bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Computerized Volumetric Analysis of Posterior Fossa Decompression for Space-Occupying Cerebellar Infarction
Authors: Goulin Lippi Fernandes Eric , Ridwan Sami , Greeve Isabell , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger , Grote Alexander , Simon Matthias
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Surgical decompression of the posterior fossa is often performed in cases with a space-occupying cerebellar infarction to prevent coma and death. In this study, we analyzed our institutional experience with this condition. We specifically attempted to address timing issues and investigated the role of cerebellar necrosectomy using imaging data and conducting volumetric analyses.

Methods

We retrospectively studied pertinent clinical and imaging data, including computerized volumetric analyses (preoperative/postoperative infarction volume, necrosectomy volume, and posterior fossa volume), from all 49 patients who underwent posterior fossa decompression surgery for cerebellar infarction in our department from January 2012 to January 2021.

Results

Thirty-five (71%) patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 14–15 at admission vs. only 14 (29%) before vs. 41 (84%) following surgery. Seven (14%) patients had preventive surgery (initial GCS 14–15, preoperative GCS change ≤ 1). Only 18 (37%) patients had an mRS score of 0–3 at discharge. Estimated overall survival was 70.5% at 1 year. Interestingly, 18/20 (90%) surviving cases had a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcome of 0–3 (mRS 0–2: 12/20 [60%]) 1 year after surgery. Surgical timing, including preventive surgery and mass effect of the infarct, in the posterior fossa assessed semi-quantitatively (Kirollos grade) and with volumetric parameters that were not predictive of the patients' (functional) outcomes.

Conclusion

Posterior fossa decompression for cerebellar infarction is a life-saving procedure, but rapid recovery of the GCS after surgery does not necessarily translate into good functional outcome. Many patients died during follow-up, but long-term mRS outcomes of 4–5 are rare. Surgery should probably aim primarily at pressure relief, and our clinical as well as volumetric data suggest that the impact of removing an infarcted tissue may be limited. It is presumably relatively safe to initially withhold surgery in cases with a GCS of 14–15.
Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Cardiac Myxoma: A Case Series and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Rao Jie , Tao Zi , Bao Qiongqiong , Jiang Mingxia , Zhou Enyang , Cai Xueli , Fu Fangwang
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major life-threatening consequence of cardiac myxoma (CM) and leads to a poor prognosis. Although intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is the first-line treatment for AIS, its efficacy and safety in CM-AIS have not been established. Currently, there are only limited data from case reports. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of CM-AIS and evaluate the safety and efficacy of IVT for CM-AIS patients.

Methods

Fourteen CM-AIS patients who received IVT between January 2016 and December 2021 were identified from our multicenter stroke registry databases. Clinical, neuroimaging and outcome data were analyzed. We then performed a pooled analysis of the published literature from inception to December 2021.

Results

Of the 14 CM-AIS patients, nine were treated with IVT alone, and five were treated with bridging therapy (BT). The median age was 51.5 years, and 57.1% were female. The median onset-to-needle time was 160 min. The median National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS) decreased from 15.5 at presentation to 13 24 h after IVT. Very early neurological improvement (VENI) was observed in one patient. Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) was observed in five (35.7%) patients, and only one patient was symptomatic (7.1%). Three-month favorable outcomes were achieved in six patients (66.7%) who underwent IVT alone and three patients (60%) who received BT, which resulted in a total proportion of favorable outcomes of 64.3%. None of the patients died at 3 months follow-up. Forty-seven cases (15 BT patients) were included for the pooled analysis. The median NIHSS score was 16.5, and VENI was observed in 10 (21.3%) patients. HT was detected in 11 patients (23.4%), and four (8.5%) patients were symptomatic. Favorable outcomes at 3 months were achieved in 61.7% of patients, 56.3% of patients who underwent IVT alone, and 73.3% of patients who received BT. The 3-month mortality rate was 4.3%.

Conclusions

IVT is a potentially safe and efficient treatment for CM-AIS patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to provide more evidence on the safety and efficacy of IVT and BT in CM-AIS patients.
Object Recognition and Dorsal Stream Vulnerabilities in Children With Early Brain Damage
Authors: van der Zee Ymie J. , Stiers Peter L. J. , Evenhuis Heleen M.
Published: May 2022

Aim

Visual functions of the dorsal stream are considered vulnerable in children with early brain damage. Considering the recognition of objects in suboptimal representations a dorsal stream dysfunction, we examined whether children with early brain damage and impaired object recognition had either general or selective dorsal stream dysfunctions.

Method

In a group of children with early brain damage (n = 48) we evaluated the dorsal stream functioning. To determine whether these patients had an increased risk of a dorsal stream dysfunction we compared the percentage of patients with impaired object recognition, assessed with the L94, with the estimated base rate. Then we evaluated the performance levels on motion perception, visual attention and visuomotor tasks in patients with (n = 18) and without (n = 11) object recognition abnormalities. A general dorsal stream dysfunction was considered present if a patient showed at least one abnormally low score in two out of three additional dorsal stream functions.

Results

Six of the eighteen (33.3%) patients with object recognition problems scored abnormally low on at least two additional dorsal stream functions. This was significantly higher than the base rate (p = 0.01). The difference of 24.1% between the patients with and without object recognition problems was not significant. Of the patients with object recognition problems 72.2% had at least 1 dorsal weakness, whereas this was only the case in 27.3% of patients without object recognition problems. Compared to patients with normal object recognition, patients with object recognition problems scored significantly more abnormally low on motion perception and visual attention (ps = 0.03) but did not differ on visuomotor skills.

Conclusion

Children with object recognition problems seem at risk for other dorsal stream dysfunctions, but dysfunctions might be rather specific than general. Multiple functions/aspects should be evaluated in neuropsychological assessment of children at risk.
On the Emergence of Phonological Knowledge and on Motor Planning and Motor Programming in a Developmental Model of Speech Production
Authors: Kröger Bernd J. , Bekolay Trevor , Cao Mengxue
Published: May 2022

A broad sketch for a model of speech production is outlined which describes developmental aspects of its cognitive-linguistic and sensorimotor components. A description of the emergence of phonological knowledge is a central point in our model sketch. It will be shown that the phonological form level emerges during speech acquisition and becomes an important representation at the interface between cognitive-linguistic and sensorimotor processes. Motor planning as well as motor programming are defined as separate processes in our model sketch and it will be shown that both processes revert to the phonological information. Two computational simulation experiments based on quantitative implementations (simulation models) are undertaken to show proof of principle of key ideas of the model sketch: (i) the emergence of phonological information over developmental stages, (ii) the adaptation process for generating new motor programs, and (iii) the importance of various forms of phonological representation in that process. Based on the ideas developed within our sketch of a production model and its quantitative spell-out within the simulation models, motor planning can be defined here as the process of identifying a succession of executable chunks from a currently activated phoneme sequence and of coding them as raw gesture scores. Motor programming can be defined as the process of building up the complete set of motor commands by specifying all gestures in detail (fully specified gesture score including temporal relations). This full specification of gesture scores is achieved in our model by adapting motor information from phonologically similar syllables (adapting approach) or by assembling motor programs from sub-syllabic units (assembling approach).
The Personal Trait of Spiritual Growth Is Correlated With the White Matter Integrity of the Brain
Authors: Fujino Masahiro , Watanabe Keita , Yamakawa Yoshinori
Published: May 2022

Determining the relationship between the entire brain structure and individual differences is important in extending healthy life expectancy, which can be affected by brain atrophy. The entire brain structure has been gradually known to be correlated not only with age but also with individual differences, such as quality of life, general intelligence, and lifestyle. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship between the entire brain structure and personal traits. We herein focused on one personal trait, namely spiritual growth, and examined its relationship with the entire brain structure using two neuroimaging-derived measures, namely the gray matter Brain Healthcare Quotient (GM-BHQ), a measure of GM volume, and the fractional anisotropy Brain Healthcare Quotient (FA-BHQ), a measure of white matter (WM) integrity, in 229 healthy participants (53 female, 176 male). The results indicated no significant relationship between the GM-BHQ and spiritual growth, but there was a significant positive correlation between the FA-BHQ and spiritual growth after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) with partial correlation analysis. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the FA-BHQ and spiritual growth after controlling for physical characteristics, such as age, sex, and BMI, as well as other variables related to lifestyle that were collected using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. These results support the idea that there is a relationship between the entire WM brain structure and spiritual growth. Further studies are required to clarify the causal relationship between the entire WM brain structure and spiritual growth with some interventions to improve spiritual growth. Such studies will help extend healthy life expectancy from a new perspective of personal trait.
Pilot Study of Remote Ischemic Conditioning in Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Jarrahi Abbas , Shah Manan , Ahluwalia Meenakshi , Khodadadi Hesam , Vaibhav Kumar , Bruno Askiel , Baban Babak , Hess David C. , Dhandapani Krishnan M. , Vender John R.
Published: May 2022

Spontaneous Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating injury that accounts for 10–15% of all strokes. The rupture of cerebral blood vessels damaged by hypertension or cerebral amyloid angiopathy creates a space-occupying hematoma that contributes toward neurological deterioration and high patient morbidity and mortality. Numerous protocols have explored a role for surgical decompression of ICH via craniotomy, stereotactic guided endoscopy, and minimally invasive catheter/tube evacuation. Studies including, but not limited to, STICH, STICH-II, MISTIE, MISTIE-II, MISTIE-III, ENRICH, and ICES have all shown that, in certain limited patient populations, evacuation can be done safely and mortality can be decreased, but functional outcomes remain statistically no different compared to medical management alone. Only 10–15% of patients with ICH are surgical candidates based on clot location, medical comorbidities, and limitations regarding early surgical intervention. To date, no clearly effective treatment options are available to improve ICH outcomes, leaving medical and supportive management as the standard of care. We recently identified that remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), the non-invasive, repetitive inflation-deflation of a blood pressure cuff on a limb, non-invasively enhanced hematoma resolution and improved neurological outcomes via anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization in pre-clinical ICH models. Herein, we propose a pilot, placebo-controlled, open-label, randomized trial to test the hypothesis that RIC accelerates hematoma resorption and improves outcomes in ICH patients. Twenty ICH patients will be randomized to receive either mock conditioning or unilateral arm RIC (4 cycles × 5 min inflation/5 min deflation per cycle) beginning within 48 h of stroke onset and continuing twice daily for one week. All patients will receive standard medical care according to latest guidelines. The primary outcome will be the safety evaluation of unilateral RIC in ICH patients. Secondary outcomes will include hematoma volume/clot resorption rate and functional outcomes, as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1- and 3-months post-ICH. Additionally, blood will be collected for exploratory genomic analysis. This study will establish the feasibility and safety of RIC in acute ICH patients, providing a foundation for a larger, multi-center clinical trial.
Spatiotemporal Kernel Reconstruction for Linear Parametric Neurotransmitter PET Kinetic Modeling in Motion Correction Brain PET of Awake Rats
Authors: Miranda Alan , Bertoglio Daniele , Stroobants Sigrid , Staelens Steven , Verhaeghe Jeroen
Published: May 2022

The linear parametric neurotransmitter positron emission tomography (lp-ntPET) kinetic model can be used to detect transient changes (activation) in endogenous neurotransmitter levels. Preclinical PET scans in awake animals can be performed to investigate neurotransmitter transient changes. Here we use the spatiotemporal kernel reconstruction (Kernel) for noise reduction in dynamic PET, and lp-ntPET kinetic modeling. Kernel is adapted for motion correction reconstruction, applied in awake rat PET scans. We performed 2D rat brain phantom simulation using the ntPET model at 3 different noise levels. Data was reconstructed with independent frame reconstruction (IFR), IFR with HYPR denoising, and Kernel, and lp-ntPET kinetic parameters (k2a: efflux rate, γ: activation magnitude, td: activation onset time, and tp: activation peak time) were calculated. Additionally, significant activation magnitude (γ) difference with respect to a region with no activation (rest) was calculated. Finally, [11C]raclopride experiments were performed in anesthetized and awake rats, injecting cold raclopride at 20 min after scan start to simulate endogenous neurotransmitter release. For simulated data at the regional level, IFR coefficient of variation (COV) of k2a, γ, td and tp was reduced with HYPR denoising, but Kernel showed the lowest COV (2 fold reduction compared with IFR). At the pixel level the same trend is observed for k2a, γ, td and tp COV, but reduction is larger with Kernel compared with IFR (10–14 fold). Bias in γ with respect with noise-free values was additionally reduced using Kernel (difference of 292, 72.4, and −6.92% for IFR, IFR+KYPR, and Kernel, respectively). Significant difference in activation between the rest and active region could be detected at a simulated activation of 160% for IFR and IFR+HYPR, and of 120% for Kernel. In rat experiments, lp-ntPET parameters have better confidence intervals using Kernel. In the γ, and td parametric maps, the striatum structure can be identified with Kernel but not with IFR. Striatum voxel-wise γ, td and tp values have lower variability using Kernel compared with IFR and IFR+HYPR. The spatiotemporal kernel reconstruction adapted for motion correction reconstruction allows to improve lp-ntPET kinetic modeling noise in awake rat studies, as well as detection of subtle neurotransmitter activations.
Electroencephalogram Mechanism of Dexmedetomidine Deepening Sevoflurane Anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Hua , Deng Liyun , Fang Kun , Cao Yuanyuan , Huang Cheng , Gu Erwei , Li Jun
Published: May 2022

Dexmedetomidine, as an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, plays anti-sympathetic, sedative and analgesic roles in perioperative period. Also, dexmedetomidine can reduce the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane and the risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) induced by sevoflurane anesthesia. But so far, the electroencephalogram (EEG) mechanism of dexmedetomidine deepening sevoflurane anesthesia is not clear. In this study, by analyzing the changes of the power spectrum and bicoherence spectrum of EEG before and after dexmedetomidine infusion, the EEG mechanism of dexmedetomidine deepening sevoflurane anesthesia was studied. We analyzed dexmedetomidine-induced changes in power spectrum and bicoherence spectrum in 23 patients under sevoflurane anesthesia. After anesthesia induction, the sevoflurane concentration was maintained at 0.8 MAC for 15 min, and then dexmedetomidine was administered at a loading dose of 0.8 μg/kg in 10 min, followed by a maintenance rate of 0.5 μg⋅kg–1⋅h–1. Frontal EEG data from 5 min before and 10 min after dexmedetomidine infusion were compared. After dexmedetomidine infusion, the mean α power peak decreased from 6.09 to 5.43 dB and shifted to a lower frequency, the mean θ bicoherence peak increased from 29.57 to 41.25% and shifted to a lower frequency, and the median α bicoherence peak increased from 41.49 to 46.36% and shifted to a lower frequency. These results demonstrate that dexmedetomidine deepens sevoflurane anesthesia, and enhances α and θ bicoherences while shifting peak values of these bands to lower frequencies through regulating thalamo-cortical reverberation networks probably.
Investigating Ramadan Like Fasting Effects on the Gut Microbiome in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Su Junhong , Li Fanglin , Wang Yueying , Su Yuxin , Verhaar Auke , Ma Zhongren , Peppelenbosch Maikel P.
Published: May 2022

Recently we reported that in healthy volunteer Ramadan-associated intermittent fasting (RAIF) remodels the gut microbiome and resulted in an increase in small chain fatty acid producing bacteria concomitant with improved metabolic parameters. As interpretation of these results is hampered by the possible psychological effects associated with the study, we now aim to investigate RAIF in experimental animals. To this end, 6-week male BALB/c mice were subjected to RAIF (30 days of a 16-h daily fasting; n = 8) or provided with feed ad libitum (n = 6). Fecal samples were collected before and the end of fasting and bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing was performed. We found that RAIF remodeled the composition of gut microbiota in BALB/c mice (p < 0.01) and especially provoked upregulation of butyrate acid-producing Lachnospireceae and Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.01), resembling the effects seen in human volunteers. Hence we conclude that the effects of RAIF on gut microbiome relate to the timing of food intake and are not likely related to psychological factors possibly at play during Ramadan.
Dietary Palygorskite Clay-Adsorbed Nano-ZnO Supplementation Improves the Intestinal Barrier Function of Weanling Pigs
Authors: Yu Lihuai , Liu Jun , Mao Junzhou , Peng Zhong , Zhong Zhaoxing , Wang Hongrong , Dong Li
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of PNZ on intestinal mucosal barrier function in weaning piglets. A total of 210, 21-day-old piglets with similar body weights (6.30 ± 0.51 kg) were randomly allocated into seven groups: control group (CON), antibiotic group (ANT), ZnO group (ZO), nano-ZnO group (NZO) and low, middle, and high PNZ groups (LPNZ, MPNZ, and HPNZ). The seven groups were, respectively, fed control diets or control diets supplemented with antibiotics; 3,000 mg/kg ZnO; 800 mg/kg nano-ZnO; 700, 1,000, or 1,300 mg/kg PNZ. More integrated intestinal villi were observed in the LPNZ group. In the jejunum of LPNZ group, the crypt depth significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) significantly increased (P < 0.05). In addition, the villus width and surface area of the ileum were significantly increased in the LPNZ group (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with PNZ can significantly increase the number of goblet cells in the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), decrease the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β (P < 0.05), and increase the contents of sIgA and IL-4 in the jejunal and ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of MCU2 and ZO1 in PNZ group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression of TLR4 and MyD88 was downregulated (P < 0.05). With increasing levels of PNZ, decreased proinflammatory cytokines and increased intestinal mucosal barrier function in weaned pigs was observed. In conclusion, supplementation with PNZ could effectively improve the intestinal barrier function of weanling piglets and potentially could replace the use of high doses of ZnO and antibiotics. The appropriate dose of PNZ for supplementation was 700 mg/kg.
Association Between Nutrition Literacy and Overweight/Obesity of Adolescents: A Cross–Sectional Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Li Shengping , Zhu Yuzhao , Zeng Mao , Li Zhourong , Zeng Huan , Shi Zumin , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2022

Objective

The burden of overweight and obesity in adolescents is increasing rapidly. This study aimed to assess the association between nutrition literacy and overweight/obesity among adolescents in China.

Methods

This cross–sectional online study involving adolescents aged 10–18 years was conducted in September 2020 in 239 schools in Chongqing China. Overweight and obese adolescents were determined based on the International Obesity Task Force's recommended age–sex specific body mass index cutoff points. Nutrition literacy was measured using the “Nutrition literacy scale for middle school students in Chongqing (CM–NLS).” The CM–NLS included three subdomains (functional nutritional literacy, interactive nutrition literacy, and critical nutrition literacy). Multinomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association.

Results

A total of 18,176 adolescents (49.8% girls) were included. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.6% and 17.0%, respectively. Compared with those having a low nutrition literacy score (below median), those with a high score were less likely to be overweight and obese. The odds ratio (95% CI) for overweight was 0.87 (0.79–0.97) (nutrition literacy) and 0.81 (0.73–0.90) (functional nutritional literacy). The corresponding figures for obesity were 0.84 (0.77–0.91) and 0.73 (0.67–0.80), respectively. Significant interaction existed between grade and nutrition literacy. The inverse association between nutrition literacy and overweight/obesity was significant among those in senior school but not among those in junior high school.

Conclusion

Nutrition literacy was inversely associated with overweight/obesity among adolescents, especially those attending senior high schools.
Metabolic Reprogramming in Adipose Tissue During Cancer Cachexia
Authors: Weber Bahar Zehra Camurdanoglu , Arabaci Dilsad H. , Kir Serkan
Published: May 2022

Cancer cachexia is a disorder of energy balance characterized by the wasting of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle resulting in severe weight loss with profound influence on morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for cancer cachexia are still limited. This multifactorial syndrome is associated with changes in several metabolic pathways in adipose tissue which is affected early in the course of cachexia. Adipose depots are involved in energy storage and consumption as well as endocrine functions. In this mini review, we discuss the metabolic reprogramming in all three types of adipose tissues – white, brown, and beige – under the influence of the tumor macro-environment. Alterations in adipose tissue lipolysis, lipogenesis, inflammation and adaptive thermogenesis of beige/brown adipocytes are highlighted. Energy-wasting circuits in adipose tissue impacts whole-body metabolism and particularly skeletal muscle. Targeting of key molecular players involved in the metabolic reprogramming may aid in the development of new treatment strategies for cancer cachexia.
Liquid Biopsy in Colorectal Cancer: Quo Vadis? Implementation of Liquid Biopsies in Routine Clinical Patient Care in Two German Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Authors: Fischer Laura E. , Stintzing Sebastian , Heinemann Volker , Keilholz Ulrich , Keune Dietmar , Vollbrecht Claudia , Burmeister Thomas , Kind Andreas , Weiss Lena , Horst David , Kirchner Thomas , Klauschen Frederick , Jung Andreas , Westphalen Christoph Benedikt , Jelas Ivan
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The use of liquid biopsies (LB) in patients with solid malignancies enables comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and has the potential to guide therapy stratification and support disease monitoring. To examine clinical uptake of LB in a real-world setting, LB implementation was analyzed at two German cancer centers (LMU Munich and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin) between 2017 and 2021, with focus on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, all patients who received a LB between January 2017 and December 2021 as part of routine clinical management were included. To provide adequate context, we collected disease characteristics and technical specifications of the LB methods applied. Additionally, we examined the concordance of RAS status in tumor tissue and LB. Finally, we discuss the potential of LB as a diagnostic tool to drive personalized treatment in CRC patients and how to implement LB in clinical routine.

Results

In total, our cohort included 86 CRC patients and 161 LB conducted in these patients between 2017 and 2021. In 59 patients, comparison between tissue-based and liquid-based molecular diagnostics, revealed a divergence in 23 (39%) of the evaluable samples.

Conclusion

Our real-world data analysis indicates that the possibilities of LB are not yet exploited in everyday clinical practice. Currently, the variety of methods and lack of standardization, as well as restricted reimbursement for liquid based CGP hinder the use of LB in clinical routine. To overcome these issues, prospective clinical trials are needed to provide evidence driving the implementation of LB into the management of CRC patients and to support their implementation into clinical guidelines.
Practice Patterns of Treatment Strategy of Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Survey of Chinese Oncologists
Authors: Xu Chang , Li Meng , Cai Xuwei , Yuan Shuanghu , Cao Jianzhong , Zhu Shuchai , Chen Ming , Bi Nan , Hu Xiao , Li Jiancheng , Zhou Wei , Wang Ping , Zhao Lujun , Liu Ningbo
Published: May 2022

Background

Thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) with concurrent chemotherapy is the standard treatment of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). However, there is still a controversy surrounding the treatment strategy especially optimal dosing and fractionation schedule. Current practice patterns among Chinese oncologists are unknown.

Materials and Methods

We surveyed 212 Chinese oncologists using a questionnaire including 50 questions designed by experienced oncologists. Questions covered demographic data, treatment recommendations, and self-assessed knowledge of guidelines or key clinical trials for SCLC. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were utilized to describe the result of the study.

Results

The response rate was 97% (207/212). Of all the respondents, 69% preferred TRT QD, 29% preferred BID, and 2% chose HFRT. For those who prefer TRT QD, 72% preferred a total dose of 60 Gy, followed by 15% opting for 66 Gy, 12% for <60 Gy, and 1% for 70 Gy. Of those who prefer BID, 79% preferred a total dose of 45 Gy, with 4% choosing 30 Gy, 8% choosing 50 Gy, 7% choosing 54 Gy, and 2% choosing >54 Gy. Regarding PCI, 82% of participants believed that PCI should be performed when treatment is completed and 13% believed that PCI should begin immediately after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. As for other therapies, 26% of participants choose concurrent anti-angiogenic therapy during SCLC treatment, and 49% recommended small-molecule TKI as the main anti-angiogenic therapy.

Conclusion

Substantial variation exists in how Chinese oncologists approach TRT dosing and fractionation for LS-SCLC. Almost 70% of respondents reported administering TRT QD more often in daily work. The most common doses were 60 Gy QD and 45 Gy BID.
Giant Polycystic Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Zhongming , Wang Hai , Ji Zhigang
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Giant, cystic renal tumors are generally considered relatively contraindicated for laparoscopic surgery. We report on a 19-year-old male, where polycystic lesions in the left kidney were accidentally noted by enhanced computed tomography (CT) by focusing on the diagnostic, clinical, and surgery to the patient.

Case Report

Enhanced CT scan revealed solid component in multiple cystic lesions of Bosniak IV, which was enhanced after injection of contrast agent and the left kidney lost normal profile and enlarged with maximal diameter more than 18cm. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed SUVmax 4.8 of the lesion and suggested malignant disease. A retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical left nephrectomy was performed successfully without cyst burst and the lesion was 17×17×18 cm in size. Pathological examination revealed that the lesions were consistent with papillary renal cell carcinoma (type 2, WHO grade II), no renal capsule invasion, no renal pelvis and renal sinus fat involvement, no abnormality in ureter and renal arteriovenous end, no abnormality in a few adrenal tissues, chronic inflammation of hilar lymph nodes (0/1). After surgery, no specific treatment was initiated and at a follow-up visit 1 year after surgery, no local recurrence or metastasis was found.

Conclusion

It is the largest cystic renal cell carcinoma that has ever been reported for laparoscopic resection. The selection of surgery for giant cystic renal cell carcinoma should be individualized. Retroperitoneal laparoscopy may be an option for such lesions.
The Role of miRNAs in the Resistance of Anthracyclines in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Si Zihan , Zhong Yan , Lao Sixian , Wu Yufeng , Zhong Guoping , Zeng Weiwei
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer has been reported as the most common cancer in women globally, with 2.26 million new cases in 2020. While anthracyclines are the first-line drug for breast cancer, they cause a variety of adverse reactions and drug resistance, especially for triple-negative breast cancer, which can lead to poor prognosis, high relapse, and mortality rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important in the initiation, development and metastasis of malignancies and their abnormal transcription levels may influence the efficacy of anthracyclines by participating in the pathologic mechanisms of breast cancer. Therefore, it is essential to understand the exact role of miRNAs in the treatment of breast cancer with anthracyclines. In this review, we outline the mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in miRNAs in the treatment of breast cancer using anthracyclines. The role of miRNA in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of breast cancer patients is discussed, along with the involvement of miRNAs in chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Comparing Descriptive Statistics for Retrospective Studies From One-per-Minute and One-per-Second Data
Authors: Salverda Hylke H. , Dekker Janneke , Witlox Ruben S. G. M. , Dargaville Peter A. , Pauws Steffen , te Pas Arjan B.
Published: May 2022

Background

Large amounts of data are collected in neonatal intensive care units, which could be used for research. It is unclear whether these data, usually sampled at a lower frequency, are sufficient for retrospective studies. We investigated what to expect when using one-per-minute data for descriptive statistics.

Methods

One-per-second inspiratory oxygen and saturation were processed to one-per-minute data and compared, on average, standard deviation, target range time, hypoxia, days of supplemental oxygen, and missing signal.

Results

Outcomes calculated from data recordings (one-per-minute = 92, one-per-second = 92) showed very little to no difference. Sub analyses of recordings under 100 and 200 h showed no difference.

Conclusion

In our study, descriptive statistics of one-per-minute data were comparable to one-per-second and could be used for retrospective analyses. Comparable routinely collected one-per-minute data could be used to develop algorithms or find associations, retrospectively.
Different Frequency Bands in Various Regions of the Brain Play Different Roles in the Onset and Wake-Sleep Stages of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Dong Yan , Xu Ruijuan , Zhang Yaodong , Shi Yali , Du Kaixian , Jia Tianming , Wang Jun , Wang Fang
Published: May 2022

Objective:

The study aimed to identify the signatures of brain networks using electroencephalogram (EEG) in patients with infantile spasms (IS).

Methods

Scalp EEGs of subjects with IS were prospectively collected in the first year of life (n = 8; age range 4–8 months; 3 males, 5 females). Ten minutes of ictal and interictal EEGs were clipped and filtered into different EEG frequency bands. The values of each pair of EEG channels were directly compared between ictal with interictal onsets and the sleep-wake phase to calculate IS brain network attributes: characteristic path length (CPL), node degree (ND), clustering coefficient (CC), and betweenness centrality (BC).

Results

CPL, ND, and CC of the fast waves decreased while BC increased. CPL and BC of the slow waves decreased, while ND and CC increased during the IS ictal onset (P < 0.05). CPL of the alpha decreased, and BC increased during the waking time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The transmission capability of the fast waves, the local connectivity, and the defense capability of the slow waves during the IS ictal onset were enhanced. The alpha band played the most important role in both the global and local networks during the waking time. These may represent the brain network signatures of IS.
A Meta-Analysis of High-Intensity Interval Training on Glycolipid Metabolism in Children With Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Cao Meng , Li Shu , Tang Yucheng , Zou Yu
Published: May 2022

Objective

Metabolic disorders are common among children and adolescents with obesity and are associated with insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient method to improve cardiometabolic health. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effects of HIIT on glycolipid metabolism in children with metabolic disorders.

Methods

Meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effect of HIIT on glycolipid metabolism markers. Subgroup analysis with potential moderators was explored [i.e., training intensity standard and work/rest time ratio (WRR)].

Results

Eighteen trials involving 538 participants were included. HIIT showed positive effects on glycolipid metabolism, such as triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood glucose (BG), blood insulin (BI), and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR, when compared to the non-training control group (CON); in addition to BG (p = 0.257), the combined results of other indicators have high heterogeneity (p = 0.000). HIIT showed no superior effects when compared to moderate-intensity training (MIT). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that HIIT protocol with a WRR of 1:1 was superior to MIT for reducing TG and LDL-C and used %maximal aerobic speed (MAS) as the exercise intensity was superior to MIT for reducing TG. HIIT protocol used %heart rate (HR) as the exercise intensity was superior to MIT for increasing HDL-C, decreasing BI, and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

HIIT improved glycolipid metabolism in children with metabolic disorders. WRR and training intensity can affect the intervention effects of HIIT.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/], identifier [CRD42021291473]
K Value: An Indicator that can Characterize the Cold and Hot Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines
Authors: Yang Meina , Pang Jingxiang , Zhang Zhongwen , Fu Jialei , Fan Hua , Zhang Yufeng , Min Lingyuan , Zhou Baochen , Han Jinxiang
Published: May 2022

Aims: The cold and hot properties of Chinese medicines are an important concept to represent the function of drugs, and are also a unique classification method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The method reflects an herb’s therapeutic properties and guides reasonable clinical prescription. However, the present key problem is the lack of an objective and quantitative evaluation index for the cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs. Delayed luminescence (DL) is the long-term afterglow of biological systems after illumination with light, which can reflect differences in herbal materials prepared under different conditions. We aim to use S. obliquus as an indicator organism to characterize the differences between the cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs.

Methods: Scenedesmus obliquus (S. obliquus) was used as an indicator organism to characterize the differences between the cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs. The decoction solution of different properties of Chinese herbs was added to S. obliquus culture medium; then, the delayed luminescence (DL) of S. obliquus after the addition of decoctions of different properties of Chinese herbs was measured to obtain information on the effect of different properties of Chinese herbs on S. obliquus. Many DL parameters were calculated, and ROC curve analysis was applied with the aim of finding a suitable parameter that can characterize the differences in cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs.

Results: Our results show that the K value is a sensitive parameter that can reflect the differences of cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs, thus providing new insights into the cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs.

Conclusions: DL measurement of S. obliquus after addition of different properties of Chinese herbs could be a novel and promising method to study the cold and hot properties of Chinese herbs.
Natural Compound Library Screening Identifies Oroxin A for the Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Cheng Xingdong , Huang Tingting , Wang Chunhui , Hao Shuang , Shu Liliang , Wang Shixiong , Cheng Gao , Zhang Qiaoyun , Huang Jian , Chen Chen
Published: May 2022

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a serious pathophysiological process relating to cardiovascular disease. Oroxin A (OA) is a natural flavonoid glycoside with various biological activities. However, its effect on the pathophysiological process of MI/RI has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether OA could alleviate MI/RI induced inflammation and pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro, providing a novel therapeutic regimen for the treatment of MI/RI. A high-throughput drug screening strategy was employed to test 2,661 natural compound libraries that can alleviate MI/RI in vivo and in vitro. The rat model of MI/RI was established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. H9c2 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to simulate MI/RI. The results show that OA is able to significantly inhibit apoptosis, pyroptosis and the inflammation response (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-18) in vivo and in vitro, and reduce the release of myocardial enzymes (cTnI, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, AST). In the rat MI/RI model, OA can not only improve cardiac function and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration but also reduce myocardial infarct size. The results revealed that OA is an effective remedy against MI/RI as it reduces the inflammatory response and inhibits pyroptosis. This may provide a new therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of MI/RI.
An Improved Genetically Encoded Fluorescent cAMP Indicator for Sensitive cAMP Imaging and Fast Drug Screening
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Liu Chang , Ren Pei-Gen , Chu Jun , Wang Liang
Published: May 2022

Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) is an important intracellular second messenger molecule downstream of many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Fluorescence imaging with bright and sensitive cAMP indicators allows not only dissecting the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular cAMP, but also high-content screening of compounds against GPCRs. We previously reported the high-performance circularly permuted GFP (cpGFP)-based cAMP indicator G-Flamp1. Here, we developed improved G-Flamp1 variants G-Flamp2 and G-Flamp2b. Compared to G-Flamp1, G-Flamp2 exhibited increased baseline fluorescence (1.6-fold) and larger fluorescence change (ΔF/F0) (1,300% vs. 1,100%) in HEK293T cells, while G-Flamp2b showed increased baseline fluorescence (3.1-fold) and smaller ΔF/F0 (400% vs. 1,100%). Furthermore, live cell imaging of mitochondrial matrix–targeted G-Flamp2 confirmed cytosolic cAMP was able to enter the mitochondrial matrix. G-Flamp2 imaging also showed that adipose tissue extract activated the Gi protein-coupled orphan GPCR GPR50 in HEK293T cells. Taken together, our results showed that the high-performance of G-Flamp2 would facilitate sensitive intracellular cAMP imaging and activity measurement of compounds targeting GPCR-cAMP signaling pathway during early drug development.
Isoalantolactone Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis and Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Junkui , Zhu Peili , Chen Yifei , Zhang Shiqing , Zhang Zhu , Zhang Zhang , Wang Ying , Jiang Xiaoli , Lin Kaili , Wu Wei , Mo Zhixian , Sze Stephen Cho Wing , Yung Ken Kin Lam
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive cancer. Isoalantolactone (IATL) has been reported to exert cytotoxicity against various cancer cells, but not CRC. In this study, we explored the anti-CRC effects and mechanism of action of IATL in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that IATL inhibited proliferation by inducing G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and autophagy in CRC cells. Repression of autophagy with autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1) enhanced the anti-CRC effects of IATL, suggesting that IATL induces cytoprotective autophagy in CRC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that IATL lowered protein levels of phospho-AKT (Ser473), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), phospho-70S6K (Thr421/Ser424) in CRC cells. Inhibition of AKT and mTOR activities using LY294002 and rapamycin, respectively, potentiated the inductive effects of IATL on autophagy and cell death. In vivo studies showed that IATL suppressed HCT116 tumor growth without affecting the body weight of mice. In consistent with the in vitro results, IATL lowered protein levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, phospho-AKT (Ser473), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), and phsopho-70S6K (Thr421/Ser424), whereas upregulated protein levels of cleaved-PARP and LC3B-II in HCT116 tumors. Collectively, our results demonstrated that in addition to inhibiting proliferation, inducing G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, IATL initiates cytoprotective autophagy in CRC cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide an experimental basis for the evaluation of IATL as a novel medication for CRC treatment.
Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy in the Detection and Recognition of Substances
Authors: Fu Xiaojian , Liu Yujie , Chen Qi , Fu Yuan , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2022

Recently, terahertz spectroscopy has received a lot of attention because of its unique properties such as biosafety, fingerprint spectrum, and good penetration. In this review, we focus on the research progress of terahertz spectroscopic techniques for the detection and recognition of substances. First, we describe the fundamentals of terahertz spectroscopy. Then, we outline the applications of terahertz spectroscopy in biomedicine, agriculture, food production, and security inspection. Subsequently, metamaterials, which have recently received extensive attention, are also investigated for the applications in terahertz spectroscopic detection and recognition of substances is illustrated. Finally, the development trend of terahertz spectroscopy for substance detection and recognition is also prospected.
Fragmentation Dynamics of Fluorene Explored Using Ultrafast XUV-Vis Pump-Probe Spectroscopy
Authors: Garg D. , Lee J. W. L. , Tikhonov D. S. , Chopra P. , Steber A. L. , Lemmens A. K. , Erk B. , Allum F. , Boll R. , Cheng X. , Düsterer S. , Gruet S. , He L. , Heathcote D. , Johny M. , Kazemi M. M. , Köckert H. , Lahl J. , Loru D. , Maclot S. , Mason R. , Müller E. , Mullins T. , Olshin P. , Passow C. , Peschel J. , Ramm D. , Rompotis D. , Trippel S. , Wiese J. , Ziaee F. , Bari S. , Burt M. , Küpper J. , Rijs A. M. , Rolles D. , Techert S. , Eng-Johnsson P. , Brouard M. , Vallance C. , Manschwetus B. , Schnell M.
Published: May 2022

We report on the use of extreme ultraviolet (XUV, 30.3 nm) radiation from the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH) and visible (Vis, 405 nm) photons from an optical laser to investigate the relaxation and fragmentation dynamics of fluorene ions. The ultrashort laser pulses allow to resolve the molecular processes occurring on the femtosecond timescales. Fluorene is a prototypical small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Through their infrared emission signature, PAHs have been shown to be ubiquitous in the universe, and they are assumed to play an important role in the chemistry of the interstellar medium. Our experiments track the ionization and dissociative ionization products of fluorene through time-of-flight mass spectrometry and velocity-map imaging. Multiple processes involved in the formation of each of the fragment ions are disentangled through analysis of the ion images. The relaxation lifetimes of the excited fluorene monocation and dication obtained through the fragment formation channels are reported to be in the range of a few tens of femtoseconds to a few picoseconds.
Ultrasound-Guided Breath-Compensation in Single-Element Photoacoustic Imaging for Three-Dimensional Whole-Body Images of Mice
Authors: Lee Haeni , Han Seongyi , Park Sinyoung , Cho Seonghee , Yoo Jinwoo , Kim Chulhong , Kim Jeesu
Published: May 2022

Photoacoustic imaging can be used to extract functional information at the molecular level for imaging the whole body of small animals in vivo. However, the use of a mechanical scanner to image the whole body involves acquiring the data for a period of time which can lead to breathing-related artifacts. Thus, the acquired three-dimensional data cannot be analyzed and visualized using two-dimensional projection rendering techniques unless the respiratory distortions are minimized. In this study, an ultrasound-guided breath-compensation method for the three-dimensional data of photoacoustic macroscopy to facilitate visualization and analysis in the depth direction is presented. Photoacoustic and ultrasound data of the whole body of mice were acquired in vivo, then the distorted skin layers were compensated in ultrasound data. The extracted distortion parameters were then applied to the corresponding photoacoustic data to compensate for the motion. The compensation method was successfully applied to visualize three-dimensional hemoglobin oxygen saturation in the whole body of mice in vivo by using multispectral photoacoustic data. The resulting three-dimensional images show that the developed methodology can be used in various biomedical studies, including monitoring drug delivery, imaging of tumors, and analysis of vasculature networks.