bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to the Complete Blood Count for Clinical Chemists: Platelets
Authors: van Wijk Xander M R , Sanchez Oviol Zaraith , Winter William E , Harris Neil S , Marin Maximo J
Published: March 2024

Background

The most ordered laboratory test worldwide is the complete blood count (CBC).

Content

In this primer, an introduction to platelet testing in the context of the CBC is provided with a discussion of the laboratory evaluation of platelet abnormalities including thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis.

As clinical chemists continue to be tasked to direct laboratories outside of the traditional clinical chemistry sections such as hematology, expertise must be developed. This primer is dedicated to that effort.
mRNA-Seq of testis and liver tissues reveals a testis-specific gene and alternative splicing associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo
Authors: Hong Rui , Wu Jiaxin , Chen Xining , Zhang Zhenghao , Liu Xinyue , Li Meichen , Zuo Fuyuan , Zhang Gong-Wei
Published: March 2024

Alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role in the co-transcription and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during mammalian spermatogenesis. The dzo is the male F1 offspring of an interspecific hybrid between a domestic bull (Bos taurus ♂) and a yak (Bos grunniens ♀) which exhibits male sterility. This study aimed to identify the testis-specific genes and AS associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo. The iDEP90 program and rMATS software were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differential alternative splicing genes (DSG) based on RNA-seq data from the liver (n = 9) and testis (n = 6) tissues of domestic cattle, yak, and dzo. Splicing factors (SF) were obtained from the AmiGO2 and the NCBI databases, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the differentially expressed SFs and DSGs. We focused on the testis-specific DEGs and DSGs between dzo and cattle and yak. Among the top 3,000 genes with the most significant variations between these 15 samples, a large number of genes showed testis-specific expression involved with spermatogenesis. Cluster analysis showed that the expression levels of these testis-specific genes were dysregulated during mitosis with a burst downregulation during the pachynema spermatocyte stage. The occurrence of AS events in the testis was about 2.5 fold greater than in the liver, with exon skipping being the major AS event (81.89% to 82.73%). A total of 74 DSGs were specifically expressed in the testis and were significantly enriched during meiosis I, synapsis, and in the piRNA biosynthesis pathways. Notably, STAG3 and DDX4 were of the exon skipping type, and DMC1 was a mutually exclusive exon. A total of 36 SFs were significantly different in dzo testis, compared with cattle and yak. DDX4, SUGP1, and EFTUD2 were potential SFs leading to abnormal AS of testis-specific genes in dzo. These results show that AS of testis-specific genes can affect synapsis and the piRNA biosynthetic processes in dzo, which may be important factors associated with hybrid male sterility in dzo.
Do Recessions and Bear Markets Occur Concurrently across Countries? A Multinomial Logistic Approach
Authors: Poon Aubrey , Zhu Dan
Published: March 2024

We introduce a novel multinomial logistic model for detecting and forecasting concurrent recessions and bear markets across multiple countries. Our framework leverages cross-country panel features and provides additional information for robust analysis. Through a comprehensive simulation study, we demonstrate the computational efficiency and accuracy of our model, even when handling multiple binary indicators. Applying our framework to empirical data from the United States, the UK, and Euro Area, we find that the multinomial logistic model produces superior medium-term forecasting of concurrent recession and bear market events across countries compared to multiple independent single logistic models. Additionally, our counterfactual analysis reveals that specific events, such as a recession and bear market in the United States, along with the tightening of financial conditions and a negative interest rate spread in the United States, increase the probability of concurrent and individual recession and bear market occurrences in the UK and Euro Area.
High-precision charge analysis in a catalytic nanoparticle by electron holography
Authors: Aso Ryotaro , Midoh Yoshihiro , Tanigaki Toshiaki , Murakami Yasukazu
Published: March 2024

The charge state of supported metal catalysts is the key to understand the elementary processes involved in catalytic reactions. However, high-precision charge analysis of the metal catalysts at the atomic level is experimentally challenging. To address this critical challenge, high-sensitivity electron holography has recently been successfully applied for precisely measuring the elementary charges on individual platinum nanoparticles supported on a titanium dioxide surface. In this review, we introduce the latest advancements in high-precision charge analysis and discuss the mechanisms of charge transfer at the metal–support interface. The development of charge measurements is entering a new era, and charge analyses under conditions closer to practical working environments, such as real-time, real-space, and reactive gas environments, are expected to be realized in the near future.
Broadcasted nonparametric tensor regression
Authors: Zhou Ya , Wong Raymond K W , He Kejun
Published: March 2024

We propose a novel use of a broadcasting operation, which distributes univariate functions to all entries of the tensor covariate, to model the nonlinearity in tensor regression nonparametrically. A penalized estimation and the corresponding algorithm are proposed. Our theoretical investigation, which allows the dimensions of the tensor covariate to diverge, indicates that the proposed estimation yields a desirable convergence rate. We also provide a minimax lower bound, which characterizes the optimality of the proposed estimator for a wide range of scenarios. Numerical experiments are conducted to confirm the theoretical findings, and they show that the proposed model has advantages over its existing linear counterparts.
Cloud-scale molecular gas properties of the ANTENNAE merger: a comparative study with PHANGS-ALMA galaxies and NGC 3256
Authors: Brunetti Nathan , Wilson Christine D , He Hao , Sun Jiayi , Leroy Adam K , Rosolowsky Erik , Bemis Ashley , Bigiel Frank , Groves Brent , Saito Toshiki , Schinnerer Eva
Published: March 2024

We present observations of the central 9 kpc of the Antennae merger (NGC 4038/9) at 55 pc resolution in the CO (2–1) line obtained with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). We use a pixel-based analysis to compare the gas properties in the Antennae to those in 70 nearby spiral galaxies from the PHANGS-ALMA survey, as well as the merger and nearest luminous infrared galaxy NGC 3256. Compared to PHANGS-ALMA galaxies at matched spatial resolution, the molecular gas in the Antennae exhibits some of the highest surface densities, velocity dispersions, peak brightness temperatures, and turbulent pressures. However, the virial parameters in the Antennae are consistent with many of the PHANGS-ALMA galaxies. NGC 3256 has similar gas surface densities but higher nuclear velocity dispersions than the Antennae, as well as higher system-wide peak brightness temperatures and virial parameters. NGC 3256 is at a later stage in the merging process than the Antennae, which may result in more intense merger-driven gas flows that could drive up the turbulence in the gas. The high virial parameters in NGC 3256 may indicate that this increased turbulence is suppressing future star formation as NGC 3256 moves out of the starburst phase. In comparison, the relatively normal virial parameters in the Antennae may imply that it is about to undergo a new burst of star formation.
[Ga68] DOTATATE PET/MRI-guided radiosurgical treatment planning and response assessment in meningiomas
Authors: Ivanidze Jana , Chang Se Jung , Haghdel Arsalan , Kim Joon Tae , Roy Choudhury Arindam , Wu Alan , Ramakrishna Rohan , Schwartz Theodore H , Cisse Babacar , Stieg Philip , Muller Leland , Osborne Joseph R , Magge Rajiv S , Karakatsanis Nicolas A , Roytman Michelle , Lin Eaton , Pannullo Susan C , Palmer Joshua D , Knisely Jonathan P S
Published: March 2024

Background

Our purpose was to determine the utility of [68Ga]-DOTATATE PET/MRI in meningioma response assessment following radiosurgery.

Methods

Patients with meningioma prospectively underwent postoperative DOTATATE PET/MRI. Co-registered PET and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI were employed for radiosurgery planning. Follow-up DOTATATE PET/MRI was performed at 6–12 months post-radiosurgery. Maximum absolute standardized uptake value (SUV) and SUV ratio (SUVRSSS) referencing superior sagittal sinus (SSS) blood pool were obtained. Size change was determined by Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria. Association of SUVRSSS change magnitude and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated using Cox regression.

Results

Twenty-seven patients with 64 tumors (26% World Health Organization [WHO]-1, 41% WHO-2, 26% WHO-3, and 7% WHO-unknown) were prospectively followed post stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT; mean dose: 30 Gy, modal dose 35 Gy, mean of 5 fractions). Post-irradiation SUV and SUVRSSS decreased by 37.4% and 44.4%, respectively (P < .0001). Size product decreased by 8.9%, thus failing to reach the 25% significance threshold as determined by RANO guidelines. Mean follow-up time was 26 months (range: 6–44). Overall mean PFS was 83% and 100%/100%/54% in WHO-1/-2/-3 subcohorts, respectively, at 34 months. At maximum follow-up (42–44 months), PFS was 100%/83%/54% in WHO-1/-2/-3 subcohorts, respectively. Cox regression analyses revealed a hazard ratio of 0.48 for 10-unit reduction in SUVRSSS in the SRS cohort.

Conclusions

DOTATATE PET SUV and SUVRSSS demonstrated marked, significant decrease post-radiosurgery. Lesion size decrease was statistically significant; however, it was not clinically significant by RANO criteria. DOTATATE PET/MR thus represents a promising imaging biomarker for response assessment in meningiomas treated with radiosurgery.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT04081701
Individualized trajectories in postradiotherapy neurocognitive functioning of patients with brain metastases
Authors: van Grinsven Eva E , Cialdella Fia , Gmelich Meijling Yoniet , Verhoeff Joost J C , Philippens Marielle E P , van Zandvoort Martine J E
Published: March 2024

Background

The increasing incidence of brain metastases (BMs) and improved survival rates underscore the necessity to investigate the effects of treatments on individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual trajectories of subjective and objective cognitive performance after radiotherapy in patients with BMs.

Methods

The study population consisted of adult patients with BMs referred for radiotherapy. A semi-structured interview and comprehensive neurocognitive assessment (NCA) were used to assess both subjective and objective cognitive performance before, 3 months and ≥ 11 months after radiotherapy. Reliable change indices were used to identify individual, clinically meaningful changes.

Results

Thirty-six patients completed the 3-month follow-up, and 14 patients completed the ≥ 11-months follow-up. Depending on the domain, subjective cognitive decline was reported by 11–22% of patients. In total, 50% of patients reported subjective decline in at least one cognitive domain. Intracranial progression 3 months postradiotherapy was a risk-factor for self-reported deterioration (P = .031). Objective changes were observed across all domains, with a particular vulnerability for decline in memory at 3 months postradiotherapy. The majority of patients (81%) experienced both a deterioration as well as improvement (eg, mixed response) in objective cognitive functioning. Results were similar for the long-term follow-up (3 to ≥11 months). No risk factors for objective cognitive change 3 months postradiotherapy were identified.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the majority of patients with BMs will show a mixed cognitive response following radiotherapy, reflecting the complex impact. This underscores the importance of patient-tailored NCAs 3 months postradiotherapy to guide optimal rehabilitation strategies.
Switching Away From Smoking and Reduction in Cigarette Consumption Among U.S. Adult Purchasers of the JUUL System Across 24 Months Including Diverse Subpopulations Disproportionately Affected by Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Kim Sooyong , Goldenson Nicholas I , Selya Arielle , Shiffman Saul
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Electronic nicotine-delivery systems (ENDS) can reduce tobacco-related health risks for adults who smoke cigarettes (AWS) by facilitating complete switching away from cigarettes. However, little is known about ENDS use and switching among subpopulations that have been disproportionately affected by smoking.

Aims and Methods

AWS (age ≥ 21 years) were recruited following their first purchase of a JUUL Starter Kit in 2018. Participants who self-reported switching (no past-30-day cigarette smoking) at 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 15-, 18-, 21-, and 24-month follow-ups. Percent switched and percent with substantial smoking reduction (≥50% decrease in cigarettes per day among those who continued smoking) were calculated. Analyses focused on racial and ethnic minorities, persons with low income and education levels, sexual minorities, and those with mental and physical health conditions.

Results

Overall rates of switching away from cigarettes increased across follow-ups to 51.2% (month-12) to 58.6% (month-24, 87% of whom used ENDS). Among those who continued to smoke at 24 months, 45.4% reduced cigarettes per day by ≥ 50%. Rates of switching and substantial smoking reduction were largely similar across subgroups, with some statistically significant, but small, differences in month-24 switching rates (eg, education, mental and physical health conditions; switch rate range: 42%–57%).

Conclusions

AWS demonstrated progressively increasing switching rates over 2 years after purchasing JUUL products. Similar trends in switching and smoking reduction were observed across populations disproportionately affected by smoking. By facilitating switching and smoking reduction, ENDS products such as JUUL may provide an opportunity to reduce smoking-related harm among some populations disproportionately affected by smoking, potentially reducing tobacco-related health disparities.

Implications

ENDS have the potential to benefit population health if they can replace cigarettes. This benefit must extend to populations disproportionately affected by smoking. In this real-world study, 59% of JUUL purchasers reported complete switching 2 years later (no past-30-day smoking, with most continuing to use ENDS). Furthermore, 45% of those who continued to smoke reduced cigarette consumption by at least half. These rates of switching and smoking reduction were largely comparable across populations disproportionately affected by smoking (defined, eg, by ethnicity and income). ENDS can serve as an effective harm reduction strategy to complement current efforts to reduce tobacco-related disparities.
The S-acylation cycle of transcription factor MtNAC80 influences cold stress responses in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Ye Qinyi , Zheng Lihua , Liu Peng , Liu Qianwen , Ji Tuo , Liu Jinling , Gao Yajuan , Liu Li , Dong Jiangli , Wang Tao
Published: March 2024

S-acylation is a reversible post-translational modification catalyzed by protein S-acyltransferases (PATs), and acyl protein thioesterases (APTs) mediate de-S-acylation. Although many proteins are S-acylated, how the S-acylation cycle modulates specific biological functions in plants is poorly understood. In this study, we report that the S-acylation cycle of transcription factor MtNAC80 is involved in the Medicago truncatula cold stress response. Under normal conditions, MtNAC80 localized to membranes through MtPAT9-induced S-acylation. In contrast, under cold stress conditions, MtNAC80 translocated to the nucleus through de-S-acylation mediated by thioesterases such as MtAPT1. MtNAC80 functions in the nucleus by directly binding the promoter of the glutathione S-transferase gene MtGSTU1 and promoting its expression, which enables plants to survive under cold stress by removing excess malondialdehyde and H2O2. Our findings reveal an important function of the S-acylation cycle in plants and provide insight into stress response and tolerance mechanisms.
A novel approach for quantitatively distinguishing between anthropogenic and natural effects on paleovegetation
Authors: Fan Baoshuo , Lu Houyuan , Li Yuecong , Shen Caiming , Xu Qinghai , Zhang Jianping , Huan Xiujia , Wang Yonglei , Wang Ningyuan , Xu Deke , Dong Yajie , Cui Anning , Wu Naiqin
Published: March 2024

How to distinguish and quantify past human impacts on vegetation is a significant challenge in paleoecology. Here, we propose a novel method, the error inflection point-discriminant technique. It finds out the inflection points (IPs) of the regression errors of pollen–climate transfer functions using modern pollen spectra from vegetation with different values of the Human Influence Index (HII), which represent the HII threshold values of native/secondary and secondary/artificial vegetation systems. Our results show that the HII value at the native/secondary vegetation IPs is approximately 22 and globally uniform, whereas it varies regionally for the secondary/artificial vegetation IPs. In a case study of the Liangzhu archaeological site in the lower Yangtze River, discriminant functions for pollen spectra from three vegetation types and pollen–climate transfer functions of the native vegetation were established to reconstruct paleovegetation and paleoclimate over the past 6,600 years. Our study demonstrates this method's feasibility for quantitatively distinguishing human impacts on paleovegetation and assessing quantitative paleoclimate reconstructions using pollen data.
International Comovement in the Global Production Network
Authors: Huo Zhen , Levchenko Andrei A , Pandalai-Nayar Nitya
Published: March 2024

This article provides a general framework to study the role of production networks in international GDP comovement. We first derive an additive decomposition of bilateral GDP comovement into components capturing shock transmission and shock correlation. We quantify this decomposition in a parsimonious multi-country, multi-sector dynamic network propagation model, using data for the G7 countries over the period 1978–2007. Our main finding is that while the network transmission of shocks is quantitatively important, it accounts for a minority of observed comovement under the estimated range of structural elasticities. Contemporaneous responses to correlated shocks in the production network are more successful at generating comovement than intertemporal propagation through capital accumulation. Extensions with multiple shocks, nominal rigidities, and international financial integration leave our main result unchanged. A combination of TFP and labour supply shocks is quantitatively successful at reproducing the observed international business cycle.
High-Copy Transposons from a Pathogen Give Rise to a Conserved sRNA Family with a Novel Host Immunity Target
Authors: Kunz Lukas , Poretti Manuel , Praz Coraline R. , Müller Marion C. , Wyler Michele , Keller Beat , Wicker Thomas , Bourras Salim
Published: March 2024

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are involved in gene silencing in multiple ways, including through cross-kingdom transfers from parasites to their hosts. Little is known about the evolutionary mechanisms enabling eukaryotic microbes to evolve functional mimics of host small regulatory RNAs. Here, we describe the identification and functional characterization of SINE_sRNA1, an sRNA family derived from highly abundant short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) retrotransposons in the genome of the wheat powdery mildew pathogen. SINE_sRNA1 is encoded by a sequence motif that is conserved in multiple SINE families and corresponds to a functional plant microRNA (miRNA) mimic targeting Tae_AP1, a wheat gene encoding an aspartic protease only found in monocots. Tae_AP1 has a novel function enhancing both pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), thereby contributing to the cross activation of plant defenses. We conclude that SINE_sRNA1 and Tae_AP1 are functional innovations, suggesting the contribution of transposons to the evolutionary arms race between a parasite and its host.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Weather-Based Logistic Regression Models for Predicting Wheat Head Blast Epidemics
Authors: De Cól Monalisa , Coelho Mauricio , Del Ponte Emerson M.
Published: March 2024

Wheat head blast is a major disease of wheat in the Brazilian Cerrado. Empirical models for predicting epidemics were developed using data from field trials conducted in Patos de Minas (2013 to 2019) and trials conducted across 10 other sites (2012 to 2020) in Brazil, resulting in 143 epidemics, with each being classified as either outbreak (≥20% head blast incidence) or nonoutbreak. Daily weather variables were collected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) website and summarized for each epidemic. Wheat heading date (WHD) served to define four time windows, with each comprising two 7-day intervals (before and after WHD), which combined with weather-based variables resulted in 36 predictors (nine weather variables × four windows). Logistic regression models were fitted to binary data, with variable selection using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and sequentially best subset analyses. The models were validated using the leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) technique, and their statistical performance was compared. One model was selected, implemented in a 24-year series, and assessed by experts and literature. Models with two to five predictors showed accuracies between 0.80 and 0.85, sensitivities from 0.80 to 0.91, specificities from 0.72 to 0.86, and area under the curve (AUC) from 0.89 to 0.91. The accuracy of LOOCV ranged from 0.76 to 0.81. The model applied to a historical series included temperature and relative humidity in preheading date, as well as postheading precipitation. The model accurately predicted the occurrence of outbreaks, aligning closely with real-world observations, specifically tailored for locations with tropical and subtropical climates.
Incidence and Distribution of the Fusarium sambucinum Species Complex Associated with Cannabis sativa in Kentucky
Authors: Smith Henry , Dixon Ed , Munir Misbah , Gauthier Nicole
Published: March 2024

Hemp is an emerging crop that is cultivated for a variety of applications. Since commercial reintroduction in 2018, many pathogens and pests that threaten production have been identified, such as Fusarium head blight. The disease causes extensive blighting of floral tissues and presents a mycotoxin contamination risk. During the 2022 growing season, 25 sites were surveyed across 15 different counties to determine the incidence and distribution of toxigenic Fusarium species within the Fusarium sambucinum species complex. Fusarium graminearum was the most isolated species within the complex. The 15-DON chemotype was found to be the predominant F. graminearum population. The F. sambucinum species complex isolation rate varied by site and reached up to 46.6%. Isolation rates were found to be correlated with plant age and calendar day. Management strategies are currently limited for Fusarium head blight of hemp. Data from this survey will help develop future projects and disease management plans regarding spray timings and crop rotation.
Inhibition of the glucocorticoid‐activating enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 drives concurrent 11‐oxygenated androgen excess
Authors: Schiffer Lina , Oestlund Imken , Snoep Jacky L. , Gilligan Lorna C. , Taylor Angela E. , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Singhal Rishi , Freeman Adrian , Ajjan Ramzi , Tiganescu Ana , Arlt Wiebke , Storbeck Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2024

Aldo‐keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is a key enzyme in the activation of both classic and 11‐oxygenated androgens. In adipose tissue, AKR1C3 is co‐expressed with 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD11B1), which catalyzes not only the local activation of glucocorticoids but also the inactivation of 11‐oxygenated androgens, and thus has the potential to counteract AKR1C3. Using a combination of in vitro assays and in silico modeling we show that HSD11B1 attenuates the biosynthesis of the potent 11‐oxygenated androgen, 11‐ketotestosterone (11KT), by AKR1C3. Employing ex vivo incubations of human female adipose tissue samples we show that inhibition of HSD11B1 results in the increased peripheral biosynthesis of 11KT. Moreover, circulating 11KT increased 2–3 fold in individuals with type 2 diabetes after receiving the selective oral HSD11B1 inhibitor AZD4017 for 35 days, thus confirming that HSD11B1 inhibition results in systemic increases in 11KT concentrations. Our findings show that HSD11B1 protects against excess 11KT production by adipose tissue, a finding of particular significance when considering the evidence for adverse metabolic effects of androgens in women. Therefore, when targeting glucocorticoid activation by HSD11B1 inhibitor treatment in women, the consequently increased generation of 11KT may offset beneficial effects of decreased glucocorticoid activation.
Resolvin D2 attenuates LPS‐induced macrophage exhaustion
Authors: Padovani Cristina M. , Wilson Rachael M. , Rodriguez Ana , Spur Bernd W. , Yin Kingsley
Published: March 2024

Early in sepsis, a hyperinflammatory response is dominant, but later, an immunosuppressive phase dominates, and the host is susceptible to opportunistic infections. Anti‐inflammatory agents may accelerate the host into immunosuppression, and few agents can reverse immunosuppression without causing inflammation. Specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs) such as resolvin D2 (RvD2) have been reported to resolve inflammation without being immunosuppressive, but little work has been conducted to examine their effects on immunosuppression. To assess the effects of RvD2 on immunosuppression, we established a model of macrophage exhaustion using two lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments or hits. THP‐1 monocyte‐derived macrophages were first treated with RvD2 or vehicle for 1 h. One LPS hit increased NF‐κB activity 11‐fold and TNF‐α release 60‐fold compared to unstimulated macrophages. RvD2 decreased LPS‐induced NF‐κB activity and TNF‐α production but increased bacterial clearance. Two LPS hits reduced macrophage bacterial clearance and decreased macrophage NF‐κB activity (45%) and TNF‐α release (75%) compared to one LPS hit, demonstrating exhaustion. RvD2 increased NF‐κB activity, TNF‐α release, and bacterial clearance following two LPS hits compared to controls. TLR2 inhibition abolished RvD2‐mediated changes. In a mouse sepsis model, splenic macrophage response to exogenous LPS was reduced compared to controls and was restored by in vivo administration of RvD2, supporting the in vitro results. If RvD2 was added to monocytes before differentiation into macrophages, however, RvD2 reduced LPS responses and increased bacterial clearance following both one and two LPS hits. The results show that RvD2 attenuated macrophage suppression in vitro and in vivo and that this effect was macrophage‐specific.
The DDX6/KIFC1 signaling axis, as regulated by YY1, contributes to the malignant behavior of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Deng Xin , Liu Zhen , Wang Baosheng , Ma Jia , Meng Xiangpeng
Published: March 2024

Human DEAD/H box RNA helicase DDX6 acts as an oncogene in several different types of cancer, where it participates in RNA processing. Nevertheless, the role of DDX6 in pancreatic cancer (PC), together with the underlying mechanism, has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, compared with adjacent tissues, the level of DDX6 was abnormally increased in human PC tissues, and this increased level of expression was associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, the role of DDX6 in PC was investigated by overexpressing or silencing the DDX6 in the PC cell lines, SW1990 and PaTu‐8988t. A xenograft model was established by injecting nude mice with either DDX6‐overexpressing or DDX6‐silenced SW1990 cells. DDX6 overexpression promoted the proliferation and cell cycle transition, inhibited the cell apoptosis of PC cells, and accelerated tumor formation, whereas DDX6 knockdown elicited the opposite effects. DDX6 exerted positive effects on PC. RNA immunoprecipitation assay showed that DDX6 bound to kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) mRNA, which was further confirmed by RNA pull‐down assay. These results suggested that DDX6 positively regulated the expression of KIFC1. KIFC1 overexpression enhanced the proliferative capability of PC cells with DDX6 knockdown and inhibited their apoptosis. By contrast, DDX6 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of KIFC1 silencing on tumor proliferation. Subsequently, the transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) was shown to negatively regulate DDX6 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay verified that YY1 targeted the promoter of DDX6 and inhibited its transcription. High expression levels of YY1 decreased the proliferation of PC cells and promoted cell apoptosis, although these effects were reversed by DDX6 overexpression. Taken together, YY1 may target the DDX6/KIFC1 axis, thereby negatively regulating its expression, leading to an inhibitory effect on pancreatic tumor.
Association of Preoperative Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy With Cardiopulmonary Instability and Organ Injury After High-Risk Surgery
Authors: Tang Ying-Hung , Bergmann Jules , Vaidya Dhananjay , Faraday Nauder
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the relationship between prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the risk of postoperative complications in cancer patients.

DESIGN:

Single-center retrospective cohort study

INTERVENTIONS:

The main exposure was treatment with an FDA-approved ICI within 6 months before surgery.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Exposure to ICIs and covariates was determined from the electronic health record. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative complications, including prolonged pressor or oxygen dependence, kidney injury, or myocardial injury. Secondary outcomes included each subcomponent of the primary outcome. Of 7674 subjects with cancer admitted to the ICU after surgery, 247 were exposed to one or more ICIs in the 6 months before surgery. After propensity score matching, 197 ICI-exposed subjects were matched to 777 nonexposed. The composite outcome occurred in 70 of 197 (35.5%) ICI-exposed subjects and 251 of 777 (32.3%) nonexposed. There was no difference between exposed and nonexposed groups in the primary composite outcome (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% CI, 0.80–1.58) by conditional logistic regression. Risk of the secondary outcome of prolonged pressor dependence was significantly higher in ICI-exposed subjects (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.01–2.67). Risks of oxygen dependence (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.75–1.73), kidney injury (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.77–1.71), and myocardial injury (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.00–3.10) were not significantly different. There was no difference between groups in the time to hospital discharge alive (p = 0.62).

CONCLUSIONS:

Exposure to ICIs within 6 months before high-risk surgery was not associated with the composite outcome of cardiopulmonary instability or organ injury in patients with cancer. The potential for an association with the secondary outcomes of cardiac instability and injury is worthy of future study.
Energy-Based Devices for the Treatment of Cutaneous Verrucae: A Systematic Review
Authors: Le Michelle , Conte Santina , Hsu Jeffrey T. S. , Li Monica K.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Warts are one of the most common benign neoplasms caused by human papillomavirus infection and often pose a therapeutic challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review of the literature on laser and energy-based devices for the treatment of cutaneous verrucae was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 904 unique studies were identified, of which 109 were included in this review. The most commonly used lasers as a single treatment modality for verrucae included the long-pulsed Nd:Yag (n = 20) and pulsed dye (n = 18) lasers. Other modalities included the CO2 ablative laser (n = 10), photodynamic therapy (n = 11), local hyperthermia (n = 11), microwave therapy (n = 2), and nanopulse stimulation (n = 1). Other studies combined energy-based modalities with additional treatments, such as retinoids, imiquimod, and intralesional bleomycin. Overall, such devices were generally well-tolerated, with only a mild side effect profile.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the use of laser and energy-based devices is a safe and well-tolerated option for cutaneous verrucae that is relatively less invasive than surgical interventions. Future studies using more consistent outcome assessment tools will be valuable to help clinicians develop device-specific protocols and treatment regimens to ensure replicable and effective outcomes.
Comparative analysis of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 in Taiwan’s medical technologist certification: A study in artificial intelligence advancements
Authors: Yang Wan-Hua , Chan Yun-Hsiang , Huang Cheng-Pin , Chen Tzeng-Ji
Published: March 2024

Background:

This study examines the comparative effectiveness of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0, in the certification of medical technologists (MT) in Taiwan, exploring their adeptness in processing complex medical language and their contributory role in the educational and communicative aspects of professional healthcare training.

Methods:

This study used GPT-3.5 and GPT-4.0 to test the medical laboratory technician professional college entrance examination questions. The questions in different fields, including six subjects, such as Clinical Physiology and Pathology, Hematology, and Blood Bank, among others were answered one-on-one using two generative pretrained transformer (GPT) versions, simulating the situations during exam preparation.

Results:

A total of 480 questions were analyzed and the results showed that both versions of the GPT met the certification standards. Version 4.0 was better than version 3.5 for all subjects, particularly in Clinical Biochemistry (score = 96.25) and Microbiology (score = 91.25). Outstanding performance compared to version 3.5, which had an average score of 65.42 and a maximum score of 77.5. Overall, version 4.0, which was significantly better than version 3.5 in both median and average scores, reflects a significant improvement in professional knowledge processing capabilities.

Conclusion:

The GPT can provide valuable support for both the upstream and downstream processes of MT certification. Future research can further explore the application of GPT in different educational and certification contexts and improve the passing rate of medical personnel in the certification process. This study provides useful information for exploring the potential applications of GPT in certifying medical examiners. Furthermore, it provides new directions for future research in medical education.
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma extrahepatic metastases can benefit from hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib plus programmed death-1 inhibitors
Authors: Guan Renguo , Zhang Nan , Deng Min , Lin Ye , Huang Guanjie , Fu Yizhen , Zheng Zehao , Wei Wei , Zhong Chong , Zhao Haitao , Mei Jie , Guo Rongping
Published: March 2024

Background:

Lenvatinib plus programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors (LEN-P) have been recommended in China for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, they provide limited survival benefits to patients with extrahepatic metastases. We aimed to investigate whether combining hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) with LEN-P could improve its efficacy.

Materials and methods:

This multicenter cohort study included patients with HCC extrahepatic metastases who received HAIC combined with LEN-P (HAIC-LEN-P group, n=127) or LEN-P alone (n=103) as the primary systemic treatment between January 2019 and December 2022. Baseline data were balanced using a one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results:

After PSM, the HAIC-LEN-P group significantly extended the median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS), compared with the LEN-P group (mOS: 27.0 months vs. 9.0 months, P<0.001; mPFS: 8.0 months vs. 3.0 months, P=0.001). After IPTW, the mOS [hazard ratio (HR)=0.384, P<0.001] and mPFS (HR=0.507, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the HAIC-LEN-P group than in the LEN-P group. The HAIC-LEN-P group’s objective response rate was twice as high as that of the LEN-P group (PSM cohort: 67.3% vs. 29.1%, P<0.001; IPTW cohort: 66.1% vs. 27.8%, P<0.001). Moreover, the HAIC-LEN-P group exhibited no noticeable increase in the percentages of grade 3 and 4 adverse events compared with the LEN-P group (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

HAIC can improve the efficacy of LEN-P in patients with HCC extrahepatic metastases and may be an alternative treatment for advanced HCC management.
Research status and hotspots on the mechanisms of liver X receptor in cancer progression: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chen Yukun , Deng Siqi , Xu Jiexia , Yan Yu , Lan Shuwen , Guo Mingzhang
Published: March 2024

Background:

The mechanism of liver X receptor in cancer has been gradually revealed in recent years. This study is committed to analyzing the current research status of the mechanism of liver × receptor in cancer progression by using bibliometric methods and to explore the development trend of liver × receptor related research in the future, in order to provide some reference for further exploration in this field.

Methods:

The Web of Science core collection database was used to carry out the original data retrieval. Excel software was used for data statistics. Vosviewer and CiteSpace software were used to analyze the publication situation, cooperation network, reference co-citation, keyword and term co-occurrence, term bursts, and cluster analysis, and draw visual maps.

Results:

A total of 631 publications meeting the research criteria were included by December 2022, with an average of 32.5 citations per paper. The main research fields were molecular biology, oncology and cell biology, and the papers were mainly published in journals about molecular, biology and immunology. Cell is the journal with the highest citation. The United States is the most influential country, the University of California, Los Angeles is the main research institution, and Gustafsson, Jan-ake is the author with the highest output. In reference co-citation clustering, cluster#2 “cancer development” is the main cluster, and the period from 2014 to 2018 is an important stage of relevant theoretical progress. “Tumor microenvironment” with high burst and novelty became the most noteworthy term in term burst.

Conclusion:

Using bibliometric methods to reveal the current status of LXR and cancer mechanisms, and making predictions of possible future hotspots based on the analysis of the current situation, the translation of LXR anti-cancer research to clinical applications, the impact on the tumor microenvironment as a whole and more immune pathways, and the formation of a systematic cognition of the effects of more cancer cell lines and oncogenic signaling crosstalk, which is a possible direction for future research.
Successful true cavity pathfinding with balloon assisted CTO with bifurcation lesions: Two case reports
Authors: Zhang Shichang , Hu Guangxin , Zhang Botao , Li Yinping , Li Ben , Liu Zhijun , Ma Ping , Qiu Yumin , Xu Qingbin
Published: March 2024

Background:

Coronary artery disease is a prevalent global cardiovascular ailment, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) standing out as a crucial method for relieving symptoms and enhancing the quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease. However, the presence of concurrent chronic total occlusion (CTO) and bifurcation lesions within coronary arteries elevates the complexity and treatment risks, especially when the entry point of the CTO is ambiguous.

Objective:

This study aims to present an innovative approach for treating CTO complicated with bifurcation lesions, focusing on true cavity pathfinding assisted by a balloon.

Methods:

Two cases of CTO patients with concomitant bifurcation lesions are described. One case involves CTO of the left anterior descending artery) combined with anterior non-angle trigeminal lesions, while the other entails CTO of the posterior left artery combined with posterior angle trigeminal lesions. True lumen identification using a balloon and subsequent opening of the CTO blood vessel were performed in both cases.

Results:

In both cases, the true lumen was successfully located with the assistance of a balloon, leading to the successful opening of the CTO blood vessel. This approach not only simplified the procedure but also reduced procedural difficulty and associated risks of complications compared to traditional guide wire operations.

Conclusion:

The application of true cavity pathfinding assisted by a balloon offers a novel and effective strategy for managing CTO complicated with bifurcation lesions. The method simplifies the procedure, decreases procedural difficulty, and lowers the risk of complications associated with guide wire operations. However, further studies and long-term follow-up data are warranted to validate the reliability and long-term efficacy of this innovative approach.
The relationship between human blood metabolites and preeclampsia-eclampsia: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Jiping , Huang Liyuan , Wu Mingda , Lu Xiaodan , Song Yongfu , Wang Yongji , Guo Yan
Published: March 2024

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious complications of pregnancy, leading to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. During pregnancy, there are changes in relevant serum metabolites in women. However, it remains unclear if these serum metabolites contribute to the development of associated disorders during pregnancy. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study to explore the causal relationship between serum metabolites and preeclampsia and eclampsia. We utilized the inverse variance weighted model as our primary analysis approach. We complemented this with sensitivity analyses, including the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis, to ensure the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, we conducted linkage disequilibrium score regression, multivariable Mendelian randomization, and metabolic pathway analysis to further explore the genetic data. The Mendelian randomization analysis has identified γ-glutamylglutamine, inosine, and isoleucine 10 metabolites that are significantly associated with preeclampsia, and γ-glutamylglutamine and phenylacetate 8 metabolites that may potentially contribute to the development of eclampsia. Notably, γ-glutamylglutamine has been found to have a causal relationship with both preeclampsia and eclampsia. In the multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis, our research findings suggest that both isoleucine and X-14304–leucylalanine directly impact preeclampsia within the context of amino acids and peptides. Moreover, our observations reveal that carbohydrates can also have a direct effect on preeclampsia. Importantly, it should be emphasized that only 3-lactate in amino acids has been shown to have a direct influence on eclampsia. This research has the potential to enhance our understanding of the biological variances related to disease status, providing a foundation for future investigations.
Echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial strain in bipolar disorder across different phases: A comparative study with healthy controls
Authors: Duz Ramazan
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between different phases of bipolar disorder (depressive, manic, and euthymic) and myocardial deformation, assessed by echocardiography, compared to healthy controls. It seeks to elucidate whether these phases of bipolar disorder are associated with different myocardial strain patterns, thus contributing to the understanding of cardiovascular implications in bipolar disorder. A cross-sectional design was employed at Dursun Odabaş Medical Centre, Psychiatry Clinic of Van Yüzüncü Yl University. The study enrolled 200 participants, divided into 4 groups: 50 in a depressive phase, 50 in a manic phase, 50 in an euthymic phase of bipolar disorder, and 50 healthy volunteers. Participants underwent detailed electrocardiographic and ECG evaluations, focusing on myocardial strain patterns and cardiac function. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and chi-square tests, were used to compare the groups. Significant differences in global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were observed between the groups. The manic phase group exhibited the highest GLS (21.51), followed by the euthymic (20.75), depressive (20.25), and healthy control groups (19.0). The E/A ratio of the mitral valve also varied, with the manic group displaying the highest ratio (1.21). Other echocardiographic parameters such as left atria size and Ejection Fraction also differed significantly between the groups. The study concluded that the phases of bipolar disorder are associated with distinct myocardial strain patterns, as evidenced by the variation in GLS values. The findings underscore the importance of cardiac monitoring in bipolar disorder, suggesting potential cardiac risks, particularly during the manic phase. This study advocates integrated care approaches, combining psychiatric and cardiac evaluations for patients with bipolar disorder.
Effect of dapagliflozin on left ventricular structure and function in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: An observational study
Authors: Hong Jun , Huang Lei , Jin Nake , Zhao Xuechen , Hu Jianan
Published: March 2024

Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is characterized by left ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction with severe morbidity and mortality. Sodium glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors significantly reduce cardiovascular events for heart failure patients. We performed to investigate the impact of combined administration of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac structure and function in NIDCM patients undergoing conventional therapy. A total of 50 newly diagnosed NIDCM patients received conventional medical therapy, with 23 receiving dapagliflozin 10mg/day in addition (SGLT2i group) and the remaining 27 only receiving conventional therapy (non-SGLT2i group). After 12 months outpatient follow-up, NIDCM patients treated with conventional therapy alone showed a significant reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic dimensions (LVESd), left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volumes (LVESV), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVi), while an increase in fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients receiving dapagliflozin combined with conventional treatment also demonstrated a significant reduction in left ventricular dimensions and volumes, and a marked increase in cardiac function. In non-SGLT2i groups, the % change in LVEDd, LVESd, LVEDV, LVESV, LVEDVi, LVESVi, FS and LVEF was −2.8%, −4.6%, −6.2%, −10.1%, −6.1%, −10.1%, +9.7%, +11%. A greater absolute % fall in left ventricular volume in SGLT2i groups compared to non-SGLT2i groups resulted in a significant improvement in cardiac function. The results showed that SGLT2i combined with conventional therapy has a better beneficial effect on left ventricular volumes and cardiac function in NIDCM patients.