bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exopolysaccharides of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorate Salmonella typhimurium-induced intestinal inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway
Authors: Li Jinze , Li Qiuke , Wu Qianhui , Gao Nan , Wang Zhihua , Yang Yang , Shan Anshan
Published: March 2023

Background

Salmonella typhimurium (S.T), as an important foodborne bacterial pathogen, can cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis in humans and animals. Numerous studies have confirmed that exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have various biological functions, but the mechanism through which EPSs improve the immunity of animals against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria is unclear. Here, we explored the protective effect of EPSs of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on the S.T-infected intestine.

Methods

Mice received adequate food and drinking water for one week before the start of the experiment. After 7 d of prefeeding, 2×108 CFU/mL S.T solution and an equivalent volume of saline (control group) were given orally for 1 d. On the fourth day, the mice were treated with 0.5 mg/mL EPSs, 1.0 mg/mL EPSs, 2.0 mg/mL EPSs, or 2.0 mg/mL penicillin for 7 d. Finally, the body and relative organ weight, histological staining, and the levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokines were determined.

Results

The S.T-infected mice exhibited symptoms of decreased appetite, somnolence, diarrhea and flagging spirit. Treatment with EPSs and penicillin improved the weight loss of the mice, and the high dose of EPSs showed the best therapeutic effect. EPSs significantly ameliorated S.T-induced ileal injury in mice. High-dose EPSs were more effective than penicillin for alleviating ileal oxidative damage induced by S.T. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in the ileum of mice showed that the regulatory effects of EPSs on inflammatory cytokines were better than those of penicillin. EPSs could inhibit the expression and activation of key proteins of the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK pathway and thereby suppress the level of S.T-induced ileal inflammation.

Conclusions

EPSs attenuate S.T-induced immune responses by inhibiting the expression of key proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, EPSs could promote bacterial aggregation into clusters, which may be a potential strategy for reducing the bacterial invasion of intestinal epithelial cells.
Ubiquitin-specific protease 28: the decipherment of its dual roles in cancer development
Authors: Ren Xiaoya , Jiang Menglong , Ding Peng , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhou Xin , Shen Jian , Liu Dong , Yan Xiaolong , Ma Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

As significant posttranslational modifications, ubiquitination and deubiquitination, whose balance is modulated by ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), can regulate many biological processes, such as controlling cell cycle progression, signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Belonging to DUBs, ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28) plays an essential role in turning over ubiquitination and then contributing to the stabilization of quantities of substrates, including several cancer-related proteins. In previous studies, USP28 has been demonstrated to participate in the progression of various cancers. Nevertheless, several reports have recently shown that in addition to promoting cancers, USP28 can also play an oncostatic role in some cancers. In this review, we summarize the correlation between USP28 and tumor behaviors. We initially give a brief introduction of the structure and related biological functions of USP28, and we then introduce some concrete substrates of USP28 and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, the regulation of the actions and expression of USP28 is also discussed. Moreover, we concentrate on the impacts of USP28 on diverse hallmarks of cancer and discuss whether USP28 can accelerate or inhibit tumor progression. Furthermore, clinical relevance, including impacting clinical prognosis, influencing therapy resistance and being the therapy target in some cancers, is depicted systematically. Thus, assistance may be given to future experimental designs by the information provided here, and the potential of targeting USP28 for cancer therapy is emphasized.
Controlling the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression to identify actual metabolite targets in microsatellite instability cancers
Authors: Li Chung-I. , Yeh Yu-Min , Tsai Yi-Shan , Huang Tzu-Hsuan , Shen Meng-Ru , Lin Peng-Chan
Published: March 2023

Background

The metabolome is the best representation of cancer phenotypes. Gene expression can be considered a confounding covariate affecting metabolite levels. Data integration across metabolomics and genomics to establish the biological relevance of cancer metabolism is challenging. This study aimed to eliminate the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression to reflect actual metabolite levels in microsatellite instability (MSI) cancers.

Methods

In this study, we propose a new strategy using covariate-adjusted tensor classification in high dimensions (CATCH) models to integrate metabolite and metabolic gene expression data to classify MSI and microsatellite stability (MSS) cancers. We used datasets from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) phase II project and treated metabolomic data as tensor predictors and data on gene expression of metabolic enzymes as confounding covariates.

Results

The CATCH model performed well, with high accuracy (0.82), sensitivity (0.66), specificity (0.88), precision (0.65), and F1 score (0.65). Seven metabolite features adjusted for metabolic gene expression, namely, 3-phosphoglycerate, 6-phosphogluconate, cholesterol ester, lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), phosphatidylcholine, reduced glutathione, and sarcosine, were found in MSI cancers. Only one metabolite, Hippurate, was present in MSS cancers. The gene expression of phosphofructokinase 1 (PFKP), which is involved in the glycolytic pathway, was related to 3-phosphoglycerate. ALDH4A1 and GPT2 were associated with sarcosine. LPE was associated with the expression of CHPT1, which is involved in lipid metabolism. The glycolysis, nucleotide, glutamate, and lipid metabolic pathways were enriched in MSI cancers.

Conclusions

We propose an effective CATCH model for predicting MSI cancer status. By controlling the confounding effect of metabolic gene expression, we identified cancer metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In addition, we provided the possible biology and genetics of MSI cancer metabolism.
The study protocol for the randomized controlled trial of the effects of a theory-based intervention on resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle in healthcare workers
Authors: Akbari Maryam , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Cousins Rosanna , Mokarami Hamidreza , Rahimi Taghanaki Changiz , Jahangiri Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Background

The workplace has been identified as a key determinant of health status. There is evidence of innumerable health problems among employees, particularly healthcare workers. Against this background, a holistic-systemic approach together with a good theoretical framework is required to reflect on this issue, and to support the design of effective interventions to promote the health and wellbeing of the given population. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle in healthcare workers, utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory integrated into the PRECEDE-PROCEED model.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial will be performed on a large sample of the employees working in two healthcare centers in the city of Shiraz, Iran. The study will proceed with the healthcare workers of one city being given the educational intervention and the healthcare workers of the other city serving as a control group. Using a census method, all healthcare workers in the two cities will be informed of the trial and its purpose, and then invitations to join the study will be issued. The minimum sample size required has been calculated as 66 individuals in each healthcare centers. Recruitment to the trial will by systematic random sampling of eligible employees who submit an expression of interest in joining the trial, and subsequently give informed consent. Data will be collected through a self-administered survey instrument at three stages: at baseline, and both immediately and three months after the intervention. The experimental group members should participate in at least eight of the ten weekly educational sessions of the intervention and complete the surveys in the three stages. There is no educational intervention for the control group, and they simply experience some routine programs, and complete the surveys at the same three timepoints.

Discussion

The findings will provide evidence for the possible effectiveness of a theory-based educational intervention to improve resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle among healthcare workers. If the educational intervention is found to be effective, then its protocol will be exploited in other organizations to boost resilience.

Trial registration IRCT20220509054790N1.
Comparison of the effects of different rapid maxillary expansion techniques on craniofacial structures: a finite element analysis study
Authors: Kaya Nihal , Seker Elif Dilara , Yücesoy Türker
Published: March 2023

Aim

To compare the effects of three different maxillary expansion appliances with five different types of expansion modalities on stress distribution and displacement on the maxilla and its adjacent craniofacial structures using the finite element method (FEM).

Materials and methods

Cone-beam computed tomography data of a patient with maxillary transverse deficiency were rendered into a three-dimensional model of craniomaxillary structures. The expansion appliances included tooth-borne, hybrid, and bone-borne expanders. Five different expansion modalities were applied to each expander [conventional Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) (type 1), midpalatal suture cortico-puncture-assisted RME (type 2), LeFort l cortico-puncture-assisted RME (type 3), surgically assisted RME (SARME) without pterygomaxillary junction (PMJ) separation (type 4), and SARME with bilateral PMJ separation (type 5)]. The numerical and visual data were analyzed.

Results

The highest amount of stress accumulation on teeth was found in the tooth-borne and hybrid groups. On the other hand, more stress concentration on the maxilla was observed in the bone-borne group. SARME cuts with PMJ separation increased total movement by reducing the stress on the midpalatal suture in all groups. While types 1, 2, and 3 were similar in terms of the amounts of displacement, types 4 and 5 increased the total amount of displacement in all groups. The total amounts of displacements from the highest value to the lowest value for the anterior and posterior maxilla were in the bone-borne, tooth-borne, and hybrid groups.

Conclusions

SARME cuts were effective in reducing stress on the teeth, but the cortico-puncture application affected neither the stress values on the teeth nor the transverse displacement in the tooth-borne expanders. Surgical procedures such as SARME and corticotomy should be used with bone-borne devices to improve the outcomes of maxillary expansion procedures.
An exploratory approach to data driven knowledge creation
Authors: Thanos Costantino , Meghini Carlo , Bartalesi Valentina , Coro Gianpaolo
Published: March 2023

This paper describes a new approach to knowledge creation that is instrumental for the emerging paradigm of data-intensive science. The proposed approach enables the acquisition of new insights from the data by exploiting existing relationships between diverse types of datasets acquired through various modalities. The value of data consistently improves when it can be linked to other data because linking multiple types of datasets allows creating novel data patterns within a scientific data space. These patterns enable the exploratory data analysis, an analysis strategy that emphasizes incremental and adaptive access to the datasets constituting a scientific data space while maintaining an open mind to alternative possibilities of data interconnectivity. A technology, the Linked Open data (LOD), was developed to enable the linking of datasets. We argue that the LOD technology presents several limitations that prevent the full exploitation of this technology to acquire new insights. In this paper, we outline a new approach that enables researchers to dynamically create data patterns in a research data space by exploiting explicit and implicit/hidden relationships between distributed research datasets. This dynamic creation of data patterns enables the exploratory data analysis strategy.
Evaluation of nano-silicon efficiency on compatible solutes and nutrient status of Damask rose affected by in vitro simulated drought stress
Authors: Seyed Hajizadeh Hanifeh , Azizi Sahar , Rasouli Farzad , Kaya Ozkan
Published: March 2023

Background

Drought stress is a critical environmental factor that disturbs plant performance. However, some non-essential elements such as silicon can improve water deficit tolerance by modulating photosynthesis assimilates and compatible solutes production. Therefore, the present work was conducted to modulate polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced water deficiency under in vitro culture in Damask rose genotypes (Maragheh and Kashan) by nano-silicon (SiO2-NPs) treatment. A completely randomized factorial experiment was used as three concentrations of SiO2-NPs (0, 50, and 100 mg L−1) and five concentrations of PEG (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g L−1). Then, the comparative effects of water deficiency on vegetative traits, metabolites, and nutrients were studied.

Results

The drought promoted a significant decrease in chlorophyll, fresh/dry weight, biomass, and an increase in electrolyte leakage. The amount of micro- and macronutrients were affected by drought stress and decreased in both genotypes. In contrast, the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) along with biochemical traits was increased. Treatment with SiO2-NPs improved the leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll, and biomass under severe water deficiency. The concentration of compatible solutes such as carbohydrates, total flavonoid content (TFC), TPC, anthocyanin, and antioxidative capacity enhanced by the application of SiO2-NPs by about twofolded. As well as an increase in PEG concentration, the absorption of nutritional elements such as P, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu was decreased. However, SiO2-NPs application especially at 100 mg L−1 increased the amount of nutrient absorption.

Conclusions

In general, the drought tolerance in Damask rose was associated mainly with its suitable manipulation of antioxidant production and orderly enhancement of nutrient adsorption, so that the effect of SiO2-NPs in improving the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of ʻKashanʼ was more than that of ʻMaraghehʼ. These results briefly highlight that the SiO2-NPs may provide greater tolerance to drought stress in Damask rose.

Graphical Abstract
Prioritization of pig farm biosecurity for control of Salmonella and hepatitis E virus infections: results of a European expert opinion elicitation
Authors: Galipó Erika , Zoche-Golob Veit , Sassu Elena Lucia , Prigge Christopher , Sjölund Marie , Tobias Tijs , Rzeżutka Artur , Smith Richard Piers , Burow Elke
Published: March 2023

Background

In the literature, there is absent or weak evidence on the effectiveness of biosecurity measures to the control ofSalmonellaspp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) on pig farms. Therefore, the present study aimed to collect, weigh, and compare opinions from experts on the relevance of several biosecurity measures. An online questionnaire was submitted to selected experts, from multiple European countries, knowledgeable on either HEV orSalmonellaspp.,in either indoor or outdoor pig farming systems (settings). The experts ranked the relevance of eight biosecurity categories with regards to effectiveness in reducing the two pathogens separately, by assigning a score from a total of 80, and within each biosecurity category they scored the relevance of specific biosecurity measures (scale 1–5). Agreement among experts was analysed across pathogens and acrosssettings.

Results

After filtering for completeness and expertise, 46 responses were analysed, with 52% of the experts identified as researchers/scientists, whereas the remaining 48% consisted of non-researchers, veterinary practitioners and advisors, governmental staff, and consultant/industrial experts. The experts self-declared their level of knowledge but neither Multidimensional Scaling nor k-means cluster analyses produced evidence of an association between expertise and the biosecurity answers, and so all experts’ responses were analysed together without weighting or adaptation. Overall, the top-ranked biosecurity categories werepig mixing;cleaning and disinfection;feed, water and bedding; andpurchase of pigs or semen, while the lowest ranked categories weretransport,equipment,animals(other than pigs and including wildlife) andhumans.Cleaning and disinfectionwas ranked highest for both pathogens in the indoor setting, whereaspig mixingwas highest for outdoorsettings. Several (94/222, 42.3%) measures across all foursettingswere considered highly relevant. Measures with high disagreement between the respondents were uncommon (21/222, 9.6%), but more frequent for HEV compared toSalmonellaspp.

Conclusions

The implementation of measures from multiple biosecurity categories was considered important to controlSalmonellaspp. and HEV on farms, and pig mixing activities, as well as cleaning and disinfection practices, were perceived as consistently more important than others. Similarities and differences in the prioritised biosecurity measures were identified between indoor and outdoor systems and pathogens. The study identified the need for further research especially for control of HEV and for biosecurity in outdoor farming.
Spatial distribution and determinants of high-risk fertility behavior among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia
Authors: Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Chilot Dagmawi , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Merid Mehari Woldemariam , Kibret Anteneh Ayelign , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Asratie Melaku Hunie
Published: March 2023

Background

In low-and-middle-income, including Ethiopia, high-risk fertility behavior is a major public health concern. High-risk fertility behavior has an adverse influence on maternal and child health, which hampered efforts to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of high-risk fertility behavior among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia using recent nationally representative data.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was done with a total weighted sample of 5865 reproductive-aged women using the latest mini EDHS 2019. The spatial distribution of high-risk fertility behavior in Ethiopia was determined using spatial analysis. Multilevel multivariable regression analysis was used to identify predictors of high-risk fertility behavior in Ethiopia.

Results

The prevalence of high-risk fertility behavior among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia was 73.50% (95% CI 72.36%, 74.62%). Women with primary education [AOR = 0.44; 95%CI; 0.37, 0.52], women with secondary and above education [AOR = 0.26; 95%CI; 0.20, 0.34], being Protestant religion followers [AOR = 1.47; 95%CI; 1.15, 1.89], being Muslim religion follower [AOR = 1.56; 95%CI; 1.20, 2.01], having television [AOR = 2.06; 95%CI; 1.54, 2.76], having ANC visit [AOR = 0.78; 95%CI; 0.61, 0.99], using contraception [AOR = 0.77; 95%CI; 0.65, 0.90], living in rural areas [AOR = 1.75; 95%CI; 1.22, 2.50] were significantly associated with high-risk fertility behavior. Significant hotspots of high-risk fertility behavior were detected in Somalia, SNNPR, Tigray region, and Afar regions of Ethiopia.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of women in Ethiopia engaged in high-risk fertility behavior. High-risk fertility behavior was distributed non-randomly across Ethiopian regions. Policymakers and stakeholders should design interventions that take into account the factors that predispose women to have high-risk fertility behaviors and women who reside in areas with a high proportion of high-risk fertility behaviors to reduce the consequences of high-risk fertility behaviors.
Prognostic analysis of curatively resected pancreatic cancer using harmonized positron emission tomography radiomic features
Authors: Watanabe Masao , Ashida Ryo , Miyakoshi Chisato , Arizono Shigeki , Suga Tsuyoshi , Kanao Shotaro , Kitamura Koji , Ogawa Takahisa , Ishikura Reiichi
Published: March 2023

Background

Texture features reflecting tumour heterogeneity enable us to investigate prognostic factors. The R package ComBat can harmonize the quantitative texture features among several positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. We aimed to identify prognostic factors among harmonized PET radiomic features and clinical information from pancreatic cancer patients who underwent curative surgery.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients underwent preoperative enhanced dynamic computed tomography (CT) scanning and fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT using four PET scanners. Using LIFEx software, we measured PET radiomic parameters including texture features with higher order and harmonized these PET parameters. For progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), we evaluated clinical information, including age, TNM stage, and neural invasion, and the harmonized PET radiomic features based on univariate Cox proportional hazard regression. Next, we analysed the prognostic indices by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression (1) by using either significant (p < 0.05) or borderline significant (p = 0.05–0.10) indices in the univariate analysis (first multivariate analysis) or (2) by using the selected features with random forest algorithms (second multivariate analysis). Finally, we checked these multivariate results by log-rank test.

Results

Regarding the first multivariate analysis for PFS after univariate analysis, age was the significant prognostic factor (p = 0.020), and MTV and GLCM contrast were borderline significant (p = 0.051 and 0.075, respectively). Regarding the first multivariate analysis of OS, neural invasion, Shape sphericity and GLZLM LZLGE were significant (p = 0.019, 0.042 and 0.0076). In the second multivariate analysis, only MTV was significant (p = 0.046) for PFS, whereas GLZLM LZLGE was significant (p = 0.047), and Shape sphericity was borderline significant (p = 0.088) for OS. In the log-rank test, age, MTV and GLCM contrast were borderline significant for PFS (p = 0.08, 0.06 and 0.07, respectively), whereas neural invasion and Shape sphericity were significant (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively), and GLZLM LZLGE was borderline significant for OS (p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Other than the clinical factors, MTV and GLCM contrast for PFS and Shape sphericity and GLZLM LZLGE for OS may be prognostic PET parameters. A prospective multicentre study with a larger sample size may be warranted.
Repair of spina bifida cystica: an institutional experience
Authors: Khalil Amr Farid , Badr Hatem Ibraheem , Zaher Ahmed , Elshirbiny Mohammad Fekry , Elnaggar Ahmed Mahmoud , Badran Mohamed , Zayed Ahmed Elsaaid , Abdelhalim Mostafa Mohammed , Amen Mohamed Mohsen
Published: March 2023

Objective

Although most cases with spina bifida cystica could be closed by primary skin closure with or without undermining its edges, about 25% of patients have large defects not amenable for closure by these simple methods. We conducted this study to review our techniques in closing spina bifida cystica defects.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of consecutive 21 patients diagnosed with spina bifida cystica in our setting. According to the surface area of the defect, the approach was decided; primary closure for small defects (11 cases) and flap-based approach for large defects (10 patients).

Results

The age of the included pediatric patients ranged between 3 and 75 days. For the primary closure cases, a vertical incision was done in seven cases. For the flap-based group, bilateral rotation transposition flap was done for circular defects (7 cases) while elliptical ones were repaired via bilateral V–Y flap. Complete skin healing was achieved after two weeks (range 12–18 days) in most cases. Complications were as follows; for the primary closure group, cerebrospinal fluid leakage (18.18%%), partial wound dehiscence (18.18%) and superficial surgical site infection (9.09%). In the flap-based group, CSF leakage (20%), superficial surgical site infection (10%), and distal flap necrosis (30%) were detected. Reoperation for wound complication was needed only in one case in the flap-based group.

Conclusions

Flap-based procedures are recommended for patients with large spina bifida cystica defects because of less tissue dissection and low complication rates. Primary closure should be kept for small defects.
A new receiver clock model to enhance BDS-3 real-time PPP time transfer with the PPP-B2b service
Authors: Ge Yulong , Wang Qing , Wang Yong , Lyu Daqian , Cao Xinyun , Shen Fei , Meng Xiaolin
Published: March 2023

A new Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service, called the PPP-B2b service, has been implemented in the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), which brings new opportunities for time transfer. However, the solution using the traditional PPP method with the PPP-B2b correction still absorbs some unknown errors and needs reconverging when there exist abnormal data. We developed a new receiver clock model to improve PPP time transfer using the PPP-B2b correction. The traditional PPP time transfers using PPP-B2b with BDS-3, Global Positioning System (GPS), and BDS-3/GPS (Scheme1) are compared with the corresponding time transfer with the proposed clock model (Scheme2). The results show that GPS-only PPP is not recommended because of low accuracy of 2 ns. BDS-3 or BDS-3/GPS PPP time transfers in Scheme1 can realize about 0.2 ns accuracy. When the new clock model is applied, the accuracy can be improved by up to 45% and 39.8% for BDS-3 and BDS-3/GPS PPP, respectively. The proposed clock model can significantly improve the short-term frequency stability by 57.4%, but less for the long-term stability.
Quality of life among Iranian major depressive disorder patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Rezaiye Milad , Radfar Moloud , MaslakPak Masumeh Hemmati
Published: March 2023

Background

Research indicates that the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is high and it reduces patient’s Quality of Life (QoL). Nowadays, in addition to reducing the symptoms of MDD, emphasis is on the concept of QoL as the purpose of treating these patients. However, we still do not know what these patient’s attitudes and perceptions are about QoL. This study aims to clarify the Iranian patient’s attitudes and perceptions of QoL’s meaning through a qualitative paradigm.

Results

During the data analysis, “Agitation factors”, “Destructive effects”, and “Gratifications” were developed as three main themes with 13 main categories, 39 sub-categories, and 879 codes. According to the findings the main priority of patients with MDD was Agitation factors, which plays a remarkable role in the concept of QoL.

Conclusions

MDD leads to deterioration in the QoL of these individuals in different parts. The novelty of this study leads to the creation of a deep and realistic attitude in national and global nurses towards the QoL of majorly depressed patients in order to remove the aggravating factors of the disorder and create a pleasant life based on the adequate and specialized understanding of the consequences of this disorder according to the preferences of patients and provide a suitable quality of life for these patients.
MRI of the pelvic floor in female patients with stress urinary incontinence, pre- and postoperative and/or physiotherapy: analysis of the defect-specific approach
Authors: Abdelrahman Sherif Fathy , Abdelatty Mohamed A. , Amer Basma , Kamel Sara Mahmoud , Hussein Ahmed Fathy , El Sayed Rania Farouk
Published: March 2023

Background

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common disabling pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly among aging women. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with dynamic sequences has been proven reliable for detecting pelvic floor weaknesses, especially with multiple compartments defects. Since surgical and non-surgical management options exist, detailed imaging analysis and comprehension of the various surgical and non-surgical interventions are crucial for surgical planning and postoperative evaluation. However, patients often present with recurrent or new symptoms after surgery, where MR imaging is necessary to detect complications in this setting. We aimed to analyze MR images pre- and postoperative/intervention using the defect-specific approach aiming at better understanding of the underlying complication and/or the cause of recurrence.

Results

Thirty female patients with SUI were included in the study; 20 underwent surgery, 6 were treated by physiotherapy only, while 3 patients underwent both surgery and physiotherapy and 1 patient was treated conservatively. According to their clinical symptoms, patients with successful surgical/physiotherapy outcome were 18 cases (60%), while unsuccessful group comprised of 12 cases (40%) is classified as follows: persistent complaints subgroup 7 patients (23.3%), de novo complaint subgroup 2 patients (6.7%), while the complicated subgroup is comprised of 2 patients (6.7%) and the persistent/de novo complaints subgroup of the unsuccessful group is composed of 1 case (3.3%). They all underwent MRI of the pelvic floor with a standardized technique, pre- and postoperative/physiotherapy. Changes in level III endopelvic fascia defects between the pre- and postoperative/physiotherapy studies were statistically significant (p = 0.045). Urinary bladder and uterine descent were also found statistically significant between the pre- and postoperative/physiotherapy studies (p = 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). Comparing successful and unsuccessful groups pre- and postoperative/therapy, levator plate angle (LPA) was found statistically significant as well (p = 0.039 preoperative and p = 0.001 postoperative).

Conclusions

Analysis of the pre- and postoperative static and dynamic MRI sequences along with proper understanding of the preformed intervention can pinpoint the underlying pathology leading to the recurrent or de novo symptom and/or complications. The defect-specific approach can help determine the underlying pelvic floor defect by altering the MRI techniques tailored for each patient according to their complaint.
Role of GSDMD and VEGF in differentiating between malignant and non-malignant pleural effusions
Authors: El-Kalashy Mai Mahmoud , Eid Hanaa Abdelmohsen , Awad Samah Mohammed , Allam Esraa Tawfik , Hassan Reham Ahmed Abdelaziz , El-Koa Amal Ali
Published: March 2023

Background

It is crucial to differentiate between benign and malignant pleural effusions while making a diagnosis. The purpose of this research was to investigate the diagnostic significance of GSDMD and VEGF in discriminating between different kinds of pleural effusion and their correlation with both progression-free and overall survivals in the malignant type.

Methods

Ninety-one pleural fluid samples, which were classified as transudates or exudates (tuberculous, para-infectious, or malignant) by pleural fluid classifications, were tested for GSDMD using sandwich ELIZA kits, and 41 of the exudative samples were randomly selected for VEGF testing. Both markers' diagnostic accuracy was assessed.

Results

The lowest level of GSDMD was associated with the transudate group (mean and SD of 2.35 ± 0.44 ng/mL) and the highest in the malignant effusion group (mean and SD of 4.38 ± 1.67 ng/mL). The specificity and sensitivity of GSDMD in the diagnosis of exudative PE were 97% and 98%, respectively (p = 0.001) with the cutoff point = 2.89). Regarding VEGF, its level was 222.3 ± 53.4 pg/ml for all studied samples where MPE (n = 21) was 261.2 ± 48.2 pg/ ml (mean ± SD), TBPE (n = 7) was 185.4 ± 6.96 pg/ml (mean ± SD), and PIPE (n = 13) was 179.3 ± 13.9 pg/ml (mean ± SD). The diagnostic accuracy of VEGF for the detection of MPE was 90% with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80% and the cutoff point was 191.5 pg/ml. There were highly significant inverse correlations between progression-free survival and both GSDMD (r =− 0.531, p = 0.009) and VEGF (r = − 0.582, p = 0.006) in MPE.

Conclusion

Pleural effusion GSDMD can be an effective marker for differentiating the different kinds of PE, and VEGF levels can be a useful adjuvant marker in screening out MPE as a possible diagnosis, leading to the proper selection of patients who may benefit from more invasive procedures.
Lung cancer in the emergency department
Authors: Walder Jeremy R. , Faiz Saadia A. , Sandoval Marcelo
Published: March 2023

Background

Though decreasing in incidence and mortality in the USA, lung cancer remains the deadliest of all cancers. For a significant number of patients, the emergency department (ED) provides the first pivotal step in lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and management. As screening recommendations and treatments advance, ED providers must stay up-to-date with the latest lung cancer recommendations. The purpose of this review is to identify the many ways that emergency providers may intersect with the disease spectrum of lung cancer and provide an updated array of knowledge regarding detection, management, complications, and interdisciplinary care.

Findings

Lung cancer, encompassing 10–12% of cancer-related emergency department visits and a 66% admission rate, is the most fatal malignancy in both men and women. Most patients presenting to the ED have not seen a primary care provider or undergone screening. Ultimately, half of those with a new lung cancer diagnosis in the ED die within 1 year. Incidental findings on computed tomography are mostly benign, but emergency staff must be aware of the factors that make them high risk. Radiologic presentations range from asymptomatic nodules to diffuse metastatic lesions with predominately pulmonary symptoms, and some may present with extra-thoracic manifestations including neurologic. The short-term prognosis for ED lung cancer patients is worse than that of other malignancies. Screening offers new hope through earlier diagnosis but is underutilized which may be due to racial and socioeconomic disparities. New treatments provide optimism but lead to new complications, some long-term. Multidisciplinary care is essential, and emergency medicine is responsible for the disposition of patients to the appropriate specialists at inpatient and outpatient centers.

Conclusion

ED providers are intimately involved in all aspects of lung cancer care. Risk factor modification and referral for lung cancer screening are opportunities to further enhance patient care. In addition, with the advent of newer cancer therapies, ED providers must stay vigilant and up-to-date with all aspects of lung cancer including disparities, staging, symptoms of disease, prognosis, treatment, and therapy-related complications.
Factors Predicting the Extent to which STEM Students Value Cross-Disciplinary Skills: A Study across Four Institutions
Authors: Wheeler Lindsay B. , Thompson Katerina V. , Marbach-Ad Gili , Sheehan Patrick , Bortiatynski Jacqueline L. , Ghent Cindy
Published: March 2023

Relationships between graduating STEM majors’ value of cross-disciplinary skills, classroom experiences, prior research experience, discipline, race, and gender were explored within an expectancy-value theory of motivation framework.
Adding boundary terms to Anderson localized Hamiltonians leads to unbounded growth of entanglement
Authors: Huang Yichen
Published: March 2023

It is well known that in Anderson localized systems, starting from a random product state the entanglement entropy remains bounded at all times. However, we show that adding a single boundary term to an Anderson localized Hamiltonian leads to unbounded growth of entanglement. Our results imply that Anderson localization is not a local property. One cannot conclude that a subsystem has Anderson localized behavior without looking at the whole system, as a term that is arbitrarily far from the subsystem can affect the dynamics of the subsystem in such a way that the features of Anderson localization are lost.
Over-expressing NadA quinolinate synthase inEscherichia colienhances the bioelectrochemistry in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Wang Lei , Yu Changyuan
Published: March 2023

The microbial fuel cell (MFC), which converts biomass energy into electricity through microbial metabolism, is one of the important devices for generating new bioenergy. However, low power production efficiency limits the development of MFCs. One possible method to solve this problem is to genetically modify the microbial metabolism pathways to enhance the efficiency of MFCs. In this study, we over-expressed the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide A quinolinate synthase gene (nadA) in order to increase the NADH/+ level in Escherichia coli and obtain a new electrochemically active bacteria strain. The following experiments showed an enhanced performance of the MFC, including increased peak voltage output (70.81 mV) and power density (0.29 μW/cm2), which increased by 361% and 20.83% compared to the control group, respectively. These data suggest that genetic modification of electricity producing microbes could be a potential way to improve MFC performance.
Membrane tethers at a glance
Authors: Szentgyörgyi Viktória , Spang Anne
Published: March 2023

Cargo delivery from one compartment to the next relies on the fusion of vesicles with different cellular organelles in a process that requires the concerted action of tethering factors. Although all tethers act to bridge vesicle membranes to mediate fusion, they form very diverse groups as they differ in composition, and in their overall architecture and size, as well as their protein interactome. However, their conserved function relies on a common design. Recent data on class C Vps complexes indicates that tethers play a significant role in membrane fusion beyond vesicle capturing. Furthermore, these studies provide additional mechanistic insights into membrane fusion events and reveal that tethers should be considered as key players of the fusion machinery. Moreover, the discovery of the novel tether FERARI complex has changed our understanding of cargo transport in the endosomal system as it has been shown to mediate ‘kiss-and-run’ vesicle–target membrane interactions. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we compare the structure of the coiled-coil and the multisubunit CATCHR and class C Vps tether families on the basis of their functional analogy. We discuss the mechanism of membrane fusion, and summarize how tethers capture vesicles, mediate membrane fusion at different cellular compartments and regulate cargo traffic.
The Role of Contraction Mode in Determining Exercise Tolerance, Torque–Duration Relationship, and Neuromuscular Fatigue
Authors: DUCROCQ GUILLAUME P. , AL ASSAD SIMON H. , KOUZKOUZ NABIL , HUREAU THOMAS J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Critical torque (CT) and work done above it (W′) are key predictors of exercise performance associated with neuromuscular fatigue. The aim of the present study was to understand the role of the metabolic cost of exercise in determining exercise tolerance, CT and W′, and the mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue.

Methods

Twelve subjects performed four knee extension time trials (6, 8, 10, and 12 min) using eccentric, isometric, or concentric contractions (3-s on/2-s off at 90°·s−1 or 30°·s−1) to modulate the metabolic cost of exercise. Exercise performance was quantified by total impulse and mean torque. Critical torque and W′ were determined using the linear relationship between total impulse and contraction time. Cardiometabolic, neuromuscular, and ventilatory responses were quantified. Neuromuscular function was evaluated by maximal voluntary contraction, resting potentiated single/doublet electrical stimulations, and superimposed single electrical stimulation to quantify neuromuscular, peripheral, and central fatigue, respectively.

Results

Compared with isometric exercise, total impulse (+36% ± 21%; P < 0.001), CT (+27% ± 30%; P < 0.001), and W′ (+67% ± 99%; P < 0.001) were increased during eccentric exercise, whereas total impulse (−25% ± 7%; P < 0.001), critical torque (−26% ± 15%; P < 0.001), and W′ (−18% ± 19%; P < 0.001) were reduced in concentric exercise. Conversely, the metabolic response and the degree of peripheral fatigue were reduced during eccentric exercise, whereas they were increased during concentric exercise. Critical torque was negatively associated with oxygen consumption gain (R
2 = 0.636; P < 0.001), and W′ was negatively associated with rates of neuromuscular and peripheral fatigue indices (R
2 = 0.252–0.880; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The contraction mode influenced both CT and W′, and consequently exercise tolerance, indicating that the metabolic cost of contraction played a key role.
A model incorporating histopathology and preoperative gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI to predict early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma without microvascular invasion after curative hepatectomy
Authors: Qu Qi , Lu Mengtian , Xu Lei , Zhang Jiyun , Liu Maotong , Jiang Jifeng , Zhao Xiance , Zhang Xueqin , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To assess the predictive value of preoperative gadoxetic acid (GA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and postoperative histopathological grading for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) without microvascular invasion (MVI) after curative hepatectomy.

Methods:

A total of 85 MVI-negative HCC cases were retrospectively analyzed. Cox analyses were used to identify the independent predictors of early recurrence (within a 24 months span). The clinical prediction Model-1 or Model-2 was established without or with postoperative pathological factor, respectively. Nomogram models were constructed and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the models’ predictive ability. Internal validation of the prediction models for early HCC recurrence was performed using a bootstrap re-sampling approach.

Results:

In the multivariate cox regression analysis, Edmondson-Steiner grade, peritumoral hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and relative intensity ratio (RIR) in HBP were identified as independent variables associated with early recurrence. The C-index of the nomogram models and internal validation were both between 0.7 and 0.8, showing good model fitting and calibration effects. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.781 for Model-1 based on the two preoperative MRI factors. When a third factor, the Edmondson-Steiner grade, was included (Model-2), the AUC increased to 0.834, and the sensitivity increased from 71.4 to 96.4%.

Conclusions:

Edmondson-Steiner grade, peritumoral hypointensity on HBP, and RIR on HBP can help predict early recurrence of MVI-negative HCC. In comparison with Model-1 (only imaging features), Model-2 (imaging features + histopathological grades) increases the sensitivity in predicting early recurrence of HCC without MVI.

Advances in knowledge:

Preoperative GA-enhanced MRI signs are of great value in predicting early postoperative recurrence of HCC without MVI, and a combined pathological model was established to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this technique.
Implementation of the Requirements of the Updated Standard When Introducing New Concepts in Mathematics Lessons
Authors: Vasileva M.
Published: March 2023

The article is based on the main key ideas of the formation of the planned subject and meta-subject results. The article discusses the methodology for implementing the requirements of the updated standard, taking into account the goals of teaching mathematics. An approach is proposed to the formation of individual skills of cognitive universal educational actions of 5th grade students in teaching mathematics, using learning tasks and learning tasks that develop the ability to solve a wide range of problems.
Predicting Bond Return Predictability
Authors: Borup Daniel , Eriksen Jonas N. , Kjær Mads M. , Thyrsgaard Martin
Published: March 2023

This paper provides empirical evidence on predictable time variations in out-of-sample bond return predictability. Bond return predictability is associated with periods of high (low) economic activity (uncertainty), which implies that violations of the expectations hypothesis are state dependent and linked to features of the business cycle. These state dependencies in predictability, established by introducing a new multivariate test for equal conditional predictive ability, can be used in real time to improve out-of-sample bond risk premia estimates and investors’ economic utility through a novel dynamic forecast combination scheme that uses predicted forecasting performance to identify the best set of methods to include in the combined forecast. Dynamically combined forecasts exhibit strong countercyclical behavior and peak during recessions.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the Danish Council of Independent Research [Grants DFF 7024–00020B and DFF 9033–00003B] and the Danish Finance Institute.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4713 .