bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in carcinogenicities of two different vapor grown carbon fibers with different physicochemical characteristics induced by intratracheal instillation in rats
Authors: Sato Kei , Fukui Hiroko , Hagiwara Yuji , Ogawa Ryoji , Nishioka Ayako , Numano Takamasa , Sugiyama Taiki , Kawabe Mayumi , Mera Yukinori , Yoneda Tadashi
Published: September 2023

Background

Carbon fibers are high aspect ratio structures with diameters on the submicron scale. Vapor grown carbon fibers are contained within multi-walled carbon tubes, with VGCF™-H commonly applied as a conductive additive in lithium-ion batteries. However, several multi-walled carbon fibers, including MWNT-7, have been reported to induce lung carcinogenicity in rats. This study investigated the carcinogenic potential of VGCF™-H fibers in F344 rats of both sexes with the vapor grown carbon fibers VGCF™-H and MWNT-7 over 2 years. The carbon fibers were administered to rats by intratracheal instillation at doses of 0, 0.016, 0.08, and 0.4 mg/kg (total doses of 0, 0.128, 0.64, and 3.2 mg/kg) once per week for eight weeks and the rats were observed for up to 2 years after the first instillation.

Results

Histopathological examination showed the induction of malignant mesothelioma on the pleural cavity with dose-dependent increases observed at 0, 0.128, 0.64, and 3.2 mg/kg in rats of both sexes that were exposed to MWNT-7. On the other hand, only two cases of pleural malignant mesothelioma were observed in the VGCF™-H groups; both rats that received 3.2 mg/kg in male. The animals in the MWNT-7 groups either died or became moribund earlier than those in the VGCF™-H groups, which is thought related to the development of malignant mesothelioma. The survival rates were higher in the VGCF™-H group, and more carbon fibers were observed in the pleural lavage fluid (PLF) of the MWNT-7 groups. These results suggest that malignant mesothelioma is related to the transfer of carbon fibers into the pleural cavity.

Conclusions

The intratracheal instillation of MWNT-7 clearly led to carcinogenicity in both male and female rats at all doses. The equivocal evidence for carcinogenic potential that was observed in male rats exposed to VGCF™-H was not seen in the females. The differences in the carcinogenicities of the two types of carbon fibers are thought due to differences in the number of carbon fibers reaching the pleural cavity. The results indicate that the carcinogenic activity of VGCF™-H is lower than that of MWNT-7.
Effect and mechanism of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor on the improvement of elderly essential hypertension-induced vascular endothelial function impairment based on the JAK/STAT pathway
Authors: Yuan Wen , Fan Hongjun , Yang Haibing , Tang Liang , Liu Zhiming , Ouyang Fan , Luo Wei , Yan Yong
Published: September 2023

Objective

Our research was designed to figure out the influence and mechanism of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor on the improvement of elderly essential hypertension-induced vascular endothelial function impairment based on the JAK/STAT pathway.

Methods

Eighty-six elderly patients with essential hypertension were randomized into a control group (oral Amlodipine Besylate Tablets) and an observation group (oral Amlodipine Besylate Tablets + HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin calcium). Patients in both groups were treated with the drug for 12 weeks. Blood pressure, serum levels of inflammatory factors, and vascular endothelial function indicators, and levels of blood lipids were measured. The modeled rats were treated with atorvastatin calcium and a JAK/STAT pathway inhibitor (AG490), and the levels of cardiac function-related indices, left ventricular mass index, lipid levels, serum inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function-related indices were detected in each group.

Results

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor improved blood pressure levels, lipid levels, serum inflammatory factor levels and cardiac function in elderly patients with essential hypertension. Both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and AG490 improved blood pressure levels, lipid levels, serum inflammatory factor levels and cardiac function in SHR rats. Both HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and AG490 decreased p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 expression levels.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor improves elderly essential hypertension-induced vascular endothelial function impairment by blocking the JAK/STAT pathway.
Efficient gene orthology inference via large-scale rearrangements
Authors: Rubert Diego P. , Braga Marília D. V.
Published: September 2023

Background

Recently we developed a gene orthology inference tool based on genome rearrangements (Journal of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology19:6, 2021). Given a set of genomes our method first computes all pairwise gene similarities. Then it runs pairwise ILP comparisons to compute optimal gene matchings, which minimize, by taking the similarities into account, the weighted rearrangement distance between the analyzed genomes (a problem that is NP-hard). The gene matchings are then integrated into gene families in the final step. The mentioned ILP includes an optimalcappingthat connects each end of a linear segment of one genome to an end of a linear segment in the other genome, producing an exponential increase of the search space.

Results

In this work, we design and implement a heuristic capping algorithm that replaces the optimal capping by clustering (based on their gene content intersections) the linear segments into$$m\ge 1$$m≥1subsets, whose ends are capped independently. Furthermore, in each subset, instead of allowing all possible connections, we let only the ends of content-related segments be connected. Although there is no guarantee thatmis much bigger than one, and with the possible side effect of resulting in sub-optimal instead of optimal gene matchings, the heuristic works very well in practice, from both the speed performance and the quality of computed solutions. Our experiments on primate and fruit fly genomes show two positive results. First, for complete assemblies of five primates the version with heuristic capping reports orthologies that are very similar to the orthologies computed by the version of our tool with optimal capping. Second, we were able to efficiently analyze fruit fly genomes with incomplete assemblies distributed in hundreds or even thousands of contigs, obtaining gene families that are very similar to$${\text{F}} {\textsc{ly}} {\text{B}} {\textsc{ase}}$$FLYBASEfamilies. Indeed, our tool inferred a higher number of complete cliques, with a higher intersection with$${\text{F}} {\textsc{ly}} {\text{B}} {\textsc{ase}}$$FLYBASE, when compared to gene families computed by other inference tools. We added a post-processing for refining, with the aid of the$${\textsc{mcl}}$$MCLalgorithm, ourambiguousfamilies (those with more than one gene per genome), improving even more the accuracy of our results. Our approach is implemented into a pipeline incorporating the pre-computation of gene similarities and the post-processing refinement of ambiguous families with$$\textsc {mcl}$$MCL. Both the original version with optimal capping and the new modified version with heuristic capping can be downloaded, together with their detailed documentations, athttps://gitlab.ub.uni-bielefeld.de/gi/FFGCor as a Conda package athttps://anaconda.org/bioconda/ffgc.
Static sitting posture control during writing tasks in idiopathic scoliosis among freshmen
Authors: Xia Qing , Chen Xinpeng , Wei Huanxia , Zhou Guoliang , Dong Jingmei
Published: September 2023

Background

The posture control deficit is one important dysfunction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, which is related to the development of the disease. However, it is not apparent whether AIS could affect static sitting posture control in late adolescence.

Objective

This study aims to compare static sitting posture control in idiopathic scoliosis freshmen with normal peers to reveal possible differences in posture stability between them during writing tasks.

Methods

In total, there were 10 AIS patients and 11 normal college students chosen for the writing task test. Data on the distribution of gluteal pressure during sitting were gathered. The comparison between these two groups was made using the independent sample t-test.

Results

The total excursion (TE) of the center of pressure (COP) of the AIS group considerably increased in comparison with the control group (CON) (p = 0.029). The AIS group's average COP velocity in the anteroposterior (AP) direction was significantly higher than the CON group (p = 0.048). The peak gluteal pressure on the right side was significantly higher in the AIS group than in the CON group (p = 0.039). The right gluteal contact area dynamic variation was significantly higher in the AIS group compared to the CON group (p = 0.025).

Conclusions

AIS patients showed increased gluteal pressure and lower sitting posture stability during writing tasks.
Impact of buffered sodium butyrate as a partial or total dietary alternative to lincomycin on performance, IGF-1 and TLR4 genes expression, serum indices, intestinal histomorphometry, Clostridia, and litter hygiene of broiler chickens
Authors: Bawish Basma Mohamed , Zahran Mohamed Farahat Selem , Ismael Elshaimaa , Kamel Shaimaa , Ahmed Yasmine H. , Hamza Dalia , Attia Taha , Fahmy Khaled Nasr Eldin
Published: September 2023

Background

Sodium butyrate (SB) is a short-chain fatty acid and a safe antibiotic alternative. During 35 days, this study compared the impact of coated SB (Butirex C4) and lincomycin (Lincomix) on broiler growth, gut health, and litter hygiene in 1200 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks that were randomly assigned into 5-dietary groups with 5-replications each. Groups divided as follows: T1: Basal diet (control), T2: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds), T3: Basal diet with 100 g/ton lincomycin, T4: Basal diet with buffered SB (0.5 kg/ton starter feed, 0.25 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin, and T5: Basal diet with buffered SB (1 kg/ton starter feed, 0.5 kg/ton grower-finisher feeds) + 50 g/ton lincomycin. Birds were housed in a semi-closed deep litter house, where feed and water were available ad libitum. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests.

Results

Combined dietary supplementation with SB and lincomycin (T4 and T5) significantly enhanced body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratio, and profitability index. Also, carcasses in T4 and T5 exhibited the highest dressing, breast, thigh, and liver yields. T5 revealed the best blood biochemical indices, while T3 showed significantly elevated liver and kidney function indices. T4 and T5 exhibited the highest expression levels of IGF-1 and TLR4 genes, the greatest villi length of the intestinal mucosa, and the lowest levels of litter moisture and nitrogen. Clostridia perfringens type A alpha-toxin gene was confirmed in birds’ caeca, with the lowest clostridial counts defined in T4.

Conclusions

Replacing half the dose of lincomycin (50 g/ton) with 0.5 or 1 kg/ton coated SB as a dietary supplement mixture showed the most efficient privileges concerning birds’ performance and health.
Evaluation of an immunochromatographic point-of-care test for the detection of failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves
Authors: Hartsleben Christina , Lichtmannsperger Katharina , Tichy Alexander , Hechenberger Nicole , Wittek Thomas
Published: September 2023

Background

As calves are born without circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) they depend on transfer of passive immunity via colostrum within the first hours of life. If calves are not sufficiently supplied with high qualitative colostrum they suffer from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity (FTPI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate a calf-side point-of-care test to detect calves with FTPI and to evaluate the cut-offs for a positive test result. Two hundred fifty calves from 11 dairy farms (born between September 2021 and September 2022) were included, whereof 23 were excluded due to incomplete data. Twelve to 16 h post partum the farmers carried out a point-of-care test (FASTest® IgG bovine, Megacor, Austria) using a whole blood sample. Between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, all calves were physically examined and blood samples were collected to carry out further point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma and for measuring the Brix values in serum and plasma. Brix values in serum were used as reference for the evaluation of the point-of-care test between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, as radial immunodiffusion assays could not be conducted simultaneously.

Results

Brix values were not normally distributed (median at 8.6% and 9.3% in serum and plasma). In this study, the cut-off values for the point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma were at 8.3% Brix in serum. FASTest® IgG bovine shows high sensitivities of 90% and 84% and specificities of 70% and 72% for whole blood supernatant and plasma.

Conclusions

Of the 227 investigated calves, 39.7% showed Brix values of < 8.4% (cut-off for FTPI) which indicates an urgent need to improve colostrum management. The results of the study suggest that the FASTest® IgG bovine is a suitable on-farm method to assess FTPI in whole blood supernatant and plasma of calves between the 3rd and the 6th day of age. However, the results also show that FASTest® IgG bovine is not adequate to test for FTPI using whole blood at 12 to 16 h post partum.
Circulating extracellular vesicles are monitoring biomarkers of anti-PD1 response and enhancer of tumor progression and immunosuppression in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Serratì Simona , Di Fonte Roberta , Porcelli Letizia , De Summa Simona , De Risi Ivana , Fucci Livia , Ruggieri Eustachio , Marvulli Tommaso Maria , Strippoli Sabino , Fasano Rossella , Rafaschieri Tania , Guida Gabriella , Guida Michele , Azzariti Amalia
Published: September 2023

Background

Clinical drawback in checkpoint inhibitors immunotherapy (ICI) of metastatic melanoma (MM) is monitoring clinical benefit. Soluble forms of PD1(sPD1) and PD-L1(sPD-L1) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) expressing PD1 and PD-L1 have recently emerged as predictive biomarkers of response. As factors released in the blood, EVs and soluble forms could be relevant in monitoring treatment efficacy and adaptive resistance to ICI.

Methods

We used pre-therapy plasma samples of 110 MM patients and longitudinal samples of 46 patients. Elisa assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to measure sPD-L1 and sPD1 concentrations and the percentage of PD1+ EVs and PD-L1+ EVs, released from tumor and immune cells in patients subsets. Transwell assays were conducted to investigate the impact of EVs of each patient subset on MM cells invasion and interaction between tumor cells and macrophages or dendritic cells. Viability assays were performed to assess EVs effect on MM cells and organoids sensitivity to anti-PD1. FCM was used to investigate immunosuppressive markers in EVs and immune cells.

Results

The concentrations of sPD1 and sPD-L1 in pre-treatment and longitudinal samples did not correlate with anti-PD1 response, instead only tumor-derived PD1+ EVs decreased in long responders while increased during disease progression in responders. Notably, we observed reduction of T cell derived EVs expressing LAG3+ and PD1+ in long responders and their increase in responders experiencing progression. By investigating the impact of EVs on disease progression, we found that those isolated from non-responders and from patients with progression disease accelerated tumor cells invasiveness and migration towards macrophages, while EVs of long responders reduced the metastatic potential of MM cells and neo-angiogenesis. Additionally, the EVs of non-responders and of progression disease patients subset reduced the sensitivity of MM cells and organoids of responder to anti-PD1 and the recruitment of dendritic cells, while the EVs of progression disease subset skewed macrophages to express higher level of PDL-1.

Conclusion

Collectively, we suggest that the detection of tumor-derived PD1 + EVs may represent a useful tool for monitoring the response to anti-PD1 and a role for EVs shed by tumor and immune cells in promoting tumor progression and immune dysfunction.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of Vibrasense compared to a biothesiometer and nerve conduction study for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Sharma K. N Srihari , Kumar H Anil
Published: September 2023

Aims

Peripheral neuropathy is a common microvascular complication in diabetes and a risk factor for the development of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations. Vibrasense (Ayati Devices) is a handheld, battery‐operated, rapid screening device for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) that works by quantifying vibration perception threshold (VPT). In this study, we compared Vibrasense against a biothesiometer and nerve conduction study for screening DPN.

Methods

A total of 562 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent neuropathy assessments including clinical examination, 10‐g monofilament test, VPT evaluation with Vibrasense and a standard biothesiometer. Those with an average VPT ≥ 15 V with Vibrasense were noted to have DPN. A subset of these patients (N = 61) underwent nerve conduction study (NCS). Diagnostic accuracy of Vibrasense was compared against a standard biothesiometer and abnormal NCS.

Results

Average VPTs measured with Vibrasense had a strong positive correlation with standard biothesiometer values (Spearman's correlation 0.891, P < 0.001). Vibrasense showed sensitivity and specificity of 87.89% and 86.81% compared to biothesiometer, and 82.14% and 78.79% compared to NCS, respectively.

Conclusions

Vibrasense demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for detecting peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes and can be an effective screening device in routine clinical settings.

Trial registration

Clinical trials registry of India (CTRI/2022/11/047002). Registered 3 November 2022. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=76167.
RELEASE (REdressing Long-tErm Antidepressant uSE): protocol for a 3-arm pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial effectiveness-implementation hybrid type-1 in general practice
Authors: Wallis Katharine A. , Donald Maria , Horowitz Mark , Moncrieff Joanna , Ware Robert S. , Byrnes Joshua , Thrift Karen , Cleetus MaryAnne , Panahi Idin , Zwar Nicholas , Morgan Mark , Freeman Chris , Scott Ian
Published: September 2023

Background

Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop antidepressants. Withdrawal symptoms are readily misconstrued for relapse or ongoing need for medication, contributing to long-term use (> 12 months). Long-term antidepressant use is increasing internationally yet is not recommended for most people. Long-term use is associated with adverse effects including weight gain, sexual dysfunction, lethargy, emotional numbing and increased risk of falls and fractures. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of two multi-strategy interventions (RELEASE and RELEASE+) in supporting the safe cessation of long-term antidepressants, estimate cost-effectiveness, and evaluate implementation strategies.

Methods

Design

3-arm pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial effectiveness-implementation hybrid type-1. Setting: primary care general practices in southeast Queensland, Australia. Population: adults 18 years or older taking antidepressants for longer than 1 year. Practices will be randomised on a 1.5:1:1 ratio of Usual care:RELEASE:RELEASE+. Intervention: RELEASE for patients includes evidence-based information and resources and an invitation to medication review; RELEASE for GPs includes education, training and printable resources via practice management software. RELEASE+ includes additional internet support for patients and prescribing support including audit and feedback for GPs. Outcome measures: the primary outcome is antidepressant use at 12 months self-reported by patients. Cessation is defined as 0 mg antidepressant maintained for at least 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes: at 6 and 12 months are health-related quality of life, antidepressant side effects, well-being, withdrawal symptoms, emotional numbing, beliefs about antidepressants, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms; and at 12 months 75% reduction in antidepressant dose; aggregated practice level antidepressant prescribing, and health service utilisation for costs. Sample size: 653 patients from 28 practices. A concurrent evaluation of implementation will be through mixed methods including interviews with up to 40 patients and primary care general practitioners, brief e-surveys, and study administrative data to assess implementation outcomes (adoption and fidelity).

Discussion

The RELEASE study will develop new knowledge applicable internationally on the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation of two multi-strategy interventions in supporting the safe cessation of long-term antidepressants to improve primary health care and outcomes for patients.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12622001379707p. Registered on 27 October 2022.
Aconitum lycoctonum L. (Ranunculaceae) mediated biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles as potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic agents
Authors: Khan Zia ur Rehman , Assad Nasir , Naeem-ul-Hassan Muhammad , Sher Muhammad , Alatawi Fatema Suliman , Alatawi Mohsen Suliman , Omran Awatif M. E. , Jame Rasha M. A. , Adnan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Ali Baber , Wahab Sana , Razak Sarah Abdul , Javed Muhammad Ammar , Kaplan Alevcan , Rahimi Mehdi
Published: September 2023

In this study, a polar extract of Aconitum lycoctonum L. was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), followed by their characterization using different techniques and evaluation of their potential as antioxidants, amylase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The formation of AgNPs was detected by a color change, from transparent to dark brown, within 15 min and a surface resonance peak at 460 nm in the UV–visible spectrum. The FTIR spectra confirmed the involvement of various biomolecules in the synthesis of AgNPs. The average diameter of these spherical AgNPs was 67 nm, as shown by the scanning electron micrograph. The inhibition zones showed that the synthesized nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and negative bacteria. FRAP and DPPH assays were used to demonstrate the antioxidant potential of AgNPs. The highest value of FRAP (50.47% AAE/mL) was detected at a concentration of 90 ppm and a DPPH scavenging activity of 69.63% GAE was detected at a concentration of 20 µg/mL of the synthesized AgNPs. 500 µg/mL of the synthesized AgNPs were quite efficient in causing 91.78% denaturation of ovalbumin. The AgNPs mediated by A. lycoctonum also showed an inhibitory effect on α-amylase. Therefore, AgNPs synthesized from A. lycoctonum may serve as potential candidates for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic agents.
Nucleophosmin 1 cooperates with the methyltransferase DOT1L to preserve peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization by regulating H3K27me3 levels and DNA repeats expression
Authors: Izzo Annalisa , Akol Ipek , Villarreal Alejandro , Lebel Shannon , Garcia-Miralles Marta , Cheffer Arquimedes , Bovio Patrick , Heidrich Stefanie , Vogel Tanja
Published: September 2023

Background

NPM1 is a phosphoprotein highly abundant in the nucleolus. However, additional nuclear functions have been attributed to NPM1, probably through interaction with other nuclear factors. DOT1L is one interaction partner of NPM1 that catalyzes methylation of histone H3 at lysine 79 (H3K79). DOT1L, playing functional roles in several biological processes, is known for its capability to organize and regulate chromatin. For example, DOT1L modulates DNA repeats expression within peri-nucleolar heterochromatin. NPM1 also affects peri-nucleolar heterochromatin spatial organization. However, it is unclear as of yet whether NPM1 and DOT1L functionally synergize to preserve nucleoli organization and genome stability, and generally, which molecular mechanisms would be involved.

Results

We characterized the nuclear function of NPM1 on peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization. We show that (i) monomeric NPM1 interacts preferentially with DOT1L in the nucleus; (ii) NPM1 acts in concert with DOT1L to maintain each other’s protein homeostasis; (iii) NPM1 depletion results in H3K79me2 upregulation and differential enrichment at chromatin binding genes including Ezh2; (iv) NPM1 and DOT1L modulate DNA repeats expression and peri-nucleolar heterochromatin organization via epigenetic mechanisms dependent on H3K27me3.

Conclusions

Our findings give insights into molecular mechanisms employed by NPM1 and DOT1L to regulate heterochromatin activity and structural organization around the nucleoli and shed light on one aspect of the complex role of both proteins in chromatin dynamics.
Glucose control and psychosocial outcomes with use of automated insulin delivery for 12 to 96 weeks in type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Godoi Amanda , Reis Marques Isabela , Padrão Eduardo M. H. , Mahesh Ashwin , Hespanhol Larissa C. , Riceto Loyola Júnior José Eduardo , de Souza Isabela A. F. , Moreira Vittoria C. S. , Silva Caroliny H. , Miyawaki Isabele A. , Oommen Christi , Gomes Cintia , Silva Ariadne C. , Advani Kavita , de Sa Joao Roberto
Published: September 2023

Background

Glycaemic control of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) remains a challenge due to hypoglycaemic episodes and the burden of insulin self-management. Advancements have been made with the development of automated insulin delivery (AID) devices, yet, previous reviews have only assessed the use of AID over days or weeks, and potential benefits with longer time of AID use in this population remain unclear.

Methods

 We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing AID (hybrid and fully closed-loop systems) to usual care (sensor augmented pumps, multiple daily insulin injections, continuous glucose monitoring and predictive low-glucose suspend) for adults and children with T1DM with a minimum duration of 3 months. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Clinicaltrials.gov for studies published up until April 4, 2023. Main outcomes included time in range 70–180 mg/dL as the primary outcome, and change in HbA1c (%, mmol/mol), glucose variability, and psychosocial impact (diabetes distress, treatment satisfaction and fear of hypoglycaemia) as secondary outcomes. Adverse events included diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycaemia. Statistical analyses were conducted using mean differences and odds ratios. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to age, study duration and type of AID device. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42022366710.

Results

We identified 25 comparisons from 22 studies (six crossover and 16 parallel designs) including a total of 2376 participants (721 in adult studies, 621 in paediatric studies, and 1034 in combined studies) which were eligible for analysis. Use of AID devices ranged from 12 to 96 weeks. Patients using AID had 10.87% higher time in range [95% CI 9.38 to 12.37; p < 0.0001, I2 = 87%) and 0.37% (4.77 mmol/mol) lower HbA1c (95% CI − 0.49% (− 6.39 mmol/mol) to – 0.26 (− 3.14 mmol/mol); p < 0·0001, I2 = 77%]. AID systems decreased night hypoglycaemia, time in hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and improved patient distress, with no increase in the risk of DKA or severe hypoglycaemia. No difference was found regarding treatment satisfaction or fear of hypoglycaemia. Among children, there was no difference in glucose variability or time spent in hypoglycaemia between the use of AID systems or usual care. In sensitivity analyses, results remained consistent with the overall analysis favouring AID.

Conclusion

The use of AID systems over 12 weeks, regardless of technical or clinical differences, improved glycaemic outcomes and diabetes distress without increasing the risk of adverse events in adults and children with T1DM.
Metabolic control, adherence to the gluten-free diet and quality of life among patients with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease
Authors: Al Hayek Ayman A. , Al Zahrani Wael M. , AlAblani Hamad M. , Al Dawish Mohamed A.
Published: September 2023

Aims

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate metabolic control, adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD).

Methods

We targeted individuals with T1D and CD at a major tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. We gathered retrospective data from medical records and prospectively assessed glycemic control using HbA1c and ambulatory glucose metrics, adherence to a GFD using the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test (CDAT), and QoL using the Celiac Disease Quality of Life survey (CD-QoL).

Results

Forty-eight out of 1095 patients screened (4.38%) were included. Mean age and HbA1c were 21.3 (± 6.6) and 8.3% (± 0.8%). The average time in range% and above range% were 38.5 (range 24–68) and 29.6 (± 7.4). The median hypoglycemic events/month was 8, with a median duration of 80 min. The median overall CDAT and CD-QoL scores were 20.5 and 54. No significant correlations were observed between glucose management indicator (GMI), % in target, and CDAT/CD-QoL scores (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

No significant effect of GFD on QoL or glycemic control was observed. Further prospective studies are warranted to establish solid evidence of the impact of GFD on individuals with T1D and CD.
Effect of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on pain and inflammation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rashdan Mohammad , Daradkeh Salam , Al-Ghazawi Mutasim , Abuhmeidan Jareer Heider , Mahafthah Azmi , Odeh Ghada , Al-Qaisi Mohammad , Salameh Ikram , Halaseh Shahed , Al-Sabe Lana , Ahmad Yousef B. , Al-Ghazawi Tuqa , Al-Said Mahmoud , Sha’bin Shereen , Mansour Hanan
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aim to assess the effect of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum on post operative pain and ten of the known inflammatory markers.

Background

The standard of care pneumoperitoneum set pressure in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is set to 12–14 mmHg, but many societies advocate to operate at the lowest pressure allowing adequate exposure of the operative field. Many trials have described the benefits of operating at a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in terms of lower post operative pain, and better hemodynamic stability. But only few describe the effects on inflammatory markers and cytokines.

Methods

A prospective, double-blinded, randomised, controlled clinical trial, including patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients randomised into low-pressure (8–10 mmHg) vs. standard-pressure (12–14 mmHg) with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Perioperative variables were collected and analysed.

Results

one hundred patients were allocated, 50 patients in each study arm. Low-pressure patients reported lower median pain score 6-hour post operatively (5 vs. 6, p-value = 0.021) in comparison with standard-pressure group. Eight out of 10 inflammatory markers demonstrated better results in low-pressure group in comparison with standard-pressure, but the effect was not statistically significant. Total operative time and surgery difficulty was not significantly different between the two groups even in the hands of inexperienced surgeons.

Conclusion

low-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with less post operative pain and lower rise of inflammatory markers. It is feasible with comparable complications to the standard of care. Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05530564/ September 7th, 2022).
Genome-wide analysis of the Pleurotus eryngii laccase gene (PeLac) family and functional identification of PeLac5
Authors: Li Zihao , Zhou Yuanyuan , Xu Congtao , Pan Jinlong , Li Haikang , Zhou Yi , Zou Yajie
Published: September 2023

The laccase gene family encodes multiple isozymes that are crucial for the degradation of substrates and the regulation of developmental processes in fungi. Pleurotus eryngii is an important edible and medicinal fungus belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum and can grow on a variety of natural substrates. In the present study, genome-wide profiling of P. eryngii identified 10 genes encoding its laccase isoenzymes. Conservative sequence analysis demonstrated that all PeLacs possess classical laccase structural domains. Phylogenetic analysis yielded four major subgroups, the members of which are similar with respect to conserved gene organization, protein domain architecture, and consensus motifs. The 10 PeLacs formed three groups together with 12 PoLacs in Pleurotus ostreatus, indicating that they share a high level of evolutionary homology. Cis-responsive element analysis implied that PeLacs genes play a role in growth and development and lignocellulose degradation. Targeted overexpression of PeLac5 reduced the time to primordia formation and their development to fruiting bodies. Gene expression patterns in the presence of different lignocellulosic substrates indicate that three PeLacs genes (2, 4, and 9) are key to lignocellulose degradation. This work presents the first inventory of laccase genes in P. eryngii and preliminarily explores their functions, which may help to uncover the manner by which these proteins utilize substrates.
Comparative proteomic profiling of plasma exosomes in lung cancer cases of liver and brain metastasis
Authors: Li Sini , Qu Yan , Liu Lihui , Zhang Xue , He Yan , Wang Chao , Guo Yufeng , Yuan Li , Ma Zixiao , Bai Hua , Wang Jie
Published: September 2023

Background

Metastases within liver or the brain are the most common causes of mortality from lung cancer (LC). Predicting liver or brain metastases before having evidence from imaging of the tumors is challenging but important for early patient intervention. According to mounting evidence, exosomes circulating within blood may facilitate cancer spread by transporting certain proteins for target cells.

Methods

Using liquid chromatography–MS/MS, we investigated the plasma exosomes’ proteomic profiles derived from 42 metastatic LC patients [16 solitary liver metastasis (LM), together with 26 solitary brain metastasis (BM)] and 25 local advanced (LA) lung cancer cases without metastasis, together with five healthy controls (HC), assessing the LM and BM pathogenesis and find potential novel organ-designated proteomic biomarkers. Using ELISA assay, we verified the expression levels of three plasma exosomal protein biomarkers in 110 LC patients, including 40 solitary LM, 32 solitary BM and 38 LA, and 25 HC.

Results

In total, 143 and 120 differentially expressed exosome-based proteins (DEEPs) were found to be dysregulated in LM and BM of lung cancer (LM-DEEPs, BM-DEEPs), compared for LA lung cancer samples, respectively. The bioinformatics analyses indicated the heterogeneity and homogeneity in LM-DEEPs and BM-DEEPs. They were primarily engaged within proteomic triggering cascade, ECM-receptor interaction, and the collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Regarding heterogeneity, LM-DEEPs primarily consisted of proteoglycans, lipoprotein, integrin, and heat shock protein, whereas the BM-DEEPs consisted of calcium-dependent/S100 proteins. Furthermore, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-plasma-stemming exosome proteomics showed heterogeneity, which helped to explain some of the differences between SCLC and NSCLC's metastatic features. We also found that SELL and MUC5B could be used as diagnostic markers of BM, while APOH, CD81, and CCT5 could help diagnose LM in LC patients. Additionally, we demonstrated in a validation cohort that MUC5B and SELL could serve as biomarkers for diagnosing BM, and APOH could be a novel potential diagnostic biomarker of LM.

Conclusion

We presented the comprehensive and comparative plasma-stemming exosomes’ proteomic profiles from cases of LC who had isolated liver and brain metastases for the first time. We also suggested several possible biomarkers and pathogenic pathways that might be a great starting point for future research on LC metastasis.
Exploring virulence in Mycobacterium bovis: clues from comparative genomics and perspectives for the future
Authors: Mitermite Morgane , Elizari Jose Maria Urtasun , Ma Ruoyao , Farrell Damien , Gordon Stephen V.
Published: September 2023

Here we provide a summary of a plenary lecture delivered on Mycobacterium bovis, the bovine TB bacillus, at the M. bovis 2022 meeting held in Galway, Ireland, in June 2022. We focus on the analysis of genetic differences between M. bovis and the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a route to gain knowledge on what makes M. bovis function as an animal pathogen. We provide a brief historical background around M. bovis and comparative virulence experiments with M. tuberculosis, before moving to what we have learned from the studies of the M. bovis genome sequence. We discuss the need to translate knowledge on the molecular basis of virulence in M. bovis into improved control of bovine tuberculosis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A novel machine learning-based framework for channel bandwidth allocation and optimization in distributed computing environments
Authors: Xu Miaoxin
Published: September 2023

Efficient utilization of network resources, particularly channel bandwidth allocation, is critical for optimizing the overall system performance and ensuring fair resource allocation among multiple distributed computing nodes. Traditional methods for channel bandwidth allocation, based on fixed allocation schemes or static heuristics, often need more adaptability to dynamic changes in the network and may not fully exploit the system’s potential. To address these limitations, we employ reinforcement learning algorithms to learn optimal channel allocation policies by intermingling with the environment and getting feedback on the outcomes of their actions. This allows devices to adapt to changing network conditions and optimize resource usage. Our proposed framework is experimentally evaluated through simulation experiments. The results demonstrate that the framework consistently achieves higher system throughput than conventional static allocation methods and state-of-the-art bandwidth allocation techniques. It also exhibits lower latency values, indicating faster data transmission and reduced communication delays. Additionally, the hybrid approach shows improved resource utilization efficiency, efficiently leveraging the strengths of both Q-learning and reinforcement learning for optimized resource allocation and management.
Assessing vaginal wall indexes in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women by transrectal linear array high-frequency probe
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Wang Yidan , Xu Jiajun , Xiao Huiru , Xie Jingyan
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to verify the feasibility of 2D measurement of full-layer thickness of vaginal wall and evaluation of its elasticity by shear wave elastic imaging using transrectal linear array high-frequency ultrasound and to investigate the differences of vaginal wall indexes in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women.

Method

From September to November 2022, a total of 87 women in the Department of Gynecology, Nanjing First Hospital were examined by a sonographer using transrectal linear array high-frequency ultrasound, including 34 women of reproductive age and 53 postmenopausal women. The vagina was divided into upper, middle, and lower segments, and the full-layer thickness of each part was measured. Then shear wave elastography (SWE) was used, and the average value of Young's modulus was used to evaluate the degree of vaginal elasticity.

Results

Transrectal linear array high-frequency ultrasound can clearly display structures of vaginal wall; measurement of the full thickness of the vaginal wall and evaluation of the degree of vaginal elasticity were feasible. There was a statistically significant difference in the thickness of each part of the vaginal wall between pre- and postmenopausal women (P < 0.001); there was no significant difference in the vaginal Young's modulus of pre- and postmenopausal women (P = 0.073).

Conclusion

Transrectal linear array high-frequency ultrasonography is a non-invasive and feasible method to measure vaginal wall thickness (VWT) and elasticity. There are significant differences in VWT between pre- and postmenopausal women.
Transdiagnostic phenomena of psychopathology in the context of the RDoC: protocol of a multimodal cross-sectional study
Authors: Meiering Marvin S. , Weigner David , Enge Sören , Grimm Simone
Published: September 2023

In the past, affective and cognitive processes related to psychopathology have been examined within the boundaries of phenotype-based diagnostic labels, which has led to inconsistent findings regarding their underlying operating principles. Investigating these processes dimensionally in healthy individuals and by means of multiple modalities may provide additional insights into the psychological and neuronal mechanisms at their core. The transdiagnostic phenomena Neuroticism and Rumination are known to be closely linked. However, the exact nature of their relationship remains to be elucidated. The same applies to the associations between Hedonic Capacity, Negativity Bias and different Emotion Regulation strategies.

This multimodal cross-sectional study examines the relationship of the transdiagnostic phenomena Neuroticism and Rumination as well as Hedonic Capacity, the Negativity Bias and Emotion Regulation from a RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) perspective. A total of 120 currently healthy subjects (past 12 months) will complete several questionnaires regarding personality, emotion regulation, hedonic capacity, and psychopathologies as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during cognitive and emotional processing, to obtain data on the circuit, behavioral and self-report level.

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between cognitive and affective processes associated with psychopathologies as well as their neuronal correlates. Ultimately, a grounded understanding of these processes could guide improvement of diagnostic labels and treatments. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and the limited variability in psychopathology scores due to the restriction of the sample to currently healthy subjects.
Integration of single-nuclei RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and histochemistry defines the complex microenvironment of NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas
Authors: Amani Vladimir , Riemondy Kent A. , Fu Rui , Griesinger Andrea M. , Grimaldo Enrique , De Sousa Graziella Ribeiro , Gilani Ahmed , Hemenway Molly , Foreman Nicholas K. , Donson Andrew M. , Willard Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Plexiform neurofibroma (PN) is a leading cause of morbidity in children with the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), often disfiguring or threatening vital structures. During formation of PN, a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) develops, with recruitment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic cell types being critical for growth and progression. Due to the cohesive cellularity of PN, single-cell RNA-sequencing is difficult and may result in a loss of detection of critical cellular subpopulations. To bypass this barrier, we performed single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) on 8 frozen PN samples, and integrated this with spatial transcriptomics (ST) in 4 PN samples and immunohistochemistry to provide morphological context to transcriptomic data. SnRNA-seq analysis definitively charted the heterogeneous cellular subpopulations in the PN TME, with the predominant fraction being fibroblast subtypes. PN showed a remarkable amount of inter-sample homogeneity regarding cellular subpopulation proportions despite being resected from a variety of anatomical locations. ST analysis identified distinct cellular subpopulations which were annotated using snRNA-seq data and correlated with histological features. Schwann cell/fibroblast interactions were identified by receptor/ligand interaction analysis demonstrating a high probability of Neurexin 1/Neuroligin 1 (NRXN1/NLGN1) receptor-ligand cross-talk predicted between fibroblasts and non-myelinated Schwann cells (NM-SC) and subtypes, respectively. We observed aberrant expression of NRXN1 and NLGN1 in our PN snRNA-seq data compared to a normal mouse sciatic nerve single-cell RNA-seq dataset. This pathway has never been described in PN and may indicate a clear and direct communication pathway between putative NM-SC cells of origin and surrounding fibroblasts, potentially driving disease progression. SnRNA-seq integrated with spatial transcriptomics advances our understanding of the complex cellular heterogeneity of PN TME and identify potential novel communication pathways that may drive disease progression, a finding that could provide translational therapy options for patients with these devastating tumors of childhood and early adulthood.
A plasma irradiation system optimized for space weathering of solar system bodies
Authors: Kimura Tomoki , Otsuki Misako , Kitano Tomohiro , Hoshino Ryo , Nakauchi Yusuke , Haganuma Shunsuke , Haganuma Ryu , Haganuma Tetsuo , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Tamagawa Toru , Hayato Asami , Kimura Jun , Terada Naoki , Usui Hideyuki , Nishino Masaki N. , Yokota Shoichiro , Miyake Yohei
Published: September 2023

In the tenuous atmospheric bodies of our solar system, space weathering on the celestial surface is an important process for its chemical and physical evolution and ambient environment on timescales of celestial evolution. Space plasma is a dominant energy and material source for space weathering. Plasma irradiation experiment in the laboratory is an effective method for modeling space weathering driven by space plasma. However, comprehensive modeling of plasma space weathering has not yet been conducted because the capabilities of the earlier facilities were not optimized for realistic space weathering; for example, the incident electron and ion were not irradiated in the same condition. Here, we developed a plasma irradiation system, Plasma Irradiation Emulator for Celestial Environments (PIECE) of the solar system bodies, which reproduces plasma space weathering in tenuous atmospheric bodies by the electron and ion irradiations in the same condition. We successfully developed a system with high electron and ion number fluxes of $$\sim 10^{13} - 10^{16} {\text{ particles cm}}^{{ - {2}}} {\text{s}}^{{ - {1}}}$$

∼

10
13

-

10
16

particles cm

-
2

s

-
1

at any acceleration energy in the range of 1–30 keV, which leads to a fluence of e.g., $$\sim 10^{18} - 10^{21} {\text{ particles cm}}^{{ - {2}}} {\text{s}}^{{ - {1}}}$$

∼

10
18

-

10
21

particles cm

-
2

s

-
1

, with a 1-day irradiation time. This fluence corresponds to a plasma irradiation time of ~ 103–106 years on Europa.

Graphical Abstract