bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Crucial Roles of Bmi-1 in Cancer: Implications in Pathogenesis, Metastasis, Drug Resistance, and Targeted Therapies
Authors: Xu Jie , Li Lin , Shi Pengfei , Cui Hongjuan , Yang Liqun
Published: July 2022

B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration region 1 (Bmi-1, also known as RNF51 or PCGF4) is one of the important members of the PcG gene family, and is involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and senescence, and maintaining the self-renewal of stem cells. Many studies in recent years have emphasized the role of Bmi-1 in the occurrence and development of tumors. In fact, Bmi-1 has multiple functions in cancer biology and is closely related to many classical molecules, including Akt, c-MYC, Pten, etc. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of Bmi-1 in multiple pathways, and the interaction of Bmi-1 with noncoding RNAs. In particular, we focus on the pathological processes of Bmi-1 in cancer, and explore the clinical relevance of Bmi-1 in cancer biomarkers and prognosis, as well as its implications for chemoresistance and radioresistance. In conclusion, we summarize the role of Bmi-1 in tumor progression, reveal the pathophysiological process and molecular mechanism of Bmi-1 in tumors, and provide useful information for tumor diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
RclS Sensor Kinase Modulates Virulence of Pseudomonas capeferrum
Authors: Novović Katarina , Malešević Milka , Dinić Miroslav , Gardijan Lazar , Kojić Milan , Jovčić Branko
Published: July 2022

Signal transduction systems are the key players of bacterial adaptation and survival. The orthodox two-component signal transduction systems perceive diverse environmental stimuli and their regulatory response leads to cellular changes. Although rarely described, the unorthodox three-component systems are also implemented in the regulation of major bacterial behavior such as the virulence of clinically relevant pathogen P. aeruginosa. Previously, we described a novel three-component system in P. capeferrum WCS358 (RclSAR) where the sensor kinase RclS stimulates the intI1 transcription in stationary growth phase. In this study, using rclS knock-out mutant, we identified RclSAR regulon in P. capeferrum WCS358. The RNA sequencing revealed that activity of RclSAR signal transduction system is growth phase dependent with more pronounced regulatory potential in early stages of growth. Transcriptional analysis emphasized the role of RclSAR in global regulation and indicated the involvement of this system in regulation of diverse cellular activities such as RNA binding and metabolic and biocontrol processes. Importantly, phenotypic comparison of WCS358 wild type and ΔrclS mutant showed that RclS sensor kinase contributes to modulation of antibiotic resistance, production of AHLs and siderophore as well as host cell adherence and cytotoxicity. Finally, we proposed the improved model of interplay between RclSAR, RpoS and LasIR regulatory systems in P. capeferrum WCS358.
Short-Term Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Receptor-Binding Domain-Specific Antibody Induction on Neutrophil-Mediated Immune Response in Mice
Authors: Bolkhovitina Elena L. , Vavilova Julia D. , Bogorodskiy Andrey O. , Zagryadskaya Yuliya A. , Okhrimenko Ivan S. , Sapozhnikov Alexander M. , Borshchevskiy Valentin I. , Shevchenko Marina A.
Published: July 2022

Vaccination protects against COVID-19 via the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific antibody formation, but it also affects the innate immunity. The effects of specific antibody induction on neutrophils that can cause severe respiratory inflammation are important, though not completely investigated. In the present study, using a mouse model mimicking SARS-CoV-2 virus particle inhalation, we investigated neutrophil phenotype and activity alterations in the presence of RBD-specific antibodies. Mice were immunized with RBD and a week after a strong antibody response establishment received 100 nm particles in the RBD solution. Control mice received injections of a phosphate buffer instead of RBD. We show that the application of 100 nm particles in the RBD solution elevates neutrophil recruitment to the blood and the airways of RBD-immunized mice rather than in control mice. Analysis of bone marrow cells of mice with induced RBD-specific antibodies revealed the increased population of CXCR2+CD101+ neutrophils. These neutrophils did not demonstrate an enhanced ability of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation compared to the neutrophils from control mice. Thus, the induction of RBD-specific antibodies stimulates the activation of mature neutrophils that react to RBD-coated particles without triggering excessive inflammation.
Usefulness of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System for Machine-Learning Based Vaccine Research: A Case Study for COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Flora James , Khan Wasiq , Jin Jennifer , Jin Daniel , Hussain Abir , Dajani Khalil , Khan Bilal
Published: July 2022

Usefulness of Vaccine-Adverse Event-Reporting System (VAERS) data and protocols required for statistical analyses were pinpointed with a set of recommendations for the application of machine learning modeling or exploratory analyses on VAERS data with a case study of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen). A total of 262,454 duplicate reports (29%) from 905,976 reports were identified, which were merged into a total of 643,522 distinct reports. A customized online survey was also conducted providing 211 reports. A total of 20 highest reported adverse events were first identified. Differences in results after applying various machine learning algorithms (association rule mining, self-organizing maps, hierarchical clustering, bipartite graphs) on VAERS data were noticed. Moderna reports showed injection-site-related AEs of higher frequencies by 15.2%, consistent with the online survey (12% higher reporting rate for pain in the muscle for Moderna compared to Pfizer-BioNTech). AEs {headache, pyrexia, fatigue, chills, pain, dizziness} constituted >50% of the total reports. Chest pain in male children reports was 295% higher than in female children reports. Penicillin and sulfa were of the highest frequencies (22%, and 19%, respectively). Analysis of uncleaned VAERS data demonstrated major differences from the above (7% variations). Spelling/grammatical mistakes in allergies were discovered (e.g., ~14% reports with incorrect spellings for penicillin).
Benefits of Applying Nanotechnologies to Hydrogels in Efficacy Tests in Osteoarthritis Models—A Systematic Review of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Delbaldo Chiara , Tschon Matilde , Martini Lucia , Fini Milena , Codispoti Giorgia
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe musculoskeletal disease with an increasing incidence in the worldwide population. Recent research has focused on the development of innovative strategies to prevent articular cartilage damage and slow down OA progression, and nanotechnologies applied to hydrogels have gained particular interest. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the state of the art on preclinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies applying nanotechnologies to hydrogels in OA models to elucidate the benefits of their applications. Three databases were consulted for eligible papers. The inclusion criteria were in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, using OA cells or OA animal models, and testing hydrogels and nanoparticles (NPs) over the last ten years. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Eleven papers were included. In vitro studies evidenced that NP-gels do not impact on cell viability and do not cause inflammation in OA cell phenotypes. In vivo research on rodents showed that these treatments could increase drug retention in joints, reducing inflammation and preventing articular cartilage damage. Nanotechnologies in preclinical efficacy tests are still new and require extensive studies and technical hits to determine the efficacy, safety, fate, and localization of NPs for translation into an effective therapy for OA patients.
Digitoxin Affects Metabolism, ROS Production and Proliferation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Differently Depending on the Cell Phenotype
Authors: Lindholm Heléne , Ejeskär Katarina , Szekeres Ferenc
Published: July 2022

Digitoxin has repeatedly shown to have negative effects on cancer cell viability; however, the actual mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of digitoxin (1–100 nM) in four pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3, CFPAC-1, Panc-1, and AsPC-1. The cell lines differ in their KRAS/BRAF mutational status and primary tumor or metastasis origin. We could detect differences in the basal rates of cell proliferation, glycolysis, and ROS production, giving the cell lines different phenotypes. Digitoxin treatment induced apoptosis in all four cell lines, but to different degrees. Cells derived from primary tumors (Panc-1 and BxPC-3) were highly proliferating with a high proportion of cells in the S/G2 phase, and were more sensitive to digitoxin treatment than the cell lines derived from metastases (CFPAC-1 and AsPC-1), with a high proportion of cells in G0/G1. In addition, the effects of digitoxin on the rate of glycolysis, ROS production, and proliferation were dependent on the basal metabolism and origin of the cells. The KRAS downstream signaling pathways were not altered by digitoxin treatment, thus the effects exerted by digitoxin were probably disconnected from these signaling pathways. We conclude that digitoxin is a promising treatment in highly proliferating pancreatic tumors.
Microglia Remodelling and Neuroinflammation Parallel Neuronal Hyperactivation Following Acute Organophosphate Poisoning
Authors: Somkhit Julie , Yanicostas Constantin , Soussi-Yanicostas Nadia
Published: July 2022

Organophosphate (OP) compounds include highly toxic chemicals widely used both as pesticides and as warfare nerve agents. Existing countermeasures are lifesaving, but do not alleviate all long-term neurological sequelae, making OP poisoning a public health concern worldwide and the search for fully efficient antidotes an urgent need. OPs cause irreversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, inducing the so-called cholinergic syndrome characterized by peripheral manifestations and seizures associated with permanent psychomotor deficits. Besides immediate neurotoxicity, recent data have also identified neuroinflammation and microglia activation as two processes that likely play an important, albeit poorly understood, role in the physiopathology of OP intoxication and its long-term consequences. To gain insight into the response of microglia to OP poisoning, we used a previously described model of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) intoxication of zebrafish larvae. This model reproduces almost all the defects seen in poisoned humans and preclinical models, including AChE inhibition, neuronal epileptiform hyperexcitation, and increased neuronal death. Here, we investigated in vivo the consequences of acute DFP exposure on microglia morphology and behaviour, and on the expression of a set of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. We also used a genetic method of microglial ablation to evaluate the role in the OP-induced neuropathology. We first showed that DFP intoxication rapidly induced deep microglial phenotypic remodelling resembling that seen in M1-type activated macrophages and characterized by an amoeboid morphology, reduced branching, and increased mobility. DFP intoxication also caused massive expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines Il1β, Tnfα, Il8, and to a lesser extent, immuno-modulatory cytokine Il4, suggesting complex microglial reprogramming that included neuroinflammatory activities. Finally, microglia-depleted larvae were instrumental in showing that microglia were major actors in DFP-induced neuroinflammation and, more importantly, that OP-induced neuronal hyperactivation was markedly reduced in larvae fully devoid of microglia. DFP poisoning rapidly triggered massive microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, probably as a result of DFP-induced neuronal hyperexcitation, which in turn further exacerbated neuronal activation. Microglia are thus a relevant therapeutic target, and identifying substances reducing microglial activation could add efficacy to existing OP antidote cocktails.
The Damaging Effects of Long UVA (UVA1) Rays: A Major Challenge to Preserve Skin Health and Integrity
Authors: Bernerd Françoise , Passeron Thierry , Castiel Isabelle , Marionnet Claire
Published: July 2022

Within solar ultraviolet (UV) light, the longest UVA1 wavelengths, with significant and relatively constant levels all year round and large penetration properties, produce effects in all cutaneous layers. Their effects, mediated by numerous endogenous chromophores, primarily involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting oxidative stress is the major mode of action of UVA1, responsible for lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, DNA lesions and subsequent intracellular signaling cascades. These molecular changes lead to mutations, apoptosis, dermis remodeling, inflammatory reactions and abnormal immune responses. The altered biological functions contribute to clinical consequences such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, photoimmunosuppression, sun allergies, photoaging and photocancers. Such harmful impacts have also been reported after the use of UVA1 phototherapy or tanning beds. Furthermore, other external aggressors, such as pollutants and visible light (Vis), were shown to induce independent, cumulative and synergistic effects with UVA1 rays. In this review, we synthetize the biological and clinical effects of UVA1 and the complementary effects of UVA1 with pollutants or Vis. The identified deleterious biological impact of UVA1 contributing to clinical consequences, combined with the predominance of UVA1 rays in solar UV radiation, constitute a solid rational for the need for a broad photoprotection, including UVA1 up to 400 nm.
A Cell-Based Systematic Review on the Role of Annexin A1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Pearanpan Lishantini , Nordin Fariza Juliana , Siew Ee Ling , Kumolosasi Endang , Mohamad Hanif Ezanee Azlina , Masre Siti Fathiah , Chua Eng Wee , Cheng Hong Sheng , Rajab Nor Fadilah
Published: July 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that is often associated with a poorer prognosis and does not respond to hormonal therapy. Increasing evidence highlights the exploitability of Annexin A1 (AnxA1), a calcium dependent protein, as a precision medicine for TNBC. To systematically summarize the role of AnxA1 and its associated mechanisms in TNBC, we performed data mining using three main databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid/Medline. The papers retrieved were based on two different sets of key words such as “Annexin A1” or “Lipocortin 1” and “Breast cancer” or “TNBC”. A total of 388 articles were identified, with 210 chosen for comprehensive screening and 13 papers that met inclusion criteria were included. Current evidence from cell culture studies showed that AnxA1 expression is correlated with NF-κB, which promotes migration by activating ERK phosphorylation. AnxaA1 also activates TGF-β signaling which upregulates MMP-9 and miR196a expression to enhance epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migratory capacity of TNBC cells. AnxA1 can steer the macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype to create a pro-tumor immune environment. Existing research suggests a potential role of AnxA1 in the metastasis and immune landscape of TNBC tumors. Preclinical and clinical experiments are warranted to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of targeting AnxA1 in TNBC.
Osteopathy in Complex Lymphatic Anomalies
Authors: Solorzano Ernesto , Alejo Andrew L. , Ball Hope C. , Magoline Joseph , Khalil Yusuf , Kelly Michael , Safadi Fayez F.
Published: July 2022

Complex Lymphatic Anomalies (CLA) are lymphatic malformations with idiopathic bone and soft tissue involvement. The extent of the abnormal lymphatic presentation and boney invasion varies between subtypes of CLA. The etiology of these diseases has proven to be extremely elusive due to their rarity and irregular progression. In this review, we compiled literature on each of the four primary CLA subtypes and discuss their clinical presentation, lymphatic invasion, osseous profile, and regulatory pathways associated with abnormal bone loss caused by the lymphatic invasion. We highlight key proliferation and differentiation pathways shared between lymphatics and bone and how these systems may interact with each other to stimulate lymphangiogenesis and cause bone loss.
Exploration of Diazaspiro Cores as Piperazine Bioisosteres in the Development of σ2 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Xu Kuiying , Hsieh Chia-Ju , Lee Ji Youn , Riad Aladdin , Izzo Nicholas J. , Look Gary , Catalano Susan , Mach Robert H.
Published: July 2022

A series of σ2R compounds containing benzimidazolone and diazacycloalkane cores was synthesized and evaluated in radioligand binding assays. Replacing the piperazine moiety in a lead compound with diazaspiroalkanes and the fused octahydropyrrolo[3,4-b] pyrrole ring system resulted in a loss in affinity for the σ2R. On the other hand, the bridged 2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 1,4-diazepine, and a 3-aminoazetidine analog possessed nanomolar affinities for the σ2R. Computational chemistry studies were also conducted with the recently published crystal structure of the σ2R/TMEM97 and revealed that hydrogen bond interactions with ASP29 and π-stacking interactions with TYR150 were largely responsible for the high binding affinity of small molecules to this protein.
A Large-Scale Genomic Association Analysis Identifies the Candidate Genes Regulating Salt Tolerance in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Seedlings
Authors: Liu Dongrang , Dong Shaoyun , Miao Han , Liu Xiaoping , Li Caixia , Han Jianan , Zhang Shengping , Gu Xingfang
Published: July 2022

Salt stress seriously restricts plant growth and development, affects yield and quality, and thus becomes an urgent problem to be solved in cucumber stress resistance breeding. Mining salt tolerance genes and exploring the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance could accelerate the breeding of cucumber germplasm with excellent salt stress tolerance. In this study, 220 cucumber core accessions were used for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and the identification of salt tolerance genes. The salinity injury index that was collected in two years showed significant differences among the core germplasm. A total of seven loci that were associated with salt tolerance in cucumber seedlings were repeatedly detected, which were located on Chr.2 (gST2.1), Chr.3 (gST3.1 and gST3.2), Chr.4 (gST4.1 and gST4.2), Chr.5 (gST5.1), and Chr.6 (gST6.1). Within these loci, 62 genes were analyzed, and 5 candidate genes (CsaV3_2G035120, CsaV3_3G023710, CsaV3_4G033150, CsaV3_5G023530, and CsaV3_6G009810) were predicted via the functional annotation of Arabidopsis homologous genes, haplotype of extreme salt-tolerant accessions, and qRT-PCR. These results provide a guide for further research on salt tolerance genes and molecular mechanisms of cucumber seedlings.
AgroAId: A Mobile App System for Visual Classification of Plant Species and Diseases Using Deep Learning and TensorFlow Lite
Authors: Reda Mariam , Suwwan Rawan , Alkafri Seba , Rashed Yara , Shanableh Tamer
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to assist novice gardeners in identifying plant diseases to circumvent misdiagnosing their plants and to increase general horticultural knowledge for better plant growth. In this paper, we develop a mobile plant care support system (“AgroAId”), which incorporates computer vision technology to classify a plant’s [species–disease] combination from an input plant leaf image, recognizing 39 [species-and-disease] classes. Our method comprises a comparative analysis to maximize our multi-label classification model’s performance and determine the effects of varying the convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, transfer learning approach, and hyperparameter optimizations. We tested four lightweight, mobile-optimized CNNs—MobileNet, MobileNetV2, NasNetMobile, and EfficientNetB0—and tested four transfer learning scenarios (percentage of frozen-vs.-retrained base layers): (1) freezing all convolutional layers; (2) freezing 80% of layers; (3) freezing 50% only; and (4) retraining all layers. A total of 32 model variations are built and assessed using standard metrics (accuracy, F1-score, confusion matrices). The most lightweight, high-accuracy model is concluded to be an EfficientNetB0 model using a fully retrained base network with optimized hyperparameters, achieving 99% accuracy and demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed approach; it is integrated into our plant care support system in a TensorFlow Lite format alongside the front-end mobile application and centralized cloud database. Finally, our system also uses the collective user classification data to generate spatiotemporal analytics about regional and seasonal disease trends, making these analytics accessible to all system users to increase awareness of global agricultural trends.
Research Progress on Preparation Methods of Skutterudites
Authors: Zhao Chengyu , Wang Minhua , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2022

Thermoelectric material is a new energy material that can realize the direct conversion of thermal energy and electric energy. It has important and wide applications in the fields of the recycling of industrial waste heat and automobile exhaust, efficient refrigeration of the next generation of integrated circuits and full spectrum solar power generation. Skutterudites have attracted much attention because of their excellent electrical transport performance in the medium temperature region. In order to obtain skutterudites with excellent properties, it is indispensable to choose an appropriate preparation method. This review summarizes some traditional and advanced preparation methods of skutterudites in recent years. The basic principles of these preparation methods are briefly introduced. Single-phase skutterudites can be successfully obtained by these preparation methods. The study of these preparation methods also provides technical support for the rapid, low-cost and large-scale preparation of high-performance thermoelectric materials.
Technological Solutions in the Field of Production and Use of Hydrogen Fuel to Increase the Thermal Efficiency of Steam Turbine TPPs
Authors: Komarov Ivan , Rogalev Nikolay , Rogalev Andrey , Kindra Vladimir , Lisin Evgeny , Osipov Sergey
Published: July 2022

The paper discusses technological solutions in the field of production and use of hydrogen fuel, the combustion of which, in a steam-oxygen environment, can significantly increase the initial parameters of the steam turbine cycle and, thus, increase the thermal efficiency of traditional steam turbine thermal power plants. A study of technologies for the industrial production of hydrogen has been carried out. An analysis of the technical and economic features of hydrogen production technologies for use in the electric power industry showed that the most promising method is electrolysis, which makes it possible to obtain inexpensive hydrogen during hours of low demand for electricity or cogeneration of heat and electricity when electricity is a by-product. It is shown that in order to increase the power and efficiency of steam turbine TPPs, it is important to use external steam superheating from an external source of thermal energy, thus providing intermediate overheating of the working fluid by connecting an additional cycle with a higher equivalent initial temperature to the main steam turbine cycle. We have established that if we use hydrogen as a thermal energy source, the absolute efficiency of the steam turbine cycle can be increased up to 54%, taking into account the regenerative heating of feed water. In this case, at an overheating temperature equal to tnn = 760 °C, the absolute efficiency of the cycle is virtually equal to that of a CCGT unit operating at the initial gas temperature t0 = 1350 °C. At the same time, while maintaining the boiler performance, the rated capacity of the steam turbine power unit is increased by 12%. In addition, the study pays attention to the problem of increasing the power consumption of TPPs for the auxiliaries, as required to compress hydrogen and oxygen up to a pressure higher than that in the steam pipeline where the combustion chamber is installed. Our calculations have allowed us to conclude that, for the case of installing the combustion chamber in live steam, the share of additional power spent for auxiliaries should be 7%, whereas the main share of power is consumed for compressing hydrogen—94%. Despite the identified shortcomings, an economic analysis of the process of hydrogen production at TPP by electrolysis and its further use for intermediate overheating in steam turbines in order to increase their efficiency showed the effectiveness of this solution.
A New Hope: Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Karamichalakis Nikolaos , Kolovos Vasileios , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Tsougos Elias
Published: July 2022

Atrial arrhythmias are common in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and despite recent advances in pharmaceutical and invasive treatments, atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFl) are still associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. Clinical trial data imply a protective effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on the occurrence of AF and AFl. This review summarizes the state of knowledge regarding DM-mediated mechanisms responsible for AF genesis and recurrence but also discusses the recent data from experimental studies, published trials and metanalyses.
Is Whole-Body Cryostimulation an Effective Add-On Treatment in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Obesity? A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Varallo Giorgia , Piterà Paolo , Fontana Jacopo Maria , Gobbi Michele , Arreghini Marco , Giusti Emanuele Maria , Franceschini Christian , Plazzi Giuseppe , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Capodaglio Paolo
Published: July 2022

Pain severity, depression, and sleep disturbances are key targets for FM rehabilitation. Recent evidence suggests that whole-body cryostimulation (WBC) might be an effective add-on treatment in the management of FM. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an add-on WBC intervention to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on pain intensity, depressive symptoms, disease impact, sleep quality, and performance-based physical functioning in a sample of FM patients with obesity. We performed a randomized controlled trial with 43 patients with FM and obesity undergoing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program with and without the addition of ten 2-min WBC sessions at −110 °C over two weeks. According to our results, the implementation of ten sessions of WBC over two weeks produced additional benefits. Indeed, both groups reported positive changes after the rehabilitation; however, the group that underwent WBC intervention had greater improvements in the severity of pain, depressive symptoms, disease impact, and quality of sleep. On the contrary, with respect to performance-based physical functioning, we found no significant between-group differences. Our findings suggest that WBC could be a promising add-on treatment to improve key aspects of FM, such as pain, depressive symptoms, disease impact and poor sleep quality.
Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Surgical Treatment on Health-Related Life Quality
Authors: Gierek Marcin , Kitala Diana , Łabuś Wojciech , Szyluk Karol , Niemiec Paweł , Ochała-Gierek Gabriela
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease that affects the intimacy of patients. This disease reduces the quality of life and functioning of patients in everyday life. The surgical treatment of HS is one of the treatments for HS that can improve the quality of life. (2) Methods: The main goal of this study was to assess quality of life before the surgical treatment and after the surgical treatment of HS at Center for Burn Treatment in Siemianowice Śląskie, Poland, using the EQ-5D-5L survey before the operation and at follow-up (6 months after). (3) Results: The average quality of life measured with the EQ-5D-5L survey before therapy was 39.3 ± 20.1 (min., 0; max., 60; most frequent value, 50), whereas after surgical treatment, the mean quality of life was 89.5 ± 12.5 (min., 50; max., 100; most frequent value, 100). The average increase in the quality of life was 50.2 ± 19.5 (min., 30; max., 100; most frequent value, 30), and it was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Anterior Pedicled Nasal Flap in Frontal Sinus Drill-Out Patients: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Bastianelli Mark , Huang Lucy , Moore Paige , Iqbal Isma Zafar , Woods Charmaine M. , Ooi Eng H.
Published: July 2022

Background: The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is a common procedure performed in patients with frontal sinus pathology. While performing this procedure, large segments of bone are exposed, which may lead to the promotion of frontal sinus neo-ostium stenosis. Here we examine the peri-operative differences in time to achieve healing in patients where a mucosal flap is used to cover the exposed bone on one side of the neo-ostium. Design: A randomised pilot study with 12 patients undergoing EMLP surgery participated in this study. Methods: Patients were randomised to undergo a mucosal flap on either the left or right side of the neo-ostium. Prior to surgery, patients completed a SNOT-22 and smell identification test. Patients were reviewed until the neo-ostium had healed on both sides. Once healing had occurred, a post-operative SNOT-22 score and smell identification test were recorded. Results: Average time to healing for the frontal sinus neo-ostium was 4.7 vs. 4.2 (p = 0.3) on the flap vs. non-flap side, respectively. There was an average 24.4 point (range: −75 to +9) decrease in SNOT-22 scores post-surgery. The post-operative USPIT score demonstrated an average increase of 6.6 points (range −13 to +27). Conclusion: We did not detect significant differences in peri-operative time toward healing in neo-ostiums where a single flap is utilised. Further studies are needed to determine whether the usage of a single neo-ostium flap affords any benefit over no flap on either ostium. SNOT-22 and UPSIT scores improved post-surgery.
Macroscopic Synovial Inflammation Correlates with Symptoms and Cartilage Lesions in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Clinical Study
Authors: Olivotto Eleonora , Trisolino Giovanni , Belluzzi Elisa , Lazzaro Antonello , Strazzari Alessandro , Pozzuoli Assunta , Cigolotti Augusto , Ruggieri Pietro , Evangelista Andrea , Ometto Francesca , Stallone Stefano , Goldring Steven R. , Goldring Mary B. , Ramonda Roberta , Grigolo Brunella , Favero Marta
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship among patients’ characteristics, intraoperative pathology and pre/post-operative symptoms in a cohort of patients undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for symptomatic meniscal tears. Methods: Clinical data were collected (age, sex, body mass index, time to surgery, trauma). Intraoperative cartilage pathology was assessed with Outerbridge score. Meniscal tears were graded with the ISAKOS classification. Synovial inflammation was scored using the Macro-score. Patient symptoms were assessed pre/post-operatively using the KOOS instrument. Results: In the series of 109 patients (median age 47 years), 50% of the meniscal tears were traumatic; 85% of patients showed mild to moderate synovitis; 52 (47.7%) patients had multiple cartilage defects and 31 (28.4%) exhibited a single focal chondral lesion. Outerbridge scores significantly correlated with patient age, BMI and synovial inflammation. There was a correlation between severity of chondral pathology and high-grade synovial hyperplasia. Pre-operative KOOS correlated with BMI, meniscal degenerative changes and symptom duration. Obesity, time to surgery, presence of high-grade synovial hyperplasia and high-grade cartilage lesions were independent predictors of worse post-operative pain and function. Conclusion: We demonstrated that pre-operative symptoms and post-operative outcomes correlate with synovitis severity and cartilage pathology, particularly in old and obese patients that underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Importantly, patients with a degenerative meniscal pattern and with longer time to surgery experienced more severe cartilage damage and, consequentially, pain and dysfunction. These findings are fundamental to identify patients suitable for earlier interventions.
Heart Rate-Dependent Degree of Motion Artifacts in Coronary CT Angiography Acquired by a Novel Purpose-Built Cardiac CT Scanner
Authors: Vecsey-Nagy Milán , Jermendy Ádám Levente , Kolossváry Márton , Vattay Borbála , Boussoussou Melinda , Suhai Ferenc Imre , Panajotu Alexisz , Csőre Judit , Borzsák Sarolta , Fontanini Daniele Mariastefano , Csobay-Novák Csaba , Merkely Béla , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Szilveszter Bálint
Published: July 2022

Although reaching target heart rate (HR) before coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is still of importance, adequate HR control remains a challenge for many patients. Purpose-built cardiac scanners may provide optimal image quality at higher HRs by further improving temporal resolution. We aimed to compare the amount of motion artifacts on CCTA acquired using a dedicated cardiac CT (DCCT) compared to a conventional multidetector CT (MDCT) scanner. We compared 80 DCCT images to 80 MDCT scans matched by sex, age, HR, and coronary dominance. Image quality was graded on a per-patient, per-vessel and per-segment basis. Motion artifacts were assessed using Likert scores (1: non-diagnostic, 2: severe artifacts, 3: mild artifacts, 4: no artifacts). Patients were stratified into four groups according to HR (<60/min, 60–65/min, 66–70/min and >70/min). Overall, 2328 coronary segments were evaluated. DCCT demonstrated superior overall image quality compared to MDCT (3.7 ± 0.4 vs. 3.3 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). DCCT images yielded higher Likert scores in all HR ranges, which was statistically significant in the 60–65/min, 66–70/min and >70/min ranges (3.9 ± 0.2 vs. 3.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.008; 3.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.1 ± 0.6, p = 0.048 and 3.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7, p < 0.001, respectively). Using a dedicated cardiac scanner results in fewer motion artifacts, which may allow optimal image quality even in cases of high HRs.
Lung Ultrasound in Adults and Children with COVID-19: From First Discoveries to Recent Advances
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Vetrugno Luigi
Published: July 2022

During this pandemic, the lung ultrasound (LUS) imaging modality has shown promising results as a diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring tool for COVID-19 patients [...]
Prediction of Influenza Complications: Development and Validation of a Machine Learning Prediction Model to Improve and Expand the Identification of Vaccine-Hesitant Patients at Risk of Severe Influenza Complications
Authors: Wolk Donna M. , Lanyado Alon , Tice Ann Marie , Shermohammed Maheen , Kinar Yaron , Goren Amir , Chabris Christopher F. , Meyer Michelle N. , Shoshan Avi , Abedi Vida
Published: July 2022

Influenza vaccinations are recommended for high-risk individuals, but few population-based strategies exist to identify individual risks. Patient-level data from unvaccinated individuals, stratified into retrospective cases (n = 111,022) and controls (n = 2,207,714), informed a machine learning model designed to create an influenza risk score; the model was called the Geisinger Flu-Complications Flag (GFlu-CxFlag). The flag was created and validated on a cohort of 604,389 unique individuals. Risk scores were generated for influenza cases; the complication rate for individuals without influenza was estimated to adjust for unrelated complications. Shapley values were used to examine the model’s correctness and demonstrate its dependence on different features. Bias was assessed for race and sex. Inverse propensity weighting was used in the derivation stage to correct for biases. The GFlu-CxFlag model was compared to the pre-existing Medial EarlySign Flu Algomarker and existing risk guidelines that describe high-risk patients who would benefit from influenza vaccination. The GFlu-CxFlag outperformed other traditional risk-based models; the area under curve (AUC) was 0.786 [0.783–0.789], compared with 0.694 [0.690–0.698] (p-value < 0.00001). The presence of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, age, and previous emergency department visits contributed most to the GFlu-CxFlag model’s prediction. When higher numerical scores were assigned to more severe complications, the GFlu-CxFlag AUC increased to 0.828 [0.823–0.833], with excellent discrimination in the final model used to perform the risk stratification of the population. The GFlu-CxFlag can better identify high-risk individuals than existing models based on vaccination guidelines, thus creating a population-based risk stratification for individual risk assessment and deployment in vaccine hesitancy reduction programs in our health system.
Microbial Spectrum and Antibiotic Resistance in Patients Suffering from Penetrating Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kusan Simon , Surat Güzin , Kelm Matthias , Anger Friedrich , Kim Mia , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Schlegel Nicolas , Flemming Sven
Published: July 2022

Intraabdominal abscess formation occurs in up to 30% of patients suffering from Crohn´s disease (CD). While international guidelines recommend a step-up approach with a combination of empiric antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage to delay or even avoid surgery, evidence about microbial spectrum in penetrating ileitis is sparse. We retrospectively assessed outcomes of 46 patients with terminal penetrating Ileitis where microbial diagnostics have been performed and compared microbial spectrum and antibiotic resistance profile of CD patients with patients suffering from diverticulitis with intraabdominal abscess formation. In both groups, the most frequently isolated pathogen was the gram-negative bacterium E. coli belonging to the family of Enterobacterales. However, overall Enterobacterales were significantly more often verifiable in the control group than in CD patients. Furthermore, microbial analysis showed significant differences regarding isolation of anaerobic pathogens with decreased frequency in patients with CD. Subgroup analysis of CD patients to evaluate a potential influence of immunosuppressive therapy on microbial spectrum only revealed that Enterobacterales was less frequently detected in patients treated with steroids. Immunosuppressive therapy did not show any impact on all other groups of pathogens and did not change antibiotic resistance profile of CD patients. In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate that the microbial spectrum of CD patients does differ only for some pathogen species without increased rate of antibiotic resistance. However, the empiric antibiotic therapy for CD-associated intra-abdominal abscess remains challenging since different points such as local epidemiological and microbiological data, individual patient risk factors, severity of infection, and therapy algorithm including non-surgical and surgical therapy options should be considered before therapeutical decisions are made.
Exploring Contemporary Data on Lipid-Lowering Therapy Prescribing in Patients Following Discharge for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the South of Italy
Authors: Citarella Anna , Cammarota Simona , Bernardi Francesca Futura , Caliendo Luigi , D’Andrea Antonello , Fimiani Biagio , Fogliasecca Marianna , Pacella Daniela , Pagnotta Rita , Trama Ugo , Zito Giovanni Battista , Cillo Mariarosaria , Vercellone Adriano
Published: July 2022

Current international guidelines strongly recommend the use of high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) after hospitalization for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. With this study, our aim was to evaluate LLT prescribing in a large Italian cohort of patients after discharge for an ASCVD event, exploring factors associated with a lower likelihood of receiving any LLT and high-intensity LLT. Individuals aged 18 years and older discharged for an ASCVD event in 2019–2020 were identified using hospital discharge abstracts from two local health units of the Campania region. LLT treatment patterns were analyzed in the 6 months after the index event. Logistic regression models were developed for estimating patient predictors of any LLT prescription and to compare high-intensity and low-to-moderate-intensity LLT. Results: A total of 8705 subjects were identified. In the 6 months post-discharge, 56.7% of patients were prescribed LLT and, of those, 48.7% were high-intensity LLT. Female sex, older age, and stroke/TIA or PAD conditions were associated with a higher likelihood of not receiving high-intensity LLT. Similar predictors were found for LLT prescriptions. LLT utilization and the specific use of high-intensity LLT remain low in patients with ASCVD, suggesting a substantial unmet need among these patients in the contemporary real-world setting.
Impact of Catheter Ablation on Brain Microstructure and Blood Flow Alterations for Cognitive Improvements in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tatewaki Yasuko , Mutoh Tatsushi , Sato Hirokazu , Kobayashi Akiko , Totsune Tomoko , Thyreau Benjamin , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Nakase Taizen , Yagi Tetsuo , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: July 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) predisposes patients to develop cognitive decline and dementia. Clinical and epidemiological data propose that catheter ablation may provide further benefit to improve neurocognitive function in patients with AF, but the underlying mechanism is poorly available. Here, we conducted a pilot prospective study to investigate whether AF ablation can alter regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and brain microstructures, using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique. Eight patients (63 ± 7 years) with persistent AF underwent arterial-spin labeling (ASL) perfusion, 3D T1-structural images and cognitive test batteries before and 6 months after intervention. ASL and structural MR images were spatially normalized, and the rCBF and cortical thickness of different brain areas were compared between pre- and 6-month post-treatment. Cognitive–psychological function was improved, and rCBF was significantly increased in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p = 0.013), whereas decreased cortical thickness was found in the left posterior insular cortex (p = 0.023). Given that the PCC is a strategic site in the limbic system, while the insular cortex is known to play an important part in the central autonomic nervous system, our findings extend the hypothesis that autonomic system alterations are an important mechanism explaining the positive effect of AF ablation on cognitive function.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Hepatic Hemangioma Associated with Coagulopathy and Its Predictive Risk Factors
Authors: Maruyama Shigeo , Matono Tomomitsu , Koda Masahiko
Published: July 2022

Background: Knowledge of the relationships between hepatic hemangiomas and coagulopathy and the risk factors for hemangiomas is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of hepatic hemangiomas associated with coagulopathy, elucidate the causes of coagulopathy, and identify the predictive factors for hemangioma-related complications. Methods: In 281 consecutive patients with hepatic hemangiomas, we performed ultrasonography and conducted serum laboratory tests for liver function and six coagulation factors, i.e., platelets, as well as five coagulation fibrinolytic markers (prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), d-dimer, and fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products (FDP)) as indicators of coagulation disorder. Results: Among 281 patients, 56 (19.9%) had abnormal coagulation factors. Abnormal values of d-dimer were most frequently found among the six coagulation factors. The number of abnormal coagulation factors was significantly correlated with tumor size, M2BPGi, and HDL cholesterol, among which tumor size was the most significant independent predictor of the number of abnormal coagulation factors. Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatic hemangiomas associated with coagulopathy was relatively high and became more frequent with increases in tumor size. Predictive factors of hemangioma-related complications were found to be a tumor size of >5 cm in diameter and coagulopathy, especially the elevation of d-dimer.
Indoor Scene Recognition via Object Detection and TF-IDF
Authors: Heikel Edvard , Espinosa-Leal Leonardo
Published: July 2022

Indoor scene recognition and semantic information can be helpful for social robots. Recently, in the field of indoor scene recognition, researchers have incorporated object-level information and shown improved performances. This paper demonstrates that scene recognition can be performed solely using object-level information in line with these advances. A state-of-the-art object detection model was trained to detect objects typically found in indoor environments and then used to detect objects in scene data. These predicted objects were then used as features to predict room categories. This paper successfully combines approaches conventionally used in computer vision and natural language processing (YOLO and TF-IDF, respectively). These approaches could be further helpful in the field of embodied research and dynamic scene classification, which we elaborate on.
The Influence of Lateral Restraining Stiffness on the Box-Girder Superstructure under Unbroken Solitary Waves
Authors: Chen Minglin , Huang Bo , Yang Zhiying , Ren Qingyang , Zhu Bing
Published: July 2022

At present, box-girder superstructures are commonly used in coastal bridges, and their hydrodynamic performance under extreme waves such as tsunamis has attracted a lot of attention. There is a lack of research focusing on the effect of lateral restraining stiffness on box-girder superstructures under the extreme wave condition. In this paper, a two-dimensional numerical model based on the RANS equation and SST k-ω turbulence model is established. Combined with the dynamic mesh updating technique, the effect of lateral restraining stiffness on the superstructure of a box-girder and the dynamic characteristics of the movable box-girder under the solitary waves were investigated. To ensure the mesh quality, the numerical computational domain is divided into several regions that correspond to specific types of body motion. The numerical model is verified by comparing it with other numerical simulation results and experimental results. The dynamic characteristics and the wave forces of the box-girder superstructure under the effect of lateral restraining stiffness under the unbroken solitary waves are discussed. The results show that the horizontal and vertical forces on the box-girder superstructure under the action of unbroken solitary waves can be reduced by reducing the lateral restraining stiffness. However, with the decrease in lateral restraining stiffness, the lateral displacement of the box-girder superstructure would increase. Therefore, the lateral restraining stiffness and lateral displacement limit of the box-girder superstructure should be fully considered in practical engineering, and the appropriate lateral restraining stiffness should be selected to reduce the wave forces on the box-girder superstructure under extreme wave action, so as to improve the safety of the coastal box-girder superstructure. It is of great importance to study the interaction between the box-girder superstructure and unbroken solitary waves, which will help to have a deeper understanding to improve the disaster resistance of bridges.