. The most common symptoms were cranial nerve palsy (50.0%, 40/80 patients) and limb weakness (41.2%, 33/80 patients). Among the 80 patients, 24 cases were clinically diagnosed, 56 cases were pathologically verified, and 45 cases were tested for H3K27 alteration status, with 34 H3K27 alteration cases confirmed. Radiological results indicated that enhancement was common (65.0%, 52/80 patients). Cho/Cr was of predictive value for H3K27 alteration status (P = 0.012, cutoff value = 2.38, AUC = 0.801). Open cranial surgery followed by further chemotherapy and radiotherapy was beneficial for patients’ overall survival. Cox regression analysis indicated H3K27 alteration to be the independent prognostic influencing factor for DIPGs in this series (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

DIPGs displayed a wide spectrum of clinical and imaging features. Surgery-suitable patients could benefit from postoperative comprehensive therapy for a better overall survival. H3K27 alteration was the independent prognostic influencing factor for DIPGs.
Latest evidence of microwave ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma compared with surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Jie , Jiang Yizhou , Feng Yiyan
Published: February 2023

Background

The most typical thyroid gland malignant lesion is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In many nations, the prevalence of thyroid cancer (TC) is rising, particularly papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Microwave ablation (MWA) has been gradually carried out in some patients with benign thyroid nodules, some low-risk PTMC, and metastatic lymph nodes in the neck. The role and safety of MWA remain controversial topics. So we conducted this study to provide the latest evidence of MWA for PTMC compared with surgery.

Methods

Patients’ postoperative outcomes (duration of hospital stay and hospitalization expenditures), intraoperative outcomes (surgery time, blood loss, and incision size), and follow-up outcomes were all examined (complication rate, recurrence rate, and lymph node metastasis). The effectiveness and safety of MWA versus surgery for PTMC patients were compared using the weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR).

Results

In total, we included 7 articles (7 trial comparisons) which contained 1, 567 PTMC patients. The results showed that MWA had significant advantages in operative time (WMD = -53.47, 95% CI: -67.62 to -39.32), postoperative hospital stay (WMD =-4.59, 95% CI: -6.40 to -2.77), hospitalization costs (WMD= -70.06, 95% CI: -90.93 to -49.19), blood loss (WMD =-28.07, 95% CI: -33.77 to -22.38), incisions size (WMD =-59.69, 95% CI: -67.79 to -51.59), and complication rates (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.42) compared with surgery. It also showed that recurrence rates and risk of lymph node metastasis are similar to surgery.

Conclusions

For PTMC patients, MWA could be an efficient, safe, and affordable therapy.
Case report: PSMA PET/CT addresses the correct diagnosis in a patient with metastatic prostate cancer despite negative core biopsies and mpMRI. A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Vetrone Luigia , Cuzzani Giulia , Mei Riccardo , Zanoni Lucia , Bertaccini Alessandro , Bianchi Lorenzo , Castellucci Paolo , Gaudiano Caterina , Cappelli Alberta , Giunchi Francesca , Fanti Stefano
Published: February 2023

This is a case of [68 Ga]Ga-Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 PET/CT in a 73-years old patient presenting high Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels despite both multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and 12-core saturation biopsy negative for prostate cancer (Pca). This is a highly interesting case because, despite the advanced metastatic spread at initial presentation as showed by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-PET/CT, the primary Pca was detected by none of the diagnostic techniques (12 random sample biopsy, mpMRI, PSMA PET/CT). However, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-PET/CT showed a suspicious axillary lesion suitable for biopsy, which finally resulted as Pca metastasis. This case report is therefore a brilliant example of how [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-PET/CT optimized patient’s management.
Genetic variants in the calcium signaling pathway participate in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer through the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wu Jing-Yu , Shao Yu , Huang Chang-Zhi , Wang Zhen-Ling , Zhang Hong-Qiang , Fu Zan
Published: February 2023

Background

Cancer risk is influenced by calcium signaling in intracellular and intercellular signaling pathways. However, the relationship between the calcium signaling pathway and colorectal cancer risk remains unknown. We aim to evaluate the role of genetic variants in calcium signaling pathway genes in colorectal cancer risk through the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

An analysis of genetic variants in the calcium signaling pathway was conducted using a case-control study that included 1150 colorectal cancer patients and 1342 non-cancer patients. Using the regression model, we assessed whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) increase the risk of colorectal cancer. We also performed a dual luciferase reporter gene assay using HCT116 cell lines and DLD1 cell lines to demonstrate the regulatory relationship between SNP and candidate risk gene. We evaluated the expression of candidate risk gene in different populations. In addition, we also evaluated candidate risk gene and 22 immune cells correlation studies.

Results

There was a significant association between the PDE1C rs12538364 T allele and colorectal cancer risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30 – 1.90, P = 3.07 × 10–6, PFDR = 0.004]. Mutation of intron region rs1538364 C to T locus reduces promoter activity of PDE1C in DLD1 and HCT116 cell lines (P < 0.05). We identified that PDE1C is significantly down-regulated in colorectal cancer, closely associated with 22 immune cells. Finally, we found that PDE1C could be the biomarker for individual immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

According to our findings, PDE1C may be a key factor contributing to colorectal cancer, thus improving individual immunotherapy for the disease. The potential mechanism by which polymorphisms in the calcium signaling pathway genes may participate in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer through the tumor microenvironment.
The effectiveness of repeated sucrose for procedural pain in neonates in a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Bueno Mariana , Ballantyne Marilyn , Campbell-Yeo Marsha , Estabrooks Carole A. , Gibbins Sharyn , Harrison Denise , McNair Carol , Riahi Shirine , Squires Janet , Synnes Anne , Taddio Anna , Victor Charles , Yamada Janet , Stevens Bonnie
Published: February 2023

Goal

To determine the analgesic effectiveness of repeated sucrose administration for skin-breaking (SB) procedures over the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization of preterm infants.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study, conducted in four level III Canadian NICUs. Eligible infants were <32 weeks gestational age at birth, and <10 days of life at enrollment. Infants received 24% sucrose (0.12 ml) prior to all painful procedures. The Premature Infant Pain Profile – Revised (PIPP-R) was used at 30 and 60 seconds after a medically-required SB procedure as soon as possible after enrollment and weekly up to three additional times for scheduled procedures.

Results

172 infants (57.3% male, gestational age 28.35 (±2.31) weeks) were included. The mean 30 s PIPP-R scores were 6.11 (±3.68), 5.76 (±3.41), 6.48 (±3.67), and 6.81 (±3.69) respectively; there were no statistically significant interactions of study site by time (p = 0.31) or over time (p = 0.15). At 60 s, mean PIPP-R scores were 6.05 (±4.09), 5.74 (±3.67), 6.19 (±3.7), and 5.99 (±3.76) respectively; there were no study site by time interactions (p = 0.14) or differences over time (p = 0.52). There was a statistically significant site difference in the effectiveness of sucrose at 30 and 60 seconds (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Consistently low PIPP-R scores following a skin-breaking procedure indicated that the analgesic effectiveness of the minimal dose of sucrose was sustained over time in the NICU. Further research is required to determine the optimal combination of sucrose and other pain management strategies to improve clinical practice and the impact of consistent use of repeated use of sucrose on neurodevelopment.
Fetal and neonatal bilirubin metabolism
Authors: Itoh Susumu , Okada Hitoshi , Koyano Kosuke , Nakamura Shinji , Konishi Yukihiko , Iwase Takashi , Kusaka Takashi
Published: February 2023

Human fetal and neonatal bilirubin metabolism is centered on 4Z,15Z-bilirubin IXα (BR) due to the extremely low BR conjugating capacity of the liver. BR is a unique, highly lipophilic substance with physiological and toxic effects in the cell membranes of organs and body tissues. The fetus excretes BR through the placenta to the maternal circulation. After birth, BR is thought to act as an antioxidant against the increase in reactive oxygen species caused by the rapid increase in oxygen concentration during the adaptation process from in amniotic fluid to in air. However, bilirubin encephalopathy is a toxic effect of bilirubin. Due to the lipophilic nature of BR, it must be bound to a carrier to be distributed to various parts of the body by hydrophilic blood. This carrier of BR is human serum albumin (HSA). In humans, BR can be excreted efficiently after undergoing photochemical reactions upon high affinity binding to HSA. HSA also plays an important role in the prevention of bilirubin encephalopathy. This review focuses on the developmental and physiological role of bilirubin metabolism during the fetal and neonatal periods.
Effects of psychosocial function in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Yang Yun , Zhao Xixi , Hu Huajian , Liu Jia , Zhan Xue , Song Xiaomei , Guo Hong , Li Zhongyue , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Research on the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial function in patients with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological status of patients with PIBD before and during the pandemic, and the relationship between mental health and disease activity.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between demographic, clinical data and psychological data (questionnaires) of PIBD patients before and during the epidemic. The anxiety and depression emotional status of the guardians during the pandemic were evaluated.

Results

In the PIBD follow-up cohort, 42 patients(male 61.9%) were included. Female with PIBD had lower pediatric quality of life inventory(PedsQL) scores (P = 0.007) and higher spence children's anxiety scale(SCAS) scores (P = 0.038) than male. The pandemic did not have a substantial impact on PedsQL, pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI), SCAS, or children's depression inventory(CDI) in patients with PIBD. The self-rating anxiety scale(SAS) score, anxiety rate, self-rating depression scale(SDS) score, and depression rate of PIBD guardians were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (SAS, P = 0.008; SDS, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Female children with PIBD were more vulnerable to decreased QOL and increased anxiety than male children. The anxiety and depression status of PIBD guardians were significantly higher than those of healthy controls during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect quality of life(QOL), sleep, anxiety, or depressive mood of patients with PIBD in our study.
Towards the ideal vascular implant: Use of machine learning and statistical approaches to optimise manufacturing parameters
Authors: Roldán Elisa , Reeves Neil D. , Cooper Glen , Andrews Kirstie
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Electrospinning is a manufacturing technique that creates a net of nano and microfibres able to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of biological tissue. Electrospun scaffolds' morphology and mechanical behaviour can be tailored by modifying the environmental, solution and process parameters. This study aims to produce biomimetic vascular implants optimising the manufacturing set up through two machine learning techniques and statistical approaches.

Methods: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based scaffolds were produced by modifying the concentration of the polymer, flow rate, voltage, type of collector, diameter of the needle, distance between needle and collector and revolutions of the mandrel. The scaffolds were morphologically and mechanically characterised using scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing respectively to inform the morphological model (simultaneously predicting diameter of the fibres and inter-fibre separation) and mechanical model (predicting strain at rupture and ultimate tensile strength).

Results: Prediction and traditional techniques led to an optimum set up of: 12% PVA, 1 ml/h flow rate, 20 kV, 8 cm between the needle, 18 G gauge needle, rotational mandrel of 15 cm and 2000 rpm. Optimised PVA scaffolds replicated the mechanical properties and morphology of the vascular tissue with an ultimate tensile strength of 6.17 ± 0.18 MPa, a strain at break of 97.39 ± 5.06, fibre diameters of 126 ± 6.11 nm and inter-fibre separation of 1488 ± 91.99 nm.

Discussion: This work revealed for the first time that machine learning Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) models are a novel and visual route to elect the optimum manufacturing set up to develop biomimetic vascular implants. Novel two-output Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance (MANOVA, MANCOVA) models presented comparable prediction results (R2=0.91); however, two-output ANN predicted models demonstrated to be the most powerful tool for non-parametric conditions, showing cross-validation mean squared errors (MSE) of 0.0001943. Multi Linear Regression models (MLR) exhibited the lowest accuracy in their predictions (R2=0.6). Machine learning, statistical approaches and traditional characterisation methods were studied to successfully achieve vascular substitutes with analogous biomechanical behaviour and physical structure to the native vascular tissue.
Associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with physical performance and anabolic hormones in young men
Authors: Laaksi Akseli , Laaksi Ilkka , Pihlajamäki Harri , Vaara Jani P. , Luukkaala Tiina , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The present study examined the association of vitamin D measured by serum 25(OH)D with physical performance outcomes and serum levels of anabolic hormones in young men.

Methods: 412 young men (age 19 ± 1 year) entering their compulsory military service volunteered to participate in the study. The study consisted of two groups from two different military bases: Group A was studied in January and group B in July. The groups were first compared with each other and due to statistically significant (p < 0.001 analyzed with independent samples t-test) differences in physical condition (sit-up, push-up, and standing long jump-tests and testosterone levels) between the groups, groups were analyzed separately. The serum levels of 25(OH)D, testosterone (TES), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Physical performance tests consisted of muscular fitness (sit-ups, push-ups, standing long jump) and aerobic fitness (12-minute-running) tests. The association of serum 25(OH)D with physical performance tests and anabolic hormones was analyzed using linear regression.

Results: After controlling for the group, body mass index, and leisure-time physical activity, serum 25(OH)D level was positively associated with aerobic and muscular fitness (β = 0.15–0.20, all p < 0.05). Also, the participants with sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (≥75 nmol/L) had better aerobic and muscular fitness and higher TES in group B, and better upper extremity muscular fitness in group A (all p < 0.05). In group A, there were 166 participants with serum levels of 25(OH) D < 75 nmol/L and 18 ≥ 75 nmol/L. In group B, the amounts were 92 (<75 nmol/L) and 136 (≥75 nmol/L), respectively.

Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with both aerobic and muscular fitness and those with sufficient vitamin D levels, had higher levels of TES. Thus, maintaining a sufficient serum 25(OH)D level may be beneficial for physical performance and anabolic state in young men.