bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Llamas (Llama glama) enhance novel proglacial ecosystem development: an experimental approach in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Authors: Zimmer Anais , Beach Timothy , Regalado Sebastián Riva , Aliaga Jean Salcedo , Encarnación Rolando Cruz , Anthelme Fabien
Published: April 2023

Worldwide, mountain glaciers are shrinking rapidly and projected to disappear largely by 2100. Consequently, large areas are becoming available for novel alpine ecosystems. These harsh environments, however, slow down primary succession. In this study with a local community, we conducted an inclusion experiment to investigate if and howLlama glamainfluences soils and vegetation primary succession following glacial retreat. At the foot of the Uruashraju glacier in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru (~ 4680 m.a.s.l.), we established four llama inclusion plots and four control plots that we studied from 2019 to 2022, 24–40 years after glacial retreat. After three years, the llama plots had significantly increased soil organic carbon and soil nitrogen. In the llama plots, we found a large, significant increase in vascular plant cover (+ 57%) between the second and third years of experimentation, and we identified four new species that were not present in 2019. Our results suggest thatLlama glama, through their latrine behavior and role as a seed disperser, enhances the primary succession and novel ecosystem formation in recently deglaciated landscapes. Our study provides scientific support that rewilding of native Andean camelid may favor adaptation to glacier retreat and strengthen the conservation and management of novel proglacial ecosystems.
Targeted Deep Brain Stimulation of the Motor Thalamus Facilitates Voluntary Motor Control After Cortico-spinal Tract Lesions
Authors: Ho Jonathan , Grigsby Erinn , Damiani Arianna , Liang Lucy , Balaguer Josep-Maria , Kallakuri Sridula , Barrios-Martinez Jessica , Karapetyan Vahagn , Fields Daryl , Gerszten Peter , Hitchens T. , Constantine Theodora , Adams Gregory , Crammond Donald , Capogrosso Marco , Gonzalez-Martinez Jorge , Pirondini Elvira
Published: April 2023

Cerebral white matter tract lesions prevent cortico-spinal descending inputs from effectively activating spinal motoneurons, leading to untreatable muscle paralysis. However, in most cases the damage to cortico-spinal axons is incomplete and the spared connections could be potentiated by neurotechnologies to restore motor function. Here we hypothesized that, by engaging direct excitatory connections to cortico-spinal motoneurons, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the motor thalamus could facilitate activation of spared cortico-spinal fibers improving muscle activation of the paretic limb. We first identified, in monkeys, optimal stimulation targets and parameters that enhanced motor evoked potentials to arm, hand, and face muscles, as well as grip forces. This potentiation persisted after cerebral white matter lesions. We then translated these results to human subjects by identifying the corresponding optimal thalamic targets (VIM/VOP nuclei) and replicated the results obtained in monkeys. Finally, we designed a DBS protocol that immediately improved voluntary grip force control in a patient with a chronic traumatic brain injury. Our results suggest that targeted DBS of the motor thalamus may become an effective therapy for motor paralysis.
Effect of a supersaturated calcium-phosphate rinse on oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: de Vries J.A. , Vos M.H.G.F. , Etten-Jamaludin F.S. , Maaskant J.M.
Published: April 2023

Background Oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). OM is very painful, influences nutritional intake and impairs patients’ quality of life (QoL). Although several studies have investigated the potential of supersaturated calcium-phosphate rinse (SCPR) in reducing the incidence, duration and severity of OM in patients undergoing HSCT, conclusive results have not yet been found. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to comprehensively evaluate whether SCPR is effective in reducing the incidence, duration and severity of HSCT-induced OM.Methods Five electronic databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Google Scholar up to August 2021. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRISs) were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for study inclusion, and extracted data from the included studies. We used the RoB 2 and ROBINS-I to critically appraise the included studies, and GRADE to assess the quality of evidence.Results Out of 1008 publications, 8 RCTs and 3 NRSIs with in total 830 participants, were included. Meta-analyses showed that SCPR did not decrease the incidence of OM: 3 studies (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.80–1.08), moderate severe OM: 2 studies (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.85–1.59) and severe OM: 2 studies (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.27–1.64). Meta-analysis was not possible for the duration of OM due to heterogeneity between the studies.The overall quality of evidence was moderate for the incidence of OM and low for the duration and severity of OM.Conclusions Based on the available evidence, SCPR does not seem effective in reducing the incidence, duration and severity of OM in patients undergoing HSCT. Further large-scale studies with more rigorous methodology are required to enhance the quality of evidence.
Identification of Uromodulin Deposition in the Stroma of Perinephric Fibromyxoid Nephrogenic Adenoma by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yoshimura Kaori , Ito Yukinobu , Suzuki Mina , Horie Masafumi , Nishiuchi Takumi , Shintani-Domoto Yukako , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Ohshima Hiroko , Ohshima Masanobu , Goto Akiteru , Nojima Takayuki , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Mizokami Atsushi , Ikeda Hiroko , Maeda Daichi
Published: April 2023

Background Nephrogenic adenoma (NA) is an epithelial lesion that usually occurs in the mucosa of the urinary tract. Rare cases of deep infiltrative or perinephric lesions have also been reported. Recently, NA with characteristic fibromyxoid stroma (fibromyxoid NA) has been proposed as a distinct variant. Although shedding of distal renal tubular cells due to urinary tract disorder has been postulated as the cause of NA in general, the mechanism underlying extraurinary presentation of NA and fibromyxoid stromal change in fibromyxoid NA remains unknown.Case presentation: An 82-year-old man had distal ureteral carcinoma and underwent total nephroureterectomy. The patient had no prior history of urinary tract injury or radiation. Periodic acid-Schiff staining-positive eosinophilic deposits were seen in the periureteral and perinephric regions proximal to the ureteral carcinoma. The eosinophilic structureless deposits in the stroma of fibromyxoid NA were microdissected and subjected to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The analysis revealed the presence of a substantial amount of uromodulin (Tamm–Horsfall protein).The presence of urinary content in the stroma of perinephric fibromyxoid NA suggests that urinary tract failure and engraftment of renal tubular epithelial cells directly cause the lesion.Conclusions In conclusion, we reported a rare case of perinephric fibromyxoid NA with uromodulin deposits. In this study, proteomics analysis suggested the involvement of urinary material leakage. Mass spectrometry may be most effective when performed in lesions showing a characteristic morphology, especially in the stroma.
Oscillometry of the Respiratory System in Parkinson's Disease: Physiological Changes and Diagnostic Use
Authors: Caldas Bruno Tavares , Ribeiro Fernando Carlos Vetromille , Pereira João Santos , Souza Wilma Costa , Lopes Agnaldo José , Melo Pedro Lopes
Published: April 2023

Background
Lung function analysis in Parkinson's disease (PD) is often difficult due to the demand for adequate forced expiratory maneuvers. Respiratory oscillometry exams require only quiet tidal breathing and provide a detailed analysis of respiratory mechanics. We hypothesized that oscillometry would simplify the diagnosis of respiratory abnormalities in PD and improve our knowledge about the pathophysiological changes in these patients.
Materials and Methods
This observational study includes 20 controls and 47 individuals with PD divided into three groups (Hoehn and Yahr Scale 1–1.5; H&Y scale 2–3 and PD smokers). The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by investigating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results
Initial stages are related to increased peripheral resistance (Rp; p = 0.0004). In more advanced stages, a restrictive pattern is added, reflected by changes in dynamic compliance (p < 0.02) and resonance frequency (Fr; p < 0.0001). Smoking PD patients presented increased Rp (p = 0.00015) and Fr (p = 0.007). PD does not introduce changes in the central airways. Oscillometric changes were correlated with respiratory muscle weakness (R = 0.37, p = 0.02). Rp showed adequate accuracy in the detection of early respiratory abnormalities (AUC = 0.858), while in more advanced stages, Fr showed high diagnostic accuracy (AUC > 0.948). The best parameter to identify changes in smoking patients was Rp (AUC = 0.896).
Conclusion
The initial stages of PD are related to a reduction in ventilation homogeneity associated with changes in peripheral airways. More advanced stages also include a restrictive ventilatory pattern. These changes were correlated with respiratory muscle weakness and were observed in mild and moderate stages of PD in smokers and non-smokers. Oscillometry may adequately identify respiratory changes in the early stages of PD and obtain high diagnostic accuracy in more advanced stages of the disease.
The Prognostic Value and Immune Landscaps of m6A/m5C-related LncRNAs signature in the Low Grade Glioma
Authors: Li Ran , Chen Haiyan , Li Chaoxi , Qi Yiwei , Zhao Kai , Wang Junwen , You Chao , Huang Haohao
Published: April 2023

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C) are the main RNA methylation modifications involved in the oncogenesis of cancer. However, it remains obscure whether m6A/m5C-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect the development and progression of low grade gliomas (LGG).
Methods: We summarized 926 LGG tumor samples with RNA-seq data and clinical information from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas. 105 normal brain samples with RNA-seq data from the Genotype Tissue Expression project were collected for control. 39 m6A/m5C-related genes were used to draw co-expressed lncRNAs network. We obtained a molecular classification cluster from the expression pattern of sreened lncRNAs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was employed to construct a m6A/m5C-related lncRNAs prognostic signature of LGG. In vitroexperiments were employed to validate the biological functions of lncRNAs in our risk model.
Results: The expression pattern of 14 sreenedhighly correlated lncRNAs could cluster samples into two groups, in which various clinicopathological features and the tumor immune microenvironment were significantly distinct. The survival time of cluster 1 was significantly reduced compared with cluster 2. This prognostic signature is based on 8 m6A/m5C-related lncRNAs (GDNF-AS1, HOXA-AS3, LINC00346, LINC00664, LINC00665, MIR155HG, NEAT1, RHPN1-AS1). Patients in the high-risk group harbored shorter survival times. Time-ROC curve analysis was confirmed that our model had promising predictive power in survival prediction for both the TCGA (AUC at 1/3/5years respectively: 0.86, 0.84 and 0.77) and CGGA cohorts (AUC at 1/3/5years respectively: 0.73, 0.76 and 0.76). Notably, WHO class II, IDH mutation, 1p/19q co-deletion and MGMT promoter methylation were decreased in the high-risk group. Immunity microenvironment analysis showed B cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and myeloid-derived DC cells were significantly increased in the high-risk group. In addition, patients in high-risk group possessed more CNVs, and higher G-score. Patients in high-risk group had the worse overall survival time regardless of followed TMZ therapy or radiotherapy. All observed results from the TCGA-LGG cohort could be validated in CGGA cohort. Afterwards, we investigated the biological functions of LINC00664 in glioma cells in vitro. LINC00664 was found to promote cell viability, invasion and migration ability of glioma cells.
Conclusion: Our study elucidated a prognostic prediction model of LGG by 8 m6A/m5C methylated lncRNAs and a critical lncRNA regulation function involved in LGG progression. High-risk patients have shorter survival times and a pro-tumor immune microenvironment.
A Scalable, Distributed Monitoring Framework for HPC Clusters Using Redfish-Nagios Integration
Authors: Ali Ghanzanfar , Hass Jon , Sill Alan , Hojati Elham , Dang Tommy , Chen Yong
Published: April 2023

Current monitoring tools for high-performance computing (HPC) systems are often inefficient in terms of scalability and interfacing with modern data center management APIs. This inefficiency leads to a lack of effective management of the infrastructure of modern data centers. Nagios is one of the widely used industry-standard tools for data center infrastructure monitoring, which mainly includes monitoring of nodes and associated hardware and software components. However, current Nagios monitoring has special requirements that introduce several limitations. First, significant human effort is needed for the configuration of monitored nodes in the Nagios server. Second, the Nagios Remote Plugin Executor and the Nagios Service Check Acceptor are required on the Nagios server and each monitored node for active and passive monitoring, respectively. Third, Nagios monitoring also requires monitoring-specific agents on each monitored node. These shortcomings are inherently due to Nagios’ in-band implementation nature. To overcome these limitations, we introduced Redfish-Nagios, a scalable out-of-band monitoring tool for modern HPC systems. It integrates the Nagios server with the out-of-band Distributed Management Task Force’s Redfish telemetry model, which is implemented in the baseboard management controller of the nodes. This integration eliminates the requirements of any agent, plugin, hardware component, or configuration on the monitored nodes. It is potentially a paradigm shift in Nagios-based monitoring for two reasons. First, it simplifies communication between the Nagios server and monitored nodes. Second, it saves computational costs by removing the requirements of running complex Nagios-native protocols and agents on the monitored nodes. The Redfish-Nagios integration methodology enables the monitoring of next-generation HPC systems using the scalable and modern Redfish telemetry model and interface.
Mast cell-driven skewing of DC-Th1 vs. Th2 polarization within TDLNs underlies divergent immune infiltration into TNBC tumors
Authors: Lee Peter , Guo Weihua , Tan Jiayi , Wang Lei , Egelston Colt , Simons Diana , Lim Minhui , Solomon Shawn , Waisman James , Wei Christina , Hoffmann Caroline , Schmolze Daniel
Published: April 2023

Tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) represent a key component of the tumor-immunity cycle. To investigate how TDLNs impact lymphocyte infiltration into tumors, we analyzed non-tumor-invaded LNs draining “cold” vs. “hot” triple negative breast tumors. Using machine-learning based self-correlation analysis of immune gene expression, we found unbalanced intranodal regulations within TDLNCold. Two gene pairs (TBX21/GATA3-CXCR1) with opposite correlations suggested preferential priming of T helper 2 (Th2) cells by mature dendritic cells (mDCs) within TDLNCold. This was validated by multiplex immunofluorescent staining identifying shorter mDC-Th2 distances within TDLNCold. Enrichment in mast cells (MCs) with an independent validation and upregulation of IL4 in TDLNCold supported MC-induced Th2 polarization. Lastly, increased Th2/Th1, IL4/CD3D, and PDGFC/CD68 ratios were observed in paired cold tumors, connecting Th2 polarization in TDLNCold to downstream type 2 immunity within tumors. Our results reveal the novel role of MCs within TDLNs and modulating their activity may improve immune infiltration into tumors.
Model-free fractional-order adaptive prescribed performance control for mechatronic systems with actuator failure
Authors: He Dingxin , Ma Xingyu , Tian Yang , Wang Haoping
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a model-free fractional-order adaptive prescribed performance controller (MFF-APPC) is designed for mechatronic systems in presence of uncertainties, external disturbances and actuator failure. The MFF-APPC is composed of ultra-local model (ULM)-based time-delay estimation (TDE), Proportional-Differential (PD) controller and fractional-order adaptive prescribed performance compensator (FAPPC). The ULM is utilized to approximate the complex mechatronic system in an extra-short sliding time window and TDE is employed to observe and eliminate the lumped disturbance. Then, PD controller is designed to stabilize the closed-loop system. Correspondingly, the TDE-based PD (TDE-PD) controller is constructed. However, there always exists estimation error under TDE technique and the tracking performance cannot be guaranteed. Hence, the FAPPC is designed and introduced into TDE-PD controller to eliminate the effect of estimation error on control performance and constrain the tracking error with prescribed convergence time and precision. Moreover, an adaptive parameter is designed to approximate the upper bound of estimation error in TDE and thus reduces the unwanted chattering on the switching manifold. Correspondingly, the MFF-APPC is constructed. Furthermore, the stability of closed-loop system under the proposed MFF-APPC is analyzed by using Lyapunov theorem. To validate the proposed method, the numerical simulation on 2-DOF robotic manipulator and co-simulation on virtual prototype of 7-DOF iReHave upper limb exoskeleton are completed. Through the compared simulation results with supervising switching technique based adaptive model-free controller (SST-AMFC) and robust fault tolerant controller (RFTC), the proposed strategy shows better trajectory tracking with prescribed performance.
Childhood maltreatment, shame, psychological distress, and binge eating: Testing a serial mediational model
Authors: O’Loghlen Elyse , Galligan Roslyn , Grant Sharon
Published: April 2023

Objective: Despite evidence of causal relationships between childhood maltreatment and the development of binge eating disorder (BED), research on mediating mechanisms is lacking. The present study sought to understand the childhood maltreatment-binge eating relationship more fully by examining three types of shame (internal, external, body) and psychological distress as mediators in this relationship. There is evidence that shame and psychological distress are associated with both childhood maltreatment and binge eating pathology. It was hypothesised that shame stemming from childhood maltreatment would contribute to psychological distress, and to binge eating as a dysfunctional emotion regulation strategy, in a serial mediational model.Method: Five hundred and thirty adults with self-reported binge eating symptoms completed an online survey, which included measures of childhood maltreatment, internal shame, external shame, body shame, psychological distress, and binge eating and other eating disorder symptoms.Results: Path analyses showed three specific relationships: (1) a relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment and binge eating, which was serially mediated by internal shame and psychological distress; (2) a relationship between childhood sexual abuse and binge eating, which was mediated by body shame; and (3) a relationship between childhood physical maltreatment and binge eating, which was mediated by psychological distress. The final model showed excellent fit for the data.Discussion: Findings extend our understanding of the link between childhood maltreatment and BED. Future intervention research should focus on examining the efficacy of interventions for different forms of childhood maltreatment, based on the key mediating factors.
Changing the institution of the family doctor in Kazakhstan: the experiences of medical staff and mentors of residents
Authors: Bubeliene Daiva , Merkys Gediminas , Zhamaliyeva Lazzat , Koshmagambetova Gulbakit , Abenova Nurgul , Zhylkybekova Aliya , Kuzembayeva Gulzhana
Published: April 2023

Background At this point in the health care reform process in Kazakhstan, it is very important to fully implement Data Driven Management methods. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on how this reform, as well as the family doctor’s professional mission and training standards, are perceived by medical practitioners themselves. The study is aimed at revealing the opinions of medical practitioners about primary health care reform and the family doctor’s professional mission and training standards.Methods An interview was used as the qualitative research method in this study. Data from the Kazakhstani focus group research on the family doctor’s professional mission and training standards. The interviews were conducted in four focus groups with experienced health professionals and nurses from Kazakhstan medical institutions where residents do their internships. Each interview group had 8–10 informants.Results As a result of the study, a generalized content and categorization of the subjective perceptions of health professionals were obtained, reflecting their views on the reform of the primary health care sector and on the role of the family doctor and other health professionals.Conclusions Health professionals in Kazakhstan escalate important problems of modern health care and professional development, as well as the interaction of health professionals of different categories – family doctors, specialist doctors and nurse practitioners. At the same time, some of the problems raised have a universal, international character, while others reflect the socio-cultural specificity of healthcare in the countries of the former Eastern bloc.
Construction and experimental validation of a macrophage cell senescence-related gene signature to evaluate the prognosis, immunotherapeutic sensitivity, and chemotherapy response in bladder cancer
Authors: jiang jun , Zhou Junhao , Chen Qi , Huang Yuliang , Yang Cheng , liu cundong
Published: April 2023

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal components of tumor microenvironment (TME), and senescent TAMs contribute to the alternation of the profiles of TME. However, the latent biological mechanisms and the prognosis value of senescent macrophages are largely unknown, especially in bladder cancer (BLCA). Based on the single-cell RNA sequencing of a primary BLCA sample, 23 macrophage-related genes were identified. Genomic difference analysis, LASSO, and Cox regression were used to develop the risk model. TCGA-BLCA cohort (n = 406) was utilized as the training cohort, while three independent cohorts (n = 90, n = 221, n = 165) from Gene Expression Omnibus, clinical samples from the local hospital (n = 27), and in vitro cell experiments were used for external validation. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B (AKR1B1), inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1I1)﻿ were determined and included in the predictive model. The model serves as a promising tool to evaluate the prognosis in BLCA (pooled hazard ratio = 2.51, 95% confidence interval = [1.43; 4.39]). The model was also effective for the prediction of immunotherapeutic sensitivity and chemotherapy treatment outcomes, which were confirmed by IMvigor210 cohort (P < 0.01) and GDSC dataset, respectively. 27 BLCA samples from the local hospital proved that the risk model was associated with the malignant degree (P < 0.05). At last, the human macrophage THP-1 and U937 cells were treated with H2O2 to mimic macrophage senescent process, and the expressions of the molecules in the model were detected (all P < 0.05).
Overall, a macrophage cell senescence-relatedgene signature was constructed to predict the prognosis, immunotherapeutic response, and chemotherapy sensitivity, providing novel insights to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Asymmetric response of the atmosphere to SST anomalies associated with Kuroshio Extension decadal variability
Authors: Zhang Jianqi , Zhou Li , Huo Fei , Cheng Dong , Yu Kun
Published: April 2023

Using regional climate Model version 4.6, two sets of numerical experiments were designed to investigate the response of atmospheric circulation to symmetric sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) associated with the decadal variability in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) under different atmospheric backgrounds in winter. The results show that the response of the atmosphere to symmetric SSTAs exhibits an asymmetric baroclinic structure related to the stable state of the KE and an equivalent barotropic structure related to the unstable state of the KE under the background of climatology. The diabatic heating associated with cumulus convection and barotropic processes, including irreversible potential vorticity mixing and wave breaking, exerts evident atmospheric circulation and is the main reason for the formation of the asymmetric atmospheric circulation structure. While using a given atmospheric field background in 2008 instead of the climatological background, the response of the atmosphere to SSTAs related to the KE unstable state is similar to the response of the atmosphere to SSTAs related to the KE stable state. The response pattern primarily results from the barotropic processes of nonlinear wave breaking, not the SSTAs coming from the internal variability of the atmosphere at midlatitudes.
The expression of GALNT7, a glycosyltransferase, shows estrogen receptor (ER)-, progesterone receptor (PR)- and HER2-dependent changes in breast cancer with implications in prognosis
Authors: BERKEL CAGLAR , CACAN ERCAN
Published: April 2023

GALNT7 is a glycosyltransferase enzyme transferring N-acetylgalactosamine to initiate O-linked glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; ERBB2) are important biomarkers in the prognosis and molecular subtyping of breast cancer. Here, we showed that ER-positive, PR-positive or HER2-positive breast cancer tumors have higher expression of GALNT7 compared to ER-negative, PR-negative or HER2-negative breast cancer tumors, respectively. We found that CpG-aggregated methylation of GALNT7 gene is decreased, and in parallel, its transcript levels are increased in breast cancer tumors compared to healthy breast tissue. We observed that the difference in the expression of GALNT7 between negative and positive status of the receptors is the highest for HER2, followed by ER and PR, pointing that HER2 might be relatively more influential than ER and PR on the expression of GALNT7 in breast cancer. We reported that basal-like breast cancer tumors have decreased expression of GALNT7 compared to non-basal-like tumors, and that high GALNT7 expression is associated with favorable relapse-free and distant metastasis-free survival in HER2 status-dependent manner in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we showed that GALNT7 expression in breast cancer is cell type (epithelial vs stromal cells), tumor grade and ethnicity-dependent. Combined, we propose that GALNT7 might contribute to different clinical outcomes depending on the receptor status in breast cancer, and that a better understanding of GALNT7 and its function in the context of breast cancer is needed.
Histogram Analysis of Computed Tomography Images to Differentiate Lacrimal Lymphoma and Lacrimal Inflammatory Pseudotumor
Authors: Zhang Siyao , Yuan Ting , Wan Huijuan , Zhao Xinrong , Lian Haidong
Published: April 2023

Background To investigate the value of the histogram analysis to identify between lacrimal lymphoma(LL) and lacrimal inflammatory pseudotumor(LIP).
Methods CT images of 30 patients with LL and 43 patients with LIP were analyzed for imaging features and histogram parameters. Tumor morphology and histogram parameters of LL and LIP were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were used to measure the differential diagnostic efficacy of these parameters.
Results Compared those in LIP group，lesions in LL group were more bilateral and had clearer boundary (P= .036 and .000, respectively), while no significant difference of other CT features was found between groups(all P> .05). The variance of the LIP group were greater than that of the LL group, with statistically significant differences (P=.000). The mean, skewness, kurtosis, 1th, 10th, and 50th percentiles of the LL group were greater than those of the LIP group, with statistically significant differences (all P＜.05). Acceptable discrimination was detected between LL and LIP with mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, 1th, 10th, and 50th percentiles alone (AUC =0.789, 0.825, 0.716, 0.762, 0.624, 0.719, and 0.666 respectively). The combination of these histogram parameters yielded excellent discrimination between LL and LIP(AUC = 0.961), with sensitivity and specificity values greater than 0.800.
Conclusions Histogram analysis of CT images is feasible for differentiating LL from LIP. It can be used as a supplementary tool for differentiating the lacrimal tumors.
Effects of acute piano performance with blood flow restriction on upper limb muscle and perceptual response in pianists
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiro , Sato Yumi , Nakajima Toshiaki
Published: April 2023

We investigated the physiological and perceptual responses related to piano performance with or without moderate blood flow restriction (BFR) based on acute responses of neuromuscular mechanisms. Student or professional pianists (n = 7) performed the "Revolutionary Etude" on the piano with (Piano-BFR) and without (Piano-Ctrl) BFR. During the Piano-BFR performance, 150–180 mmHg of cuff pressure was applied around the most proximal region of both arms as a moderate BFR. Changes in upper limb girth, muscle thickness, and hand grip strength were measured before and immediately after the performance. After the performance, perceptual and other responses were recorded. Immediately after the performance, the Piano-BFR condition induced greater changes in girth (forearm and upper arm), muscle thickness (forearm), and handgrip strength than the Piano-Ctrl condition. Piano-BFR was (p < 0.01) higher than Piano-Ctrl on eight questions regarding perceptual response (upper arm fatigue and difficulty playing the piano). Piano performance with BFR was revealed to increase upper extremity muscle size and fatigue in pianists after playing. The effect of BFR on neuromuscular mechanisms on piano performance was greater in the forearm than in the upper arm.
Breast cancer epigenetics: comprehensive investigation of genes and chemical compounds involved in active DNA demethylation
Authors: Linowiecka Kinga , Guz Jolanta , Dziaman Tomasz , Domańska Olga Urbanowska - , Zarakowska Ewelina , Szpila Anna , Szpotan Justyna , Skalska-Bugała Aleksandra , Mijewski Paweł , Siomek-Górecka Agnieszka , Różalski Rafał , Gackowski Daniel , Oliński Ryszard , Foksiński Marek
Published: April 2023

Background: The experimental evidence has demonstrated that active DNA demethylation process, which involves TET proteins, can affect DNA methylation pattern. TET dependent demethylation residues in DNA hypomethylation by oxidation 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) and its derivatives. TETs’ activity may be upregulated by ascorbate. Given that aberrant DNA methylation of crucial genes implicated in breast carcinogenesis may be involved in tumor progression, we wanted to determine whether breast cancer patients exert changes in active DNA demethylation process. Moreover, we tried to verify if the expression level of genes involved in active DNA demethylation and products of this process may serve as predictive markers of breast cancer.
Methods: The study included blood samples from breast cancer patients (n=74) and healthy subjects (n=71). We applied qRT-PCR with Universal Probe Library probes for measurement of expression of genes involved in active demethylation process, and two dimensional ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (2D-UPLC MS/MS) for 5–mC and its derivatives assessment. Ascorbate level was determined using UPLC-MS.
Results: Breast cancer patients exhibited significantly higher TET3 expression level, lower 5-mC and 5-hmC DNA levels. TET3expression was significantly increased in luminal B breast cancer patients with expression of hormone receptors. Moreover, ascorbate level in plasma of breast cancer patients was decreased with concomitant increase of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SLC23A1 and SLC23A2) mRNA expression level.
Conclusions: Presented study indicate particular role of TET3 in DNA demethylation in breast carcinogenesis. Furthermore, correlation between SLC23A2 and 5-mC level, may provide new path for future breast cancer research.
Monitoring the response to Nintedanib treatment in a mouse model of lung fibrosis using longitudinal X-ray based lung function measurement
Authors: Khan Amara , Markus Andrea M. , Svetlove Angelika , Hülsmann Swen , Alves Frauke , Dullin Christian
Published: April 2023

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive, incurable, and debilitating fibrotic disease. Nintedanib – an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor – significantly slows the IPF progression. However, reliable diagnostic tools for functional assessment of IPF at early stages are essentially lacking at both clinical and pre-clinical level.
Methods: In this study, we used a correlative set-up that combines X-ray based lung function (XLF) with microCT and whole body plethysmography (WBP) for a comprehensive functional and structural evaluation of lung fibrosis (LF) as well as for monitoring response to orally administered Nintedanib in the mouse model of bleomycin induced LF.
Results: The decline in lung function as early as one week after intratracheal bleomycin instillation was reliably detected by XLF, revealing the lowest decay rate in the LF mice compared to healthy ones. Simultaneously performed microCT and WBP measurements corroborated XLF findings by exhibiting reduced lung volume VinspµCT and tidal volume TVWBP at inspiration. In LF mice XLF also revealed profound improvement in lung function one week after Nintedanib treatment. This positive response to Nintedanib therapy was further substantiated by microCT and WBP measurements which also showed significantly improved VinspµCT and TVWBP in the Nintedanib treated mice.
Conclusion: By comparing the XLF data to structural features assessing the extent of fibrosis obtained by ex-vivo high-resolution synchrotron radiation-based imaging of lungs and classical histology we demonstrate that: i) a simple low dose x-ray measurement like XLF is sensitive enough to pick up treatment response, ii) Nintedanib treatment successfully improved lung function in a bleomycin induced LF mouse model and iii) the differences between the fully restored lung function and the partially reduced fiberotic burden compared to healthy and untreated mice. The presented analysis pipeline underlines the importance of a combined functional and anatomical readout to reliably measure treatment response and could easily be adapted to other preclinical lung disease models.
The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Basketball Performance Tests
Authors: Göçmen Recep , Aktop Abdurrahman , Pınar Yeliz , Toktaş Neşe , Jandačková Vera Kristýna
Published: April 2023

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of ten-weeks heart rate variability biofeedback training on the basketball skill, free throw, and heart rate variability parameters. We aimed to increase vagal activation and to assess its effects on basketball performance and heart rate variability parameters.Twenty-fourbasketball players (experimental, n=12 and control, n=12) aged 18–24 volunteered to participate in this study. The experimental group participated in a ten-weeks heart rate variability biofeedback and basketball training program, while the control group participated only in a ten-weeks basketball training session. Basketball free-throw performance, basketball skills, and heart rate variability tests were applied to the experimental and control groups before and after ten-weeks of the intervention. We found that basketball free-throw performance, breathing frequency and heart rate variability parameters that reflect vagal modulation of parasympathetic activity improved in participants who underwent the ten-weeks heart rate variability biofeedback and basketball training, and not in those who underwent basketball training only. Finding suggest that heart rate variability biofeedback, along with basketball workouts, may contribute to better basketball free-throw performance potentially via improved autonomic nervous system functioning.
Molecular Aspect of Propofol's Effect on Cytotoxic and Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Expressions in MCF-7
Authors: AVCI Cigir BIRAY , EDGUNLU Tuba GOKDOGAN , SUZEK Tugba , OZATES Neslihan Pinar , BAGCA Bakiye GOKER , BILGIC Aysegul DEMIRTAS , OZDEMIR Cilem , UGUR Bakiye
Published: April 2023

Propofol (2,6-diisopropyl phenol) is an anesthetic agent frequently used in clinical practice. Besides its anesthetic properties, it exhibits many non-anesthetic effects, including antitumor activity. Propofol has an important effect on the spread of cancer, underlying molecular mechanisms of which are, however, not clearly known. In addition, Propofol may suppress the immune system by affecting both long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) at the molecular level. In our study, we determined propofol's toxic effects, especially its effects on lncRNAs in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Results of our study indicate that, when compared to untreated control cells, propofol administration decreases the expression of the lncRNAs which function as oncogenes (CCAT2, GACAT1, H19, PCAT1, SPRY4-IT1, UCA1) and increases the expression of lncRNAs which function as tumor suppressor genes (MEG3, TUSC7). Consequently, we suggest that propofol application on MCF-7 also supports the anti-cancer effect property by acting on lncRNAs.
Effect of Strategic Change and Adaptation on Organizational Performance A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Ketemaw Adissu , Amente Chalchisa
Published: April 2023

Since they enable businesses to stay relevant and competitive in a dynamic business environment, strategic change and adaptation are crucial to organizational performance. This seminar review looks into how strategic change and adaptability affected organizational performance. Theoretical and empirical aspects of strategic change and adaptation are addressed in this paper. 28 articles that were systematically selected from various data base journals were reviewed using the compressive literature review method. According to the study's findings, anticipating strategic change and how to adapt it is essential for surviving in a fast-paced economic and technological environment. There are a number of factors that influnce strategic change and adaptation, but the external environment and external factors have the biggest impact on these two processes and ultimately on organizational performance. The findings of the study motivated the investigator to identify both theoretical and empirical implications. Also, a conceptual framework based on theoretical and empirical perspectives was developed with the aim to advance knowledge and build concepts in strategic change and adaptation.
Potential of silicon and carbon nanocages (C38, F-C38, Cl-C38, Si38, F-Si38, Cl-Si38) as anode materials in Li-ion battery and Mg-ion battery
Authors: Xu Lipeng , Tian Chongwang , Bao Chunjiang , Liu Tonggang , Xia Hengchao
Published: April 2023

The potential of various nanocages in metal-ion batteries are examined to propose novel materials with higher efficiency. The gap energy (EHLG), cohesive energy (Ecohesive) and adsorption energy (Eadsorption) of C38, F-C38, Cl-C38, Si38, F-Si38 and Cl-Si38 nanocages are calculated by theoretical methods. The interaction energy (Einteraction), cell voltage (Vcell) and theoretical capacity (Ctheory) of C38, F-C38, Cl-C38, Si38, F-Si38, Cl-Si38 nanocages in Li-ion batteries and Mg-ion batteries are calculated in gas phase and water. Results shown that the attaching of F and Cl can increase the Ecohesive and stability of carbon and silicon nanocages. The silicon nanocages in Mg-ion battery and Li-ion battery have higher Vcell and Ctheory than corresponding carbon nanocages. The Mg-ion batteries have higher Vcell and Ctheory values than Li-ion batteries. Results shown that F and Cl attached to silicon nanocages (F-Si38 and Cl-Si38) have the highest Vcell and Ctheory values in gas phase and water.
Improvement of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Phenotype with a Nanocomplex Treatment in Two Transgenic Models of CMT1A
Authors: Msheik Zeina , Masri Tarek El , Ndong-Ntoutoume Gautier MA , Vignaud Laetitia , Richard Laurence , Pinault Emilie , Faye Pierre-Antoine , Bregier Frédérique , Marquet Pierre , Favreau Frédéric , Vallat Jean-Michel , Sol Vincent , Sturtz Franck , Desmouliere Alexis , Massry Mohamed El
Published: April 2023

Curcumin was shown to exert beneficial effects on nerve function in peripheral neuropathies. Despite its prominent biological activities, curcumin presents with unfavorable pharmacokinetics. For this purpose, we have developed curcumin-loaded cyclodextrin/cellulose nanocrystals (NanoCur) to bypass this limitation. The current study aims to assess the potency of NanoCur in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) rodent models and compare its efficacy to Theracurmin® (Thera), a commercially available curcumin formulation, while elaborating on its mechanism of action. For that, a low dose of NanoCur was chronically administered for rodents and CMT1A neuropathology was assessed through a battery of functional, histological and biochemical tests. Toxicity and mechanism of action of NanoCur were evaluated both in-vivo & in-vitro. The overall study supports an improved motor function, associated with an amelioration in peripheral myelination in the NanoCur, but not Thera-treated CMT1A animals, combined to a high margin of safety. Furthermore, NanoCur appears to perform its effect through an alleviation of inflammatory pathways, involving macrophage recruitment to the diseased nerve. This study shows that NanoCur associates with therapeutic benefits at the cellular and functional levels in CMT1A with minimal systemic toxicity, promoting it as a potential therapeutic candidate for CMT1A disease and, possibly, other forms of neuropathy.
Latent Class Symptom Profiles of Colorectal Cancer Survivors with Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Han Claire , Saligan Leorey , Crouch Adele , Kalady Matthew , Noonan Anne , Lee Lena , Von Ah Diane
Published: April 2023

Purpose. Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience cancer-related cognitive impairment and co-occurring symptoms after cancer treatments. There has been little data to inform the risk factors of complex symptom phenotypes in CRC survivors.
Objectives.To determine if subgroups of CRC survivors after cancer treatments could be identified based on the cognitive impairment and common co-occurring symptoms (depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and pain); and to explore risk factors (sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, perceived stress, and social support) of these subgroups.
Methods. Latent class profile analysis (LCPA) was used to identify subgroups based on self-reported symptoms in 64 CRC survivors. Cognitive impairment was measured by assessing subjective cognitive function using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measure. The Kruskal-Wallis test and regression analyses were performed.
Results.Three distinct latent classes were identified (Class 1: All Low ‘28.1%’; Class 2: High Psychological Symptoms (depression/anxiety) ‘25%’; Class 3: High Somatic Symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, and pain) with High Cognitive Impairment’46.9%’). Pain was the most distinguishable symptom across the latent classes. The high symptom burden group was associated with less time since cancer diagnosis, higher perceived stress levels, and poor emotional social support.
Conclusion.Our study adds to the information on interindividual variability in symptom experience of CRC survivors with cognitive impairment. Findings suggest a need for increased attention to screening for co-occurring symptoms (e.g., high pain) and future interventions focused on stress management and social supports.
Microfibrillar-associated Protein 4 as Potential Marker of Acute Relapse in Inflammatory Demyelinating Diseases of the Central Nervous System: Pathological and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Samadzadeh Sara , Olesen Mads Nikolaj , Wirenfeldt Martin , Möller Sören , Misu Tatsuro , Soelberg Kerstin , Frederiksen Jette Lautrup , Heegaard Steffen , Mariotto Sara , Fujihara Kazuo , Ruprecht Klemens , Andersen Thomas Levin , Marignier Romain , Lillevang Søren Thue , Flanagan Eoin P , Pittock Sean J , Kim Ho Jin , Bennett Jeffrey L , Paul Friedemann , Sorensen Grith Lykke , Weinshenker Brian G. , Lassmann Hans , Asgari Nasrin
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is an extracellular matrix protein not previously described in the central nervous system (CNS). We aimed to determine MFAP4 CNS expression and measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum levels.
Methods: Tissue was sampled at autopsy from patients with acute multiple sclerosis (MS) (n=3), progressive MS (n=3), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) (n=2), controls (n=9), including 6 healthy controls (HC). MFAP4 levels were measured in 152 patients (49 MS, 62 NMOSD, 22 myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOGAD), and 19 isolated optic neuritis (ION).
Results: MFAP4 localized to the meninges and the vascular/perivascular spaces, particularly intense in the optic nerve. At sites of active inflammation, MFAP4 reactivity was reduced in NMOSD and acute MS and to a lesser degree in progressive MS. CSF MFAP4 levels were reduced in patients during acute attacks compared to HC. There was a positive correlation between number of relapses and CSF MFAP4 levels (rho=0.33, p=0.004). CSF MFAP4 levels were lower in 53 samples obtained at presenting attack (mean U/mL: 14.3, MOGAD 9.7 and ION 14.6 relative to HC 17.9. (p=0.013, p=0.000 and p=0.019 respectively). All patients with acute ON relapse (n=68) had reduced CSF MFAP4 relative to HC (mean U/mL: 14.5 vs. 17.9, p=0.006). CSF MFAP4 levels correlated negatively with relapse severity (rho=-0.41, p=0.017).
Discussion.: MFAP4 immunoreactivity was observed in CNS and reduced at sites of active inflammation. CSF levels of MFAP4 were reduced following acute relapse and may serve as a marker of disease activity and attack severity.