bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption ability of DNA/calcium alginate magnetic aerogel microspheres toward benzo(a)anthracene
Authors: Huang Guoxia , Ma Ji , Li Junsheng
Published: January 2024

With the increasing development of industry, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution is becoming increasingly serious, posing great harm to the health of humans and other organisms. It is urgent to develop effective solutions.In this study, DNA/calcium alginate magnetic aerogel microspheres were prepared based on the gel properties of sodium alginate and the magnetism of ferric oxide, which were used to remove benzo(a)anthracene (BaA) from aqueous solution. The aerogel microspheres were irregular spherical, with concave convex surface and good water absorption. The pores were mostly mesoporous. The aerogel microspheres had good adsorption on BaA and were easy to be magnetically separated. When the initial concentration of BaA was 350 µg/L, the removal efficiency was 98.52% when incubated at 25 ℃ and pH 7.0 for 50 min. The adsorption process accorded with Langmuir model and pseudo-2nd -order kinetic model. For natural river samples containing BaA, the removal efficiency was above 98.45% when the BaA initial concentration was in the range of 50–300 µg/L.The aerogel microspheres have high adsorption capacity, and the adsorption of BaA was simple and time-consuming, which have great potential application value in water purification.
Pulmonary function trajectories in COVID-19 survivors with- and without pre-existing respiratory disease at three and twelve months after hospital discharge
Authors: Gach Debbie , Beijers Rosanne J.H.C.G. , Zeeland Roel van , Boogaart Vivian van Kampen-van den , Posthuma Rein , Schols Annemie M.W.J. , Bergh Joop P. van den , Osch Frits H.M. van
Published: January 2024

A significant proportion of COVID-19 survivors still experience a reduced diffusion capacity three and twelve months after discharge. We aimed to compare pulmonary function trajectories between hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pre-existing respiratory disease (PRD) and patients without pre-existing respiratory disease (Non-PRD) at three and twelve months after hospital discharge. This single-centre retrospective cohort study included COVID-19 patients admitted to the VieCuriMedical Centre (Venlo, the Netherlands) between February and December 2020 that were invited to the outpatient clinic at three and twelve months after discharge. During this visit, pulmonary function tests were performed and impairments were based on lower limit of normal. Data of 239 patients were analysed (65% male, 66±10 years, and 26% with a history of respiratory disease). Three months after discharge, 49% and 64% of the Non-PRD patients (n=177) and PRD patients (n=62) had a low diffusion capacity, respectively. This improved over time in Non-PRD patients (p=0.003), but not in PRD patients (p=0.250). A low diffusion capacity was still observed in 34% and 57% of the Non-PRD and PRD group, respectively, twelve months after discharge. Pulmonary function impairments, mainly a reduced diffusion capacity, are observed among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with PRD and Non-PRD, at three and twelve months follow-up. Although diffusion capacity impairments restore over time in Non-PRD patients, poor recovery was observed among PRD patients.
Prediction of Left Ventricular Echocardiography Mass from Romhilt-Estes score in hypertensive patients in Kinshasa: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Otshudi Noel Onembo , Mbunga Branly Kilola , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Lubenga Yves , Ngoy Georges Nduba , Samafundu Yannick Mundedi , Buila Nathan Bimbi , M’buyamba-Kabangu Jean René
Published: January 2024

Introduction :
Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TDE) is an essential tool in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), alongside the Gold standard which is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is much more expensive. TDE is an easily accessible tool in developed countries but remains difficult to access in most rural areas of sub-Saharan African countries, making the diagnosis of LVH difficult. However, it is a predictive factor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients. The electrocardiogram being more accessible in these environments, we evaluated its performance in the diagnosis of LVH and especially sought to predict left ventricular mass from the most sensitive and specific electrocardiographic score in our study, the Romhilt-Estes.
Method
This is an analytical study of a consecutive series of cases, which covered the period from July to September 2018, in five hospital facilities in Kinshasa. Socio-demographic parameters, ECG, and TDE were studied. Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient and Bland Altman concordance test were used for numerical values. And multiple linear regression modeling was used for the entire workforce and in each sex separately.
Results
The area below the ROC curve of the Romhilt-Estes score was significantly greater than that of the other ECG indices (X²=4.78; p = 0.0289); the most important correlation coefficient was observed between the MVG and the Romhilt-Estes score (0.436) with better alignment and dispersion (95% CI) and finally in the multiple linear regression, age and the score of Romhilt-Estes emerged in both sexes as independent determinants of LVM.
Conclusion
Age and sex are variables that influence the modeling of LVM based on the Romhilt-Estes score. But the mathematical models found have a weak prediction.
External carotid artery-to-petrous internal carotid artery radial artery graft bypass for a giant high cervical aneurysm
Authors: Gao Kaiming , Guo Wenqiang , Tong Xiaoguang
Published: January 2024

Objective To investigate optimal treatment strategies for giant high-cervical internal carotid artery aneurysms.
Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted, examining clinical data, surgical approaches, and postoperative outcomes in a case involving a patient with a giant high-cervical internal carotid artery aneurysm. Additionally, pertinent literature was reviewed to contextualize the findings.
Results A 52-year-old male patient presented with a one-year history of intermittent coughing, exacerbated by a two-month history of headaches. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) revealed the presence of a giant high-cervical internal carotid artery aneurysm on the right side. The patient underwent an external carotid artery-radial artery-internal carotid artery petrosal segment bypass and aneurysm isolation surgery. Postoperative angiography demonstrated the disappearance of the aneurysm and patency of the bypass. Notably, there were no occurrences of new cerebral ischemia or infarction, no manifestation of new neurological dysfunction, and a marked improvement in the patient's original symptoms.
Conclusion The treatment of giant high-cervical internal carotid artery aneurysms necessitates cerebral vascular bypass surgery, with the external carotid artery-radial artery-internal carotid artery petrosal bone segment bypass proving to be an efficacious and preferable therapeutic modality for such lesions.
SNAI1 as a Biomarker for Prognostic Prediction and Targeted Therapy in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Beibei , Li Rongkai
Published: January 2024

Background
This study investigates the role and potential molecular mechanisms of the SNAI1 gene in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and its application in molecular targeted therapy.
Methods
Bioinformatics analysis, including TCGA, TPA, GSEA and CELLMINER analysis, was conducted to analyze the expression levels of the SNAI1 gene in normal and tumor tissues, their correlation with clinical outcomes, and potential targeted drugs.
Results
In normal human tissues, SNAI1 was significantly highly expressed in lung tissues compared to other tissues. However, in LUSC, its expression was significantly downregulated. High expression of SNAI1 mRNA was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The expression level of SNAI1 mRNA was also associated with age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis in LUSC patients. A nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of LUSC patients. Furthermore, high expression of the SNAI1 protein in LUSC was associated with poor prognosis. The 5-year survival rate was 37% in the high expression group and 59% in the low expression group. The main subcellular localization of SNAI1 protein in LUSC tissue cells was the nucleus, but strong protein expression also led to its localization in the cytoplasm and membrane. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed a relevance between Snai1 and TP53 signaling pathway in LUSC. SNAI1 can interact with TP53 and HDAC. By utilizing the CELLMINER platform, a wide range of compounds that could potentially target SNAI1, including mTOR, were explored. Therefore, potential targeted drugs for SNAI1 include Epigenetic Modifications inhibitors and mTOR. Studies have shown that these targeted SNAI1 agents hold promise for the treatment of LUSC.
Conclusion
High expression of the SNAI1 gene is significantly associated with poor OS and DFS outcomes in LUSC patients. SNAI1 serves as an independent prognostic factor for LUSC and can be used as a biomarker for prognostic prediction. SNAI1 holds promise for the treatment of LUSC.
Comparison of Quantitative High-definition Microvessel Imaging and Shear Wave Elastography in Preoperative Prediction of Axillary Lymph Node Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Sotoudehnia Setayesh , Sabeti Soroosh , Rosen David , Fazzio Robert , Larson Nicholas B. , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra
Published: January 2024

Background
Accurate assessment of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is a critical step for timely diagnosis of metastasis and proper subsequent intervention in breast cancer patients. Herein, we compare the diagnostic utility of quantitative high-definition microvasculature imaging (qHDMI), shear wave elastography (SWE) and their combination for differentiation of metastatic ALNs from reactive.
Methods
A total of 85 female patients with suspicious ALNs recommended for fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) were included in the study, and the pathology results were used as the gold standard for labeling the status of each ALN. Three SWE metrics and ten qHDMI-derived biomarkers were used in our analyses. Additionally, age, as well as clinical ultrasound features such as nodal size and cortical thickness were included as clinical factors. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was utilized to analyze distributional differences in biomarkers between metastatic and reactive ALNs. Multiple elastic-net logistic regression models were developed based on varying combinations of clinical, qHDMI, and SWE feature sets. A 70%/30% train/test split was adopted, and ROC curve analyses were performed to evaluate and compare classification performance. Moreover, distributional differences in qHDMI and SWE biomarkers between ALNs corresponding to breast cancer immunohistochemical subtypes luminal A and B were investigated.
Results
Of the total of 85 ALNs included in the analysis, 42 were metastatic. Statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) differences were observed in all but one of the qHDMI biomarkers, as well as all the SWE metrics. Test-set discrimination defined by area under ROC curve (AUC) was low for the model using only clinical features (0.62; 95% CI = [0.39,0.84]), with higher performance observed for models using SWE only (0.93; [0.82,1.00]), qHDMI only (0.97; [0.91,1.00]), qHDMI-SWE (0.97; [0.92,1.00]), and qHDMI-SWE plus clinical biomarkers (0.98; [0.94,1.00]). No statistically significant improvements were seen in the combined SWE-qHDMI and SWE-qHDMI-C classification models relative to the qHDMI-only model, although power for comparison was limited. Four qHDMI biomarkers and two SWE measures exhibited statistically significant distributions among breast cancer luminal A and B subtypes.
Conclusions
qHDMI classification model was able to separate metastatic from reactive ALNs with high accuracy. qHDMI, SWE, and the combined models had improved classification performance over the baseline Clinical model. qHDMI biomarkers can be valuable in determining the malignancy status of suspicious ALNs, providing helpful information regarding breast cancer prognosis.
Correlation between the thyroid computed tomography value and thyroid function in hyperthyroidism: a retrospective study
Authors: Iwanaga Haruna , Fujita Naotoshi , Abe Shinji , Naganawa Shinji , Kato Katsuhiko
Published: January 2024

Objective
Radioiodine (I-131) therapy for hyperthyroidism is a well-established and safe treatment option. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the computed tomography (CT) value and the function and volume of the thyroid gland by identifying the factors that induce changes in the CT value of patients with hyperthyroidism.
Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 42 patients with Graves' disease and 10 patients with Plummer disease. To obtain the mean CT value and volume of the thyroid gland, the entire thyroid gland was set as the region of interest. A test dose of 3.7 MBq I-131 was administered before initiating I-131 therapy, and the radioiodine uptake (RIU) rate was assessed after 3, 24, 96, and 168 h. An approximate curve was plotted based on the RIU values obtained, and the effective half-life (EHL) was calculated. The correlation between the mean CT value and the volume of the thyroid gland, 24-h RIU, EHL, and the free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) levels was evaluated.
Results
CT value exhibited a significant positive correlation with EHL (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001) and a weak negative correlation with the TRAb in patients with Graves' disease (r = −0.36, p < 0.05). CT value also exhibited a significant positive correlation with EHL in patients with Plummer disease (r = 0.73, p < 0.05). However, it did not display any correlation with the remaining parameters.
Conclusion
The CT value is significantly correlated with EHL and TRAb levels, suggesting that it reflects thyroid function and is mainly related to the factors associated with iodine discharge.
Predictive value of combined triglyceride-glucose index and glycated hemoglobin for long-term cardiovascular outcomes in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Ru , Zhang Haonan , Wang Qizhe , Xu Yaxin , Dai Yuxiang , Jiang Sunfang , Jiang Hong , Liu Ming
Published: January 2024

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) affects prognosis in stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). While triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index assesses IR, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) provides long-term glycemic level information. However, the combined predictive value of TyG index and HbA1c is unclear.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 944 SCAD patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were followed up for 31 months. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the predictive ability of TyG index, HbA1c and their combination. Patients were further grouped based on the optimal cutoff value of the TyG index and clinical abnormal ranges of HbA1c to analyze the impact of different groups.
Results: The TyG index was independently predictive of MACE and repeat revascularization (HR: 1.574, P = 0.021; and HR: 1.379, P = 0.027). Combining TyG index with HbA1c significantly enhanced overall MACE prediction, with the AUC for cardiac death increasing to 0.901 (P = 0.016). The high TyG-low HbA1c group had more than double the cumulative incidence of MACE compared to the low TyG-low HbA1c group (HR: 2.069, P < 0.001), with the high TyG-high HbA1c group showing an even greater risk (HR: 2.463, P < 0.001). Diabetic patients in the high TyG-low HbA1c category had the highest risk increase (HR: 3.375, P = 0.038).
Conclusions: The combined use of TyG and HbA1c improves the predictive ability for MACE in all SCAD patients, with predictive value for chronic outcomes, but not for acute events.
Is Body Mass Index a Risk Factor in Patients Developing Post-ERCP Complications?
Authors: Abulfazli Jamal , Altunpak Burak , Gumusoglu Alpen , Karabulut Mehmet
Published: January 2024

Background and aims
Despite numerous studies on Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications, few have explored the BMI-complication relationship. Our study investigates this association to enhance understanding.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 196 post-ERCP complication cases (January 2018-December 2021) excluded patients under 18, those with upper gastrointestinal surgery, and altered anatomy. Patients were categorized by BMI into normal weight (32.7%, n = 64), overweight (43.4%, n = 85), and obese (23.9%, n = 47) groups (average BMI: 27.45 ± 5.11). Variables included age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), anticoagulant use, ERCP indications, procedure type, sequence number, duration, manipulations, stent placement, complications, hospital stay, and mortality.
Results
No statistically significant BMI-related differences emerged in ERCP indications, emergency/elective procedures, post-ERCP complications (pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation), or hospital stay (p > 0.05). The overweight group exhibited a significantly shorter procedure duration (p = 0.001; p < 0.01) and higher CCI score (p = 0.011; p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest no significant correlation between BMI and post-ERCP complications. Notably, ERCP procedures appear safe in overweight and obese patients.
Comparison οf Immune Responses Through Multiparametric T cell Cytokine Expression Profile Between Children With Convalescent COVID-19 Or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Filippatos Filippos , Tzanoudaki Marianna , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Dessypris Nick , Koukou Dimitra-Maria , Georgokosta Chrysa , Syriopoulou Vasiliki , Michos Athanasios
Published: January 2024

The immunological pathways that cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children(MIS-C) remain under investigation. Aim of this study was to prospectively compare T-cell cytokine expression profile in unvaccinated children with acute MIS-C(MIS-C_A) before immunosuppression, convalescent MIS-C(one month after syndrome onset, MIS-C_C), convalescent COVID-19(one month after hospitalization) and healthy, unvaccinated controls. Intracellular expression of IL-4, IL-2, IL-17, IFN-γ, TNF-α and Granzyme B, post SARS-CoV-2-Spike antigenic mix stimulation of T cell subsets was analyzed by 13-colour Flow Cytometry. Twenty children with median age(IQR): 11.5(7.25-14) years were included in the study. From the comparison of the flow cytometry analysis of the 14 markers of MIS-C_A with the other 3 groups(MIS-C_C, post-COVID-19 and controls), significant differences were identified for: 1. CD4+IL-17+/million CD3+: 293.0(256.4-870.9) vs 50.7(8.4-140.5); P-value:0.03, vs 96.7(89.2-135.4); P-value:0.03 and vs 8.7(0.0-82.4); P-value:0.03, respectively, 2. CD8+IL-17+/million CD3+: 335.2(225.8-429.9) vs 78.0(31.9-128.9) vs 84.1(0.0-204.6) vs 33.2(0.0-114.6); P-value:0.05, respectively 3. CD8+IFN-γ+/million CD3+: 162.2(91.6-273.4) vs 41.5(0.0-77.4); P-value:0.03 vs 30.3(0.0-92.8); P-value:0.08, respectively. In children presenting with MIS-C one month after COVID-19 infection, T cells were found to be polarized towards IL-17 and IFN-γ production compared to those with uncomplicated convalescent COVID-19, a finding that could provide possible immunological biomarkers for MIS-C detection.
Prevalence of Poststroke Depression and Associated Factors in Sri Lanka: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Rathnapurahewage Hansanee Dileka Madumali , Kariyawasam Pramudika Nirmani
Published: January 2024

Background: The incidence of stroke and resultant disabilities in low- and middle-income countries emphasizes the importance of investigating consequential manifestations such as poststroke depression (PSD). PSD is a common consequence of stroke and is associated with poor quality of life.The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence of PSD and associated factors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 322 stroke survivors attending neurology clinics at three major tertiary care centers in Sri Lanka. The assessment utilized the Sinhala version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression screening, alongside a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire to explore associated factors.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 60.82 (11.91) years, and 59.6% were males and 40.4% were females. Predominantly, ischemic strokes were observed in 84.5% of the patients. A notable 71.4% (n=230) incidence of PSD was identified. The sociodemographic parameters (age, sex, education, income) and clinical factors (stroke type, cognitive level, hemiplegia, concurrent noncommunicable diseases) were significantly associated with PSD at a level of p<0.05.
Conclusion/s: Identified factors that are associated with PSD should be further evaluated and addressed by healthcare providers to improve the quality of life of patients.
Exploring Ageism and Aging Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt
Authors: Abdelkader Alaa S , Elbayar Rana , Ashour Aya Ahmed , Alwerdani Mariam M , Elgabry Abdallah , Hashish Sara , Ashour Ayat
Published: January 2024

Background
Ageism and ageing anxiety are obstacles to health equity in the community. This study aims to assess ageism and ageing anxiety in Egypt and to elaborate on factors associated with ageism among Egyptians.
Method
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey on 359 adult Egyptians using a predesigned questionnaire to assess socio-demographic factors, the Fabroni Scale on Ageism (FSA), the Ageing Anxiety Scale (AAS), one question about contact with older adults and another question about religiosity.
Results
The mean total score of ageism was 72.79 ± 6.3 out of 116 while the mean total score of anxiety of ageing was 54.33 ± 8.83 out of 100. Male gender (B = 1.602, p = 0.024), infrequent contact with older adults (B = 2.158, p = 0.002), aging anxiety (B = 0.172, p = 0.000), and insufficient income (B = 3.103, p = 0.007) were associated with increased ageism scores.
Conclusion
The observed associations between ageism and factors such as male gender, infrequent contact with older adults, insufficient income, and aging anxiety highlights potential need for focused educational initiatives. Implementing comprehensive educational programs that not only inform individuals about the ageing process but also promote positive intergenerational interactions could serve as a promising strategy to combat ageism.
Physiotherapeutic Management of Hand-Foot Syndrome During Chemotherapy: a Case Report Autor para correspondência: Gabrielle Peres Paines
Authors: Paines Gabrielle Peres , Machado Fábio Dotto , Kemerich Jhulie Anne Pinheiro , Pivetta Hedioneia Maria Foletto
Published: January 2024

Objectives To evaluate the management of hand-foot syndrome due to chemotherapy treatment by using physiotherapeutic intervention based on photobiomodulation.Methodology: This is a case report of a female patient who was treated at the Physiotherapy outpatient clinic of a Teaching Hospital at the country side of the State of RS and was diagnosed with Grade III invasive ductal mammary carcinoma in the right breast. Approved by the Federal University of Santa Maria's Ethics and Research Committee, number 48881321.4.0000.5346, Red and infrared LED at 4 J/cm2 were applied to the plantar surfaces of the hands and feet once a week as part of the standard physiotherapeutic treatment, which also included proprioceptive, resistance, and aerobic activities.Results An improvement in skin features was seen right away after the initial application, cell regeneration and epithelial neoformation, peeling on the plantar surface of the hands and feet, a decrease in hyperemia, and a pain-relieving effect. On the palm side of the hands, complete skin peeling, a decrease in edema, hyperemia, and discomfort were seen after the second application. Plantar hyperkeratosis on the foot completely disappeared, and there was a decrease in edema, hyperemia, burning, and pain. Finally, total rejuvenation of the skin on the plantar surface of the palms and soles of the feet was seen, enabling the recovery of previously impossible daily activities. Additionally, it enabled the continuation of chemotherapeutic treatments.Conclusion The hand-foot condition brought on by chemotherapy could be effectively treated with physical therapy and photobiomodulation employing red and infrared LEDs.
Research on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Carbon Transfer Based on Value Chain in China
Authors: Dong Xiaocui , Liu Hongguang
Published: January 2024

Carbon emission reduction is an arduous task that the world needs to face and solve at present and in the coming period, and it is also an important goal in the process of China's economic and social development. It is also an important goal in the process of China's economic and social development. The study of carbon transfer based on the value chain is crucial to the realization of carbon emission reduction and the scientific and reasonable distribution of carbon emission reduction responsibilities. Based on the input-output method, this paper uses the value-based carbon emission accounting method to calculate and analyze the carbon emission transfer characteristics of 30 provinces, autonomous regions and cities in China (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) in 2012 and 2017. As many indicators of different aspects as possible are selected, and the problem of covariance between indicators is reduced and eliminated through factor analysis, so as to analyze the key factors affecting carbon transfer. It was found that during 2012–2017, China's carbon emissions as a whole showed a transfer from regions with a higher level of economic development to regions with a lower level of economic development, and from the east to the west, with the net transfer out center of gravity shifting significantly to the north and west. The middle region (MR) has always been the region that transfers out the most carbon emissions, but the net transfer growth rate of some provinces in the MR has decreased more with other regions. During this period, the local resource availability, energy consumption level, and science and technology level had the greatest impact on the change of carbon transfer. Regions with abundant resources but lower levels of science and technology, and higher levels of energy consumption will increase their carbon transfer. The results of this paper are intended to improve the study of carbon transfer along the value chain, and provide a basis for the division of responsibility for carbon emission reduction and the formulation of policies in China.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and psoriasis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Chongxiang , Liu Minghui , Ding Jian
Published: January 2024

Background
Accumulating evidence from observational and experimental studies suggests a potential association between the gut microbiota (GM) and psoriasis, yet it remains obscure whether this connection is causal in nature.
Methods
By performing a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the MiBioGen and FinnGen consortium, the causal association between GM and psoriasis was investigated, using methods of inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode.
Results
The genus Eubacterium fissicatena group (odds ratio [OR]: 1.22, 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.09–1.36, P < 0.001) and genus Lactococcus (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00-1.25, P = 0.046) were identified as risk factors for psoriasis, while the genus Butyricicoccus (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.64-1.00, P = 0.049), genus Faecalibacterium (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71–0.99, P = 0.035), genus Prevotella9 (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.99, P = 0.040) exhibited protective effects against psoriasis. The sensitivity analysis did not provide any indications of pleiotropy or heterogeneity.
Conclusions
Our two-sample MR analysis provides novel evidence supporting the causality between GM and psoriasis. Comprehensive and multi-omics methods are warranted to unravel the contribution of GM to psoriasis pathogenesis, as well as its potential therapeutic implications.
Acceptability and usefulness of the EORTC ‘Write In three Symptoms/Problems’ (WISP): A brief open-ended instrument for symptom assessment in cancer patients
Authors: Rojas-Concha Leslye , Arrarras Juan Ignacio , Conroy Thierry , Chalk Tara , Guberti Monica , Holzner Bernhard , Husson Olga , Kuliś Dagmara , Shamieh Omar , Piccinin Claire , Puga María José , Rohde Gudrun , Groenvold Mogens
Published: January 2024

Background
The use of open-ended questions supplementing static questionnaires with closed questions may facilitate the recognition of symptoms and toxicities. The open-ended ‘Write In three Symptoms/Problems (WISP)’ instrument permits patients to report additional symptoms/problems not covered by selected EORTC questionnaires. We evaluated the acceptability and usefulness of WISP with cancer patients receiving active and palliative care/treatment in Austria, Chile, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Methods
We conducted a literature search on validated instruments for cancer patients including open-ended questions and analyzing their responses. WISP was translated into eight languages and pilot tested. WISP translations were pre-tested together with EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-C15-PAL and relevant modules, followed by patient interviews to evaluate their understanding about WISP. Proportions were used to summarize patient responses obtained from interviews and WISP.
Results
From the seven instruments identified in the literature, only the free text collected from the PRO-CTAE has been analyzed previously. In our study, 161 cancer patients participated in the pre-testing and interviews (50% in active treatment). Qualitative interviews showed high acceptability of WISP. Among the 295 symptoms/problems reported using WISP, skin problems, sore mouth and bleeding were more prevalent in patients in active treatment, whereas numbness/tingling, dry mouth and existential problems were more prevalent in patients in palliative care/treatment.
Conclusions
The EORTC WISP instrument was found to be acceptable and useful for symptom assessment in cancer patients. WISP improves the identification of symptoms/problems not assessed by cancer-generic questionnaires and therefore, we recommend its use alongside the EORTC questionnaires.
In silico molecular docking and dynamic simulation of antimalarial compounds from Barleria buxifolia root against type III phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase β: Metabolite Profile Analysis Using LC-MS/HRMS
Authors: Abisek A , Poovarasan R , Sathish T , Tamizharasan G , Khute Sulekha , Srinivasa Kareti , A Rajesh , Subash P.
Published: January 2024

A member of the Acanthaceae family, Barleria buxifolia Linn (B. buxifolia) is a shrub of medium size. It originated on the Indian peninsula. Even though the plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat malaria, no studies have been conducted on this species for antimalarial activity. Box-Behnken design (BBD) modeling was used to optimize the percentage of extraction from the dried root of B. buxifolia. The study aims to use high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/HRMS) to discover plant-based components in root extracts of B. buxifolia. The observed chromatogram showed the presence of 13 phytoconstituents. For the first time, these phytoconstituents are identified in B. buxifolia roots. These phytoconstituents were assessed for their anti-malarial potential against the malaria targets of phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase III β (protein data bank ID: 4D0L, 4WAE) using AutoDock Vina-PyRx software. The anti-malarial potential was compared to known inhibitors of artemisinin and MMV390048. One compound was identified and compared with the standard artemisinin, which showed the best docking score and was further confirmed through in silico SwissADME, admetSAR web server, LigPlot analysis, and MD simulation, i.e., 1-[2-(benzhydryloxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine. This in silico research plays a crucial role in antimalarial drug discovery, and this research will benefit medicinal chemists by enhancing their understanding and utilization of this phytoconstituents for antimalarial activity.
The DNA double-strand break repair proteins γH2AX, RAD51, BRCA1, RPA70, KU80, and XRCC4 show follicle-specific expression differences in the postnatal mouse ovaries from early to older ages
Authors: Talibova Gunel , Bilmez Yesim , Tire Betul , Ozturk Saffet
Published: January 2024

Ovarian aging is closely related to a decrease in follicular reserve and oocyte quality. The underlying molecular causes of these changes have not been fully explored. Herein, we examine spatiotemporal distribution of key proteins responsible for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair from early to older ovaries. Functional studies have shown that the γH2AX, RAD51, BRCA1, and RPA70 proteins play indispensable roles in HR-based repair pathway, while the KU80 and XRCC4 proteins are essential for successfully operating cNHEJ pathway. As expected, β-GAL levels increased progressively from prepuberty to aged groups (P < 0.05). Interestingly, we observed significant changes in γH2AX levels of the preantral and antral follicles (P < 0.05), and cCASP3 levels increased in the aged groups (P < 0.05). While RAD51, BRCA1, KU80, and XRCC4 protein levels increased (P < 0.05), the protein level of RPA70 decreased in the aged groups (P < 0.05) compared to the remaining groups. These changes mainly resulted from altered expression in oocytes and granulosa cells of the follicles and other ovarian cells. All these results suggest that DSBs in ovarian cells during aging are rapidly repaired by activating the HR and cNHEJ pathways. Meanwhile, unrepaired ovarian cells seem to be removed through apoptosis or undergo cellular senescence.
Targeting z-Crystallin by aspirin restores the sensitivity to cisplatin in resistant A2780 ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Lulli Matteo , Roviello Giandomenico , Catalano Martina , Parenti Astrid , Molli Alice , Napoli Cristina , Landini Ida , Schiavone Nicola , Lapucci Andrea
Published: January 2024

Purpose Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecologic malignancies worldwide. Platinum based chemotherapy is the mainstay treatment for ovarian cancer; however, frequent recurrence and chemoresistance onset in patients with advanced diseases remain a therapeutic challenge. Although mechanisms underlying the development of chemoresistance are still ambiguous, the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family is closely associated with chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. We previously disclosed that Zeta-Crystallin (CryZ) is a post-transcriptional regulator of Bcl-2 gene expression, by binding to bcl-2 mRNA and increasing its half-life. Here, we investigated the role of CryZ as a novel therapeutic target in ovarian carcinoma by modulating the protein activity with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) to restore chemosensitivity.Methods Inhibition of CryZ binding activity to Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl mRNA targets by ASA was evaluated in A375 cells. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted in A2780S and A2780R ovarian cancer cells to evaluate if CryZ binding activity inhibition and CryZ silencing were able to reverse cisplatin resistance.Results ASA inhibits the binding of CryZ to Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl mRNAs. Furthermore, ASA-treatment or CryZ silencing are able to increase and restore the chemosensitivity in both sensitive and resistant A2780 ovarian cancer cell lines, respectively. ​Conclusion In this research article we demonstrated that the pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CryZ restores the sensitivity to cisplatin in a model of sensitive or resistant ovarian cancer cells. These findings suggest a new gene-targeted chemotherapeutic approach to restore the cytotoxicity in drug-resistant ovarian cancers and increase the sensitivity in non-resistant cells.
Association between sarcopenia and parity in American women in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2011 to 2018
Authors: Hou Xuefeng , Chen Dong , Shen Yuchen , Jiang Jian , Xu Kangjie , Dai Bin
Published: January 2024

Background
Muscle atrophy is a condition characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, and it is more common in women compared to men. Currently, there is limited research on the relationship between parity (number of pregnancies) and muscle atrophy. This study aims to investigate the association between parity and muscle loss in a population of Americans.
Materials and Methods
We collected clinical data from 3,530 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2011 and 2018. Dose-response analyses using restricted quadratic spline models were employed to assess the association between parity and muscle atrophy in the study sample. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to balance confounding variables between the muscle atrophy group and the non-muscle atrophy group.
Results
Among the 3,530 participants, 330 (9.3%) were diagnosed with muscle atrophy. Our study revealed that factors such as older age, Mexican American, low education level, marital status, poverty, physical inactivity, and higher parity were associated with muscle loss. The dose-response analyses using restricted quadratic spline models showed a positive correlation between parity and muscle atrophy in all patients, with an increased risk of muscle atrophy with higher parity. Additionally, the Propensity Score Matching analysis still demonstrated a positive association between parity and muscle atrophy after adjusting for other confounding variables.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that higher parity is associated with an increased risk of muscle atrophy in postmenopausal American women. Regular exercise may be effective in reducing the risk of muscle atrophy.
Identification of m6A-Regulated Ferroptosis Biomarkers for Prognosis in Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Wen , Liang Kun , Wang Yujuan , Zhang Jin , Qiu Xiaoping , Wang Jinping , Li An , Shangguan Jian , Yun Yonggang , Wang Yixuan , Liu Hiu , Sun Yanan
Published: January 2024

Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation and ferroptosis are associated with laryngeal cancer (LC) development. Accordingly, further research on related molecular mechanisms and pathology of LC is necessary.
Methods
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and correlation analysis were used to identify differentially expressed m6A-related ferroptosis genes (DE-MRFG) in LC. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were utilized for feature selection and risk model construction. Then, a nomogram was built based on the independent prognostic factor identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Mutation analysis, immune-related analysis, and drug sensitivity prediction were applied to analyze the utility of the risk model as much as possible. Additionally, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect the TFRC, RGS4, and FTH1 expression.
Results
We identified 83 genes as DE-MRFG in LC. Three model genes (TFRC, RGS4, and FTH1) were identified to build a risk model using the univariate Cox and LASSO regression algorithms. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis verified the accuracy of the risk model. Furthermore, calibration curves and ROC analysis indicated the good performance of the nomogram in predicting overall survival (OS). Moreover, the mutation analysis indicated that multiple genes were mutated in the high- and low-risk groups. Based on the analysis of the immune reaction in LC, immune checkpoint PD-L1 was significantly related to the risk score and was up-regulated in the high-risk group. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumors using the Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm showed a positive relationship between risk score and TIDE or ESTIMATE score. Furthermore, drug sensitivity prediction found that 19 chemotherapy drugs were strongly correlated with a risk score. TFRC, RGS4, and FTH1 exhibited high expression levels in 30 laryngeal carcinoma tissues and cell lines (TU212, TU686, and AMC-HN-8). Notably, TFRC and FTH1 expression levels were significantly associated with patient prognosis.
Conclusion
Three prognostic genes, TFRC, RGS4, and FTH1, were identified as m6A-regulated ferroptosis biomarkers in LC, providing insights into LC treatment and prognosis.
Correlation between serum osteocalcin and different blood glucose markers in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pan Ye , Han Qing , Yuan Yuexing , An Li , Han Jing , Hu Lin , Liu Yan , Ma Chenlin , Zhang Mengqi , Chen Jinfeng , Wang Yao
Published: January 2024

A large number of clinical and animal studies have demonstrated that osteocalcin (OC) secreted by osteoblasts plays an important role in glucose metabolism. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the correlation between OC and different blood glucose markers in patients with type 2 diabetes.A total of 480 patients were divided into male group(n = 258) and postmenopausal female group(n = 258). OC, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Glycated albumin (GA) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) were measured. The correlation between serum osteocalcin level and different blood glucose markers were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the male group, the OC level was negatively correlated with HbA1c (r=-0.252, p < 0.001) and GA (r = 0.158, p = 0.011), but positively correlated with 1, 5-AG (r = 0.204, p < 0.001). Similarly, in the postmenopausal female group, the OC level was found to have a negative relation with HbA1c (r=-0.286, p < 0.001) and GA (r=-0.160, p = 0.017), and a positive relation with 1, 5-AG (r = 0.329, p < 0.001). Different models were used to adjust for confounding factors. According to multiple stepwise regression analysis results, OC was an independent factor affecting the HbA1c and 1, 5-AG levels in both the male group and the postmenopausal female group. Serum osteocalcin was correlated with glycemic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and could be taken as an independent factor affecting not only long-term blood glucose but also short-term blood glucose, especially the postprandial hyperglycemia state.
Free fatty acid receptors beyond fatty acids: a computational journey to explore food-related peptides as possible binders of GPR120
Authors: Pedroni Lorenzo , Perugino Florinda , Magnaghi Fabio , Dall’Asta Chiara , Galaverna Gianni , Dellafiora Luca
Published: January 2024

The activity of a G protein coupled free fatty acid receptor, namely GPR120, is associated with obesity, satiety, diabetes, and taste perception, with interesting implications from a food functionality standpoint. Apart from long chain fatty acids, which are GPR120 natural agonists, other molecules were identified as agonists expanding the chemical space of GPR120’s ligands. In this scenario, we unveiled foodrelated peptides as possible GPR120 binders. A narrow filtering based on chemical similarity with known GPR120 agonists of a virtual library collecting 531441 low-polar hexapeptides was followed by molecular docking, dynamics and umbrella sampling simulations, identifying G[I,L]FGGG as promising GPR120 agonists. Their presence in food-related proteins was assessed along with simulations on their D-amino acids substituted counterparts. Overall, we obtained a predictive model to better understand the underpinning mechanism of GPR120-hexapeptides interaction, hierarchizing novel potential agonist peptides and described promising food sources and peptide derivatives worth of further dedicated investigations.
Time-division multiplexing underwater light communication using two identical green quantum well diodes
Authors: LIU PENGZHAN , WANG LINNING , QI ZIQIAN , LIANG YINGZE , JIANG YUAN , Wang Yongjin
Published: January 2024

A quantum well (QW) diode that is capable of emitting light is also capable of absorbing light. In particular, the QW diode has broad electroluminescence and responsivity spectra and thus, a distinct spectral overlap exists, enabling the establishment of light communication using two identical QW diodes, namely, one as the transmitter and the other as the receiver. Here, we demonstrate a time-division multiplexing (TDM) wireless light communication using two identical green QW diodes that are defined by software as transmitter or receiver to achieve real-time underwater data transmission via the same optical channel. To further exploit this dual emission-detection characteristics, we unite energy conservation, gravitational field and energy diagram theory to arrive the conclusion that the gravitational field may play a key role in the irreversibility between light emission and detection of the QW diode.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in HRQOL and Associated Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer Survivors:
Authors: Han Claire , Tounkara Fode , Kalady Mathew , Noonan Anne , Paskett Electra , Von Ah Diane
Published: January 2024

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to understand how health-related quality of life (HRQoL) differs by race/ethnicity among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. We aimed to 1) examine racial and ethnic differences in HRQoL; and 2) determine the potential risk factors for HRQoL (including social determinants of health [SDOH] and three primary cancer health measures: pain, health risk behaviors, and comorbidities) differ by racial/ethnic groups of CRC survivors.
Methods. A total of 2,492 adult CRC survivors were analyzed using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data. HRQOL was dichotomized into “better” and “poor.” Multivariate logistic regressions were employed.
Results. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) were more likely to experience worse HRQoL (OR = 0.19, p = .021). Notably, compared with NHW, NHB and Hispanics exhibited a greater prevalence of poor SDOH, increased pain, poor physical activity, current smoking, and greater comorbidities. Key risk factors for worse HRQoL, especially among NHB and Hispanics, were low education levels, poor physical activity, high pain, and more comorbidities. Younger age (18-64 years) and unemployment were common risk factors for worse HRQoL across all racial/ethnic groups. The associations were strongest in NHB for age (OR= 0.41, vs. 65 or older age group) and in Hispanics for employment status (OR= 2.41, vs. unemployed/retired) for better HRQoL when controlling for covariates. Conclusion.These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored self-management interventions, specifically for modifiable targets, such as lifestyle, pain, and comorbidities, to address the disparities in HRQOL among different racial/ethnic groups.