bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distress Tolerance and Family Accommodation: Associations in Parents of Young People with Eating Disorder Behaviours
Authors: Zinser Jennifer , Hale Lucy , Jones Christina
Published: September 2022

Purpose.
Family accommodation has been identified as a maintaining factor for eating disorders, with families often caught up in behaviours that characterise the illness. Given that parents often accommodate symptoms of their child’s eating disorder to reduce family conflict and the young person’s distress, levels of parents’ distress tolerance may help explain the variability seen in accommodation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental distress tolerance (specifically tolerance of negative emotions [TNE] and intolerance of uncertainty [IU]) and family accommodation, assess the role of illness severity, caregiver burden, and parents’ mental health on this association, and understand the findings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods.
Parents or carers (N = 84) of young people (aged < 18) with a suspected or diagnosed eating disorder completed an online survey comprising of screening questions, demographic and clinical information, validated questionnaires, and questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results.
TNE but not IU, was significantly associated with family accommodation. Multiple regression analyses revealed when other significant correlates of accommodating behaviour were entered into the model (caregiver mental health and caregiver burden), only caregiver burden remained significantly associated with family accommodation. Bootstrapped mediation analysis indicated the association between TNE and family accommodation is fully mediated by caregiver burden.
Conclusion.
There is an association between parents’ TNE and accommodation behaviours, however this association was fully mediated by caregiver burden. Clinical implications include additional psychoeducation and therapeutic support for parents to reduce burden.
Level of Evidence.
Level V: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Predictors of Recurrence Based on Intravascular Ultrasound Findings after EluviaTM Placement in Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Yamada Takehiro , Tokuda Takahiro , Yoshioka Naoki , Koyama Akio , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Shimamura Kiyotaka , Aoyama Takuma
Published: September 2022

Background
Polymer-coated drug-eluting stents (Eluvia™) have shown favorable clinical outcomes in real-world registries. Predictors of recurrence after Eluvia™ placement have been identified among clinical parameters. However, there are no reports on predictors of recurrence after Eluvia™ placement based on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed clinical data from the ASIGARU PAD registry, a retrospective, multi-center, observational study that enrolled patients who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries lesions using Eluvia™ or drug-coated balloon. The primary outcome was the identification of predictors of recurrence, including IVUS parameters at 12 months. The rate of target lesion recurrence was also assessed.
Results
IVUS images were obtained in 54 of 65 cases. Seven recurrence cases (13.0%) were observed within 12 months. The random survival forest method presented eight predictive variables of recurrence: Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), distal stent edge area, distal plaque burden, age, sex, distal external elastic membrane (EEM) area, minimum stent area (MSA), and distal lumen area. Furthermore, the partial dependence plot showed that frailty (CFS ≥ 6), smaller distal stent edge area, higher and lower distal plaque burden, older and younger age, female sex, smaller distal EEM area, smaller MSA, and smaller and larger distal lumen area predicted recurrence after Eluvia™ placement within 12 months.
Conclusion
CFS, distal stent edge area, distal plaque burden, age, sex, distal EEM area, MSA, and distal lumen area were significant predictors of recurrence after Eluvia™ placement.
Clinical outcomes associated with re-excision after unplanned excision or re-excision after local recurrence in patients with nonmetastatic synovial sarcoma
Authors: Zhang Hongqiang , Sun Wei , Huang Wending , Yan Wangjun , Wang Hongbo , Qu Guolun , Wang Kangwei , Shang Changquan , Qu Xinglong , Wang Chunmeng , Chen Yong
Published: September 2022

Background: The unplanned excision of synovial sarcomas in centers that do not specialize in sarcoma treatment necessitates extensive wide re-excision to maintain adequate margins. The present study was developed to examine the efficacy in SS patients with and without residual tumor tissue following unplanned surgical excision, and to compare differences in prognostic outcomes between individuals with residual tumor tissue and those that experienced local recurrence.
Method: Synovial sarcoma patients that underwent re-excision in our center between 2009 and 2019 were included in unplanned excision and local recurrence groups, with patients in the unplanned excision group being further stratified into those with and without residual tumor tissue. Analyzed endpoints included overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS). Prognostic factors associated with these three different survival outcomes were analyzed through the use of Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression approaches.
Result: In total, this study incorporated 121 synovial sarcoma patients (68 female, 53 male; median age: 36 years), including 33 (27.3%) with no residual tumor tissue, 31 (25.6%) with residual tumor tissue, and 57 (47.1%) in the local recurrence group. Patients were assessed over a median 51-month follow-up period. The respective median intervals to definitive surgery in the unplanned excision and local recurrence groups were 35 days and 60 days. The respective 5-year OS, 5-year LRFS, and 5-year DRFS were 76.9%, 80.6%, and 59.6% for the non-residual group, 73.0%, 80.4%, and Not Available (NA) for the residual tumor tissue group, and 75.2%, 77.3%, and NA in the local recurrence group.
Conclusion: In synovial sarcoma patients with positive margins or residual tumor tissue following unplanned surgical excision, re-excision procedures can yield improved local control and OS to levels similar to those observed in patients without residual tumor. Relative to patients with local recurrence, significantly improved local control and OS are observed for patients with residual tumor following immediate extensive R0 resection. These results thus suggest that following initial incomplete tumor excision, patients should be promptly transferred to centers specializing in the treatment of sarcomas for adequate re-excision.
Pectoralis muscle area estimation on MRI in newly diagnosed Turkish female breast cancer patients: the measurement and prevalence of sarcopenia
Authors: SEZGIN Gulten , SINCI Kazim Ayberk , APAYDIN Melda , KARASU Sebnem , ELMALI Ferhan
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Hymenolepis Diminuta Infection In An Adult’s Lung: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Liu Jingjie , Sun Wangyuan , Wu Chao , Tian Kang , Shi Bin
Published: September 2022

Hymenolepis diminuta is a cosmopolitan parasite of rats and mice which is very rare in humans but has been reported from various areas of the world. We report a human case of Hymenolepis diminuta pulmonary infection in Giangsu Province, China and it has never been reported in patient’s Lung before. In the process of the diagnosis, NGS technology helps a lot. The infection was treated with albendazole and showed clinical and parasitological cure.
Self-Escapism among Iranian Girl Adolescents: Validity and Reliability of Persian Translation Scale
Authors: Nooripour Roghieh , Ghanbari Nikzad , Mozaffari Nazir , Hosseinian Simin , Lavie Carl , Hosseini Seyed Ruhollah
Published: September 2022

This research was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the self-escapism scale among Iranian girl adolescents aged 14–18. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and August 2021 among Iranian girl adolescents. Five hundred sixty-six adolescents (340 girls and 226 boys) were selected using a convenience sampling method. The participants completed The Escapism Scale, Erikson Psychosocial Stage Inventory (EPSI), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Hope Scale (AHS), Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SASSV), and General Self-efficacy (GSE). The Escapism Scale's validity and reliability were examined as construct validity based on the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, and divergent and convergent validity. Results of the CFA indicated that a two-factor model provides a good fit for the data: sbX2 = 179.99 (p < 0.01); SRMR = 0.07; RMR = 0.56, CFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; IFI = 0.91; NFI = 0.89; GFI = 0.93; AGFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.076). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the self-escapism was 0.73. There was a significant relationship between self-escapism with identity confusion (r = 0.164, P < 0.01) and identity coherence (P < 0.01, r = 29). The finding showed a significant negative relationship between self-escapism with AHS (r=-0.31), SWLS (r=-0.34), and GHS (r=-0.33). There was a significant positive relationship between self-escapism and SAS-SV (r = 0.19). Also, the findings have shown a relationship between self-escapism and gender. This scale has been recommended to assess self-escapism in Iranian adolescents and psychological evaluations.
The dual invasion of Amur honeysuckle and Emerald Ash Borer alters fungal driven decomposition in Midwestern forests
Authors: Reed Adam M , Richardson Carson , Rúa Megan A
Published: September 2022

Midwestern forests are currently impacted by two prominent invaders, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis and Amur honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii. The loss of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees due to EAB invasion can further facilitate honeysuckle invasion, driving changes in the composition of forest leaf litter. To evaluate the extent to which these changes alter ecosystem function, we conducted litter bag and culture-based decomposition experiments using leaf litter from sugar maple (Acer saccharum), oak (Quercus spp.), black ash (Fraxinus nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), and Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). To further understand the mechanism driving differences in decay rates, we inoculated six species of decomposing fungi separately onto both single species and multispecies (half honeysuckle and half native species) leaf litter and measured decomposition rate, fungal growth and enzymatic activity in laboratory-based cultures. Honeysuckle leaf litter decomposed faster, had increased fungal growth, and had higher activity for carbon degrading enzymes compared to native species leaf litter. Furthermore, multispecies mixtures followed the same patterns as honeysuckle, suggesting that the addition of honeysuckle to leaf litter will accelerate ecosystem functions related to carbon breakdown. Consequently, forests that experience the invasion of honeysuckle and EAB induced loss of ash are likely to have faster rates of decomposition, potentially resulting in an influx of available nutrients.
Kidney tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis links glomerular injury to tubulointerstitial pathology in lupus nephritis
Authors: Alli Abdel , Desai Dhruv , Elshika Ahmed , Conrad Marcus , Proneth Bettina , Clapp William , Atkinson Carl , Segal Mark , Searcy Louis , Denslow Nancy , Bolisetty Subhashini , Mehrad Borna , Morel Laurence , Scindia Yogesh
Published: September 2022

While the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli is thought to initiate lupus nephritis, the extent of tubular damage better predicts progression to end stage kidney disease than the glomerular injury. However, the mechanisms underlying tubular injury in lupus nephritis are incompletely understood. Iron accumulates in tubular epithelial cells of lupus nephritis patients and mice. Ferroptosis is a druggable, iron-dependent form of cell death that is characterized by lipid peroxidation but has received little attention in lupus nephritis. Here we identify intra-renal ferroptosis as a novel pathological feature in human and murine lupus nephritis of different etiologies. Kidneys of lupus nephritis patients and mice showed increased lipid peroxidation mainly in the tubular segments. Nephritic kidneys presented with an increase in Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, a pro-ferroptosis enzyme, an impaired glutathione synthesis pathway, and attenuated expression of glutathione peroxidase 4, a glutathione-dependent ferroptosis inhibitor. Semi targeted lipidomics of murine nephritic kidneys revealed increased esterification of the sn-2 chain of phosphatidylethanolamine with adrenic acid (P-18:0/22:4), the preferred lipid substrate for lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Using congenic mice and nephrotoxic serum-induced immune complex glomerulonephritis model, we show that conditional deletion of heavy chain ferritin (FtH1) in the proximal tubules exacerbates ferroptosis and tubular injury. These findings were recapitulated by knocking down FtH1 in human proximal tubular cells and underscore the critical role of iron and heavy chain ferritin in tubular injury during the evolution of glomerulonephritis. Of translational relevance, Liproxstatin-2, a novel second-generation ferroptosis inhibitor, prophylactically and therapeutically mitigated lupus nephritis patient serum-induced ferroptosis in human proximal tubular cells. Collectively, our findings identify intra-renal ferroptosis as a pathological feature and contributor to tubular injury in lupus nephritis.
Stability of Fixed Points in Generalized Fractional Maps of the Orders
0 < α < 1
Authors: Edelman Mark
Published: September 2022

Caputo fractional (with power-law kernels) and fractional (delta) difference maps belong to a more widely defined class of generalized fractional maps, which are discrete convolutions with some power-law-like functions. The conditions of the asymptotic stability of the fixed points for maps of the orders 0 < α < 1 that are derived in this paper are narrower than the conditions of stability for the discrete convolution equations in general and wider than the well-known conditions of stability for the fractional difference maps. The derived stability conditions for the fractional standard and logistic maps coincide with the results previously observed in numerical simulations. In nonlinear maps, one of the derived limits of the fixed-point stability coincides with the fixed-point - asymptotically period two bifurcation point.
PACS 05.45.Pq · 45.10.Hj
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 47H99 60G99 · 34A99 · 39A70
Bedaquiline resistance probability to guide treatment decision making for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis - insights from a qualitative study
Authors: Tu Pham Hien Trang , Anlay Degefaye Zelalem , Dippenaar Anzaan , Conceição Emilyn Costa , Loos Jasna , Rie Annelies Van
Published: September 2022

Background
Bedaquiline (BDQ) is a core drug for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) treatment. Accurate prediction of a BDQ-resistant phenotype from genomic data is not yet possible. A Bayesian method to predict BDQ resistance probability from next-generation sequencing data has been proposed as an alternative.
Methods
We performed a qualitative study to investigate the decision-making of physicians when facing different levels of BDQ resistance probability. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with physicians experienced in treating RR-TB, sampled purposefully from eight countries with varying income levels and burden of RR-TB. Five simulated patient scenarios were used as a trigger for discussion. Factors influencing the decision of physicians to prescribe BDQ at macro-, meso- and micro levels were explored using thematic analysis.
Results
The availability of BDQ and companion RR-TB drugs, the cost of BDQ, and the need for consultation with the clinical advisory committee shaped physicians' view on BDQ use and how they weighed BDQ resistance probability in their decision-making. Physicians’ view on the role of BDQ and accuracy of drug susceptibility testing impacted their perception of the BDQ resistance probability estimate. Physicians’ interpretation of BDQ resistance probability values varied widely. Probabilities between 25% and 70% were often seen as a grey zone, where physicians interpret the BDQ resistance probability dynamically, considering patient characteristics, including treatment response, history of exposure to BDQ, and resistance profile. In the grey zone, some physicians opted to continue BDQ but added other drugs to strengthen the regimen.
Conclusions
This study highlights the complexity of physicians' decision-making regarding the use of BDQ in RR-TB regimens for different levels of BDQ resistance probability. Structural barriers, physicians’ views on accuracy of drug susceptibility testing and patient characteristics influenced BDQ prescription and interpretation of the BDQ resistance probability. The development of a clinical decision support system incorporating BDQ resistance probability could facilitate the use of next generation sequencing and implementation of BDQ resistance probability in personalizing treatment for patients with RR-TB.
Priority areas to protect mangroves and maximise ecosystem services
Authors: Dabalà Alvise , DAHDOUH-GUEBAS Farid , Dunn Daniel , Everett Jason , Lovelock Catherine , Hanson Jeffrey , Buenafe Kristine Camille , Neubert Sandra , Richardson Anthony
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic activities threaten global biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, area-based conservation efforts typically target biodiversity protection whilst minimising conflict with economic activities, failing to consider ecosystem services. Here we identify priority areas that maximise both the protection of mangrove biodiversity and their ecosystem services. We reveal that despite 13.1% of the mangrove distribution being currently protected, all mangrove species are not adequately represented and many areas that provide disproportionally large ecosystem services are missed. Optimising the placement of future conservation efforts to protect 30% of global mangroves potentially safeguards an additional 16.2 billion USD of coastal property value, 6.2 million people, 1,187.9 Mt C, and 51.7 million fisher days yr− 1. Our findings suggest that there is a pressing need for including ecosystem services in protected area design and that strategic prioritisation and coordination of mangrove conservation could provide substantial benefits to human wellbeing.
Can you spot a face? Face pareidolia is enhanced by 40 Hz transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) of the face perception network
Authors: Palmisano Annalisa , Chiarantoni Giulio , Bossi Francesco , Conti Alessio , D’Elia Vitiana , Tagliente Serena , Nitsche Michael A. , Rivolta Davide
Published: September 2022

Pareidolia refers to the perception of ambiguous sensory patterns as carrying a specific meaning. In its most common form, pareidolia involves human-like facial features, where random objects or patterns are illusionary recognized as faces. The current study investigated the neurophysiological correlates of face pareidolia via transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). tACS was delivered at gamma (40 Hz) frequency over critical nodes of the “face perception” network (the right lateral occipito-temporal and left prefrontal cortex) of 75 healthy participants while completing four face perception tasks (‘Mooney test’ for faces, ‘Toast test’, ‘Noise pareidolia test’, ‘Pareidolia task’) and an object perception task (‘Mooney test’ for objects). In this single-blind, sham-controlled between-subjects study, participants received 35 minutes of either Sham, Online, (40Hz-tACS_ON), or Offline (40Hz-tACS_PRE) stimulation. Results showed that face pareidolia was causally enhanced by 40Hz-tACS_PRE in the Mooney test for faces where, as compared to sham, participants more often misperceived scrambled stimuli as faces. In addition, 40Hz-tACS_PRE also caused faster responses to pareidolic faces in the visual noise stimuli of the Toast test. Similarly, in the Noise pareidolia test, 40Hz-tACS_ON induced slower rejections of face pareidolia responses. The current study shows for the first time that gamma-band (40 Hz) activity over the face perception network represents an important physiological substrate of face pareidolia. This has important implications for theories of human face perception and sheds light on basic pathophysiological mechanisms of clinical conditions where visual illusions and hallucinations represent core features.
Synthesis of core/shell nanocrystals with ordered intermetallic single-atom alloy layers for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia
Authors: Gao Qiang , Yao Bingqing , Pillai Hemanth , Zang Wenjie , Han Xue , Liu Yuanqi , Yu Shen-Wei , Yan Zihao , Min Bokki , Zhang Sen , Zhou Hua , Ma Lu , Xin Hongliang , He Qian , Zhu Huiyuan
Published: September 2022

Structurally ordered intermetallic nanocrystals (NCs) and single-atom catalysts (SACs) are two emerging catalytic motifs for sustainable chemical production and energy conversion. Yet, both have limitations in enhancing performance and expanding the materials design space. For example, intermetallic NCs require high-temperature annealing (> 500 °C) to promote atom rearrangement and d-d orbital hybridization, leading to potential aggregation or sintering, while SACs are typically limited by a low metal-atom loading (< 1 wt%) to avoid aggregation of metal atoms. Here, we report a facile, direct solution-phase synthesis of Cu/CuAu core/shell NCs with tunable single-atom alloy (SAA) layers. This synthesis can be extended to other Cu/CuM (M = Pt, Pd) systems, in which M atoms are isolated in the Cu host and can be considered the highest density of single-atom sites. We controlled the density of single-sites and the number of atomic layers and investigated the ligand and strain effects of Cu/CuAu for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR). The Cu/CuAu densely packed SAAs demonstrated a high selectivity toward NH3 from NO3RR with an 85.5% Faradaic efficiency (FE) while maintaining an exceedingly high yield rate of 8.47 mol h-1 g-1. This work advances the design of atomically precise catalytic sites by creating a new paradigm of core/shell NCs with SAA atomic layers, opening an avenue for broad catalytic applications in achieving a sustainable energy future.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene family related to salt tolerance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)
Authors: Ren Genzeng , Cui Jianghui , Bai Yuzhe , Zhao Dongting , Han Yongliang , Chang Jinhua
Published: September 2022

Background:Plant U-box (PUB) E3 ubiquitin ligases play essential roles in many biological processes and stress responses, but little is known about their functions in sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.).Results:In the present study, 59SbPUBgenes were identified in the sorghum genome. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the 59SbPUBgenes were clustered into five groups, which were also supported by the conserved motifs and structures of these genes.SbPUBgenes were found to be unevenly distributed on the 10 chromosomes of sorghum. MostPUBgenes (16) were found on chromosome 4, but there were noPUBgenes on chromosome 5. Analysis ofcis-acting elements showed thatSbPUBgenes were involved in many important biological processes, particularly in response to salt stress. From proteomic and transcriptomic data, we found that severalSbPUBgenes had diverse expression under different salt treatments. To verify the expression ofSbPUBs, qRT-PCR analyses also were conducted under salt stress, and the result were consistent with the expression analysis. Furthermore, 12SbPUBgenes were found to contain MYB-related elements, which are important regulators of flavonoid biosynthesis. These results, which were consistent with our previous multi-omics analysis of sorghum salt stress, laid a solid foundation for further mechanistic study of salt tolerance in sorghum. Our study showed thatPUBgenes play a crucial role in regulating salt stress, and might serve as promising targets for breeding of salt-tolerant sorghum in the future.
The Expression Pattern of Pyroptosis-Related Genes Predicts the Prognosis and Drug Response of Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Zhou Bin , Sha Shanshan , Tao Juan , Li Jun , Shen Chen , Zhu Jinjin , Tan Lulu , Dong Liyun , Huang Changzheng
Published: September 2022

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is a highly malignant tumor that typically undergoes early metastasis. Pyroptosis, as a special programmed cell death process that releases inflammatory factors and has been widely studied in tumors, but its role in SKCM has not been fully elucidated. In this present study, we examined the relationship between pyroptosis and the prognosis of SKCM through bioinformatic analysis of RNA-sequencing data. Our results demonstrated that pyroptosis is a protective factor associated with SKCM prognosis. A higher pyroptosis score was associated with a more favorable overall survival (OS). We used weighted gene co-expression networks analysis (WGCNA) to establish an effective prognosis prediction model based on 12 pyroptosis-related genes. We then validated it in two independent cohorts. Furthermore, a nomogram combining clinicopathological characteristics and a pyroptosis-related gene signature (PGS) score was designed to effectively predict the prognosis of SKCM. Additionally, we analyzed the potential roles of pyroptosis in the tumor immune microenvironment and drug response. Interestingly, we found that the elevated infiltration of multiple immune cells, such as CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, dendritic cells, and M1 macrophages, may be associated with the occurrence of pyroptosis. Pyroptosis was also related to a better response of these lesions to interferon-α, paclitaxel, cisplatin and imatinib. Through Spearman correlation analysis of the 12 pyroptosis-related genes and 135 chemotherapeutic agents in the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database, we identified SLC31A2 and COL4A5 as being associated with resistance to most of these drugs. In conclusion, the PGS is an effective prognostic indicator in SKCM, and also has an association with the SKCM immune microenvironment and drug response.
Lysophosphatidic acid modulates CD8 T cell immunosurveillance, metabolism, and anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Turner Jacqueline , Fredrickson Malia , D'Antonio Marc , MacBeth Morgan , Gulick Robert Van , Katsnelson Elizabeth , Chimed Tugs-Saikhan , McCarter Martin , D'Alessandro Angelo , Robinson William , Couts Kasey , Pelanda Roberta , Tobin Richard , Torres Raul
Published: September 2022

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid which increases in concentration locally and systemically across different cancer types. Yet, the exact mechanism(s) of how LPA affects CD8 T cell immunosurveillance during tumor progression remain unknown. We show LPA receptor (LPAR) signaling by CD8 T cells promotes tolerogenic states via metabolic reprogramming and potentiating exhaustive differentiation to modulate anti-tumor immunity. We found LPA levels predict response to immunotherapy and Lpar5 signaling drives exhausted phenotypes on CD8 T cells. Importantly, we identify a novel function of Lpar5 to regulate CD8 T cell respiration, proton leak, and reactive oxygen species. Together, our findings reveal that LPA serves as a lipid-regulated immune checkpoint by modulating metabolic efficiency through LPAR5 signaling on CD8 T cells. Our study offers key insights into the mechanisms governing adaptive anti-tumor immunity and demonstrates LPA could be exploited as a novel T cell directed therapy to improve dysfunctional anti-tumor immunity.
Tumor-associated macrophages and Schwann cells promote perineural invasion via paracrine loop in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Bin , Guo Xiaofeng , Ye Huilin , Huang Leyi , Zhang Yuting , Li Zhiguo , Su Dan , Lin Longfa , Zhou Peng , Lu Yanan , Chen Rufu , Zhou Quanbo
Published: September 2022

Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently accompanied by perineural invasion (PNI), which has been associated with excruciating neuropathic pain and malignant progression. However, the relationship between PNI and tumor stromal cells has not been clarified.
Results
We show that more macrophages are expressed around nerves with PNI compared with normal nerves in murine and human PNI specimens. Besides, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote the activation of Schwann cells by upregulating the expression of GFAP. Mechanistically, TAMs activate Schwann cells through bFGF/PI3K/Akt/ c-myc/GFAP pathway. In turn, Schwann cells secrete IL-33 to recruit macrophages into the perineural milieu and facilitate the M2 pro-tumorigenic polarization of macrophages. Besides, high expression of macrophage marker CD68 or activated schwann cells marker GFAP is associated with an increased incidence of PNI and indicates a poor prognosis for PDAC patients.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrates that the bFGF/IL-33 positive feedback loop between Schwann cells and TAMs is essential in the process of PNI of PDAC. The bFGF/PI3K/Akt/c-myc/GFAP pathway would open potential avenues for targeted therapy of PDAC.
Effects of boric acid on alveolar sockets filling after dental extraction in rats
Authors: Costa Renan R. da , Cunha Gabriela da , Freitas Raquel D. S. , Weber João B. B.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: After extraction, dental alveolus filling aims to reduce bone loss and maintain the alveolus volume to patient rehabilitation. Boric acid (BA) is a boron-derived compound that displays osteogenic properties, being an interesting candidate for alveoli filling. This study aims to investigate the osteogenic capacity of the local application of BA in dental socket preservation.
Methods:32 male Wistar rats were submitted to right upper incisor extraction and randomly divided in 4 groups (n=8): control group (no intervention), BA (8 mg/kg) socket filling, bone graft (Cerabone®, Botiss, Germany), and BA + bone graft in equal parts. Animals were euthanized 28 days after dental extraction. MicroCT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the newly formed bone on the dental alveolus.
Results: MicroCT analysis demonstrated that bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), bone surface/bone volume ratio (BS/BV), bone surface density (BS/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), total bone porosity (Po-tot), and total volume of pore space (Po.V(tot)) from BA and BA + bone graft rats were significantly different from the control group. Histological evaluation displayed a delayed bone repair in BA rats, with the presence of connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate. The BA + bone graft group demonstrated histological aspects like the bone graft animals, however, with less organized osteoblasts, suggesting inferior bone repair.
Conclusion:Osteogenic capacity did not depend on the BA local application after 28 days of dental extraction. The presence of inflammation in the BA group can represent toxicity induced by the substance dosage used.
Effect of various types of gut microbiota in patients on the diminished ovarian reserve
Authors: Li Gaoyu , Jiao Jiao , Xiang Shasha , Dong Sitong , Fu Lingjie , Zuo Na , Guan Wenzheng , Li Weishang , Miao Lei , Yao Weifan , Feng Tao , Li Da , Zhu Xuan , Wang Xiuxia
Published: September 2022

Background
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a type of reproductive endocrine disease associated with infertility and premature menopause due to the decline in the number and quality of oocytes. In recent years, studies have been conducted on the relationship between gut microbiota and reproductive health, our objective was to find a solid relationship between gut microbiota and DOR.
Methods
After rigorous inclusion criteria, 34 women with DOR and 30 normal ovarian reserve controls were recruited at the Reproductive Medical Center of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from March to December 2021. Serum levels of AMH, basal sex hormones, AFC, gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids were measured in two groups.
Results
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) sequencing technology and gas chromatography was introduced to find a significant difference of the composition and metabolites of gut microbiota between DOR and healthy individuals. After careful comparison of Prevotella/Bacteroides frequencies, we found that individuals with Prevotella /Bacteroides > 0.01 had a higher possibility with DOR. In addition, receiver operating characteristic and spearman correlation analysis were applied to identify butyrate and isobutyrate as a mark to predict the risk of DOR. After canonical correlation analysis, we found that in patients with Prevotella enterotype, Akkermansia muciniphila and Enterobacteria could be considered as harmful bacteria. Based on the above results, an intervention was conducted on six patients who suffered from DOR. After 28 day intervention, the concentration of Enterobacteria and isobutyrate were significantly reduced, meanwhile the amounts of Bifidobacteria were significantly increased. Finally, the concentrations of antral follicle count (AFC) were increased and two thirds of them were successfully pregnant.
Conclusions
In summary, we defined population with Prevotella/Bacteroides > 0.01 as Prevotella enterotype and found that Prevotella enterotype was closely related to DOR. Akkermansia muciniphila, Enterobacteria, Bifidobacteria, butyrate, and isobutyrate could be used as biomarkers to predict the ovarian reserve in two enterotypes. And different dietary interventions for two enterotypes and have demonstrated significant clinical effects.
Diagnostic value of artificial intelligence-assisted system for pulmonary nodules: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhuo Yue , Liu Jingyu , Li Tian , Wu Jiuchun , Yu Yunda
Published: September 2022

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic value of artificial intelligence-assisted system (AIAS) for pulmonary nodules.
Method: This observational study retrospectively enrolled patients with pulmonary nodules with clear pathological findings in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University between July 2019 and May 2021. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and multivariate logistic regression model were used to evaluate the value of AIAS in the qualitative diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.
Result: A total of 112 pulmonary nodules were enrolled in this study, the degree of pulmonary nodules invasion were resulted in benign nodules (35 cases, 31.2%) and malignant nodules (77 cases, 68.8%). There were significant differences between nodules in the benign and malignant groups in terms of age (P = 0.005), average of CT value (P = 0.030), nodule volume (P < 0.001) and malignant signs on the nodule surface (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the nodule volume (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.003~1.010, P < 0.001) and malignant signs (OR = 7.983, 95% CI: 1.667~38.231, P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for the degree of pulmonary nodules invasion. The sensitivity and specificity of the nodule volume for diagnosing the degree of pulmonary nodules invasion were 83.3% and 88.6% when the nodal volume was 748.98 mm3. Moreover, the malignant signs could diagnose the degree of pulmonary nodules invasion with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 71.4%. The nature of the pulmonary nodules identified by AIAS agreed well with the pathological findings by Kappa concordance test (Kappa value = 0.809, P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The AIAS may have good accuracy in the qualitative diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and might be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for clinicians to distinguish benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.
Classification No. of China Map: R734.2
Perioperative TAVR Leads to Higher Rates of Inpatient Mortality in Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Pujari Amit , Yalamanchili Dheeraj R. , Garlich John M. , Debbi Eytan M. , Stephan Stephen R. , Johnson Christopher R. , Polakof Landon S. , Noorzad Ali S. , Lin Carol A. , Moon Charles N. , Little Milton T.M.
Published: September 2022

Background
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a minimally invasive method to treat severe aortic stenosis and has been utilized in select hip fracture patients as part of their medical optimization for surgery. We compared complication rates in hip fracture patients with aortic stenosis who had perioperative TAVR (TAS) to those who did not (AS).
Methods
A retrospective review of 81 consecutive hip fracture patients with aortic stenosis (TAS: 10, AS: 71) admitted between 2014–2018 at a level 1 trauma center was performed. The outcomes of the study were inpatient mortality, postoperative complications, and length of stay (LOS).
Results
The average age of the TAS cohort was 89 years old, compared to 90 for the AS cohort (P = 0.382). Overall inpatient complications trended higher in the TAS group with 90%, compared to 62% in the AS group (P = 0.152). Amongst complications, transfusion rate was significantly higher for the TAS cohort (70% versus 30%; P = 0.027), as well as inpatient mortality rate (30% versus 4.2%; P = 0.022). Average LOS for the TAS group was 10 days versus 6 days in the AS group (P = 0.013).
Conclusion
The TAS cohort had a higher transfusion rates, longer LOS, and a higher inpatient mortality rate. Overall complication rates trended higher for the TAVR cohort.
Trial Registration:
Retrospectively registered.
Performance of Manufacturer Cleaning Recommendations Applied to 3D Food Ink Capsules for the Control of a Human Norovirus Surrogate
Authors: Hamilton Allyson N. , Gibson Kristen E.
Published: September 2022

With the widespread availability of 3D food printing systems for purchase, users can customize their food in new ways. Manufacturer recommendations for cleaning these machines remain untested in regard to the prevention of foodborne pathogen transmission. This study aimed to determine if manufacturer cleaning recommendations for food ink capsules utilized in 3D food printers are adequate to control human norovirus (HuNoV). A HuNoV surrogate, Tulane virus (TuV; ~6 log10 PFU/mL), was inoculated onto the interior surface of stainless steel food ink capsules. Capsules were either unsoiled or soiled with one of the following: butter, protein powder solution, powdered sugar solution, or a mixture containing all three food components. The capsules were allowed to dry and then one of three hygienic protocols was applied: manual washing (MW), a dishwasher speed cycle (DSC), or a dishwasher heavy cycle (DHC). The interaction effect between DSC and pure butter was a significant predictor of log reduction (P = 0.0067), with the pure butter and DSC combination achieving an estimated mean log reduction of 4.83 (95% CI: 4.13, 5.59). The DSC was the least effective method of cleaning when compared with MW and the DHC. The 3-way interaction effects between wash type, soil, and capsule position were a significant predictor of log reduction (P = 0.00341). Capsules with butter in the DSC achieved an estimated mean log reduction of 2.81 (95% CI: 2.80, 2.83) for the front-most position versus 6.35 (95% CI: 6.33, 6.37) for the back-most position. Soil matrix, cleaning protocol, and capsule position all significantly impact capsule cleanability and potential food safety risk. The DHC is recommended for all capsules, and the corners should be avoided when placing capsules into the dishwasher. The current study seeks to provide recommendations for users of AM and 3D food printing including consumers, restaurants, industry, and regulatory industries.
Effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract on growth, muscle composition, hepatopancreas histology, immune responses and microcystin-LR resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)
Authors: Lu Yao-Peng , Zheng Pei-Hua , Xu Jia-Rui , Cao Yan-Lei , Li Jun-Tao , Hao Chen-Guang , Zhang Ze-Long , Xian Jian-An , Zhang Xiu-Xia , Wang An-Li
Published: September 2022

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different doses of dietaryEucommia ulmoidesleaf extract (ELE) on juvenile red claw crayfish. A total number of 720 red claw crayfish (initial body weight of 0.24 ± 0.01 g) were randomly assigned to six groups and fed diets containing 0 (Diet 1), 0.5 (Diet 2), 1 (Diet 3), 2 (Diet 4), 4 (Diet 5) and 10 (Diet 6) g kg-1 of ELE for 8 weeks and challenged with microcystin-LR stress. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with 1–2 g kg-1 ELE could significantly improve the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish. Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 2, Diet 3 and Diet 4 were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared with the control group, dietary ELE could increase total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and phenoloxidase (PO) activities and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) level of crayfish. Dietary ELE significantly increased the relative expression levels of SOD, thioredoxin 1 (TRX1), GPx, selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) and C-type lysozyme (C-LZM) mRNA of crayfish compared with the control group during the feeding experiment. When subjected to MC-LR stress for 48 hours, the mRNA expression levels of SOD, GPx, Se-GPx, glutathione-s-transferase 1 (GST1), ALF, hemocyanin (HEM) and C-LZM in the hepatopancreas could be improved to varying degrees compared with the control group. Supplementation of 1–2 g kg-1 ELE in the feed could improve the survival rate (SR) of crayfish under MC-LR stress. These results indicated that dietary ELE (1–2 g kg-1) could improve the growth performance, muscle protein and non-specific immune response and increase the SR of crayfish under MC-LR stress by regulating the mRNA expression levels of the immune- and antioxidant-related genes.
Efficacy and safety of synbiotics in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: Mizutani Yu , Kawamoto Shinichiro , Takahashi Michiko , Doi Hisayo , Wakida Kumiko , Tabuchi Satoko , Tanda Masaaki , Soga Akihiro , Chijiki Ruri , Takakura Hidetomo , Kawaguchi Koji , Higashime Ako , Watanabe Marika , Ichikawa Hiroya , Matsumoto Sakuya , Sakai Rina , Goto Hideaki , Kurata Keiji , Kakiuchi Seiji , Miyata Yoshiharu , Uryu Kiyoaki , Inui Yumiko , Kitao Akihito , Yakushijin Kimikazu , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Minami Hironobu
Published: September 2022

We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of synbiotics, including live microorganisms and non-digestible food ingredients, in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). This prospective, randomized, double-blind study, included patients with malignant lymphoma eligible for auto-HSCT. The patients were randomized to either a synbiotic group receiving Bifidobacterium longum (BB536) and guar gum or a placebo group receiving a placebo including dextrin. The supplements were administered twice daily from the start of conditioning chemotherapy up to 28 days after auto-HSCT. The primary endpoint was the duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The secondary endpoint was safety. A total of 12 patients were included and randomized. The median duration of TPN was 15 days (range, 12–33 days) in the synbiotic group and 17.5 days (range, 0–32 days) in the placebo group, with no clear difference between the two groups. The median duration of grade 3 or higher diarrhea was shorter in the synbiotic group (2.5 vs. 6.5 days), as was the duration of hospital stay (31.5 vs. 43 days). Oral intake and quality of life regarding diarrhea and anorexia improved in the synbiotic group after engraftment. Synbiotic infections, including bacteremia, were not observed. Synbiotics may reduce gastrointestinal toxicity leading to nutritional problems and improve the quality of life of patients undergoing auto-HSCT, without severe adverse events. (The Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, No. jRCTs051180026.)
Compression and energy absorption properties of the novel truss-like lightweight material based on space group P6mm
Authors: Ma Zhenhao , Ma Wensuo , Ma Zhenyu
Published: September 2022

Truss-like lightweight materials (TLMs) are a type of porous materials which have been widely used in aeronautics and astronautics because of excellent mechanical property and superior energy absorption capability, and these properties could be influenced by its meso-structure. Therefore, the meso-structure design is a critical task to develop high-performance TLMs. A novel meso-structure of TLM was deduced based on the symmetric operations of the space group P6mm. The mechanical model of the novel TLM was established to theoretically investigate its compression property, and it was found that the relative density and compression property of the novel TLM could be increased with the diameter-to-length ratio (d/l) and inclination angle (α) of strut. The equivalent elastic modulus, yield load and yield stress of the novel TLM could be predicted by theoretical analysis and verified by finite element analysis. The simulation results showed that the novel TLMs with varied relative densities have different loading capacity but the same failure mode. The compression and energy absorption properties of the novel TLM could be improved by increasing the structural relative density. In addition, this study indicated the novel TLM has better compression and energy absorption properties at the same relative density compared with other TLMs such as BCC and FCC, and its equivalent elastic modulus at the same relative density increased by 324.3% and 15.5%, respectively.
Experimental investigation on the hazard of geyser created by an entrapped air release in baffle-drop shafts
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Yang Qian
Published: September 2022

The geyser phenomenon seriously threatens the safe operation of deep tunnel drainage systems and drop shaft structural safety. To simulate the geyser process in a baffle-drop shaft, a 1:50 scale model test system was used to research the response relationship between the geyser mechanism and test parameters such as water depth, inlet pressure, and inlet volume. The results show that the pressure in a baffle-drop shaft fluctuates sharply during the geyser process. This is caused by the release of a high-pressure air mass, and high-speed movement of the air–water mixture causes a local pressure imbalance in the drop shaft. A prediction formula for the maximum geyser height of a baffle-drop shaft was established by a multiple linear regression model. Geyser occurrence conditions for the baffle-drop shaft were proposed combined with the response relationship between different influence variables and geyser intensity. Except for the inlet pressure, submerged state of the baffles, and measured location, the hydrodynamic load on the bottom of the baffles is also related to the randomness of the air–water mixture jetted on the baffle bottom. The maximum hydrodynamic load on the baffle bottom during the geyser is 10 times the hydrodynamic load on the baffle surface under normal discharge conditions. This research provides a theoretical reference for the structural design and safe operation of baffle-drop shafts.