bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota as Emerging Players at the Development of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Authors: Li Wei , Gao Kang Wen , Yan Qi Sheng , Yang Ling , Zhu Jing Qing , Chu Kuan Hui
Published: December 2024

The incidence and mortality of alcohol-related liver disease are increasing worldwide. The pathogenesis of alcohol-related liver disease includes the combined effects of multiple factors such as oxidative stress caused by ethanol metabolism, immune response and inflammation. Recent studies reported that gut microbiota also play important roles in the development of alcohol-related liver disease. The relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria increased in alcohol-related liver disease patients and Enterococcus faecalis was positive related with the severity of alcohol-related liver disease. Some probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium can alleviate alcohol-related liver disease. We further explored the impact of gut microbiota on the occurrence and development of alcohol-related liver disease, discussed the potential mechanism of gut microbiome promoting the development of alcohol-related liver disease, and provided an effective early intervention method for alcohol-related liver disease.
Tradisi dan Modernitas: Tantangan Masyarakat Bajo di Torosiaje dalam Pelestarian Budaya
Authors: Yunus Rasid , Adhani Yuli , Pangalila Theodorus , Cuga Candra , Noe Wahyudin
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini menyoroti ketahanan masyarakat Bajo di Torosiaje, Gorontalo, dalam dalam upaya menjaga kebudayaan mereka disaat pengaruh modernisasi yang semakin kuat. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif. Penelitian memperlihatkan bagaimana masyarakat Bajo tetap memelihara nilai-nilai kearifan lokal, khususnya tradisi maritim, sistem pernikahan, pengobatan dan nilai gotong-royong  meskipun mereka telah mengadopsi teknologi modern. Teknologi modern diintegrasikan secara selektif tanpa menghilangkan esensi dari kearifan lokal sebagai identitas mereka. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa masyarakat Bajo mampu melakukan negosiasi dengan perubahan, mempertahankan inti budaya mereka sambil menyesuaikan diri dengan tuntutan zaman. Selain itu, temuan ini juga menggarisbawahi peran sentral pendidikan dan kepemimpinan komunitas dalam proses pelestarian budaya. Kepemimpinan lokal berperan dalam menanamkan nilai-nilai budaya kepada generasi muda, serta pendidikan memainkan peran penting dalam menciptakan kesadaran melestarikan kearifan lokal dalam perubahan sosial dan teknologi.Tantangan dari temuan ini adalah tekanan dari dalam masyarakat sendiri yang ingin mendapatkan fasilitas modern yang lebih baik, sehingga dilema antara memenuhi kebutuhan modern dan melestarikan tradisi yang menjadi identitas komunitas.
Bullying, cyberbullying, and empathy as longitudinal predictors of self-esteem
Authors: Benítez -Sillero Juan de Dios , Falla Daniel , Córdoba-Alcaide Francisco , Zych Izabela
Published: December 2024

Research has shown that high self-esteem has numerous personal and social benefits, especially in adolescents. However, it is necessary to examine whether involvement, as aggressors or victims, in online and offline aggressive behaviours or the presence or absence of empathy, affective and cognitive, can influence adolescents’ self-esteem. The present study analysed whether bullying, cyberbullying, and empathy were longitudinally related to self-esteem. It was hypothesized that low bullying and cyberbullying involvement and high affective and cognitive empathy would be related to high self-esteem. The sample consisted of 876 students (48.7% girls) aged 12-19 years (M = 14.91, SD = 1.71) through a longitudinal study with two waves of survey data collection. Low bullying victimization and high cognitive empathy were found to be related to high self-esteem cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Likewise, lower affective empathy, low cyberbullying victimization, and low bullying aggression were longitudinally related to higher self-esteem. It is suggested that decreased bullying and cyberbullying and increased cognitive empathy could have numerous benefits for self-esteem improvement in prevention and mental health intervention programs with adolescents who are in the educational stage.
Giants with feet of clay: perfectionism, type A behavior, emotional stability, and gender as predictors of university students’ mental health
Authors: Guidotti Sara , Fiduccia Alice , Pruneti Carlo
Published: December 2024

The growing level of psychopathological symptoms among tertiary students is becoming a difficult phenomenon for institutions to manage. The present study aimed to analyze the complex associations of anxiety and somatization with predisposing personality traits, such as perfectionism, neuroticism, and type A behavior. The 248 university students (Mage = 24.4, SD = 5.45) recruited completed a state (the Symptom Questionnaire), stress (the P Stress Questionnaire), and personality (Cattell’s 16-Personality Factors Questionnaire) questionnaire. The results validated that perfectionism/self-control negatively predicted anxiety (β = -0.49, p < .001) and somatization (β = -0.35, p = .02); but also that it positively predicted psychopathological symptoms indirectly through adopting a lifestyle very similar to type A behavior (Anxiety: β = 0.14, p = .005; Somatization: β = .14, p = .01). Moreover, emotional stability and gender inserted in the model were significant as covariates for both Anxiety (β = -0.43, p < .001 and β = 2.18, p < .001, respectively) and Somatization (β = -0.55, p < .001 and β = 2.9, p < .001, respectively). Notwithstanding, emotional stability was a significant predictor only for type A behavior (β = -1.08, p < .001). In conclusion, our findings validated the double valence of perfectionism in determining the development of anxiety and somatizations. Preventing distress through managing the emotional states in tertiary students is becoming even more important, especially in this post-pandemic period that is exacerbating risk factors for mental distress.
Subcellular Systems Observe Onsager Reciprocity
Authors: Horowitz Arie
Published: December 2024

The complexity of prokaryotic and, exceedingly, of eukaryotic cells, challenges the implementation of methodologies to determine causality and quantify intracellular dynamics. Although stochastic thermodynamics can be used to effectively quantify the energetics of single proteins or complexes, there is no statistical approach to determine the macrostate of a whole cell from its subcellular microstates. Onsager reciprocity, a coupling between thermodynamic flows, could potentially be leveraged to quantify and to establish causality among subcellular systems. A prototypical thermodynamic profile of the cell is formulated as a model system to enable representation of its sub systems as force-driven thermodynamic flows. Onsager reciprocity is validated on the bacterial flagellum and ATP synthase. It is then tested on the putative coupling between the contractile ring and treadmilling of the cytoskeleton in bacterial binary fission and eukaryotic cytokinesis, with opposite outcomes. All thermodynamic flows and forces are formulated to comply with their canonical definitions.
Effective removal of Atrazine using peroxymonosulfate activated by CoNiFe-layered double hydroxides: mechanism and degradation pathway
Authors: Zhang Zhanmei , Li Xinyue , Zhang Yi , Deng Yang , Huang Yunxuan
Published: December 2024

Advanced oxidation process (AOPs) based on activated persulfate (PS) are gradually being employed in the treatment of novel pollutants. In this study, an efficient and reliable CoNiFe layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by a hydrothermal method, which could effectively activate peroxomonosulfate (PMS) and cause free sulfate radical (SO4•−) oxidation to decompose atrazine (ATZ). During the degradation process, the degradation rate of ATZ was greater than 99% within 60 min when the initial concentration of ATZ was 10 mg·L−1, the dosages of PMS and activator were 0.6 mM and 80 mg·L−1, respectively, and the pH value was 7.0. The analysis of ATZ degradation confirmed the reusability of the activator and its strong structural stability. The generation of four free radicals was analyzed and confirmed, and the influence of the free radicals on the degradation reaction was determined to be SO4•−＞ O2•− ＞ 1O2＞•OH. The analytical results showed that the metal ions reacted with HSO5− in PMS to obtain a change in the valence state of the metal ions and the primary factor affecting the degradation reaction SO4•− was also generated. Nine degradation intermediates with reduced toxicity were detected and possible ATZ degradation pathways were deduced, thus confirming the activation mechanism of CoNiFe-LDH. This representative ATZ removal method provides theoretical basis and guidance for the removal of similar organic pollutants.
Wound Healing of Boiologically and Chemically Syntehsized Gold Nanoparticles through Scratch Assay and Neural Network Modeling
Authors: Desai Anjana S , Ashok Aparna , Wagle Shivali A , Bhagat Neeru , Ashirova Zhadyra , Abdrasulova Zhannat , Abdolla Nurshat , Mukazhanova Zhazira , Ydyrys Alibek , Seilkhan Ainur
Published: December 2024

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are commonly used as anti-haemorrhagic and antiseptic agents. Thus, their cytotoxicity should be studied before application. In this study, the Au NPs were synthesized using biological and chemical routes, and the samples were named as AU-BT and AU-C, respectively. The AU-BT were synthesized using three different extracts, i.e., turmeric, aloe-vera, and a mixture of turmeric aloe-vera. The cytotoxicity was studied using scratch assay on HEK-293 cell lines. The number of scratch assays was increased to validate the experimental wound healing results. Finally, a neural networking modeling was performed to predict the results of provided data in terms of the sample toxicity by healing the wound. The experimental results and the neural networking confirmed that the turmeric-derived Au NPs were the best among all the synthesized samples. Moreover, integrating metal NPs in wound healing studies introduces exciting possibilities for enhanced imaging and therapeutic interventions. The combination of advanced image analysis through models like AlexNet and the novel use of nanoparticles opens doors to improved wound care and a deeper understanding of the healing process.
The Promising Effects of Tranexamic Acid in Treatment of Chronic Urticaria; a Randomized Placebo- Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Nabavizadeh Seyed Hesamedin , Emaeilzadeh Hossein , Alyasin Soheila , Nabavizadeh Sara , Askarisarvestani Aida
Published: December 2024

Background: Despite the low rate of mortality, Chronic Urticaria can negatively impact the quality of life in patients. Moreover, due to the high rates of unresponsiveness and high rates of medical adverse effects, the treatment of this disease is usually challenging. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of add-on therapy with tranexamic acid in patients with chronic urticaria.
Methods: In this study, 76 patients with chronic urticaria were evaluated. The patients were divided to two groups one of which received Cetirizine and placebo, while the other group received Cetirizine and Tranexamic Acid for two weeks. The quality of life and severity of the disease were compared between the two groups.
Results: A total of 76 patients entered the study, of whom 59 (77.6%) were female. Both the control and treatment group showed enhanced quality of life, especially in itching, looks, and medical adverse effect subgroups. Add-on therapy with Tranexamic Acid did not show clinically important adverse effects.
Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria can benefit from add-on therapy with Tranexamic Acid, especially, the patients who have high D-dimers. The quality of life of the patients should be assessed in further follow-up.
Clinical Trial Registry Code: IRCT20220205053947N1 by the date March 3rd 2022
Haplotype analysis detects MLH1 founder variant in Indian Lynch syndrome patient cohort
Authors: Sheth Harsh , Sadhwani Jyoti , SG Thenral , Ramprasad Vedam , Bishop D. Timothy
Published: December 2024

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome whereby the lifetime risk of developing gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers rises by to over 50%. It is caused by heterozygous variants in the DNA mismatch repair genes- MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2, with the majority detected in MLH1 and MSH2. Recurrently observed LS-associated variants in apparently unrelated individuals have either arisen de novo in different families due to mutation hotspots or are inherited from a common ancestor (founder) that lived several generations back. Testing for founder variants can facilitate molecular diagnosis of LS more efficiently and cost effectively than screening for all possible variants in the MMR genes. Here, we report a study of the missense variant c.306G>T in the MLH1 gene, the first potential founder variant identified in LS patients of Indian ethnicity. Haplotype analysis consisting of 25 LS carriers with the MLH1 c.306G>T variant and 100 healthy controls confirmed a shared haplotype in cases spanning a 27.8kb region encompassing the c.306G>T variant (𝝌2 =96.418; p=<0.0001). Age of variant analysis suggests the variant to have arisen in the population approximately 800 years (95% CI: 670-934 years) ago. Furthermore, it is estimated that c.306G>T variant is likely to be observed in 6.4% of all LS patients of Indian ethnicity. These findings have important implications for genetic counselling and molecular diagnosis of Lynch syndrome.
Formulation and characterization of surfactants with antibacterial and corrosion-inhibiting properties for enhancing shale gas drainage and production
Authors: Li Jia , Wen Ming , Jiang Zeyin , Gao Shangjun , Xiao Xiao , Xiang Chao , Tao Ji
Published: December 2024

A Gemini cationic surfactant was synthesized through an aldehyde-amine condensation reaction to address challenges related to bacterial corrosion and foaming during shale gas extraction. This treatment agent exhibits sterilization, corrosion mitigation, and foaming properties. The mechanism of action was characterized through tests measuring surface tension, particle size, sterilization efficacy, corrosion mitigation efficiency, and foaming behavior. Results from the surface tension test indicate that at 60°C, surfactants with a low carbon chain structure achieve the lowest surface tension of 32.61 mN/m at the critical micelle concentration. Particle size distribution (PSD) tests reveal that within the 1–10 critical micelle concentration range, three types of surfactants can form aggregates through self-assembly, with a PSD range of 100–400 nm. Antibacterial performance tests demonstrate that a concentration of 0.12 mmol/L at 20–60°C achieves a bactericidal rate exceeding 99%, maintained even after 24 hours of contact. The bactericidal effect is enhanced under acidic and alkaline conditions. Corrosion mitigation tests show that at 50°C, the corrosion mitigation rate reaches an optimal value of over 70%. Bubble performance evaluation results suggest that the optimal surfactant concentration is 1 mmol/L at 60°C, exhibiting resistance to mineralization up to 200 g/L. The development of this surfactant establishes a foundation for effectively addressing issues related to bacterial corrosion and wellbore fluid encountered in shale gas wells.
AI-Based Prediction of Androgen Receptor Expression and Its Prognostic Significance in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Ding Feng , Guo Yitian , Wei Xiaoying , Jing Jibo , Guo Zhongying , You Zonghao , Liang Baotai , Xu Bin , Chen Ming , Jiang Dongfang , Niu Xiaobing , Wang Xiangxue , Xue Yifeng
Published: December 2024

Biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa) negatively impacts patients’ post-surgery quality of life, while traditional predictive models show limited accuracy. This study developed an AI-based prognostic model using deep learning, incorporating androgen receptor (AR) regional features from whole slide images (WSIs). Data from 545 patients across two centers were used for training and validation. The model showed strong performance, with high accuracy in AR high-expression region identification and BCR prediction. This AI model may help identify high-risk patients, aiding in better treatment strategies, particularly in underdeveloped areas.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Carmofur Analogs as Antiproliferative Agents, Inhibitors to the Main Protease (M pro ) of SARS-CoV-2, and Membrane Rupture-Inducing Agents
Authors: Gu Tiffany , Lu Amber , Wang Xina , Brahan Natalie , Xu Lexi , Zhang Leyuan , Su Kaitlyn , Seow Kody , Vu Julia , Luk Charissa , Lee Yunseo , Raman Anirudh , Pazzi Joseph , Njoo Edward
Published: December 2024

Initially developed as a derivatized analog of 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of colorectal cancer, carmofur has more recently demonstrated potent covalent inhibition of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Harnessing our previously described workflow for the ​​optimized preparation of carmofur using benchtop 19F NMR spectroscopy, here, we prepared and evaluated a synthetic library of nine carmofur analogs with a selection of side chain motifs or single-atom substitution to explore the diversifiability of these compounds as Mpro inhibitors, where we discovered that a hexyl carbamate analog outperformed carmofur, and as antiproliferative agents in model human cell lines to identify differences in potency when the carbonyl electrophilicity and/or alkyl side chains are modified. Finally, we describe a novel workflow for the evaluation of membrane-rupturing small molecules through imaging of fluorescently labeled giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), and through this, we identified two lipophilic urethane analogs of carmofur bearing dodecyl urethane and octadecyl urethane side chains that have potent membrane-rupturing capability in the nanomolar range, providing insight into a potential mechanism for the in vitro activities of lipidated 5-fluorouracil analogs.
Prediction of antipsychotic drug efficacy for schizophrenia treatment based on neural features of the resting-state functional connectome
Authors: Yang Yongfeng , Liu Song , Wang Meng , Han Weiyi , Chen Anran , Liu Xuzhen , Liu Kang , Li Xue , Chen Yi , Zhang Luwen , Liu Qing , Guo Xiaoge , Wang Xiujuan , Kang Ning , Han Yong , Li Yuanbo , Su Xi , Lv Luxian , Liu Bing , Li Wenqiang
Published: December 2024

Neuroimaging studies have identified a large number of biomarkers associated with schizophrenia (SZ), but there is still a lack of biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of antipsychotic medication in SZ patients. The aim of this study was to identify neuroimaging biomarkers of antipsychotic drug response among features of the resting-state connectome. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance scans were acquired from a discovery cohort of 105 patients with SZ at baseline and after 8 weeks of antipsychotic medication treatment. Baseline clinical status and post-treatment outcome were assessed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and clinical improvement was rated by the total score reduction. Based on acquired imaging data, a resting-state functional connectivity matrix was constructed for each patient, and a connectome-based predictive model was subsequently established and trained to predict individual PANSS total score reduction. Model performance was assessed by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients between predicted and true score reduction with leave-one-out cross-validation. Finally, the generalizability of the model was tested using an independent validation cohort of 52 SZ patients. The model incorporating resting-state connectome characteristics predicted individual treatment outcomes in both the discovery cohort (prediction vs. truth r = 0.59, mean squared error (MSE) = 0.021) and validation cohort (r = 0.41, MSE = 0.036). The model identified four positive features and eight negative features, which were respectively correlated positively and negatively with PANSS total score reduction. Among these positive features, the specific connections within the parietal lobe played a crucial role in the model's predictive performance. As for the negative features, they included the frontoparietal control network and the cerebello-thalamo-cortical connections. This study discovered and validated a set of functional features based on resting-state connectome, where higher connectivity of positive features and lower connectivity of negative features at baseline were associated with a higher reduction rate of PANSS total score in patients and a better therapeutic effect. These functional features can be used to predict the PANSS total score reduction rate of SZ patients through a model. Clinical doctors can potentially infer the effectiveness of antipsychotic medication treatment for patients based on the predicted results.
Implementation of multi-disciplinary morbidity, mortality and improvement conferences (MD-MM&ICs) in oral and maxillofacial surgeon training
Authors: Huang Jianyao , Shen Wenyi , Jiang Jinpeng , ZHU Huiyong , Yu Dan
Published: December 2024

Objective
Improve the comprehensive ability of frontline clinicians to address the increasingly prominent healthcare safety issues, which is a priority for medical education in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study introduces multi-disciplinary morbidity, mortality and improvement conferences (MD-MM&ICs) to oral and maxillofacial surgery departments and reports the subsequent changes in the incidence of adverse events.
Methods
From January 2020 to December 2022, using a reflective learning pathway, MD-MM&ICs were regularly conducted in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in the form of PPTs of reported cases by young surgeons. The preventive measures, early identification and treatments for adverse events (AEs) were summarized by causally categorizing the key factors for AEs, and postoperative AEs were recorded and classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CDC), in order to evaluate the changes in the frequency of AEs and the severity of injuries in the ward after the implementation of MD-MM&ICs.
Results
A total of 262 AEs occurred, 68 MD-MM&ICs were conducted, and 123 AEs were reviewed in the meetings. Postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma and wound infection were common complications after oral and maxillofacial surgery, and 60% of surgery-related complications after flap surgery were serious complications (CDC ≥ grade III). Upon the implementation of MD-MM&ICs, the number of AEs decreased year by year, along with serious complications related to the operation (CDC ≥ grade III) from 35.3–31.4%. Among them, the incidence of complications after flap surgery showed a trend of decreasing each year.
Conclusion
By regularly conducting MD-MM&ICs, the ability of physicians at all levels, especially young physicians, to identify and respond to AEs can be improved. Furthermore, not only can the frequency of AEs be reduced but also the severity of patient injuries, thereby promoting patient medical safety.
Viral enteritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: pathogens, clinical characteristics, and outcomes
Authors: Sun Hai-Lu , Zhao Xiang-Yu , Mo Xiao-Dong , Lv Meng , Sun Yu-Qian , Wei Fang-Fang , Xu Lan-Ping , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Huang Xiao-Jun , Zhao Xiao-Su , Pei Xu-Ying
Published: December 2024

Viral enteritis is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, data regarding the most frequent enteric pathogens, clinical characteristics, and patient outcomes remains limited. To better characterize post-HSCT viral enteritis, we retrospectively analyzed 59 patients who underwent allo-HSCT and were diagnosised with viral enteritis based on intestinal biopsy specimens. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were the most frequently identified pathogens, accounting for 37.3%, 37.3%, and 33.9% of cases, respectively. The median time for diagnosis was 56 days post-allo-HSCT. Diarrhea and abdominal pain were the predominant symptoms. Notably, 35 patients experienced diarrhea lasting 14 days or more, with a median duration of 16 days (range: 3–57 days). Endoscopic findings revealed concurrent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in 45 patients. The overall survival rates for patients with viral enteritis at 1 and 3 years were 58.6% and 55.3%, respectively. Importantly, patients with CMV enteritis had significantly poorer overall survival compared to those with other viral enteritis types (P = 0.035). In conclusion, viral enteritis is a significant complication following allo-HSCT, with CMV, HHV-6, and EBV being the most common pathogens. Early identification and management are crucial, especially for CMV enteritis which is associated with poorer outcomes.
Effect of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive functioning in bipolar depression
Authors: Rezaei Hakimeh , Woodham Rachel D. , Ghazi-Noori Ali-Reza , Ritter Philipp , Bramon Elvira , Bauer Michael , Young Allan H. , Fu Cynthia H.Y.
Published: December 2024

Bipolar depression is commonly accompanied by cognitive impairments. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a novel non-invasive treatment for bipolar depression. Given the portability and safety of tDCS, we developed a home-based protocol with real-time supervision. Our aim was to assess the cognitive effects of tDCS in bipolar disorder. 44 participants (31 women, mean age 47.27 ± 12.89 years) experiencing a moderate to severe depressive episode received 21 sessions of home-based tDCS over 6 weeks. The stimulation protocol involved 2 mA in a bilateral frontal montage (F3 anode, F4 cathode) for 30 minutes per session. The cognitive assessments were conducted at baseline and after the course of treatment. Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) was used to assess verbal learning and memory and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to assess psychomotor processing speed and visuospatial attention. 93.18% (n=41) completed RAVLT and 59.09% of participants (n=26) completed SDMT. A significant improvement was observed in the RAVLT short-term verbal memory score post-treatment (p = 0.002). Improvements were observed in RAVLT verbal learning, RAVLT post-interference recall, and SDMT, which were not statistically significant. In summary, cognitive performance showed an improvement in bipolar depression following treatment with home-based tDCS, suggesting it can be an effective intervention for cognitive deficits in bipolar depression and positively impact cognitive function.
Safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a single-arm, retrospective study
Authors: Liang Haifeng , Liang Wenting , Tian Jiawang , Zheng Shibei , Su Yangzhou , Huang Piao , Chen Renhui , Guan Zhong , Cai Qian
Published: December 2024

Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a very common type of head and neck cancer, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate is only 50%. Inhibitors targeting the Programmed death-1 (PD-1) pathway have gained widespread clinical adoption. However, the relationship between the infiltration characteristics of immune cells in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the effect of immunotherapy on HNSCC remains to be explored.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with HNSCC who received Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy were reviewed between February 2021 and March 30, 2024 in our single center. The laryngoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathologic response were evaluated to the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy treatment. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.
Result
Our analysis involved 42 patients who received Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy. A total of 18 patients underwent surgical treatment following the completion of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. Among them, 6 patients achieved pCR (33%). The 1-year OS rate of the 42 patients enrolled in the study was 95.05%, and the 1-year PFS rate was 89.86%. There was a significant positive correlation between the lymphocyte density in HNSCC prior to the administration of neoadjuvant PD1-inhibitor therapy combined with chemotherapy and the immunotherapy efficacy. Compared with pretreatment, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly decreased and the lymphocyte density was significantly increased in HNSCC patients after immunotherapy.
Conclusions
The integration of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy with chemotherapy has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective strategy, can improve the tumor response rate and survival rate, and is a valuable treatment for patients with HNSCC. Furthermore, the study suggests that an elevated NLR within the HNSCC tumor microenvironment could potentially serve as a biomarker indicative of diminished immunotherapy efficacy.
Low-grade mucinous neoplasm originating from intestinal duplication: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yin Huihui , Yu Jie , Chen Yunzhao
Published: December 2024

Background
Low-grade mucinous neoplasms originate from the appendix. It is typically characterized by a low-grade mucus columnar epithelial cells lined smooth muscle, compared to normal intestinal mucosa, losing submucosa. However, unusual origin can occur, as noted in this case report.
Case demonstration
Herein, we reported a 33-year-old male with physical examination revealed abdominal mass. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a cystic mass between the pancreatic tail and the adjacent bowel duct, with an obvious enhancement of the cyst wall in enhanced scanning. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgical laparoscopic resection of masses and the resected sample was sent for pathological biopsy. According to the results, the pathology was consistent with the histological morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics of the low-grade mucinous tumors arising from intestinal duplication. 3.5 years post-resection, the patient returned to the hospital for re-examination that abdominal CT and blood tumor markers showed no signs of tumor recurrence. The case report is aimed to enhance the clinical recognition of the low-grade mucinous tumors arising from intestinal duplication and improve preoperative diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate.
Conclusion
The low-grade mucinous tumorsoriginate from the appendix mostly. This case resulted from an unusual derivation from intestinal duplication.
A next generation sequencing based universal target panel and algorithm for one stop detection of copy number alterations and single nucleotide variations in the HBB gene cluster for rapid diagnosis of β-Thalassemia
Authors: Pal Debashis , Chowdhury Prosanto Kumar , Nayek Kaustav , Biswas Nidhan K , Das Subrata , Basu Anupam
Published: December 2024

Background
This study aimed to develop and validate a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel along with a data analysis algorithm to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) within the beta-globin gene cluster. The goal was to reduce turnaround time (TAT) compared to conventional genotyping methods and provide a rapid, comprehensive solution for prenatal diagnosis, carrier screening, and genotyping of β-thalassemia cases.
Methods and Results
We designed a targeted NGS panel covering an 80.4 kb region on chromosome 11, including the beta-globin gene cluster and the 5' locus control region (LCR). An advanced data analysis algorithm was developed, integrating variant calling and depth plot analysis, to enable the simultaneous detection of SNVs and CNVs in a single run. The panel and algorithm were validated using 14 in-house β-thalassemia unique carrier/patient samples and annotated variants reported in HbVar database. We identified seven pathogenic SNVs and five CNVs in the beta-globin gene cluster across various genetic conditions, including heterozygous, homozygous, and compound heterozygous states. Through HbVar database, additionally, we assessed 169 rare deletions and 11 fusion mutations reported in the HbVar database to verify the theoretical capability of our panel to detect all CNVs within the target region.
Conclusion
The developed NGS panel and algorithm effectively detect both SNVs and CNVs in a single run and can be applied for prenatal diagnosis and carrier screening of hemoglobinopathies, demonstrating its versatility and clinical utility.
Addition of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: Advancing toward quadruplet induction regimens? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Xiaolei , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Li , He Dong , Chen Huan , Zhang Hanzhen , Yuan Youhai , Zhang Cuilian , Feng Ru , Wei Yong-qiang
Published: December 2024

Background: The addition of CD38-targeted monoclonal antibodies, such as daratumumab and isatuximab, to standard treatment regimens has been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). However, the benefits in specific subgroups, particularly high-risk multiple myeloma (HRMM) defined by cytogenetic abnormalities, remain controversial.
Method: We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify studies comparing induction regimens with and without anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies in NDMM. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status rate and PFS, stratified by cytogenetic risk.
Result: A total of 5193 patients (863 patients were HRMM) in 10 randomized clinical trials were included. Of these, 2,677 patients received induction regimens containing anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, while 2,516 were treated with the same backbone regimens without the antibody. The addition of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody significantly increased the MRD-negative status rate in both transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM patients (pooled odds ratio [OR], 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72–3.10) and transplant-ineligible (TIE) NDMM patients (pooled OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.18–5.67). Furthermore, the MRD-negative status rates improved for both HRMM (pooled OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.39–2.91) and standard-risk multiple myeloma (SRMM) patients (pooled OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.87–4.58). Additionally, PFS was markedly enhanced in patients treated with anti-CD38 antibody compared to those receiving backbone regimens alone, for both TE NDMM patients (pooled hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38–0.69) and TIE NDMM patients (pooled HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43–0.62). Subgroup analyses indicated similar PFS benefits for both HRMM (pooled HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.42–0.90) and SRMM patients (pooled HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.28–0.52).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the addition of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody to induction regimens enhances the MRD-negative status rate and improves PFS in NDMM patients, regardless of cytogenetic risk.
Long-term survival in a patient with ruptured advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with nutritional therapy combined with apatinib and camrelizumab: A case report
Authors: Liang Yaohao , Ruan Tianyu , He Jiaqian , Huang Ketuan , Wei Min , Tan Shengqiang
Published: December 2024

Background
Spontaneous rupture is a fatal complication of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with an extremely poor prognosis. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and nutritional therapy have shown potential in the treatment of advanced HCC, their combined efficacy in complex cases with high tumor burden complicated by rupture and bleeding remains unclear.
Case Description:
A 54-year-old male patient was diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C HCC with high tumor burden, accompanied by a history of chronic hepatitis B and moderate malnutrition. After initial treatment with apatinib (500 mg/day) and nutritional therapy, the patient experienced HCC rupture. Following emergency transarterial embolization for hemostasis, the treatment regimen was adjusted to camrelizumab (200 mg/2 weeks) combined with reduced-dose apatinib (250 mg/day), along with continued nutritional support. After 17 months of treatment, the patient underwent hepatectomy, with pathological examination showing complete remission in the left liver. Postoperative adjuvant therapy included transarterial chemoembolization, nutritional therapy, targeted therapy, and individualized immunotherapy. As of the 4-year follow-up, the patients has good quality of life and has not experienced recurrence.
Conclusion
This case showcases a multimodal treatment strategy for patients with advanced HCC with high tumor burden and rupture complications, integrating individualized immuno-targeted therapy, interventional treatment, and nutritional management and providing a possible approach for achieving a long-term survival. This comprehensive treatment method may offer new insights into improving the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC.
Short Naps Improve Subsequent Learning in a High School Setting
Authors: Vidal Vanessa , Pretel Matias Rodolfo , Capurro Lucila , Tassone Leonela Magalí , Moyano Malen Daiana , Malacari Romina Gisele , Brusco Luis Ignacio , Ballarini Fabricio Matías , Forcato Cecilia
Published: December 2024

The application of neuroscience findings in educational settings offers promising opportunities to enhance academic performance. Adolescents, particularly affected by delayed sleep patterns due to early school start times, often experience sleep deprivation, impacting memory processes crucial for learning. The synaptic homeostasis hypothesis (SHY) posits that non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, particularly slow wave activity (0.5-4 Hz), downscales synapses potentiated during wakefulness, thereby facilitating post-sleep encoding. In this study, we evaluate the impact of a short nap on memory encoding of a biology lesson in a classroom setting. High school students were randomly assigned to either a Nap group allowed a short nap or a Control group engaging in calm activities. Following the nap or calm activities, all students received a biology lesson, followed by an immediate test. We found that students in the Nap group showed better memory encoding performance than those in the Control group. However, contrary to our hypothesis, this improvement was not explained by NREM sleep. In fact, longer periods of NREM sleep were negatively correlated with performance, potentially attributed to sleep inertia effects. Thus, while short naps proved useful for boosting academic performance, careful attention should be paid to the time interval between sleep and learning to avoid sleep inertia, particularly when applied in natural settings.
A misaligned protostellar disk fed by gas streamers in a barred spiral-like massive dense core
Authors: Liu Tie , Mai Xiaofeng , Liu Xunchuan , Zhang Bo , Yang Dongting , Juvela Mika , Xu Fengwei , Jiao Wenyu , Liu Hongli , Sanhueza Patricio , Garay Guido , Chen Xi , Qin Shengli , Vorster Job , Tej Anandmayee , Ren Zhiyuan , Dib Sami , Li Shanghuo , Hwang Jihye , Gorai Prasanta , Hoque Ariful , Zhang Yichen , Lee Jeong-Eun , Zhang Siju , Dewangan Lokesh , Bronfman Leonardo , García Pablo , Tang Xindi , Das Swagat , Wu Gang , Luo Qiuyi , Chibueze James , Zhang Yankun , Tatematsu Ken'ichi , Mannfors Emma , Tharakkai Devika , Wang Guangli , Zhu Lei , Shen Zhi-Qiang
Published: December 2024

High-mass stars, born in massive dense cores (MDCs), play a major role in the cosmic ecosystem. Yet, little is known about how MDCs assemble their mass beyond ∼0.1 pc and transport their mass into smaller and denser seeds of stellar embryos (∼100 au) and finally onto HighMass Young Stellar Objects (HMYSOs), which is the key to understand the high-mass star formation processes. Leveraging multi-scale observations at 40–2500 au resolutions toward an MDC with at least one HMYSO associated, we discovered a dynamical system analogous to the barred spiral structures in galaxies. It shows three prominent ∼20,000 au long spiral arms feeding a bar-like elongated structure (∼7,500 au, hereafter denoted as “bar”) at the center. The “bar” further transports gas to a disk through gas streamers. The pseudodisk (>2,000 au) revealed in methanol thermal emission, the Keplerian disk (∼500 au) traced by Class II methanol masers, and the inner disk (∼100 au) traced by long-baseline (0.03 ′′ ) 1.3 mm continuum emission are misaligned. A collimated bipolar outflow is detected launching from the HMYSO. These dynamical features highlight the multi-scale mass accretion through well-organized hierarchical structures during the formation of HMYSOs. Our discovery manifests that this “spirals-bar-disk-outflow” complex exists not only in galaxies as a whole but also in the galactic localized regions where high-mass stars form. The structures and dynamics of galaxies could provide stimulating insights into high-mass star formation, and vice versa.
Creation and advancement of composites based on Polyamide 12 (PA12) reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles
Authors: CHELIL O , LAKHDARI D , HOUAS N , REMICHI A , SELLAI L
Published: December 2024

Our research aims to create nanocomposites composed of polyamide 12 (PA12) reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles at various concentrations (1.5%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) as well as composites composed of polyamide 12 and to use them to adsorb methylene blue (MB). According to adsorption experiments, it has been shown that the adsorption rate varies depending on various factors such as the initial concentration of the solution, contact period, and pH. The various prepared samples were subjected to different analyses such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical microscopy, and structural modifications obtained through UV-visible and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. According to the results, it was observed that the PA 12 film becomes less homogeneous and rougher as the amount of ZnO nanoparticles in the PA12 matrix increases. The dye (methylene blue) was absorbed by the polyamide 12 film alone in 20 minutes (pH = 10) and in 5 minutes (pH = 12) for the nanocomposite PA12/ZnO (15%). The increase in the rate and amount adsorbed is due to the strong affinity between the adsorbate and the adsorbent as well as the availability of free adsorption sites on the surface of the bioadsorbent from the first contact.
JOSÉ ISRAEL VARGAS: ESSÊNCIAS DA VIDA E OBRA DE UM LÍDER DA CIÊNCIA NO BRASIL
Authors: A. Barbosa Luiz C. , E. Faria Luciano , D. Fabris José
Published: December 2024

JOSÉ ISRAEL VARGAS: ESSENCES OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF A SCIENCE LEADER IN BRAZIL. A brief overview of the long-standing and rich academic and scientific career of Professor José Israel Vargas is presented, along with some of his thoughts and notable achievements since obtaining his university degree in Chemistry from Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He received his doctorate from the Faculty of Physical Chemistry (1960, Cambridge University, UK), working with radiochemistry and hyperfine interactions. Six years after his return to Brazil, he began working as a leading researcher at the Centre d’Études Nucléaires de Grenoble, France, where he stayed until 1972. He then once more returned to Brazil and initiated a time of intense scientific activity at the Department of Chemistry, UFMG, as well as of great involvement in science and technology policy in Brazil. In 1977, he was appointed the first state secretary for Science and Technology in Minas Gerais; from 1994 to 2000, he served as the Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The present paper will highlight his key role in fostering the scientific careers of numerous young scientists and also pay him homage to recognize his significant contributions to Brazilian and French science, particularly in chemistry and physics.
Analiza statystyki dawek w narządach krytycznych dla zmian nowotworowych zlokalizowanych w odcinku piersiowym i lędźwiowym kręgosłupa leczonych z intencją paliatywną w stereotaktycznym zrobotyzowanym systemie CyberKnife
Authors: Kosmowska Justyna , Krynicki Kacper , Radomiak Maria , Skrobała Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Celem pracy jest analiza statystki dawek w narządach krytycznych dla zmian nowotworowych zlokalizowanych w kościach leczonych paliatywnie dla planów zrealizowanych za pomocą stereotaktycznego zrobotyzowanego systemu CyberKnife. Wybrano 15 pacjentów, którym zostały wcześniej przygotowane plany leczenia w dedykowanym systemie planowana leczenia. Grupę stanowili pacjenci ze zmianami nowotworowymi zlokalizowanymi w kręgosłupie piersiowym oraz lędźwiowym o różnej liczbie frakcji (1, 3, 5) i dawce zadanej od 16 Gy w pojedynczej frakcji do dawki zadanej 30 Gy w 5 frakcjach. Analizie poddano różnice dawek maksymalnych z dawkami tolerancji dla poszczególnych narządów krytycznych. W wyniku analizy porównawczej statystyki dawek pochłoniętych w wybranych planach leczenia z dawkami tolerancji w narządach krytycznych dla zmian nowotworowych zlokalizowanych w odcinku piersiowym i lędźwiowym kręgosłupa leczonych z intencją paliatywną w stereotaktycznym zrobotyzowanym systemie CyberKnife, stwierdzono , że dla wszystkich narządów krytycznych znajdujących się w odcinku piersiowym i lędźwiowym kręgosłupa spełniono dawki tolerancji zgodnie z raportem Grimm i et al. 2011r. [6].
Physical Quality of Broiler Meat Given Synbiotics from Probio_FM and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) in Rations
Authors: Pratama Yayan Yogi , Mairizal Mairizal , Yusrizal Yusrizal
Published: December 2024

This research aims to determine the effect of providing synbiotics from Probio_FM and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) in the ration on the physical quality of broiler meat at a certain level. The material used was 200 DOC (Day Old Chick) Lohman strain MB 202 Platinum strains produced by PT Japfa Comfeed. Broilers were maintained for 35 days, this study used 5 treatments and 4 replications, namely P0 (commercial feed + 0% Probio_FM and MOS (Control)), P1 (commercial feed + 0.25% Probio_FM and MOS), P2 (commercial feed + 0 .50% Probio_FM and MOS), P3 (commercial feed + 0.75% Probio_FM and MOS), P4 (commercial feed + 1 % Probio_FM and MOS.  The variables observed were meat pH, cooking loss and water holding capacity (WHC). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), if there was a significant effect then it was continued with the Duncan test. The results showed that administration of synbiotics from Probio_FM and MOS had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the physical quality of broiler meat which included pH value, binding capacity. water, and cooking loss. It was concluded that synbiotics from Probio_FM and MOS could be added to the ration without reducing the physical quality of broiler meat.