bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the complexity of drug resistance mechanisms to SINE, T cell-engaging therapies and CELMoDs in multiple myeloma: a comprehensive review
Authors: Schütt Jacqueline , Brinkert Kerstin , Plis Andrzej , Schenk Tino , Brioli Annamaria
Published: June 2024

Despite significant advances in the understanding of multiple myeloma (MM) biology and the development of novel treatment strategies in the last two decades, MM is still an incurable disease. Novel drugs with alternative mechanisms of action, such as selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE), modulators of the ubiquitin pathway [cereblon E3 ligase modulatory drugs (CELMoDs)], and T cell redirecting (TCR) therapy, have led to significant improvement in patient outcomes. However, resistance still emerges, posing a major problem for the treatment of myeloma patients. This review summarizes current data on treatment with SINE, TCR therapy, and CELMoDs and explores their mechanism of resistance. Understanding these resistance mechanisms is critical for developing strategies to overcome treatment failure and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Las desigualdades ante la incertidumbre
Authors: Urteaga Eguzki
Published: June 2024

Hoy en día, en razón de múltiples mutaciones, entramos en una sociedad de la incertidumbre donde esta no para de diversificarse e intensificarse, hasta el punto de traducirse por un incremento del riesgo y una exacerbación de su percepción social, lo que provoca, a su vez, una inseguridad y una sensación de inseguridad crecientes, sobre todo en el ámbito social. Todo ello genera una incapacidad creciente para prever los acontecimientos venideros y una dificultad notable para proyectarse en el futuro, lo que tiene incidencias sobre el auge de fenómenos contemporáneos, tales como el presentismo, el conspirativismo, el populismo o el fundamentalismo. No en vano, si el incremento de las incertidumbres concierne el conjunto de las sociedades contemporáneas, todos los actores no están expuestos de la misma manera y en proporciones similares a los riesgos medio ambientales, a las tensiones geopolíticas, a las disparidades económicas o a las desigualdades sociales.
La ciberguerra entre Rusia y Ucrania. Concienciación y protestas a través del videojuego y el metaverso
Authors: Paredes Otero Guillermo
Published: June 2024

El videojuego ha estado relacionado con la industria militar y la guerra desde su concepción a mediados del siglo XX. Este ensayo expone cómo el ocio interactivo y el metaverso, como variante más reciente de mundos virtuales, han servido a lo largo de la guerra híbrida protagonizada por Rusia y Ucrania como herramientas de concienciación y protesta frente a la misma. Instituciones políticas, medios de comunicación, organismos sociales y usuarios se han servido de dichos formatos y de la interactividad, como factor característico de ambos, para participar en una ciberguerra en beneficio de Ucrania con campañas de solidaridad, donaciones y preservación de su cultura, frente a reivindicaciones y boicot contrarias a Rusia representando en creaciones digitales los horrores de la guerra en la población civil.
Audit Expectation Gap: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Scopus And WoS Data (1992-2024)
Authors: Polat Çeltikci Neriman
Published: June 2024

In this study, the concept of the expectation gap (AEG), which is thought to be at the center of the criticism towards the audit profession, is discussed. The AEG can be explained as the difference between the performances and expectations of the parties to the audit. The aim of the study is to examine the current status and global trends of AEG scientific publications in Scopus and Web of Science databases with bibliometric analysis. For this purpose, in the search conducted with the keyword "Audit Expectation Gap" in both databases, 117 publications covering the years 1992-2024 were evaluated comparatively. The data were analysed by using Excel and VOSviewer programs. The findings show that approximately 40 per cent of AEG research has been conducted in the last five years. The leading countries are the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia and Iran. The most productive authors are Humphrey, C., Coram, P. J. and Lee, T.H. The common keywords that stand out are auditing, auditors, auditor’s report, key audit matters and audit quality. The overlap rate of the databases is 35% and the coverage of Scopus was found to be wider. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effects/interactions of AEG research in terms of both databases.
Keywords: Audit, Expectation Gap, Bibliometric Analysis, Scopus, WoS, VOSviewer
JEL Codes: M42, C88
Disparity in temporal and spatial relationships between resting-state electrophysiological and fMRI signals
Authors: Tu Wenyu , Cramer Samuel , Zhang Nanyin
Published: June 2024

Resting-state brain networks (RSNs) have been widely applied in health and disease, but the interpretation of RSNs in terms of the underlying neural activity is unclear. To address this fundamental question, we conducted simultaneous recordings of whole-brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and electrophysiology signals in two separate brain regions of rats. Our data reveal that for both recording sites, spatial maps derived from band-specific local field potential (LFP) power can account for up to 90% of the spatial variability in RSNs derived from rsfMRI signals. Surprisingly, the time series of LFP band power can only explain to a maximum of 35% of the temporal variance of the local rsfMRI time course from the same site. In addition, regressing out time series of LFP power from rsfMRI signals has minimal impact on the spatial patterns of rsfMRI-based RSNs. This disparity in the spatial and temporal relationships between resting-state electrophysiology and rsfMRI signals suggests that electrophysiological activity alone does not fully explain the effects observed in the rsfMRI signal, implying the existence of an rsfMRI component contributed by "electrophysiology-invisible" signals. These findings offer a novel perspective on our understanding of RSN interpretation.
Effect of manufacturing processes on the natural frequency, surface roughness and dimensional tolerances of GCI brake discs
Authors: Awe Samuel A.
Published: June 2024

Automotive component manufacturing involves various processes that can affect the performance of components. Cast articles, such as brake rotors made from gray cast iron (GCI), often have residual stresses owing to cooling variations during solidification. These stresses can cause significant material property degradation and compromise geometric tolerance requirements. Residual stresses can distort GCI rotors during machining and FNC processing when the rotors are heated above the stress-relief temperature, resulting in disc thickness variation (DTV) and increased vibrations during braking owing to lateral runout (LRO). Thermal processing through stress-relieving operations can help eliminate or reduce the residual stresses. This study examined the effects of stress-relief (SR) heat treatment on the natural frequency, damping properties, surface roughness, and geometric tolerances of gray cast iron brake rotors before and after FNC processing. The results indicated that brake discs of similar sizes exhibited no notable difference in their mean resonant frequencies, regardless of whether they underwent prior treatment before FNC processing. The post-FNC damping Q-factor of the brake discs was generally lower than the pre-FNC Q-factor, regardless of disc size and previous treatments. Analysis of the data from the post-FNC discs revealed that the SR discs displayed significantly higher average DTV values (6.3%) than the NA discs, regardless of disc size. The study findings suggest that the surfaces of the FNC-treated discs exhibited increased roughness, regardless of whether they underwent stress-relieving or natural aging before FNC processing. The surface roughness of all treated discs after FNC exceeded the specified Ra value of 2.5 µm. Additionally, FNC processing of stress-relieved discs resulted in an LRO improvement of 30–42% compared to their naturally aged counterparts.
Monitoring Forest Biodiversity in the Face of Urban Proximity: A Case Study in Nirjuli Highlighting the necessity for Ex-situ Conservation Imperative
Authors: Borah Dipankar , Taram Momang , Tasser Millo , Basar Egam , Tangjang Sumpam , Wangpan Tonlong
Published: June 2024

A verdant plot of land in Nirjuli, Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, is home to an impressive array of biodiversity. Within this modest expanse, 156 species of flowering plants, representing 129 genera and 57 families thrive astoundingly. Notably, 11 of these species are only found in North East India, with five (Amomum arunachalense, Boeica arunachalensis, Henckelia collegii-sancti-thomasii, Pseuderanthemum arunachalense and Rhynchothecum nirjuliense) of them being endemic to this particular area only. Regrettably, the relentless march of urbanization and rapid encroachments of human settlements has led to the extinction of its once-thriving microhabitats. This lamentable tale is not unique to this plot alone, it also applies to many other regions across the state. Faced with these alarming circumstances, ex-situ conservation efforts are imperative to safeguard these irreplaceable bioresources.
LGG Promotes Activation of Intestinal ILC3 through TLR2 Receptor and Inhibits Salmonella Infection in Mice
Authors: Wang Junhong , Gao Ming , Wang Jiarui , Zeng Yan , Wang Chunfeng , Cao Xin
Published: June 2024

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that causes disruption of intestinal mucosal immunity, leading to acute gastroenteritis in the host. In this study, it was discovered that infection with Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) results in a significant decrease in the abundance of Lacticaseibacillus in the intestines of mice, while the secretion of IL-22 by ILC3 is significantly increased. Feeding Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) effectively alleviated the infection of STM in the mouse intestines. Experiments using TLR2−/− mice revealed that TLR2-expressing dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for LGG's activation of ILC3. Subsequent in vitro experiments showed that heat-killed LGG (HK-LGG) could promote DCs to secrete IL-23, which in turn further promotes the activation of ILC3 and the secretion of IL-22. Finally, organoid experiments further verified that IL-22 secreted by ILC3 can enhance the intestinal mucosal immune barrier and inhibit STM infection. This study demonstrates that oral administration of LGG is a potential method for preventing STM infection, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new intestinal health modulating products and treatment strategies.
Novel filtering method for Hyperspectral image classification: Optimization using Genetic algorithm
Authors: Huang Kai-Hsiang , Lau Tsz-Kin , Hsu Hsieh-Chih
Published: June 2024

Due to the increasing demand for hyperspectral image (HSI) classification, there is a need for improvements and enhancements to achieve more accurate and cost-effective results. Image processing plays a significant role in HSI classification, primarily used for image smoothing and denoising. Filtering, a popular method in image processing, is typically based on mathematical equations. However, in this study, filtering is treated as an optimization problem to provide a novel filter for HSI processing and classification. An optimized filter (OF) was generated and optimized using genetic algorithm (GA) based on the Pavia University (PU) dataset, which preprocessed using Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF). Subsequently, the OF was applied to HSI classification for three datasets using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). The results were compared with median filter (MF) and Gaussian filter (GF). The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to MF and GF, OF exhibited the strongest enhancement and achieved the highest accuracy in most situations, including different sampling scenarios for various datasets. Moreover, OF demonstrated excellent performance in aiding HSI classification, especially in classes with a higher number of samples. The study's outcomes highlight the feasibility of generating a filter specifically for HSI processing and classification using GA, which is deemed acceptable and effective. Based on the results, filtering has evolved into an optimization problem, expanding beyond being solely a mathematical problem. Filters can now be generated and optimized based on the goals and requirements of image-related tasks, extending beyond HSI applications.
Dupilumab in Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children: A Large Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: HASOSAH MOHAMMED , Kamal Nagla , Sukkar Ghassan , AlSahafi Asharf , Zaidan Ali , Ghous Nouf , Alshahrani Abdulmajed , Zahrani Ziyad Al , Hasosah Naif , Qurashi Mansour , Goronfolah Loie
Published: June 2024

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus. Adult study demonstrated effectiveness of dupilumab in the treatment of EoE.
The aim of this study was to describe children who were difficult-to-treat EoE with conventional treatment and to identify symptomatic, histologic, and endoscopic improvement after dupilumab treatment.
Methods: A retrospective, multicenter study of children who confirmed EoE were conducted. We completed the chart review who were prescribed dupilumab for EoE. Demographic information, symptoms, endoscopic and histologic findings, and medications were collected. Response to dupilumab was evaluated.
Results: We identified 11 patients in the present study. The study population comprised 7 males (64 %) and 4 female (36 %). The median age at presentation was 11.6 years (range, 8–13 years). Dupilumab at a dose of 200-300 mg was administrated in all patients as second-line therapy for children with EoE who refractory to conventional therapy (proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids, and dietary restrictions). The study reported the effectiveness of dupilumab in symptoms, endoscopy, and histology were 82%, 73% and 90%, respectively. The mean EoE Endoscopic Reference Scoring System Scores (EREFS) changed from baseline 9.4 (prior to dupilumab) to 0.5 (post dupilumab). In addition to improvement in EoE, all patients reported decreased corticosteroid use in EoE and decreased inhaled corticosteroid in asthma, suggesting that dupilumab has the potential to be effective in patients with multiple concurrent atopic conditions. Dupilumab is well-tolerated safety profile except one patient who developed conjunctivitis.
Conclusions: This first largest pediatric study adds to the effectiveness of dupilumab in symptoms, endoscopy, and histology of EoE as a second-line therapy who refractory to current therapy. A longitudinal large prospective study is necessary for guidance on how to initiate dupilumab for treatment of childhood EoE and long follow-up data on dupilumab.
ChatGPT-4.0: A Promising Tool for Diagnosing Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Lyu Guo-Rong , Hong Dao-Rong , Huang Chun-Yan , Zhong Huo-Hu
Published: June 2024

Objective
This study aims to explore the application value of ChatGPT-4.0 in the ultrasonic image analysis of thyroid nodules, comparing its diagnostic efficacy and consistency with that of sonographers.
Methods
This is a prospective study based on real clinical scenarios. The study included 124 patients with thyroid nodules confirmed by pathology who underwent ultrasound examinations at Fujian Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital. A physician not involved in the study collected ultrasound images of the thyroid nodules, capturing three images for each nodule—the maximum cross-sectional, maximum longitudinal, and the section best representing the nodular characteristics—for ChatGPT-4.0 image analysis, classified according to the 2020 China Thyroid Nodule Malignancy Risk Stratification Guide (C-TIRADS). Two sonographers with different qualifications (a resident and an attending physician) independently performed the ultrasound examinations, also classifying the thyroid nodules according to the C-TIRADS guidelines. Using fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or surgical pathology results as the gold standard, the consistency and diagnostic efficacy of ChatGPT-4.0 were compared with those of the sonographers.
Results
(1) ChatGPT-4.0 diagnosed thyroid nodules with a sensitivity of 86.2%, specificity of 60.0%, and AUC of 0.731, comparable to the resident's sensitivity of 85.1%, specificity of 66.7%, and AUC of 0.759 (p > 0.05), but lower than the attending physician's sensitivity of 97.9% and AUC of 0.889 (p < 0.05). (2) ChatGPT-4.0 showed good consistency with the resident in thyroid nodule classification (Kappa value = 0.729), but its consistency with pathological diagnosis was lower than that between the attending physician and the pathological diagnosis (Kappa values of 0.457 vs 0.816 respectively).
Conclusion
ChatGPT-4.0 has a certain clinical application value in the risk stratification diagnosis of thyroid nodules, comparable to the level of diagnosis by resident physicians.
Predict Cancer-specific Survival After Nephrectomy for Nonmetastatic Renal Cancer: A Deep Learning-Based Prognostic Model
Authors: Yu Shuhong , Wang Xuanyu , Wang Siyu , Xu Ximing
Published: June 2024

Background
There are few analyses comparing radical nephrectomy with resection of the renal parenchyma only (RNRP) or radical nephrectomy that includes simultaneous resection of the parenchyma, affected perirenal fascia, perirenal fat, and ureter (RNPU) relative to partial nephrectomy (PN) for patients with nonmetastatic (M0) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in terms of cancer-specific survival (CSS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different nephrectomy on the CSS of nonmetastatic RCC (nmRCC) and to identify the main beneficiaries of different nephrectomy.
Methods
The data was collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Kaplan-Meier plots, and multivariable Cox regression models were used. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the effect of selection bias. A prognostic model for nmRCC patients after nephrectomy was established using the deep learning framework.
Results
Kaplan-Meier analysis after PSM showed that lymph node dissection (LND) was effective in patients after RNRP (HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.27–0.64, p < 0.0001). RNRP demonstrated less strongly association with CSS than was PN (HR = 0.49, 95%CI༚0.34–0.71, p < 0.0001). The established prognostic model showed that grade II stage I T1N0M0 patients were the primary beneficiary population of RN.
Conclusions
RN is more recommended than PN for grade II stage I T1N0M0 RCC patients. LND is necessary when performing RNRP.
Sonography for the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis in the emergency department – case series of 96 cases
Authors: Jathurshan Pakiyarajah , Klingberg Karsten , Nicole Kofmel , Beat Lehmann
Published: June 2024

Background:
Acute abdomen is a frequent reason for consultation in the emergency department. Acute diverticulitis is common, especially in elderly patients. Computer tomography (CT) and sonography are available for imaging. In order to minimize the number of CT scans, systematic ultrasound as first line imaging is performed in many centers. Little is known about the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in diagnosing acute diverticulitis by emergency physicians. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine, whether ultrasound can be used as first diagnostic measure in suspected cases.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis at the emergency department of the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland from 2012–2019. In our department, an ultrasound is done for patients with suspected diverticulitis. The test characteristics of conclusive ultrasound exams were compared to CT, which is considered as the gold standard.
Results:
A total of 705 patients were identified by our screening of medical records. 609 (86%) patients had to be excluded, because no imaging (12%), only a CT (55%) or only a sonography has been performed (10%) and because of absence of consent (9%). The data of 96 (14%) patients were available for analysis. 48 patients had a conclusive ultrasound, 48 patients had an inconclusive ultrasound exam. The overall accuracy of POCUS is 79% for diverticulitis and the rate of false positive exams was 25%.
Discussion:
In this study, experienced examiners showed higher accuracy, highlighting the importance of training and skill level. However, the rate of inconclusive ultrasound exams remains a concern, indicating the need for further standardization and training. Moreover, POCUS demonstrated limited sensitivity for detecting complications, emphasizing the complementary role of CT, particularly in cases of suspected abscesses or perforations
Conclusion:
POCUS is a valuable tool in experienced hands for diagnosing AD, but its utility is limited in less experienced examiners. Additional imaging should be considered in patients with inconclusive ultrasound or high clinical suspicion for complications. Standardization of imaging protocols and further training of examiners may improve diagnostic accuracy. However, the study's limitations, including selection bias and variability among examiners, warrant cautious interpretation of the results.
Uncovering the class II-bacteriocin predatiome in salivarius streptococci
Authors: Hols Pascal , Damoczi Julien , Knoops Adrien , Martou Marie-Sophie , Jaumaux Félix , Gabant Philippe , Mahillon Jacques , Mignolet Johann
Published: June 2024

Facing the surge of antibiotic resistance, the medical field has a critical need for alternatives to treat bacterial infections. Among these, the use of bacteriocins is considered to be a promising route. In the human commensal Streptococcus salivarius, the production of unmodified bacteriocins is directly controlled at the transcriptional level by the quorum-sensing ComRS system. Here, we used an integrated approach combining bioinformatics and synthetic biology to discover bacteriocins from salivarius streptococci active against human pathogens. We developed a bioinformatic pipeline that combines conservation of DNA regulatory motifs and features of bacteriocin primary sequences to uncover cryptic class II bacteriocins. Notably, we identified more than 50 bacteriocin candidates clustered into 21 groups from 100 genomes of S. salivarius. Strain-based analysis of bacteriocin cocktails revealed an important diversity restricted to seven distinct loci, probably resulting from bacteriocin intra- and inter-species exchanges. Using in vitro or in vivo production and synthetic biology tools, we showed that most of them are active against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including clinically-relevant pathogens. Overall, this work provides a search-to-test generic pipeline for the discovery of uncharacterized bacteriocins in Gram-positive bacteria that could be used in cocktails for broad applications in the food and biomedical fields.
Climate Change Adjustment Factor on rainfall depths in river basins of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Umar Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Flooding in Pakistan is generally contributed from rivers and floods are generally caused by heavy concentrated rainfall in the river basins during the monsoon season (July through September). Pakistan has a long history of floods and associated damages. Due to global climate change and its impact on Pakistan in recent years, the frequency and intensities of floods and corresponding damages have increased manifold. In the recent history, Pakistan has experienced unprecedented flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in 2010 and 2022; occurrence of the flood events in upper most reaches of northern areas have proved that the climate change has severely impacted our region. In this study, 20 CMIP-6 General Circulation Models (GCMs) have been selected for the individual river basins of KPK namely Swat, Panjkora, Chitral, Kabul, Kurrum, Gomal and DI Khan. These models have undergone qualitative evaluations to determine their suitability for further analysis. The scrutiny of model selections is based on specific criteria, including daily frequency of data, availability of SSP 2-4.5 (middle of the road) and SSP 5-8.5 (business as usual) scenarios, and correlations between observed and climate model data, which helps exclude the least reliable GCMs. Based on the criteria, daily data for both baseline and future scenarios have been downloaded and processed for 20 GCMs that passed the initial evaluation. Subsequently, these shortlisted GCMs underwent additional assessments for dry, wet, hot, and cold conditions (delta approach method). As a result, five GCMs in each catchment have been selected as the most suitable candidates for conducting future climate projections. Statistical downscaling technique was opted for and corrected precipitation data from Quantile Delta Mapping (QDM) approach. To estimate the return period of maximum daily precipitation, the widely used Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution was employed. Results indicates an adjustment factor for design rainfall under a 100-year return period in KPK, Pakistan, range from 1.2–21.3% due to climate change, also factors have been calculated for various return periods in study. This study offers valuable insights for engineers, planners, and various departments to the rising risk of extreme rainfall and to flooding. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change in the region.
Development of a novel fluorescent gauze using indocyanine green
Authors: Urade Takeshi , Tsuchida Shinobu , Oji Kentaro , Fujiwara Yoshiaki , Fukuoka Yasushi , Yasuda Takahiro , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: June 2024

Gauzes are used in various ways, including wiping blood, compressing organs, and as markers during surgery. However, losing gauze during surgery can lead to pieces being left inside the body, causing time-consuming searches and unnecessary radiation exposure. To address this, we developed a fluorescent gauze using indocyanine green (ICG), which fluoresces under near-infrared (NIR) light. This study aimed to evaluate the fluorescence intensity (FI) of the gauze and confirm its fluorescence in a porcine abdominal cavity. We dissolved 25 mg of ICG in 10 ml of glycerol, ethanol, distilled water, and 5% bovine serum albumin, then diluted each solution 5- to 106-fold with distilled water. The gauze was dyed using these solutions. A rigid laparoscope observed the fluorescent gauze in a dark room under NIR light, and FI was measured. The gauze treated with a 100-fold dilution of each ICG dyestuff showed the strongest fluorescence. This gauze was then placed in a pig's abdominal cavity and observed under NIR light, demonstrating that the fluorescence could penetrate two or three layers of the mesentery. Our fluorescent gauze, confirmed both ex vivo and in vivo, should be manufactured for clinical use and further validated for its utility.
Fatigue Impact of Mixed Reality in Mass Casualty Incidents Training
Authors: Cintora-Sanz Ana María , Muñoz-Romo Raúl , Blanco-Lara Alberto , Sanchiz-Torres Paula , Vázquez-Rodríguez Tatiana , Redondo-Lozano María , Cardós-Alonso Carmen
Published: June 2024

Academic research on the psychological effects of mixed reality (MR) vocational training is scarce. Understanding this use is still being determined. This study analysed the degree of fatigue in different domains after MR multi-victim incident resolution training, taking this into account to improve the user experience and the learning procedure. This study valued the fatigue of participants of the MR six field trials of the MED1stMR project in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain and Sweden. There were 260 participants (N), of whom 173 were male and 87 female. The mean age of the participants was 40.16 years (M). The mean professional experience in emergency medicine was 12.28 years. We used a fatigue scale validated for application in mixed-reality professional training. The fatigue questionnaire addressed five fatigue domains and was answered after MR training. The MR fatigue scale applied to Medical First Responders (MFRs) showed and detected relevant fatigue dimensions: General, Social, Emotional, Emotional, Visual, and Motivational fatigue. Both general fatigue and visual fatigue had the most significant effects. Among the professions analysed in the training, the medical profession suffered more significant visual fatigue than the rest of the professionals.
Regenerative Effect of Lyophilized Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Platelet-Rich Fibrin in a Skin Wound Model in Geriatric and Young Rats
Authors: BULUT Osman , GENC Deniz , DEMIRCI Çiğdem Elif , TEKİN Leyla , DÜMBEK Tolga Meriç , BÜLBÜL Aziz
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the regenerative effect of lyophilized dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells (DF-MSCs) combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on geriatric skin wounds. Human DF-MSCs isolated from healthy donors and PRF were mixed and incubated in a 37°C incubator for 1–2 hours containing 1 million cells in 150 mg PRF. The mixture was suspended in a freeze-drying solution and then lyophilized. Wounds were created on the back skin of Wistar albino rats using a 6 mm punch. Lyophilized DF-MSCs, PRF, or PRF + DF-MSCs were applied to the wounds of rats. On the 15th day, the wound area was histopathologically evaluated in rats. Peripheral blood samples from rats were analyzed for total reactive oxygen species (TAOS), and inflammatory cytokine levels using ELISA. In both young and geriatric rats treated with lyophilized PRF + DF-MSCs, wound area began started to significantly decrease from the 10th day compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that in the lyophilized PRF + DF-MSCs treated groups, epithelial integrity and scarless healing significantly increased compared to the untreated groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in TAOS, total oxidant state (TOS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL6), and hydroxyproline levels in serum samples from young rats on the 15th day (p < 0.005). In geriatric rats, hydroxyproline (HYPS) levels were increased in the DF-MSC and PRF + DF-MSC groups (p < 0.01), and IL6 was increased in the PRF group compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Lyophilized PRF + DF-MSCs, which is a shelf-stable and ready-to-use product, hold promise, especially for traumatic wounds in geriatric individuals with longer healing times.
Feasibility of using sub-milliSievert prospective electrocardiogram-triggered cardiac CT for imaging neonatal coronary arteries
Authors: nie chi , he xiaofang , wang qian , zheng xiaoyan , li jianyin , fang ruqi , zhong yumin
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of imaging coronary arteries in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) using sub-mSv prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered coronary CT.
Materials & Methods: We retrospectively reviewed neonatal coronary CT images performed on a 16cm-wide detector CT system at a single center from March 2021 to March 2022. Low-dose prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT was performed, and images were reconstructed using an adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm. Subjective image quality was assessed using a five-point grading scale. Objective image quality was assessed using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the aortic root and beam hardening artifacts. Images were compared among neonates of different groups according to weight, birth history, pulmonary infection, and tracheal intubation.
Results: Sixty-one participants were included. The incidence of coronary artery anomalies in neonates was 4.92% (3/61). The effective dose was 0.42±0.06mSv, and most images were acceptable for diagnosis, with good agreement between reviewers (κ=0.55–0.67). The visualization rate for the proximal vessel segments and all vessel segments was 90.98% and 81.79%, respectively. Aortic root SNR, CNR were adequately high at 17.33±5.32HU and 22.41±4.31 HU, respectively, and beam hardening artifacts were low at 26.22±11.24 HU. No significant difference in the image quality of the coronary arteries was found between patients of different groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Sub-millisievert prospective ECG-triggered coronary CT provides excellent coronary visualization in neonates with CHD and may confirm the diagnosis of coronary anomalies. Image quality was not affected by weight, birth history, pulmonary infection, or intubation.
Clinical Relevance Statement: sub-millisievert electrocardiograph-triggered cardiac CT provides excellent coronary visualization in neonates with CHD and confirm the diagnosis of coronary anomalies.
Multi-Omics Insights into the Impact of Increased Litter Size on Sow Gut Microbiota: Unveiling the Role of Serotonin-Associated Microbiota in Fertility Enhancement
Authors: Chen Yanli , Wei Siyu , Wang Yan , He Yanmin , Liu Yalin , Shaoyong Weike , Sun Lou , Gan Yujie , Zong Xin , Xiang Yun , Wang Yizhen , Jin Mingliang
Published: June 2024

Backgroud Compelling evidence has established a strong link between the gut microbiota and host reproductive health. However, the specific regulatory roles of individual bacterial species on reproductive performance are not well-understood. It is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying gut microbiota, in order to mitigate potential threats to both farm animals and human health.
Results In the present study, Jinhua sows with varying reproductive performances under the same diet and management conditions were selected to explore potential mechanisms on the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and host reproductive performance using 16S sequencing, metagenomics and serum metabolomics. Our findings revealed that the KEGG pathways for base excision repair and DNA replication were enriched, along with gene-level enhancements in spore formation, in sows with higher reproductive performance, indicating that the gut microbiome experiences stress. Further analysis showed a positive correlation between these changes and litter size, indicating that the host acts as a stressor, reshaping the microbiome. This adaptation allows the intestinal microbes in sows with high reproductive performance to enrich specific serotonin-related bacteria, such as Oxalobacter formigenes, Ruminococcus CAG 382, Clostridium leptum, andClostridium botulinum. Subsequently, the enriched microbiota may promote host serotonin production, which is positively correlated with reproductive performance in our study, known to regulate follicle survival and oocyte maturation.
Conclusions Our study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the interactions between gut microbes and the host. It highlights new insights into reassembling gut microbiota in sows with higher litter sizes and the role of serotonin-related microbiota and serotonin in fertility.
Disulfidptosis-mediated immune microenvironment regulation characteristics in atherosclerosis：novel insights from bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Zhao Huanyi , Jin Zheng , Li Junlong , Fang Junfeng , Wu Wei
Published: June 2024

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of coronary heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Recent studies have identified disulfidptosis as a new type of cell death that may be involved in onset and development of many diseases. However, the role of disulfidptosis in AS is not clear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis and in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the potential relationship between disulfidptosis and AS.
Methods: Atherosclerosis-related sequencing data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Bioinformatics techniques were used to evaluate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with disulfidptosis-related AS. Hub genes were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forests (RF) methods. In addition, we established a foam cell model in vitro and an AS mouse model in vivo to verify the expressions of hub genes. In addition, we constructed a diagnostic nomogram with hub genes to predict progression of AS. Finally, the consensus clustering method was used to establish two different subtypes, and associations between subtypes and immunity were explored.
Results: In this study, 9 disulfidptosis-related AS DEGs were identified from GSE28829 and GSE43292 datasets. Evaluation of DEGs using LASSO and RF methods resulted in identification of 4 hub genes (CAPZB, DSTN, MYL6, PDLIM1), which were analyzed for diagnostic value using ROC curve analysis and verified in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a nomogram including hub genes was established that accurately predicted the occurrence of AS. The consensus clustering algorithm was used to separate patients with early atherosclerotic plaques and patients with advanced atherosclerotic plaques into two disulfidptosis subtypes. Cluster B displayed higher levels of infiltrating immune cells, which indicated that patients in cluster B may have a positive immune response for progression of AS.
Conclusion:In summary, disulfidptosis-related genes including CAPZB, DSTN, MYL6, and PDLIM1 may be diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for AS. In addition, these genes are closely related to immune cells, which may inform immunotherapy for AS.
Study of Sublethal Effects of Beta-cypermethrin of Evergestis extimalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralididae)
Authors: Zeng Yuanfang , Shen YinYin , Lai Youpeng
Published: June 2024

Evergestis extimalis, a significant pest of rape plants, has developed resistance to commonly used insecticides due to prolonged and excessive chemical insecticide use. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the sublethal effects of beta-cypermethrin on E. extimalis and its detoxification mechanism at the molecular level. In the F1 generation, sublethal effects diminished, yet population biological parameters showed an upward trend, potentially contributing to the resurgence of E. extimalis. Specifically, the developmental duration of 1st instar larvae in the F1 generation was significantly extended compared to the control, while other stages and life table parameters remained largely unaffected. Under beta-cypermethrin stress, glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) activity exhibited an induction-inhibition-induction pattern, carboxylesterase (CarE) activity remained elevated for 72 hours, and cytochrome P450s (P450s) activity initially declined before increasing in the LC25 treatment group. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1501 differentially expressed genes, primarily enriched in metabolic, biosynthetic, and detoxification metabolism pathways. Among these, 14 P450s, 5 CarEs, 4 GSTs, and 2 UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) were identified. Enzyme activity kits were utilized to assess detoxification enzyme responses to beta-cypermethrin, revealing significant reductions in fecundity in the F0 generation. The LC25 treatment group exhibited a significantly lower daily egg production compared to the control. The F1 generation exhibited an upward trend in life table parameters, indicating a potential stimulatory effect of beta-cypermethrin stress on reproductive capacity.
Effect of sorghum flour-containing pasta on postprandial glycemia, appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals
Authors: Khan Imran , Johnson Stuart , Yousif Adel , Gamlath Shirani , Ahmad Jamil , Almajwal Ali
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND
In vitro studies suggest that incorporating sorghum flour into staple foods including pasta reduces their starch digestibility and hence may suppress postprandial blood glucose levels, appetite and energy intake; however, these effects in humans have yet to be reported.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of red and white sorghum-containing pasta on blood glucose response, appetite and energy intake in humans.
METHODS
In a randomised crossover design, healthy individuals (n = 20) consumed the following three iso-caloric test meals (each providing 50 g available carbohydrates) as breakfast: control pasta (CP) made from100% durum wheat; 30% red sorghum pasta (RSP) and; 30% white sorghum pasta (WSP). Blood glucose and subjective appetite were measured postprandially for 2 and 3 h, respectively. Energy intakes from ad libitum lunch consumed 3 h after breakfast and for the remainder of the day were also measured. Incremental areas under or over the curves (iAUCs/iAOCs) for blood glucose and appetite parameters were calculated.
RESULTS
The RSP meal resulted in significantly lower blood glucose response and glucose iAUC (0-120 min) compared to CP meal (P = 0.005, P = 0.017, respectively). Compared to CP meal, the RSP meal resulted in significantly higher satiety rating and iAUC (P = 0.033, P = 0.029, respectively), lower hunger rating and iAOC (P = 0.002, P = 0.004, respectively) and lower prospective food intake rating and iAOC (P ˂ 0.001). Energy intake at ad libitum lunch was significantly lower after the RSP meal than after the CP meal (P = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that red sorghum addition into pasta provides a product inducing reduced glycemia, favourably changed appetite parameters and decreased subsequent energy intake.
Causal relationship between immune cells and bladder cancer: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: HY AnNeng , Lv ZongYing , Chen GuiYuan , Lin YuHang , Zhu XiaoLe , Li JunYang , Yu XiaoDong
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Previous studies have explored the role of immune cells on bladder cancer（BCa）. This bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) study further assessed 731 immunocyte phenotypes on whether BCa a causal relationship exists and provides some evidence of causality.
Methods: The summary data for immune cell phenotypes was derived from a study cohort, including 3,757 individuals from Sardinia with data on 731 immune cell phenotypes. The summary data for BCa were obtained from their respective genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We used inverse variable weighting (IVW) as the primary analysis method. In addition, we simultaneously employed multiple analytical methods, including MR-Egger, weighted mode, simple mode, and weighted median, to strengthen the final results. Finally, sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the stability and feasibility of the data.
Results: 16 immune cell traits involving the four immunological signal types (MFI, RC, AC, and MP) were shown to be significantly correlated with the risk of BCa in our investigation. BCa was positively correlated with 5 immune cell traits (P < 0.05, OR > 1); However, the remainder BCa incidence decreases by 11 traits (OR<1, P<0.05). Furthermore, none of them revealed reverse causality, heterogeneity, or horizontal pleiotropy (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Through a comprehensive bi-directional MR analysis, we were able to reveal a complicated causal link between several immunological phenotypes and BCa, focusing on the intricate network of interactions between the immune system and BCa. The results of this study provide fresh viewpoints and resources for investigating immunotherapeutic targets and BCa preventive tactics.
The Role and Mechanism of Periostin in the Formation of Breast Prosthesis Capsule
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Shumo , Bian Li , Dai Xiaoming , Hu Jun , Ma Yun , Wang Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

Capsular contraction is the most common complication after breast augmentation or reconstruction, and is the main reason underlying patient dissatisfaction and additional subsequent surgeries. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein and a member of TGF-β superfamily. Studies have shown that periostin is closely related to fibrosis, collagen cross-linking and tissue remodeling. In this study, we observed the expression of periostin and other fibrosis-related proteins in the capsule of human breast silicon implant, assessing their relationship with the extent of capsule fibrosis. By using human breast derived fibroblasts with manipulated periostin expression level, we explored periostin’s impact on other fibrosis-related cytokines, fibroblast proliferation, differentiation, and collagen synthesis. Furthermore, we employed a murine model of prosthesis implantation to elucidate the roles of periostin and lysyl oxidase (LOX) in capsule formation. Immunohistochemical analysis of clinical capsular specimens revealed a significant correlation between periostin expression levels and the severity of capsular contracture. In vitro experiments using human breast-derived fibroblasts demonstrated that periostin promotes fibroblast proliferation and regulates the expression of key fibrosis-related proteins such as LOX, BMP-1, fibronectin, and tenascin-C at both protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, periostin was found to induce fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts and enhance collagen production. In the murine model of prosthesis implantation, periostin and LOX were observed to increase the thickness of the prosthesis capsule, whereas the administration of the LOX inhibitor β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) significantly attenuated capsule formation. Our study underscores the significant role of periostin in the pathogenesis of breast prosthesis capsule formation and contracture. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying capsular contracture and suggest periostin as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating this complication.
Hard X-ray inverse Compton scattering at photon energy of 87.5 keV
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Babzien Marcus , Fedurin Mikhail , Kusche Karl , Williams Oliver , Fukasawa Atsushi , Naranjo Brian , Murokh Alex , Agustsson Ronald , Simmonds Andrew , Jacob Paul , Stenby George , Malone Robert , Polyanskiy Mikhail , Pogorelsky Igor , Palmer Mark , Rosenzweig James
Published: June 2024

Production of hard X-ray via inverse Compton scattering at photon energyies below 100 keV range aimed at potential applications in medicine and material research is reported. Experiments have been performed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Accelerator Test Facility, employing the counter collision of a 70 MeV, 0.3 nC electron beam with a near infra-red Nd: YAG laser (1064 nm wavelength) pulse containing 100 mJ. Clear K-edge absorption contrast of the hard X-ray photons through a range of Au filters near 100 micron thickness is observed. The radiation distribution of the scattered photon beam beam is verified in a single shot measurements to be nearly monochromatic through the contrast provided by the Au K- edge at 80.7 keV.