bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tumor-associated macrophages on the pyroptosis of breast cancer tumor cells
Authors: Ji XuLing , Huang Xiaoxia , Li Chao , Guan Ningning , Pan Tingting , Dong Jing , Li Lin
Published: August 2023

Macrophages are immune cells with high plasticity that are widely distributed in all tissues and organs of the body. Under the influence of the immune microenvironment of breast tumors, macrophages differentiate into various germline lineages. They exert pro-tumor or tumor-suppressive effects by secreting various cytokines. Pyroptosis is mediated by Gasdermin family proteins, which form holes in cell membranes and cause a violent inflammatory response and cell death. This is an important way for the body to fight off infections. Tumor cell pyroptosis can activate anti-tumor immunity and inhibit tumor growth. At the same time, it releases inflammatory mediators and recruits tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) for accumulation. Macrophages act as “mediators” of cytokine interactions and indirectly influence the pyroptosis pathway. This paper describes the mechanism of action on the part of TAM in affecting the pyroptosis process of breast tumor cells, as well as its key role in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, it provides the basis for in-depth research on how to use immune cells to affect breast tumors and guide anti-tumor trends, with important implications for the prevention and treatment of breast tumors.
Mendelian randomization and transcriptomic analysis reveal an inverse causal relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and cancer
Authors: Dong Zehua , Xu Mengli , Sun Xu , Wang Xiaosheng
Published: August 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cancer are common age-related diseases, and epidemiological evidence suggests an inverse relationship between them. However, investigating the potential mechanism underlying their relationship remains insufficient.

Methods

Based on genome-wide association summary statistics for 42,034 AD patients and 609,951 cancer patients from the GWAS Catalog using the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method. Moreover, we utilized two-step MR to identify metabolites mediating between AD and cancer. Furthermore, we employed colocalization analysis to identify genes whose upregulation is a risk factor for AD and demonstrated the genes’ upregulation to be a favorable prognostic factor for cancer by analyzing transcriptomic data for 33 TCGA cancer types.

Results

Two-sample MR analysis revealed a significant causal influence for increased AD risk on reduced cancer risk. Two-step MR analysis identified very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) as a key mediator of the negative cause-effect relationship between AD and cancer. Colocalization analysis uncoveredPVRIGupregulation to be a risk factor for AD. Transcriptomic analysis showed thatPVRIGexpression had significant negative correlations with stemness scores, and positive correlations with antitumor immune responses and overall survival in pan-cancer and multiple cancer types.

Conclusion

AD may result in lower cancer risk. VLDL is a significant intermediate variable linking AD with cancer.PVRIGabundance is a risk factor for AD but a protective factor for cancer. This study demonstrates a causal influence for AD on cancer and provides potential molecular connections between both diseases.
Switching carbon metabolic flux for enhancing the production of sesquiterpene-based high-density biofuel precursor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liang Bo , Yang Qun , Zhang Xinping , Zhao Yukun , Liu Yunhui , Yang Jianming , Wang Zhaobao
Published: August 2023

Background

Sesquiterpenes are designated as a large class of plant-derived natural active compounds, which have wide applications in industries of energy, food, cosmetics, medicine and agriculture. Neither plant extraction nor chemical synthesis can meet the massive market demands and sustainable development goals. Biosynthesis in microbial cell factories represents an eco-friendly and high-efficient way. Among several microorganisms, Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibited the potential as a chassis for bioproduction of various sesquiterpenes due to its native mevalonate pathway. However, its inefficient nature limits biosynthesis of diverse sesquiterpenes at industrial grade.

Results

Herein, we exploited an artificial synthetic malonic acid-acetoacetyl-CoA (MAAC) metabolic pathway to switch central carbon metabolic flux for stable and efficient biosynthesis of sesquiterpene-based high-density biofuel precursor in S. cerevisiae. Through investigations at transcription and metabolism levels, we revealed that strains with rewired central metabolism can devote more sugars to β-caryophyllene production. By optimizing the MVA pathway, the yield of β-caryophyllene from YQ-4 was 25.8 mg/L, which was 3 times higher than that of the initial strain YQ-1. Strain YQ-7 was obtained by introducing malonic acid metabolic pathway. Combing the optimized flask fermentation process, the target production boosted by about 13-fold, to 328 mg/L compared to that in the strain YQ-4 without malonic acid metabolic pathway.

Conclusion

This designed MAAC pathway for sesquiterpene-based high-density biofuel precursor synthesis can provide an impressive cornerstone for achieving a sustainable production of renewable fuels.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in mice and the involvement of ERK1/2 signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Belle Yu-Hsuan , Hsiao Allen Wei-Ting , Shiu Hoi Ting , Wong Nicodemus , Wang Amanda Yu-Fan , Lee Chien-Wei , Lee Oscar Kuang-Sheng , Lee Wayne Yuk-Wai
Published: August 2023

Background

High dosage of dexamethasone (Dex) is an effective treatment for multiple diseases; however, it is often associated with severe side effects including muscle atrophy, resulting in higher risk of falls and poorer life quality of patients. Cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) holds promise for regenerative medicine. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of systemic administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) in mitigating the loss of muscle mass and strength in mouse model of DEX-induced muscle atrophy.

Methods

3-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with Dex (20 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) for 10 days to induce muscle atrophy, then subjected to intravenous injection of a single dose of ADSCs ($$1\times {10}^{6}$$

1
×

10

6

cells/kg body weight) or vehicle control. The mice were killed 7 days after ADSCs treatment. Body compositions were measured by animal DXA, gastrocnemius muscle was isolated for ex vivo muscle functional test, histological assessment and Western blot, while tibialis anterior muscles were isolated for RNA-sequencing and qPCR. For in vitro study, C2C12 myoblast cells were cultured under myogenic differentiation medium for 5 days following 100 $$\mu$$
μ
M Dex treatment with or without ADSC-conditioned medium for another 4 days. Samples were collected for qPCR analysis and Western blot analysis. Myotube morphology was measured by myosin heavy chain immunofluorescence staining.

Results

ADSC treatment significantly increased body lean mass (10–20%), muscle wet weight (15–30%) and cross-sectional area (CSA) (~ 33%) in DEX-induced muscle atrophy mice model and down-regulated muscle atrophy-associated genes expression (45–65%). Hindlimb grip strength (~ 37%) and forelimb ex vivo muscle contraction property were significantly improved (~ 57%) in the treatment group. Significant increase in type I fibres (~ 77%) was found after ADSC injection. RNA-sequencing results suggested that ERK1/2 signalling pathway might be playing important role underlying the beneficial effect of ADSC treatment, which was confirmed by ERK1/2 inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

ADSCs restore the pathogenesis of Dex-induced muscle atrophy with an increased number of type I fibres, stronger muscle strength, faster recovery rate and more anti-fatigue ability via ERK1/2 signalling pathway. The inhibition of muscle atrophy-associated genes by ADSCs offered this treatment as an intervention option for muscle-associated diseases. Taken together, our findings suggested that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy could be a new treatment option for patient with Dex-induced muscle atrophy.
Dehydrocostus lactone inhibits Candida albicans growth and biofilm formation
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Sun Jian , Zhang Yu , Zhang Min , Liu Xin , Yang Longfei , Yin Yongjie
Published: August 2023

Candida albicans infections are threatening public health but there are only several antifungal drugs available. This study was to assess the effects of dehydrocostus lactone (DL) on the Candida albicans growth and biofilms Microdilution assays revealed that DL inhibits a panel of standard Candida species, including C. albicans, as well as 9 C. albicans clinical isolates. The morphological transition of C. albicans in RPMI-1640 medium and the adhesion to polystyrene surfaces can also be decreased by DL treatment, as evidenced by microscopic, metabolic activity and colony forming unit (CFU) counting assays. The XTT assay and microscopy inspection demonstrated that DL can inhibit the biofilms of C. albicans. Confocal microscopy following propidium iodide (PI) staining and DCFH-DA staining after DL treatment revealed that DL can increase the membrane permeability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. N-acetyl-cysteine could mitigate the inhibitory effects of DL on growth, morphological transition and biofilm formation, further confirming that ROS production induced by DL contributes to its antifungal and antibiofilm effects. This study showed that DL demonstrated antifungal and antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. The antifungal mechanisms may involve membrane damage and ROS overproduction. This study shows the potential of DL to fight Candida infections.
The impact of age-related syndromes on ICU process and outcomes in very old patients
Authors: Vallet Hélène , Guidet Bertrand , Boumendil Ariane , De Lange Dylan W. , Leaver Susannah , Szczeklik Wojciech , Jung Christian , Sviri Sigal , Beil Michael , Flaatten Hans
Published: August 2023

In this narrative review, we describe the most important age-related “syndromes” found in the old ICU patients. The syndromes are frailty, comorbidity, cognitive decline, malnutrition, sarcopenia, loss of functional autonomy, immunosenescence and inflam-ageing. The underlying geriatric condition, together with the admission diagnosis and the acute severity contribute to the short-term, but also to the long-term prognosis. Besides mortality, functional status and quality of life are major outcome variables. The geriatric assessment is a key tool for long-term qualitative outcome, while immediate severity accounts for acute mortality. A poor functional baseline reduces the chances of a successful outcome following ICU. This review emphasises the importance of using a geriatric assessment and considering the older patient as a whole, rather than the acute illness in isolation, when making decisions regarding intensive care treatment.
The associations between public stigma and support for others’ help-seeking for alcohol use disorder: a cross sectional study in the general Danish population
Authors: Wallhed Finn Sara , Mejldal Anna , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: August 2023

Background

A minority of all individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD) seek treatment, where stigma is one prominent barrier. Social support is important to facilitate health and increase treatment-seeking. Whether there is an association between stigma and attitudes towards others’ help-seeking for AUD is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between stigma and support towards others’ help-seeking for AUD, also to explore possible gender differences.

Method

Cross-sectional study, n = 2895, including Danish adults aged 30–65 in the general population. Year 2020, an online questionnaire was administrated, which covered demographics, attitudes towards others’ help-seeking for AUD, and stigma measured with the Difference, Disdain & Blame Scales. Analyses were performed with Restricted Cubic Spline models, and odds ratios were calculated.

Results

Lower level of stigma was associated with a higher probability for endorsing an “active support strategy”. Level of stigma was not associated with “not knowing what to say or do” or “sharing my concern with others”. There were few gender differences: among men, higher level of stigma was associated with a higher probability of “avoidance”. Among women, lower level of stigma was associated with a lower probability of “avoidance”.

Conclusion

There is a clear association between stigma and attitudes towards supporting others’ help-seeking for AUD. The results highlight the need to reduce stigma and promote engagement towards others’ treatment-seeking.
Brain–computer interface: trend, challenges, and threats
Authors: Maiseli Baraka , Abdalla Abdi T. , Massawe Libe V. , Mbise Mercy , Mkocha Khadija , Nassor Nassor Ally , Ismail Moses , Michael James , Kimambo Samwel
Published: August 2023

Brain–computer interface (BCI), an emerging technology that facilitates communication between brain and computer, has attracted a great deal of research in recent years. Researchers provide experimental results demonstrating that BCI can restore the capabilities of physically challenged people, hence improving the quality of their lives. BCI has revolutionized and positively impacted several industries, including entertainment and gaming, automation and control, education, neuromarketing, and neuroergonomics. Notwithstanding its broad range of applications, the global trend of BCI remains lightly discussed in the literature. Understanding the trend may inform researchers and practitioners on the direction of the field, and on where they should invest their efforts more. Noting this significance, we have analyzed 25,336 metadata of BCI publications from Scopus to determine advancement of the field. The analysis shows an exponential growth of BCI publications in China from 2019 onwards, exceeding those from the United States that started to decline during the same period. Implications and reasons for this trend are discussed. Furthermore, we have extensively discussed challenges and threats limiting exploitation of BCI capabilities. A typical BCI architecture is hypothesized to address two prominent BCI threats, privacy and security, as an attempt to make the technology commercially viable to the society.
The functional relevance of visuospatial processing speed across the lifespan
Authors: Aul Courtney , Brau Julia M. , Sugarman Alexander , DeGutis Joseph M. , Germine Laura T. , Esterman Michael , McGlinchey Regina E. , Fortenbaugh Francesca C.
Published: August 2023

Visuospatial processing speed underlies several cognitive functions critical for successful completion of everyday tasks, including driving and walking. While it is widely accepted that visuospatial processing speed peaks in early adulthood, performance across the lifespan remains incompletely characterized. Additionally, there remains a lack of paradigms available to assess visuospatial processing speed in unsupervised web-based testing environments. To address these gaps, we developed a novel visuospatial processing speed (VIPS) task adapted from two tests sensitive to visuospatial processing speed declines in older adults, the Useful Field of View paradigm and the PERformance CEntered Portable Test. The VIPS task requires participants to make a central orientation discrimination and complete a simultaneous peripheral visual search task. Data were collected from 86 in-lab volunteers (18–30 years) to compare performance to traditional neuropsychological measures. Consistent with previous literature, performance on the novel VIPS task significantly correlated with measures of selective attention, executive functioning, visual speed, and working memory. An additional 4395 volunteers (12–62 years) were recruited on TestMyBrain.org to establish lifespan trajectories of visuospatial processing speed and associations with functional disability. VIPS task performance peaked in the early 20’s, and steadily decreased such that thresholds doubled in 60-year-olds relative to 20-year-olds (817 ms vs. 412 ms). VIPS task performance significantly correlated with self-reported cognitive functioning deficits broadly across the lifespan but was specifically related to mobility issues in middle-age. These findings have important implications for early detection of cognitive decline and provide insights into potential early intervention targets for younger and middle-aged adults.
Digital pathology in Latin America
Authors: García-Rivello Hernán , Cancio Alfredo , Monroy Ana Maria Vanegas , Soares Fernando Augusto , García Franco Doimi , Puyol Jorge Ugalde , Schultz Marcela , Díaz Nicolás Vivar , Zoroquiain Pablo , Soria-Céspedes Danny
Published: August 2023

Digital pathology (DP) adoption in Latin America has expanded slower than in developed regions, probably due to many barriers not seen in the latter areas. This article aims to present the current scenario in the region, highlighting barriers and possible solutions to encourage its adoption in Latin American countries.

Methods An expert panel of 9 Latin American medical pathologists and 1 information technology specialist participated in an online modified Delphi panel, utilizing a third-party platform (iAdvise, Within3, USA). Thirteen pre-prepared questions were answered interactively.

Results Experts' observations confirm the paucity of labs in the region that utilize digital pathology technology. The panel ranked obtaining second opinions and presenting images remotely as the main benefit of a digital pathology system, although many others were cited as well. Cost of implantation was the main barrier mentioned by the experts. Payers' and decision makers' lack of awareness of benefits ranked second as a barrier to DP implementation. Internet infrastructure was also mentioned as a concerning issue in the region. Besides diagnostic pathology services, proposed revenue incomes included commercialization of digital services to other institutions, loan agreements of equipment and software, and organizing courses for pathologists or residents. The need for alternative reimbursement methods for diagnostic services was also mentioned. A regional network of collaborating institutions was also suggested as a viable solution to reach distant areas and laboratories lacking the technology.

Conclusions The benefits of DP are clear to the expert panel, but cost and lack of awareness of its benefit may be hampering its widespread adoption in Latin America.
Functional improvement of synbiotic yogurt enriched with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and aloe vera gel using the response surface method
Authors: Ahmed Sadia , Noor Asia , Tariq Muhammad , Zaidi Arsalan
Published: August 2023

The response surface technique was applied to produce synbiotic yogurt containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and aloe vera gel (AVG) with high functionality (antioxidant and antimicrobial characters), superior physicochemical properties, and desirable sensory attributes. The experiments were planned around a central composite design (CCD) with two independent variables: AVG concentration (0–5%, w/w) and storage time (1–28 days). The AVG concentration and storage time significantly improved the viability of L. rhamnosus up to 7.9 cfu/g during the shelf life which is a practical limit for a probiotic. It enhanced the yogurt’s antioxidant and antipathogenic activity, proteolytic content, water-holding capacity, and sensory aspects. High concentrations of AVG reduced the yogurt’s desirable textural aspects (hardness and gumminess) except for firmness and adhesiveness and to some degree the sensory properties as well. The results showed that adding 5% AVG to probiotic yogurt produced a functional food with 68% desirability that retained its beneficial properties for at least 14 days under refrigerated storage.

Graphical Abstract
Is It Prime Time for Perioperative Therapy in Patients With Resectable Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer?
Authors: El Osta Badi , Ababneh Obada
Published: August 2023

Knowledge, gaps, and future of peri-operative therapy for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer.
Distinct role of TGN-resident clathrin adaptors for Vps21p activation in the TGN–endosome trafficking pathway
Authors: Nagano Makoto , Aoshima Kaito , Shimamura Hiroki , Siekhaus Daria Elisabeth , Toshima Junko Y. , Toshima Jiro
Published: August 2023

Clathrin-mediated vesicle trafficking plays central roles in post-Golgi transport. In yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), the AP-1 complex and GGA adaptors are predicted to generate distinct transport vesicles at the trans-Golgi network (TGN), and the epsin-related proteins Ent3p and Ent5p (collectively Ent3p/5p) act as accessories for these adaptors. Recently, we showed that vesicle transport from the TGN is crucial for yeast Rab5 (Vps21p)-mediated endosome formation, and that Ent3p/5p are crucial for this process, whereas AP-1 and GGA adaptors are dispensable. However, these observations were incompatible with previous studies showing that these adaptors are required for Ent3p/5p recruitment to the TGN, and thus the overall mechanism responsible for regulation of Vps21p activity remains ambiguous. Here, we investigated the functional relationships between clathrin adaptors in post-Golgi-mediated Vps21p activation. We show that AP-1 disruption in the ent3Δ5Δ mutant impaired transport of the Vps21p guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vps9p transport to the Vps21p compartment and severely reduced Vps21p activity. Additionally, GGA adaptors, the phosphatidylinositol-4-kinase Pik1p and Rab11 GTPases Ypt31p and Ypt32p were found to have partially overlapping functions for recruitment of AP-1 and Ent3p/5p to the TGN. These findings suggest a distinct role of clathrin adaptors for Vps21p activation in the TGN–endosome trafficking pathway.
Greek Turkish Clash in the novels “The War between Ottomans and Greeks” of Nichola Elias and “The Story of Prisoner of War” of Stratis Doukas
Authors: Moussa Shaker
Published: August 2023

It can be said that the destruction of Asia Minor appeared strongly in Greek literature, especially in the works of the generation of the 1930s, who lived through this period, and saw the suffering experience the Greek emigrants passed, coming from Asia Minor and the narrated stories of their suffering.The reading of the work leads to the conclusion that the Christian faith and ideology of the author appears in the work.In spite of the negative spirit that dominates the work, especially at the beginning, we find that this negative spirit is phasing out gradually, thanks to the good deeds of the enemy. This happens because of the good behavior of the Turks enemies.The sense of war and the barbarity of other, one can observe it from the beginning of the work. The writer attempts to emphasize the state of violence and risk that he has been subject to, and how the enemy has been trying to kill them. But it seems that the conflict, as portrayed by the writer, depends not only on the soldiers, but also the common people. We can note that, over their attempts to kill all the remaining Greeks, which made them chasing people trying to flee their lives.
Ethnic and religious identities in Russian penal institutions: A case study of Uzbek Transnational Muslim prisoners
Authors: Urinboyev Rustamjon , Pallot Judith
Published: August 2023

Russia has become one of the main migration hubs worldwide following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The vast majority of migrant workers travel to Russia from three Central Asian countries. However, Russian immigration laws and policies are ambiguous and highly punitive. The result is that many migrants resort to undocumented status working in the shadow economy, which places them in a disadvantaged and precarious position. In this position they are vulnerable to becoming targets of the Russian criminal justice system as they take to crime to overcome economic uncertainty, become embroiled in interpersonal conflicts ending in violence, or fall victim to fabricated criminal charges initiated by Russian police officers under pressure to produce their monthly quota of arrests.  The impact on Russian penal institutions is that they have become ethnically, culturally, and religiously diverse sites as a consequence of the incarceration of growing numbers of transnational prisoners. Using person-to-person interviews conducted in Uzbekistan with men and women who served sentences in Russian penal institutions during the past two decades, we show in this article how the large-scale migratory processes have transformed Russian prisons into sites of ethnic and religious plurality, in which formal rules and informal sub-cultures - the colony regime, so-called thieves' law (vorovskoy zakon), ethnic solidarity norms, and Sharia law - coexist and clash in new ways compared with the status quo ante. Thus, we argue there is a need to revise the prevailing understanding about the power dynamics in Russian penal institutions. Our findings undermine the prison service's insistence of the ethnic and ethno-religious neutrality and cosmopolitanism of Russian penal space, which is presented as a latter-day manifestation of the Soviet-era 'friendship of nations' policy.  Russian prisons today must be understood as sites of ethnic and religious pluralism.
Guidelines for performing Mendelian randomization investigations: update for summer 2023
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Davey Smith George , Davies Neil M. , Dudbridge Frank , Gill Dipender , Glymour M. Maria , Hartwig Fernando P. , Kutalik Zoltán , Holmes Michael V. , Minelli Cosetta , Morrison Jean V. , Pan Wei , Relton Caroline L. , Theodoratou Evropi
Published: August 2023

This paper provides guidelines for performing Mendelian randomization investigations. It is aimed at practitioners seeking to undertake analyses and write up their findings, and at journal editors and reviewers seeking to assess Mendelian randomization manuscripts. The guidelines are divided into ten sections: motivation and scope, data sources, choice of genetic variants, variant harmonization, primary analysis, supplementary and sensitivity analyses (one section on robust statistical methods and one on other approaches), extensions and additional analyses, data presentation, and interpretation. These guidelines will be updated based on feedback from the community and advances in the field. Updates will be made periodically as needed, and at least every 24 months.
Obstetric anal sphincter injuries: are defunctioning colostomies required?
Authors: Bahri Suchita , Kandiah Kaveetha , Maxwell-Armstrong Charles , Pykett Rowena , Boereboom Catherine
Published: August 2023

The incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury in the UK is rising. This condition leads to significant morbidity in otherwise healthy women. Significant long-term complications of obstetric anal sphincter injury include anal incontinence, ano-vaginal or recto-vaginal fistula and psychological distress. Current management of third and fourth degree perineal tears post-vaginal birth is primary repair. This article discusses the role of a defunctioning colostomy in women with severe perineal tears in the immediate postnatal period. A defunctioning colostomy is a surgical procedure to open a section of colon (large bowel) onto the abdominal wall; a stoma bag is then worn over this to collect faeces. The rectum and anal canal are not used (defunctioned), while the stoma is in place and the perineum is healing. This article describes the purpose and operative steps of colostomy formation and reviews current published evidence of outcomes in those with colostomy formation for obstetric anal sphincter injury. It also addresses the difference in clinical approach between obstetricians and colorectal surgeons in relation to the management of severe obstetric anal sphincter injury and highlight the need for multidisciplinary input.
Ultraprocessed food and pregnancy
Authors: Winter George F
Published: August 2023

George F Winter discusses the global evidence of the effects of ultraprocessed foods on pregnancy and early development
Five-year outcomes of immediate implant placement for mandibular molars with and without chronic apical periodontitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Yang Hua , Luo Dan , Yuan Mu-Jie , Yang Jian-Jun , Wang Da-Shan
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Most physicians consider molars with chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) lesions as contraindications for immediate implant placement. At the patient’s request, we perform immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP in clinical practice.

AIM

To retrospectively analyze and compare the 5-year outcomes of immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP and those without obvious inflammation.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from June 2015 to June 2017 were collected. The patients were divided into CAP (n = 52) and no-CAP (n = 45) groups. Changes in bone mineral density and bone mass around implants were analyzed 5 years after implant restoration.

RESULTS

At 5 years after implantation, the peri-implant bone mineral density was 528.2 ± 78.8 Hounsfield unit (HU) in the CAP group and 562.6 ± 82.9 HU in the no-CAP group (P = 0.126). Marginal bone resorption around implants did not differ significantly between the two groups, including buccal (P = 0.268) or lingual (P = 0.526) resorption in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.428) or lingual (P = 0.560) resorption in the horizontal direction. Changes in the peri-implant jump space did not differ significantly between the two groups, including the buccal (P = 0.247) or lingual (P = 0.604) space in the vertical direction or buccal (P = 0.527) or lingual (P = 0.707) space in the horizontal direction. The gray value of cone-beam computed tomography measured using Image J software can reflect the bone mineral density. In the CAP area, the gray values of the bone tissue immediately and 5 years after implant placement differed significantly from those of the surrounding bone tissue (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that immediate implant placement of the mandibular molars with CAP can achieve satisfactory 5-year clinical results, without significant differences in the complications, survival rate, or bone tissue condition from the no-CAP mandibular molars.
Diabetic neuropathy results in vasomotor dysfunction of medium sized peripheral arteries
Authors: Ege Fahrettin , Kazci Ömer , Aydin Sonay
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The effect of the sympathetic nervous system on peripheral arteries causes vasoconstriction when smooth muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels contract, which leads to narrowing of arteries and reduction of the blood flow.

AIM

To compare sympathetic vasomotor activation of the brachial arteries in healthy subjects and patients with painful diabetic neuropathy; and therefore, to assess whether there is significant vasomotor dysfunction of medium sized arteries in diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

The study included 41 diabetic neuropathy patients and 41 healthy controls. Baseline diameter and flow rate of the brachial arteries were measured. Then, using a bipolar stimulus electrode, a 10 mA, 1 Hz electrical stimulus was administered to the median nerve at the wrist level for 5 s. The brachial artery diameter and blood flow rate were re-measured after stimulation.

RESULTS

In the control group, the median flow rate was 70.0 mL/min prior to stimulation and 35.0 mL/min after stimulation, with a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.001), which is consistent with sympathetic nervous system functioning (vasoconstriction). In the diabetic neuropathy group, median flow rate before the stimulation was 35.0 mL/min. After stimulation, the median flow rate was 77.0 mL/min; thus, no significant decrease in the flow rate was detected. In the control group, the median brachial artery diameter, which was 3.6 mm prior to stimulation, decreased to 3.4 mm after stimulation, and this decrease was also statistically significant (P = 0.046). In the diabetic neuropathy group, the median brachial artery diameter increased from 3.4 mm to 3.6 mm following nerve stimulation. Once again, no narrowing was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our research suggests that diabetic neuropathy results in significant vasomotor dysfunction of medium sized peripheral arteries. Physiological vasoconstriction in response to sympathetic activation is impaired in diabetic neuropathy.
Zimberelimab plus chemotherapy as the first-line treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Peng Xiao-Dong , You Zhen-Yu , He Lian-Xiang , Deng Qi
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis at advanced stage, and the standard first-line treatment for inoperable patients is chemotherapy. Although combining programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors with chemotherapy is generally considered safe and effective in several malignant solid tumors, there are few reports regarding initial immunochemotherapy in advanced MPeM.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, to our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient with epithelioid subtype MPeM, who was treatment-naïve and benefited from initial PD-1 inhibitor plus standard chemotherapy with a prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and good tolerance. A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for a persistent burning sensation in the abdomen. Computed tomography revealed a solid mass in the lower abdomen, which was subsequently diagnosed histologically as epithelioid subtype MPeM by core needle biopsy. The patient received eight cycles of pemetrexed 800 mg (day 1), cisplatin 60/50 mg (day 1–2), and zimberelimab (PD-1 inhibitor) 240 mg (day 1) every 3 wk. He achieved significant reduction of peritoneal tumors with remarkable improvement in symptoms. The best tumor response was partial remission with a final PFS of 7 mo. No immune-related adverse event occurred during the combination treatment.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the present case demonstrates the promising anti-tumor activity of immunochemotherapy to treat inoperable MPeM in the future.
TINAVI robot-assisted one-stage anteroposterior surgery in lateral position for severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation: A case report
Authors: Ye Sen , Chen Yan-Zhen , Zhong Ling-Jian , Yu Chang-Zhang , Zhang Han-Kun , Hong Yang
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

The combined anterior/posterior approach appears to be capable of reconstructing spinal stability, correcting thoracolumbar deformity, and promoting neural recovery in severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation. However, this type of operation requires changing the body position during the procedure, resulting in a lengthy operation time. As a universal surgical robot, TINAVI robot has achieved good surgical results in clinical surgery. But to our knowledge, no reports describing TINAVI robot-assisted single lateral position anteroposterior surgery for thoracolumbar fracture dislocation.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe a case of a 16-year-old female patient with severe thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation underwent surgery assisted by the TINAVI robot. A one-stage combined anterior and posterior operation was performed on a severe thoracolumbar fracture dislocation using the TINAVI robot, and the operation was completed in right lateral position.

CONCLUSION

The TINAVI robot-assisted one-stage anterior and posterior surgery in right lateral position for severe thoracolumbar fracture and dislocation is both safe and effective.
Individual with concurrent chest wall tuberculosis and triple-negative essential thrombocythemia: A case report
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yan , Yang Yong-Bin , Yuan Jun , Zhang Xiao-Xia , Kang Lin , Ma Xiang-Shu , Yang Jie
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Chest wall tuberculosis (TB) and triple-negative essential thrombocythemia (TN-ET) are rare medical conditions, and their combination is extremely rare globally. Only one case of TB peritonitis with thrombocytosis has been reported, which was identified in 1974.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we report the case of a 23-year-old man with concurrent chest wall mass and TN-ET. The patient presented to a local hospital due to having a headache and low-grade fever for 2 d, with their bodily temperature fluctuating at around 36.8 °C. Hematological analysis showed a high platelet count of 1503 × 109/L. Subsequently, the patient visited our hospital for further investigation. Computed tomography of the chest suggested a submural soft tissue density shadow in the left lower chest wall. After surgical resection, the pathological findings of the swelling were reported as TB with massive caseous necrosis. According to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, the patient was diagnosed with TN-ET, as they met the requirement of four main criteria or the first three main criteria and one secondary criterion. The patient was eventually diagnosed with chest wall TB with TN-ET, which is extremely rare.

CONCLUSION

Chest wall TB is rare. TN-ET diagnosis requires secondary factor exclusion and satisfaction of primary diagnostic criteria. miRNA, combined with the methylation process, could explain suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1 and SOCS3 downregulation in ET-JAK2V617F-negative patients. The miRNA could participate in JAK2 pathway activation. SOCS3 may be a novel MPN biomarker.
Self-strangulation induced penile partial amputation: A case report
Authors: Maimaitiming A-Bu-Lai-Ti , Mulati Ye-Li-Su-Dan , Apizi Ai-Re-Ti , Li Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Traumatic amputation of the penis is a rare surgical emergency, usually caused by self-mutilation, accidents, circumcision, assault and animal attacks. This study aimed to summarize our treatment experience involving penile reconstruction in a rare case of a self-strangulation induced chronical penile partial amputation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 22-year-old man presented with self-strangulation induced chronical penile partial amputation for 3 mo where the penile proximal part was 1 cm far from the pubis. Reconstruction methods included end-to-end anastomosis of the urethral mucosa, proximal anastomosis of the corpus cavernosum and tunica albuginea of the penis, anastomosis of the deep dorsal vein, dorsal artery, and superficial dorsal vein. Patient urinated smoothly after the catheter was removed on day 21. 3 mo after the surgery, the patient's penile preliminary cosmetic appearance was satisfactory, with occasional morning erections. Distal penile sensation was preserved, yet erection hardness of the distal penis was not satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Complete preoperative assessment and prompt surgical intervention decreases loss of residual penile functions.
Richard Linche: The Fountain of Elizabethan Fiction
Authors: Reid Katie
Published: August 2023

Abstract: This essay represents the first scholarly assessment of the complete works of the Elizabethan poet and translator Richard Linche (fl. 1596–1601). Linche was interested in classical mythology, sonnet writing, and prose translation. He was also concerned with the burning literary questions of the 1590s and early seventeenth century. This article analyzes Linche’s sonnet sequence Diella (1596) and his love poem The Love of Dom Diego and Gynevra (1596), highlighting Linche’s use of ancient mythology as an ideal vehicle for exploring personal passion in contemporary poetry. It then turns to Linche’s English translation of the Italian mythographer Vincenzo Cartari, The Fountaine of Ancient Fiction (1599) , to illustrate how Linche deals with mythology as an inspiration for literature. Linche identifies myth as an appealing source for contemporary writing while displaying discomfort with some of its sexual content. Finally, this article discusses Linche’s An Historical Treatise of the Travels of Noah into Europe (1601), placing the work in the larger picture of his literary career and suggesting that it was a euhemeristic response to his earlier explorations of myth. In contrast to Linche’s earlier works, The Travels offers a de-personalized and desexualized approach to myth. By providing the first detailed critical assessment of Richard Linche’s oeuvre, this essay reveals an Elizabethan writer who was interested in what inspires fiction, particularly in the complicated moral issues surrounding the sensuality of classical mythology and the role of eroticism in contemporary poetry.
Emulating the Deutsch-Josza algorithm with an inverse-designed terahertz gradient-index lens
Authors: Blackwell Ashley N. , Yahiaoui Riad , Chen Yi-Huan , Chen Pai-Yen , Searles Thomas A. , Chase Zizwe A.
Published: August 2023

An all-dielectric photonic metastructure is investigated for application as a quantum algorithm emulator (QAE) in the terahertz frequency regime; specifically, we show implementation of the Deustsh-Josza algorithm. The design for the QAE consists of a gradient-index (GRIN) lens as the Fourier transform subblock and patterned silicon as the oracle subblock. First, we detail optimization of the GRIN lens through numerical analysis. Then, we employed inverse design through a machine learning approach to further optimize the structural geometry. Through this optimization, we enhance the interaction of the incident light with the metamaterial via spectral improvements of the outgoing wave.
Understanding Alveolar echinococcosis patients’ psychosocial burden and coping strategies—A qualitative interview study
Authors: Nikendei Christoph , Greinacher Anja , Cranz Anna , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Stojkovic Marija , Berkunova Anastasiya
Published: August 2023

Background

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a serious parasitic zoonotic disease that resembles malignancy with clinically silent infiltrative growth predominantly involving the liver. AE patients show high levels of comorbid psychological burden and fear of disease progression. This study aimed to examine AE patients’ perspective on their disease-related psychosocial burden using qualitative methods.

Methods

We conducted N = 12 semi-structured interviews with AE patients focusing on their disease-related psychosocial burden, coping strategies, information seeking behavior, and subjective illness concepts. To this end, AE patients from a previous quantitative cross-sectional study were invited to participate. After verbatim transcription, interviews were analyzed thematically.

Results

After analysis, data was grouped into five main themes: A) Perceived disease-related burden, B) Coping with disease-related burden, C) Disease-related impact on their social environment, D) Facing the future with the disease, and E) Disease-related information seeking behavior and subjective illness concepts. All participants perceived AE as a severe disease with inextricably linked biological, psychological, and social effects. Key positive influences reported included the provision of information and access to informal and formal support, including the ability to lead active personal and professional lives for as long as possible. Self-directed, web-based information seeking often led to increased feelings of hopelessness and anxiety.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the need to consider psychosocial morbidity in AE patient management. To reduce psychological burden, address disease-related apprehensions, and to prevent stigmatization, health professionals need to provide AE patients with comprehensive disease-related information to improve patient and social awareness.
Prevalence of overweight/obesity and related factors in Keerqin District, Tongliao City: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhuang Huiying , Wang Limei , Wang Fengying , Wang Yu , Tang Geisi , Zhao Honglin
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the factors influencing these conditions among 9- to 18-year-old adolescents in Keerqin District of Tongliao City. We explored whether overweight/obesity is accompanied by differences in eating habits, lifestyle, and mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1,736 adolescents in November 2020. A physical examination was performed for each participant, and an online questionnaire was adopted to collect information. The association of several risk factors with overweight/obesity was explored using a logistic regression model.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity in the study population was 43.32%. The risk of overweight/obesity was higher among nonresident students (odds ratio [OR] = 1.564, 95% CI = 1.182–2.069) who had an average of 3–4 (OR = 2.164, 95% CI = 1.087–4.308) or 5 or more (OR = 2.114, 95% CI = 1.376–3.248) PE classes per week. The risk of overweight/obesity was lower among girls (OR = 0.485, 95% CI = 0.396–0.593), students aged 15–16 years (OR = 0.288, 95% CI = 0.135–0.617) and those aged 17–18 years (OR = 0.282, 95% CI = 0.124–0.639), students who ate sweets more than once a week (OR = 0.570, 95% CI = 0.366–0.887), students who spent less than 1 hour per day on the computer each week (OR = 0.776, 95% CI = 0.620–0.971), students with depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D] score ≥ 16) (Model 2: OR = 0.618, 95% CI = 0.385–0.990; Model 3: OR = 0.623, 95% CI = 0.388–1.000), and students with depressed affect (Model 2: OR = 0.921, 95% CI = 0.877–0.967; Model 3: OR = 0.929, 95% CI = 0.885–0.976).

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity was influenced by eating habits and lifestyle factors. In addition, overweight/obesity adolescents had a lower risk of depressed than those with normal weight.
Examining the influence of information overload on consumers’ purchase in live streaming: A heuristic-systematic model perspective
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Cao Junwei , Liu Dong
Published: August 2023

In recent years, the number of live streaming platforms and the number of viewers have exploded. For example, in China, there are already more than 100 live streaming platforms as well as more than 300 million consumers. In live commerce, streamers use ‘information overload’ to affect purchase decisions, by making it difficult for consumers to think systematically; however, the mechanism of impact in this way has not been confirmed. In order to clarify how information overload affects users’ purchasing decisions in live commerce, this study introduces information overload from the perspective of "Heuristic-systematic model" to develop a research model. And 400 respondents were randomly recruited through various SNS platforms in Guangdong Province, China from July 1 to July 20, 2022 using a random survey method, and finally 297 valid sample data were obtained. To verify the validity of the model and to illustrate the impact of information overload marketing on consumer purchase decisions in live commerce this study conducted an empirical analysis using Smart PLS 3.0. The findings show that perceived product quality and fit, and streamer influence and expertise, positively affect consumers’ purchase intentions. The information overload strategy can significantly reduce consumers’ perceptions of merchandise fit and enhance their perceptions of streamer influence and expertise. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for marketing strategies in live commerce, and enrich literature in the field of marketing.