bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular phylogeny and divergence time estimates for native giant clams (Cardiidae: Tridacninae) in the Asia-Pacific: Evidence from mitochondrial genomes and nuclear 18S rRNA genes
Authors: Ma Haitao , Yu Dongmei , Li Jun , Qin Yanping , Zhang Yang , Xiang Zhiming , Zhang Yuehuan , Yu Ziniu
Published: October 2022

Giant clams are conspicuous bivalves that inhabit in coral reefs. Among the giant clams, eight species of subfamily Tridacninae are the most common in the Asia-Pacific. However, very little is known about their evolutionary history. Here, we determined the complete mitochondria genome of Hippopus porcellanus, which was 29,434 bp in size and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs and 23 tRNAs. The A+T composition of protein-coding regions was 57.99%, and the AT composition of the 3rd codon position was 59.33%, of which in agreement with the invertebrate bias favoring codons ending in A or T. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships according to the concatenated nucleotide data set containing 18S rRNA gene and 13 protein-coding genes, the phylogenetic relationship was analyzed by Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results showed that T. maxima was placed with the clade comprising T. noae, T. squamosa, and T. crocea, in which T. squamosa was highly similar to T. crocea and is consistent with the results of the previous studies using15 mitochondrial markers and nuclear 18S rRNA. Moreover, the inferred divergence time of Tridacnidae species is generally consistent with the fossil record of Tridacnidae. The divergence time of H. porcellanus and H. hippopus was about 10.64 Mya, this result is in agreement with the speculation that H. porcellanus also originated in Miocene. The availability of molecular phylogeny and divergence time estimation provides information genetic relationship of Tridacninae, which could be helpful to the ecological research and conservation of giant clams.
A three-stage criterion method for extracting local vibration modes of tensioned cables in beam string structures
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Hexin
Published: October 2022

As light and efficient large-span space structures, beam string structures have been widely used since the 1980s. Within them, cables are the main force-bearing component; their level of tension determines the overall stiffness, performance and structural safety of the beam string structures. Real-time monitoring of the cable force during the construction and service periods is an important and effective measure to ensure the safety of the cable structure. At present, the vibration method is widely used in nearly all common engineering practices for cable force identification/monitoring because of its simplicity and efficiency. However, the vibration of the cable segment will be affected by the whole structure, so the cable force-frequency relationship based on the simple single cable model cannot meet the accuracy requirement of cable force identification of the beam string structure. Therefore, in this paper, through finite element simulation and theoretical analysis, a three-stage criterion is proposed to develop a new method for obtaining the local modal information of the tensioned cable segment where the influence of the overall structure is considered. The new method’s performance was compared with the results obtained by the vibration method according to the single-cable model assumption, and the design values of the cable forces. The magnitude of the error in the identification of the tension force of the beam string structure according to the single-cable model was studied to provide a correction method, so that the single-cable model assumption can be used to improve the measuring efficiency and ensure the solution accuracy. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. The work of this paper provides a new approach for improving the identification accuracy of the vibration method of a complex cable system such as the beam string structure and is a useful discussion on the vibration method of complex cable systems.
Glomerular filtration rate abnormalities in sickle cell disease
Authors: Afangbedji Nowah , Jerebtsova Marina
Published: October 2022

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders affecting the β-globin gene, resulting in the polymerization of hemoglobin and subsequent sickling of the red blood cell. Renal disease, the most common complication in SCD, begins in childhood with glomerular hyperfiltration and then progresses into albuminuria, a fast decline of glomerular filtration, and renal failure in adults. This mini-review focuses on glomerular filtration abnormalities and the mechanisms of hyperfiltration, explores genetic modifiers and methods of estimating glomerular filtration rates, and examines novel biomarkers of glomerular filtration in SCD.
Are we ready to collaborate? The interprofessional collaborative competencies of healthcare professionals in the Global South context
Authors: Soemantri Diantha , Findyartini Ardi , Werdhani Retno Asti , Koesnoe Sukamto , Dahlia Debie
Published: October 2022

Background

Current evidence of interprofessional collaboration suggests the importance of measuring and identifying the current state of the health professions’ interprofessional competencies. Therefore, this study was aimed at measuring the interprofessional competencies of health professionals in the Global South context using the validated CICS29.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 300 healthcare professionals of a newly established teaching hospital. Prior to the measurement of interprofessional competencies, the 29-items CICS29, which has been translated into Indonesian language, was revalidated using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 29 items of CICS29 were grouped into six subscales and each item was measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Data on gender, age, type of profession, and the length of working experience was also collected to identify whether discernible differences between grouping variables exists.

Results

Prior to measuring the interprofessional competencies, the validity of the instrument was established. Based on the CFA, the same six-factor model was found in the current study. The Indonesian CICS29 was reliable, with Cronbach alpha values of 0.921 for the whole instrument and that of each subscale ranged between 0.656 and 0.726. The mean total score of CICS29 was 128.53 (out of 145), ranged from 123 to 133.40 obtained by pharmacists and dentists respectively. No significant differences of CICS29 scores were found between grouping variables.

Conclusion

The current study has revealed relatively good interprofessional competencies of healthcare professionals working in a newly established teaching hospital in the Global South healthcare context. Measuring the interprofessional competencies serves as baseline for further intervention to nurture and maintain collaborative practice. In addition, the current study has further proven the cross-cultural validity of CICS29, thus appropriate to be utilized in different setting and context.
Gut microbiota involved in desulfation of sulfated progesterone metabolites: A potential regulation pathway of maternal bile acid homeostasis during pregnancy
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Qianqian , Yuan Peiqiang , Lin Sen , Chen Hong , Li Ran , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Wu De , Fang Zhengfeng
Published: October 2022

Abnormally raised circulating bile acids (BA) during pregnancy threat fetal and offspring health. Our previous study has identified sulfated progesterone metabolites (PMSs) in part account for dysregulation of maternal BA homeostasis during pregnancy, however, limited intervention strategies to remedy increased serum BA through PMSs during pregnancy are available. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of manipulating BA homeostasis and progesterone metabolism through steering gut microbiota. A total of 19 pregnant sows were randomly treated with standard diet or vancomycin-supplemented diet, to investigate the intercorrelation of PMSs, intestinal microbiota, and maternal BA metabolism from day 60 of gestation (G60) until farrowing (L0). Pregnant mice orally gavaged with epiallopregnanolone sulfate (PM5S) or vehicle and nonpregnant mice were sampled and further analyzed to verify the effect of PM5S on maternal BA metabolism. The present study revealed that oral vancomycin reduced maternal fasting serum total BA (TBA) levels and postprandial serum TBA levels at day 90 of gestation (G90). BA profile analysis showed the decreased TBA after vancomycin treatment was attributed to the decrease of primary BA and secondary BA, especially hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA). By using newly developed UPLC-MS/MS methods, we found vancomycin increased fecal excretion of allopregnanolone sulfate (PM4S) and PM5S during late gestation and thus maintaining the relative stability of serum PM4S and PM5S, which play an important role in BA metabolism. Further study in mice showed that pregnant mice have higher serum and liver TBA levels compared with nonpregnant mice, and PM5S administration induced higher gallbladder TBA levels and TBA pool in pregnant mice. In addition, after oral vancomycin, the continuously decreased Parabacteroides genus, potentially enriched with genes encoding steroids sulfatase, may explain the increased fecal PMSs excretion in pregnant sows. Taken together, our study provides the evidence that pregnancy-induced elevation of BA levels in sow is likely regulated by manipulation of gut microbiota, which offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of disrupted BA homeostasis during pregnancy by targeting specific microbiota.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial inoculation to improve growth, yield, and grain nutrient uptake of teff varieties
Authors: Tsegaye Zerihun , Alemu Tesfaye , Desta Feleke Adey , Assefa Fassil
Published: October 2022

Inoculation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improves the growth, yield, and plant nutrient uptake, as well as rhizosphere fertility, without harming the environment and human health. This study aimed to examine the effect of either individual or consortium of PGP bacterial inoculation on the growth, yield, and grain nutrient uptake of teff varieties. Three potential PGPR strains (i.e., Pseudomonas fluorescens biotype G, Enterobacter cloacae ss disolvens, and Serratia marcescens ss marcescens) were used for this study. Field evaluation was carried out in RCBD with 5 treatments. Highly significant (P < 0.001) differences were observed among treatments for plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), number of the total spike (NTS), shoot dry weight (SDW), grain yield (GY), and straw yield (SY). There was also teff variety that significantly (P < 0.01) affects PL, SDW, and SY. However, the interaction effect of the two factors (treatment*variety) did not significantly influence teff agronomic traits and grain nutrient uptake. The highest PH (133.5 cm), PL (53.2), NTS (30.9), SDW (18.1 t/ha), SY (10.7 t/ha), and GY (2.7 t/ha) were observed on Dukem variety (Dz-01-974) inoculated with PGPR consortium. Wherein 2.2 fold increase was observed in grain yield per hectare over the control. Inoculation of PGPR consortium showed better performance in promoting plant growth, yield, and grain nutrient uptake of teff varieties compared with the individual PGP bacterial application, and PGPR consortium could be used as inoculants to enhance teff production and productivity.
Alterations in gut microbiota improve SCFA production and fiber utilization in Tibetan pigs fed alfalfa diet
Authors: Gao Qingtao , Sun Guangming , Duan Jiujun , Luo Chengzeng , Yangji Cidan , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Zhu Yanbin , Wangdui Basang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: October 2022

Tibetan pigs were thought to have good performances of rough feeding tolerance, which may be related to the gut microbiota. This study was conducted to investigate the changes of colonic microbiota contribute to fiber utilization in Tibetan pigs fed alfalfa supplementation diet compared with basal diet, and verified whether the microbial community in Tibetan pigs fed alfalfa diet was beneficial to utilize fiber using in vitro fermentation. A total of 40 Tibetan pigs were allocated into two groups and fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet (CD) or a 50% alfalfa supplementation diet (AD) for 42d. Our results showed pigs fed CD diet improved carcass weight compared to pigs fed AD diet (p < 0.05), yet reduced the bacterial diversity (p < 0.05). Tibetan pigs fed CD diet increased certain pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus) abundance (FDR < 0.05). Alfalfa consumption increased fiber-degrading bacteria abundance (UCG-005, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Alloprevotella, Marvinbryantia, and Anaerovibrio) in the colonic digesta (FDR < 0.05) and improved concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA in colonic content (p < 0.05). Higher fermentation capacity of fecal microbiota from pig fed AD diet was verified by in vitro fermentation. Collectively, our results indicated that alfalfa supplementation in diets improved the abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria and SCFA production in the hindgut of Tibetan pig, as well as enhanced the fermentation capacity of fecal microbiota.
Trait-trait relationships and tradeoffs vary with genome size in prokaryotes
Authors: Beier Sara , Werner Johannes , Bouvier Thierry , Mouquet Nicolas , Violle Cyrille
Published: October 2022

We report genomic traits that have been associated with the life history of prokaryotes and highlight conflicting findings concerning earlier observed trait correlations and tradeoffs. In order to address possible explanations for these contradictions we examined trait–trait variations of 11 genomic traits from ~18,000 sequenced genomes. The studied trait–trait variations suggested: (i) the predominance of two resistance and resilience-related orthogonal axes and (ii) at least in free living species with large effective population sizes whose evolution is little affected by genetic drift an overlap between a resilience axis and an oligotrophic-copiotrophic axis. These findings imply that resistance associated traits of prokaryotes are globally decoupled from resilience related traits and in the case of free-living communities also from traits associated with resource availability. However, further inspection of pairwise scatterplots showed that resistance and resilience traits tended to be positively related for genomes up to roughly five million base pairs and negatively for larger genomes. Genome size distributions differ across habitats and our findings therefore point to habitat dependent tradeoffs between resistance and resilience. This in turn may preclude a globally consistent assignment of prokaryote genomic traits to the competitor - stress-tolerator - ruderal (CSR) schema that sorts species depending on their location along disturbance and productivity gradients into three ecological strategies and may serve as an explanation for conflicting findings from earlier studies. All reviewed genomic traits featured significant phylogenetic signals and we propose that our trait table can be applied to extrapolate genomic traits from taxonomic marker genes. This will enable to empirically evaluate the assembly of these genomic traits in prokaryotic communities from different habitats and under different productivity and disturbance scenarios as predicted via the resistance-resilience framework formulated here.
Resting-state functional connectivity alteration in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis and declined cognition: An observational study
Authors: Lin Guanwen , Lan Fei , Wu Duozhi , Cao Guanglei , Li Zheng , Qi Zhigang , Liu Yang , Yang Shuyi , Lu Jie , Wang Tianlong
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study is designed to investigate the brain function changed regions in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to explore the relationship between neuropsychological tests and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) network to clarify the possible mechanism underlying cognitive changes in KOA patients.

Materials and methods

Fifty-two patients aged ≥ 65 with KOA and twenty-two healthy-matched controls were recruited in this study. All participants were given rs-fMRI check. We used graph theory analysis to characterize functional connectivity (FC) and topological organization of the brain structural network. The relationship between FC values, topological properties, and the neuropsychological test scores was analyzed.

Results

Compared with the controls, fourteen edges with lower functional connectivity were noted in the KOA group. Local efficiency and small-worldness of KOA patients decreased compared to the healthy controls. No significant alterations of nodal topological properties were found between the two groups. There was a significant positive correlation between the AVLT-H (L) and the internetwork of default mode network (DMN) (left/right orbitofrontal Superior cortex) and limbic/cortical areas (left/right caudate, right amygdala). AVLT-H(L) was positively correlated with small-worldness and local efficiency.

Conclusion

The results indicated that for elderly KOA patients with declined cognition, topological properties, FC between DMN and subcortical limbic network related regions are significantly decreased compared to healthy controls. These alterations demonstrated a significant correlation with the neuropsychological test scores.
Potential mechanism of the Shunaoxin pill for preventing cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Guo Yuejie , Luo Ning , Kang Xueran
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aims to analyze the efficacy and mechanism of action of the Shunaoxin pill in preventing cognitive impairment in diabetic patients using network pharmacology.

Methods

The main active compounds of the Shunaoxin pills and their action targets were identified via the TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases. The GEO database was used to identify the genes in type 2 diabetic individuals associated with cognitive impairment. Subsequently, a common target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and targets associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment were screened by performing a topological analysis of the PPI network. The AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the reliability of the bioinformatic analysis predictions and validate the interactions between the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill and proteins associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment.

Results

Based on the TCMSP and Batman-Tcm platform, 48 active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill were identified, corresponding to 222 potential action targets. Further analysis revealed that 18 active components of the Shunaoxin pill might contribute to cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic patients. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill (hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and angelicin) targeted four core proteins: OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.

Conclusion

Active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill may alleviate cognitive impairment in diabetic patients by targeting the proteins OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.
Brief report: Free-living physical activity levels and cognitive control in multi-problem young adults
Authors: van der Sluys Maria Elise , Marhe Reshmi , van der Laan Peter H. , Popma Arne , Scherder Erik J. A.
Published: October 2022

Previous studies indicate a positive association between physical activity and cognitive control in sedentary but healthy adults, yet not much is known about physical activity levels in multi-problem young adults. We examined the level of self-reported free-living physical activity (i.e., MET minutes per week) in an ecologically valid sample of young adults facing multiple problems, including unemployment, lack of education, frequent substance use, and history of delinquency. We compared cognitive control with an age- and sex-matched control sample. Additionally, the association between physical activity and cognitive control (i.e., response inhibition, error processing, interference effect) in the multi-problem group was examined. Physical activity and cognitive control were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form and three cognitive control experiments (i.e., Flanker, Go/NoGo, Stroop), respectively. With M = 4428 Metabolic Equivalents (METs), our multi-problem sample (n = 63) showed physical activity levels similar to the age- and sex-matched control sample from the general population (n = 62). The multi-problem young adults also showed impaired cognitive control indexed as decreased response inhibition and decreased Flanker correctness effect compared to their peers. We could not find an association between self-reported physical activity and cognitive control in the multi-problem sample. Due to the small sample size, results should be interpreted with caution. However, future dose-response studies could still use these results to further examine if within-individual increased physical activity may possibly lead to improved cognitive control in (already relatively active) multi-problem young adults.
Effects of different cooking methods on volatile flavor compounds, nutritional constituents, and antioxidant activities of Clitocybe squamulosa
Authors: Yuan Hui , Xu Lijing , Chang Mingchang , Meng Junlong , Feng Cuiping , Geng Xueran , Cheng Yanfen , Liu Zongqi
Published: October 2022

To explore a scientific and reasonable cooking method for Clitocybe squamulosa, four cooking methods (boiling, steaming, microwaving, and frying) were applied to C. squamulosa, and the effects of different cooking methods on volatile flavor compounds, nutritional constituents, and antioxidant activities in C. squamulosa were systematically investigated. The results showed that 54, 53, 61, 63, and 49 volatile flavor compounds were detected in raw, boiled, steamed, microwaved, and fried samples, respectively. Large differences in volatile flavor compounds between the four cooking and raw samples were determined by using relative odor activity values (ROAV) and principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, steaming and microwaving could protect the nutrients of C. squamulosa, reduce losses during the cooking process and improve the color of cooked products compared to boiling and frying cooking methods. Meanwhile, cooking treatment exerted different effects on the antioxidant activity of C. squamulosa, and the antioxidant activity of C. squamulosa was the highest after microwave cooking treatment. This research can provide a theoretical basis for the cooking, processing and utilization of C. squamulosa and other wild edible fungi.
Financial toxicity in lung cancer
Authors: Boulanger Mary , Mitchell Carley , Zhong Jeffrey , Hsu Melinda
Published: October 2022

In the United States, lung cancer is the third most common cancer and the overall leading cause of cancer death. Due to advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy, 5-year survival is increasing. The growing population of patients with lung cancer and cancer survivors highlights the importance of comprehensive cancer care, including recognizing and addressing financial toxicity. Financial toxicity is a term used to contextualize the negative effects of the costs of cancer treatment in terms of patient quality of life. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value Framework places emphasis on high-value care as it evaluates cancer treatments “based on clinical benefit, side effects, and improvements in patient symptoms or quality of life in the context of cost”. Prior studies have shown that risk factors for financial toxicity in patients with lung cancer include lower household income or savings, inability to afford basic necessities, higher than anticipated out of pocket expenses, and taking sick leave. Among lung cancer survivors, patients experience increased unemployment and lower wages compared to the general population underscoring the lasting effects of financial toxicity. Financial toxicity is associated with increased psychosocial distress and decreased quality of life, and bankruptcy is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with cancer. Despite the negative implications of financial toxicity on patients, standardized screening practices and evidence-based interventions are lacking. The “COmphrensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST)” tool has been validated for assessing financial toxicity with correlation with health-related quality of life. Further research is needed to understand the utility of incorporating routine screening for financial toxicity into clinical practice and the efficacy of interventions. Understanding the relationship between financial toxicity and quality of life and survival is critical to providing high-value cancer care and survivorship care.
Meeting an un-MET need: Targeting MET in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Michaels Elena , Bestvina Christine M.
Published: October 2022

The MET pathway can be activated by MET exon 14 skipping mutations, gene amplification, or overexpression. Mutations within this pathway carry a poor prognosis for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MET exon 14 skipping mutations occur in 3-4% of patients with NSCLC, while MET amplifications are found in 1-6% of patients. The most effective method for detection of MET amplification is fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and of MET exon 14 skipping mutations is RNA-based next generation sequencing (NGS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an alternative method of diagnosis but is not as reliable. Early studies of MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) demonstrated limited clinical benefit. However, newer selective MET TKIs, such as capmatinib and tepotinib, have improved efficacy. Both drugs have an acceptable safety profile with the most common treatment-related adverse event being peripheral edema. One of the most frequent resistance mechanisms to EGFR inhibition with osimertinib is MET amplification. There is interest in combining EGFR inhibition plus MET inhibition in an attempt to target this resistance mechanism. Additional ways of targeting MET alterations are currently under investigation, including the bi-specific antibody amivantamab. Additional research is needed to further understand resistance mechanisms to MET inhibition. There is limited research into the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition for MET-altered NSCLC, though some data suggests decreased efficacy compared with wild-type patients and increased toxicity associated with the combination of immunotherapy and MET TKIs. Future directions for research will include combination clinical trials and understanding rational combinations for MET alterations.
Multi-spectral immunofluorescence evaluation of the myeloid, T cell, and natural killer cell tumor immune microenvironment in chordoma may guide immunotherapeutic strategies
Authors: Lopez Diana C. , Robbins Yvette L. , Kowalczyk Joshua T. , Lassoued Wiem , Gulley James L. , Miettinen Markku M. , Gallia Gary L. , Allen Clint T. , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Chordoma is a rare, invasive, and devastating bone malignancy of residual notochord tissue that arises at the skull base, sacrum, or spine. In order to maximize immunotherapeutic approaches as a potential treatment strategy in chordoma it is important to fully characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Multispectral immunofluorescence (MIF) allows for comprehensive evaluation of tumor compartments, molecular co-expression, and immune cell spatial relationships. Here we implement MIF to define the myeloid, T cell, and natural killer (NK) cell compartments in an effort to guide rational design of immunotherapeutic strategies for chordoma.

Methods

Chordoma tumor tissue from 57 patients was evaluated using MIF. Three panels were validated to assess myeloid cell, T cell, and NK cell populations. Slides were stained using an automated system and HALO software objective analysis was utilized for quantitative immune cell density and spatial comparisons between tumor and stroma compartments.

Results

Chordoma TIME analysis revealed macrophage infiltration of the tumor parenchyma at a significantly higher density than stroma. In contrast, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and T regulatory cells were significantly more abundant in stroma versus tumor. T cell compartment infiltration more commonly demonstrated a tumor parenchymal exclusion pattern, most markedly among cytotoxic T cells. NK cells were sparsely found within the chordoma TIME and few were in an activated state. No immune composition differences were seen in chordomas originating from diverse anatomic sites or between those resected at primary versus advanced disease stage.

Conclusion

This is the first comprehensive evaluation of the chordoma TIME including myeloid, T cell, and NK cell appraisal using MIF. Our findings demonstrate that myeloid cells significantly infiltrate chordoma tumor parenchyma while T cells tend to be tumor parenchymal excluded with high stromal infiltration. On average, myeloid cells are found nearer to target tumor cells than T cells, potentially resulting in restriction of T effector cell function. This study suggests that future immunotherapy combinations for chordoma should be aimed at decreasing myeloid cell suppressive function while enhancing cytotoxic T cell and NK cell killing.
The role of PET/CT in radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Hongjia , Kong Ziren , Xiang Yongbo , Zheng Rong , Liu Shaoyan
Published: October 2022

Radiotherapy has already been developed as the standard of care for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and precision staging, target volume delineation, prognosis prediction, and post-treatment surveillance are essential in the management of NPC. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasingly recognized as an imaging modality to guide precision radiotherapy in these areas. The feasibility and efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT have been confirmed in tumor diagnosis, treatment planning, prognosis, surveillance, and assessment. Coupled with the capability of revealing tumor metabolic information, 18F-FDG PET/CT is more accurate in identifying primary lesions and metastases of NPC than other conventional imaging methods including CT and MRI and shows the independently diagnostic and prognostic value for radiotherapy. However, 18F-FDG has limitations due to its physiological distribution in brain tissue and increasing uptake in post-radiation inflammation. Novel PET radiotracers including FAPI, NaF, CHO, and FLT are explored as alternatives with potential superiority for radiotherapy in NPC. In this review, we summarized the evolving role of PET/CT in the management of radiotherapy in NPC patients, aiming to facilitate precision radiotherapy from a molecular imaging aspect.
Construction and validation of a prognostic model of pyroptosis related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Guanqun , Zhang Dongxin , Liang Chaowei , Liang Chaojie , Wu Jixiang
Published: October 2022

Pyroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer. We are interested in determining the prognostic value of pyroptosis-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we searched the original transcriptome data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified the related expressed genes by co-expression analysis. Differentially expressed genes were identified by using univariate analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate analysis to screen for genes related to prognosis of HCC. Ultimately, we established a prognostic model for five genes, namely GSDME, DHX9, TREM2, SQSTM1 and GLMN. Survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate of HCC patients with high risk score was significantly lower than that of HCC patients with low risk score, and this signal could be used as an independent prognostic indicator of HCC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of this prognostic signal, and was further verified in a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset (GSE14520) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. In addition, nomograms based on the five identified prognostic genes were established and verified internally in TCGA cohort. Additionally, we also analyzed the gene mutations of the model genes and the correlation between immune cells of the model genes. In summary, this study identified for the first time a 5-gene prognostic signature associated with pyroptosis, which can be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and provide some potentially useful therapeutic targets for HCC.
A new technique for trans-perirectal iodine-125 seed implantation in prostatic cancer guided by CT and 3D printed template: Two case reports
Authors: Di Xuemin , Zhang Hongtao , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Jinxin , Gao Zhen , Yu Huimin , Su Xiaohua , Liang Yansong , Wang Juan
Published: October 2022

Low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy with permanent iodine-125 is an important curative treatment for low-risk prostate cancer, and it has been demonstrated that brachytherapy with permanent seeds is an effective treatment. However, differences in prostate volume, spatial location, and gland deformation between images obtained in the pre-planning phase and those obtained during the implantation procedure affect accurate delivery of the pre-planned dose. Furthermore, the complicated procedure could be a burden to elderly patients, for example, the risks associated with general anesthesia. In addition, ultrasound images are not as clear as computed tomography (CT) images with regard to identifying the location of seeds. Therefore, a new method for guidance during the procedure is urgently needed. Here, we have described a new method for precise trans-perirectal insertion of radioactive iodine-125 seeds in patients with prostate cancer under the guidance of CT and a 3D-printed template. These are some of the advantages of this technique over the standard procedure for seed implantation in the prostate: It requires only local anesthesia, the pre-planning phase can be completed before the procedure, and the operation time is considerably shorter. This report describes trans-pararectal iodine-125 seed brachytherapy for prostate cancer under local anesthesia and the guidance of a 3D printed template in two elderly patients. The dose parameters determined in the preoperative planning phase were verified postoperatively and found to be consistent. Further, the procedure was completely successfully with no major complications in both cases, and the patients’ prostate-specific antigen levels were normal at the most recent follow-up conducted 50 months after the procedure. Therefore, this technique seems promising for prostate cancer brachytherapy, and its application needs to be researched and extended further in the future.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networkfor hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Weiqing , Chen Feihua , Gong Mouchun , Jin Zhaoqing , Shu Lilu , Wang Zhi-wei , Wang Jianjiang
Published: October 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a high-burden cancer. The molecular mechanism of HCC has not been fully elucidated. Notably, current research has revealed a significant function for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the prognosis of patients with HCC. Here, this study aims to construct a regulated lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network and find biological targets for the treatment of HCC.

Methods

Based on the RNA expression patterns from the TCGA, we did an analysis to determine which genes were expressed differently between liver tumor tissues and noncancerous tissues. Then, using bioinformatic tools, we built a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network and used GO and KEGG functional analyses on the DEmRNAs connected to ceRNA networks. The main lncRNAs in the subnetwork were chosen, and we next looked at the relationships between these lncRNAs and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCC. The prognosis-related genes and immune cells were identified using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses, and CIBERSORT was utilized to separate the 22 immune cell types. CCK8 assay was performed to measure cell viability in HCC cells after lncRNA HOTTIP modulation.

Results

Differentially expressed mRNA and lncRNAs in HCC and paracancerous tissues were identified. There are 245 lncRNAs, 126 miRNAs, and 1980 mRNAs that are expressed differently in liver tumour tissues than in noncancerous cells. Function analysis showed that mRNAs in ceRNA network were significantly enriched in G1/S transition of mototiv cell cycle, positive regulation of cell cycle process, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cancer related pathways. CD8 T cells and T follicular helper cells had a favourable link with a 0.65 correlation coefficient. Additionally, there was a strong correlation between Eosinophils, activated NK cells, and B memory cells. Strikingly, depletion of lncRNA HOTTIP inhibited viability of HCC cells. In addition, miR-205 upregulation suppressed viability of HCC cells, while miR-205 downregulation repressed viability of HCC cells. Notably, miR-205 depletion rescued HOTTIP depletion-mediated suppression of cell viability in HCC.

Conclusion

A ceRNA network was created by examining the lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression profiles of liver tumours from the TCGA database. LncRNA HOTTIP promoted cell viability via inhibition of miR-205 in HCC cells.
Novel image features of optical coherence tomography for pathological classification of lung cancer: Results from a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Yu Hang , Liang Zhixin , Zhao Wei , Zhu Minghui , Xu Yi , Guo Mingxue , Jia Yanhong , Zou Chenxi , Yang Zhen , Chen Liangan
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the characteristics of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions and different pathological types of lung cancer in bronchial lesions and to preliminarily evaluate the clinical value of OCT.

Methods

Patients who underwent bronchoscopy biopsy and OCT between February 2019 and December 2019 at the Chinese PLA General Hospital were enrolled in this study. White-light bronchoscopy (WLB), auto-fluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB), and OCT were performed at the lesion location. The main characteristics of OCT imaging for the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions and the prediction of the pathological classification of lung cancer in bronchial lesions were identified, and their clinical value was evaluated.

Results

A total of 135 patients were included in this study. The accuracy of OCT imaging for differentiating between benign and malignant bronchial lesions was 94.1%, which was significantly higher than that of AFB (67.4%). For the OCT imaging of SCC, adenocarcinoma, and small-cell lung cancer, the accuracies were 95.6, 94.3, and 92%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of OCT were higher than those of WLB. In addition, these main OCT image characteristics are independent influencing factors for predicting the corresponding diseases through logistic regression analysis between the main OCT image characteristics in the study and the general clinical features of patients (p<0.05).

Conclusion

As a non-biopsy technique, OCT can be used to improve the diagnosis rate of lung cancer and promote the development of non-invasive histological biopsy.
Impact of age and comorbidities on short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Turri Giulia , Caliskan Gulser , Conti Cristian , Martinelli Luigi , De Giulio Ernesto , Ruzzenente Andrea , Guglielmi Alfredo , Verlato Giuseppe , Pedrazzani Corrado
Published: October 2022

Background

As the world population is progressively ageing, more and more elderly patients will require cancer surgery. Although curative surgery is the treatment of choice for resectable colorectal cancer (CRC), it is still debated whether elderly frail patients should undergo major cancer surgery due to the increased risk of postoperative and long-term mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of age and comorbidities on postoperative mortality/morbidity and long-term outcomes, looking for potential age-related survival differences.

Methods

A total of 1,482 patients operated for CRC at our institution between January 2005 and October 2020 were analysed. The independent effect of age and comorbidities on postoperative complications was assessed by a logistic model, while the effect on overall survival (OS) and cancer-related survival (CRS) was estimated by a Cox regression model.

Results

The median age in the cohort was 67.8 years. Postoperative mortality was very low in the whole cohort (0.8%) and contained even in older age groups (3.2% in patients aged 80–84 years, 4% in the 85–90-year age group). The cumulative incidence of postoperative complications was doubled in patients with comorbidities (32.8% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.002). With regard to OS, as expected, it exponentially decreased with advancing age. Conversely, differences in CRS were less pronounced between age groups and absent in patients with stage 0–I CRC. Analysis of all causes and cancer-related mortality revealed a peak within 2 years from surgery, suggesting a prolonged impact of surgery. In patients aged 75 years and above, all-cause mortality showed a steep increase 1 year after surgery, while cancer-related mortality plateaued at about 4 years after surgery. On multivariable analysis, OS, but not CRS, was significantly influenced by age.

Conclusions

Although acceptable results of surgery in elderly patients, OS is strongly dependent on age: older people die more from competing causes than cancer-related treatments compared to younger age classes. The preoperative identification of risk factors for low OS may help the selection of those elderly patients who would benefit from curative CRC surgery.
The burden of prostate cancer in North Africa and Middle East, 1990–2019: Findings from the global burden of disease study
Authors: Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Azangou-Khyavy Mohammadreza , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Rezaei Negar , Rezaei Nazila , Kolahi Ali-Asghar ,   GBD 2019 NAME Prostate Cancer Collaborators, Amini Erfan , Mokdad Ali H. , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Naghavi Mohsen , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: October 2022

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer among men worldwide. This study presents estimates of PCa prevalence, incidence, death, years-of-life-lost (YLLs), years-lived-with-disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs), and the burden attributable to smoking during 1990-2019 in North Africa and Middle East using data of Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2019.

Methods

This study is a part of GBD 2019. Using vital registration and cancer registry data, the estimates on PCa burden were modeled. Risk factor analysis was performed through the six-step conceptual framework of Comparative Risk Assessment.

Results

The age-standardized rates (95% UI) of PCa incidence, prevalence, and death in 2019 were 23.7 (18.5-27.9), 161.1 (126.6-187.6), and 11.7 (9.4-13.9) per 100,000 population. While PCa incidence and prevalence increased by 77% and 144% during 1990-2019, respectively, the death rate stagnated. Of the 397% increase in PCa new cases, 234% was due to a rise in the age-specific incidence rate, 79% due to population growth, and 84% due to population aging. The YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs of PCa increased by 2% (-11.8-23.1), 108% (75.5-155.1), and 6% (-8.9-28.1). The death rate and DALYs rate attributable to smoking have decreased 12% and 10%, respectively. The DALYs rate attributable to smoking was 37.4 (15.9-67.8) in Lebanon and 5.9 (2.5-10.6) in Saudi Arabia, which were the highest and lowest in the region, respectively.

Conclusions

The PCa incidence and prevalence rates increased during 1990-2019; however, the death rate stagnated. The increase in the incidence was mostly due to the rise in the age-specific incidence rate, rather than population growth or aging. The burden of PCa attributable to smoking has decreased in the past 30 years.
Polymorphic variants of IGF2BP3 and SENCR have an impact on predisposition and/or progression of Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Martinelli Marcella , Mancarella Caterina , Scapoli Luca , Palmieri Annalisa , De Sanctis Paola , Ferrari Cristina , Pasello Michela , Zucchini Cinzia , Scotlandi Katia
Published: October 2022

Ewing sarcoma (EWS), the second most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, occurs abruptly without clear evidence of tumor history or progression. Previous association studies have identified some inherited variants associated with the risk of developing EWS but a common picture of the germline susceptibility to this tumor remains largely unclear. Here, we examine the association between thirty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IGF2BP3, a gene that codes for an oncofetal RNA-binding protein demonstrated to be important for EWS patient’s risk stratification, and five SNPs of SENCR, a long non-coding RNA shown to regulate IGF2BP3. An association between polymorphisms and EWS susceptibility was observed for three IGF2BP3 SNPs - rs112316332, rs13242065, rs12700421 - and for four SENCR SNPs - rs10893909, rs11221437, rs12420823, rs4526784 -. In addition, IGF2BP3 rs34033684 and SENCR rs10893909 variants increased the risk for female respect to male subgroup when carried together, while IGF2BP3 rs13242065 or rs76983703 variants reduced the probability of a disease later onset (> 14 years). Moreover, the absence of IGF2BP3 rs10488282 variant and the presence of rs199653 or rs35875486 variant were significantly associated with a worse survival in EWS patients with localized disease at diagnosis. Overall, our data provide the first evidence linking genetic variants of IGF2BP3 and its modulator SENCR to the risk of EWS development and to disease progression, thus supporting the concept that heritable factors can influence susceptibility to EWS and may help to predict patient prognosis.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha is a driving mechanism linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to lung cancer
Authors: Xu Yuan-rui , Wang An-long , Li Ya-qing
Published: October 2022

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), irrespective of their smoking history, are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. This is mainly because COPD is characterized by chronic persistent inflammation and hypoxia, which are the risk factors for lung cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying this observation are still unknown. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) plays an important role in the crosstalk that exists between inflammation and hypoxia. Furthermore, HIF-1α is the main regulator of somatic adaptation to hypoxia and is highly expressed in hypoxic environments. In this review, we discuss the molecular aspects of the crosstalk between hypoxia and inflammation, showing that HIF-1α is an important signaling pathway that drives COPD progression to lung cancer. Here, we also provide an overview of HIF-1α and its principal regulatory mechanisms, briefly describe HIF-1α-targeted therapy in lung cancer, and summarize substances that may be used to target HIF-1α at the level of COPD-induced inflammation.