bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of complex perianal fistula revisited in a systematic review: a critical view of available scientific evidence
Authors: García-Olmo D. , Gómez-Barrera M. , de la Portilla F.
Published: February 2023

Background

Treating complex perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease patients remains a challenge. Classical surgical treatments for Crohn’s disease fistulas have been extrapolated from cryptoglandular fistulas treatment, which have different etiology, and this might interfere with its effectiveness, in addition, they increase fecal incontinence risk. Recently, new surgical techniques with support from biological approaches, like stem cells, have been developed to preserve the function of the sphincter. We have performed a systematic literature review to compare the results of these different techniques in the treatment of Crohn’s or Cryptoglandular fistula.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched systematically for relevant articles. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that referred to humans, were written in English, included adults 18+ years old, and were published during the 10-year period from 2/01/2010 to 2/29/2020. Evidence level was assigned as designated by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.

Results

Of the 577 citations screened, a total of 79 were ultimately included in our review. In Crohn’s disease patients, classical techniques such as primarily seton, Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tracks, or lay open, healing rates were approximately 50–60%, while in cryptoglandular fistula were around, 70–80% for setons or flaps. In Crohn’s disease patients, new surgical techniques using derivatives of adipose tissue reported healing rates exceeding 70%, stem cells-treated patients achieved higher combined remission versus controls (56.3% vs 38.6%, p = 0.010), mesenchymal cells reported a healing rate of 80% at week 12. In patients with cryptoglandular fistulas, a healing rate of 70% using derivatives of adipose tissue or platelets was achieved, and a healing rate of 80% was achieved using laser technology. Fecal incontinence was improved after the use of autologous platelet growth factors and Nitinol Clips.

Conclusion

New surgical techniques showed better healing rates in Crohn’s disease patients than classical techniques, which have better results in cryptoglandular fistula than in Crohn’s disease. Healing rates for complex cryptoglandular fistulas were similar between the classic and new techniques, being the new techniques less invasive; the incontinence rate improved with the current techniques.
Analysis of epidemiological trends of and associated factors for tooth loss among 35- to 44-year-old adults in Guangdong, Southern China, 1995–2015: a population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Jiang Linxin , Li Jianbo , Yang Zijing , Huang Xiaoyan , Zhong Xiong , Huang Yi , Liu Bincheng , Wu Linmei , Huang Shaohong , Fan Weihua
Published: February 2023

Background

Tooth loss is a known marker of oral and systemic health, but large-scale population-based and cross-sectional multi-year comparative studies on tooth loss have yet to be much studied in China. This study explores the changing trends in tooth loss status and the associated factors influencing the prevalence of tooth loss over the past two decades in Guangdong, Southern China.

Methods

Data from three cross-sectional, representative oral epidemiological surveys in Guangdong Province were analyzed, including 400 in 1995, 720 in 2005, and 288 in 2015, for a total of 1408 participants. Sample selection is based on the National Census of China published by the National Bureau of Statistics. In this study, each year, the number of missing teeth (MT) and the prevalence of tooth loss (MT > 0) were calculated. Basic demographic information, socioeconomic status, caries and periodontal status, personal lifestyle factors, and dental health care behaviors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to estimate their associations with tooth loss. Statistical significance was evaluated with 2-sided tests with a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results

This study found that the mean number of missing teeth and the prevalence of tooth loss among adults aged 35–44 years in Guangdong Province did not change significantly in the first decade (1995–2005) but decreased significantly in the second decade (2005–2015) (0.94 and 40.8% in 1995, 0.99 and 42.9% in 2005, and 0.63 and 33.3% in 2015, respectively). The mean number of MT by tooth position was highest for the first and second molars, and both were larger in the mandible than in the maxilla. In 1995, populations with low educational attainment and the presence of caries or periodontal pocket (periodontal probing depth ≥ 4 mm) were associated with a higher chance of MT > 0. In 2005, those with low educational attainment, the presence of caries, and 40–44 years old were associated with a higher chance of MT > 0. Moreover, in 2015, females, rural residents, and those with caries or periodontal pocket were associated with a higher chance of MT > 0.

Conclusions

Although tooth retention has improved recently (2005–2015) and the preventive effect of education level on tooth loss has increased over time, efforts to prevent tooth loss in adults need to be strengthened. Particular attention should be given to preventive interventions for women, rural residents, and those suffering from caries or periodontal pocket.
Intraluminal chloride regulates lung branching morphogenesis: involvement of PIEZO1/PIEZO2
Authors: Gonçalves Ana N. , Moura Rute S. , Correia-Pinto Jorge , Nogueira-Silva Cristina
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical and experimental evidence shows lung fluid volume as a modulator of fetal lung growth with important value in treating fetal lung hypoplasia. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying these morphological dynamics has been the topic of multiple investigations with, however, limited results, partially due to the difficulty of capturing or recapitulating these movements in the lab. In this sense, this study aims to establish an ex vivo model allowing the study of lung fluid function in branching morphogenesis and identify the subsequent molecular/ cellular mechanisms.

Methods

Ex vivo lung explant culture was selected as a model to study branching morphogenesis, and intraluminal injections were performed to change the composition of lung fluid. Distinct chloride (Cl−) concentrations (5.8, 29, 143, and 715 mM) or Cl− channels inhibitors [antracene-9-carboxylic acid (A9C), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitor172 (CFTRinh), and calcium-dependent Cl− channel inhibitorA01 (CaCCinh)] were injected into lung lumen at two timepoints, day0 (D0) and D2. At D4, morphological and molecular analyses were performed in terms of branching morphogenesis, spatial distribution (immunofluorescence), and protein quantification (western blot) of mechanoreceptors (PIEZO1 and PIEZO2), neuroendocrine (bombesin, ghrelin, and PGP9.5) and smooth muscle [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and myosin light chain 2 (MLC2)] markers.

Results

For the first time, we described effective intraluminal injections at D0 and D2 and demonstrated intraluminal movements at D4 in ex vivo lung explant cultures. Through immunofluorescence assay in in vivo and ex vivo branching morphogenesis, we show that PGP9.5 colocalizes with PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 receptors. Fetal lung growth is increased at higher [Cl−], 715 mM Cl−, through the overexpression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. In contrast, intraluminal injection of CFTRinh or CaCCinh decreases fetal lung growth and the expression of PIEZO1, PIEZO2, ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA. Finally, the inhibition of PIEZO1/PIEZO2 by GsMTx4 decreases branching morphogenesis and ghrelin, bombesin, MLC2, and α-SMA expression in an intraluminal injection-independent manner.

Conclusions

Our results identify PIEZO1/PIEZO2 expressed in neuroendocrine cells as a regulator of fetal lung growth induced by lung fluid.
Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-216a during tumor progression
Authors: Hamidi Amir Abbas , Taghehchian Negin , Zangouei Amir Sadra , Akhlaghipour Iman , Maharati Amirhosein , Basirat Zahra , Moghbeli Meysam
Published: February 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as the members of non-coding RNAs family are involved in post-transcriptional regulation by translational inhibiting or mRNA degradation. They have a critical role in regulation of cell proliferation and migration. MiRNAs aberrations have been reported in various cancers. Considering the importance of these factors in regulation of cellular processes and their high stability in body fluids, these factors can be suggested as suitable non-invasive markers for the cancer diagnosis. MiR-216a deregulation has been frequently reported in different cancers. Therefore, in the present review we discussed the molecular mechanisms of the miR-216a during tumor progression. It has been reported that miR-216a mainly functioned as a tumor suppressor through the regulation of signaling pathways and transcription factors. This review paves the way to suggest the miR-216a as a probable therapeutic and diagnostic target in cancer patients.
Edible and cation-free kiwi fruit derived vesicles mediated EGFR-targeted siRNA delivery to inhibit multidrug resistant lung cancer
Authors: Huang Haoying , Yi Xiaohan , Wei Qingyun , Li Mengyuan , Cai Xueting , Lv Yan , Weng Ling , Mao Yujie , Fan Weiwei , Zhao Mengmeng , Weng Zhongpei , Zhao Qing , Zhao Kewei , Cao Meng , Chen Jing , Cao Peng
Published: February 2023

Clinically, activated EGFR mutation associated chemo-drugs resistance has severely threaten NSCLC patients. Nanoparticle based small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy representing another promising alternative by silencing specific gene while still suffered from charge associated toxicity, strong immunogenicity and poor targetability. Herein, we reported a novel EGFR-mutant NSCLC therapy relying on edible and cation-free kiwi-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs), which showed sevenfold enhancement of safe dosage compared with widely used cationic liposomes and could be further loaded with Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 interfering RNA (siSTAT3). siSTAT3 loaded KEVs (STAT3/KEVs) could be easily endowed with EGFR targeting ability (STAT3/EKEVs) and fluorescence by surface modification with tailor-making aptamer through hydrophobic interaction. STAT3/EKEVs with a controlled size of 186 nm displayed excellent stability, high specificity and good cytotoxicity towards EGFR over-expressing and mutant PC9-GR4-AZD1 cells. Intriguingly, the systemic administration of STAT3/EKEVs significantly suppressed subcutaneous PC9-GR4-AZD1 tumor xenografts in nude mice by STAT3 mediated apoptosis. This safe and robust KEVs has emerged as the next generation of gene delivery platform for NSCLC therapy after multiple drug-resistance.

Graphical Abstract
Circular RNA 0001789 sponges miR-140-3p and regulates PAK2 to promote the progression of gastric cancer
Authors: You Jun , Chen Yinan , Chen Donghan , Li Yongwen , Wang Tinghao , Zhu Jingtao , Hong Qingqi , Li Qiyuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-associated mortalities globally. The deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) is widely implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of different cancer types.

Methods

The expression profiling of circRNAs in GC is required to identify crucial circRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. In the present study, a published circRNA microarray dataset was used to identify differentially expressed circRNAs between GC tissues and normal gastric mucosa tissues. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to validate the expression of circ_0001789. Fisher’s exact test, receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan-Meier plots were employed to analyze the clinical significance of circ_0001789. The miRNA targets of circ_0001789 were predicted using an online database, and their functional interaction was further confirmed by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assays. Transwell assays were conducted to investigate the biological functions of circ_0001789, miR-140-3p and p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) in the migration and invasion of GC cells. A xenograft mouse model was established to validate the role of circ_0001789 in the tumorigenesis of GC cells.

Results

circ_0001789 was identified as a highly expressed circRNA in GC tissues versus normal gastric mucosa tissues. Silencing circ_0001789 attenuated the malignancy of GC cells, and exosomal circ_0001789 was sufficient to regulate the malignant phenotype of GC cells. miR-140-3p was further identified as a downstream target of circ_0001789, which showed a negative correlation with circ_0001789 expression in GC tissues. Overexpression of miR-140-3p suppressed cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in GC cells. PAK2 was identified as the target of miR-140-3 to mediate the malignant phenotype of GC cells.

Conclusion

The present data suggested that the upregulation of circ_0001789 was associated with the progression of GC and with poor prognosis in patients with GC, and that miR-140-3p/PAK2 served as the downstream axis to mediate the oncogenic effect of circ_0001789.
FYN: emerging biological roles and potential therapeutic targets in cancer
Authors: Peng SanFei , Fu Yang
Published: February 2023

Src family protein kinases (SFKs) play a key role in cell adhesion, invasion, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and angiogenesis during tumor development. In humans, SFKs consists of eight family members with similar structure and function. There is a high level of overexpression or hyperactivity of SFKs in tumor, and they play an important role in multiple signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis. FYN is a member of the SFKs that regulate normal cellular processes. Additionally, FYN is highly expressed in many cancers and promotes cancer growth and metastasis through diverse biological functions such as cell growth, apoptosis, and motility migration, as well as the development of drug resistance in many tumors. Moreover, FYN is involved in the regulation of multiple cancer-related signaling pathways, including interactions with ERK, COX-2, STAT5, MET and AKT. FYN is therefore an attractive therapeutic target for various tumor types, and suppressing FYN can improve the prognosis and prolong the life of patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of FYN’s structure, expression, upstream regulators, downstream substrate molecules, and biological functions in tumors.
ASC specks exacerbate α‑synuclein pathology via amplifying NLRP3 inflammasome activities
Authors: Zheng Ran , Yan Yiqun , Dai Shaobing , Ruan Yang , Chen Ying , Hu Chenjun , Lin Zhihao , Xue Naijia , Song Zhe , Liu Yi , Zhang Baorong , Pu Jiali
Published: February 2023

Background

Inflammasome activation has a pathogenic role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Up-regulated expressions of inflammasome adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and assembly of ASC specks have been observed in postmortems of human PD brains and experimental PD models. Extracellular ASC specks behave like danger signals and sustain prolonged inflammasome activation. However, the contribution of ASC specks in propagation of inflammasome activation and pathological progression in PD has not been fully established.

Methods

Herein, we used human A53T mutant α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs)-stimulated microglia in vitro and unilateral striatal stereotaxic injection of PFFs-induced mice model of PD in vivo, to investigate the significance of ASC specks in PD pathological progression. Rotarod and open-field tests were performed to measure motor behaviors of indicated mice. Changes in the molecular expression were evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting (IB). Intracellular knockdown of the ASC in BV2 cells was performed using si-RNA. Microglial and neuronal cells were co-cultured in a trans-well system to determine the effects of ASC knockdown on cytoprotection.

Results

We observed a direct relationship between levels of ASC protein and misfolded α‑synuclein aggregates in PD mice brains. ASC specks amplified NLRP3 inflammasome activation driven by α-synuclein PFFs stimulation, which aggravated reactive microgliosis and accelerated α‑synuclein pathology, dopaminergic neurodegeneration and motor deficits. Endogenous ASC knockdown suppressed microglial inflammasome activation and neuronal α‑synuclein aggregation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study elucidated that ASC specks contribute to the propagation of inflammasome activation-associated α‑synuclein pathology in PD, which forms the basis for targeting ASC as a potential therapy for PD.
3D-GBS: a universal genotyping-by-sequencing approach for genomic selection and other high-throughput low-cost applications in species with small to medium-sized genomes
Authors: de Ronne Maxime , Légaré Gaétan , Belzile François , Boyle Brian , Torkamaneh Davoud
Published: February 2023

Despite the increased efficiency of sequencing technologies and the development of reduced-representation sequencing (RRS) approaches allowing high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of multiplexed samples, the per-sample genotyping cost remains the most limiting factor in the context of large-scale studies. For example, in the context of genomic selection (GS), breeders need genome-wide markers to predict the breeding value of large cohorts of progenies, requiring the genotyping of thousands candidates. Here, we introduce 3D-GBS, an optimized GBS procedure, to provide an ultra-high-throughput and ultra-low-cost genotyping solution for species with small to medium-sized genome and illustrate its use in soybean. Using a combination of three restriction enzymes (PstI/NsiI/MspI), the portion of the genome that is captured was reduced fourfold (compared to a “standard” ApeKI-based protocol) while reducing the number of markers by only 40%. By better focusing the sequencing effort on limited set of restriction fragments, fourfold more samples can be genotyped at the same minimal depth of coverage. This GBS protocol also resulted in a lower proportion of missing data and provided a more uniform distribution of SNPs across the genome. Moreover, we investigated the optimal number of reads per sample needed to obtain an adequate number of markers for GS and QTL mapping (500–1000 markers per biparental cross). This optimization allows sequencing costs to be decreased by ~ 92% and ~ 86% for GS and QTL mapping studies, respectively, compared to previously published work. Overall, 3D-GBS represents a unique and affordable solution for applications requiring extremely high-throughput genotyping where cost remains the most limiting factor.
PrehospitaL Ultrasound in Undifferentiated DyspnEa (PreLUDE): a prospective, clinical, observational study
Authors: Gundersen Elise Arem , Juhl-Olsen Peter , Bach Allan , Rostgaard-Knudsen Martin , Nielsen Bent Roni Ranghøj , Skaarup Søren Helbo , Petersen Henrik Ømark , Fjølner Jesper , Poulsen Morten Gustav Gerstrøm , Bøtker Morten Thingemann
Published: February 2023

Background

Diagnostic uncertainty in patients with dyspnea is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Prospective observational study of adult patients suffering dyspnea. Prehospital critical care physicians registered a suspected diagnosis based on clinical examination alone, performed POCUS of the heart and lungs, and finally registered suspected diagnoses based on their clinical examination supplemented with POCUS. Pre- and post-POCUS diagnoses were compared to endpoint committee adjudicated diagnoses. The primary outcome was improved sensitivity for diagnosing acute heart failure. Secondary outcomes included other diagnostic accuracy measures in relation to acute heart failure and other causes of dyspnea.

Results

In total, 214 patients were included. The diagnosis of acute heart failure was suspected in 64/214 (30%) of patients before POCUS and 64/214 (30%) patients after POCUS, but POCUS led to reclassification in 53/214 (25%) patients. The endpoint committee adjudicated the diagnosis of acute heart failure in 87/214 (41%) patients. The sensitivity for the diagnosis of acute heart failure was 58% (95% CI 46%–69%) before POCUS compared to 65% (95% CI 53%–75%) after POCUS (p = 0.12). ROC AUC for the diagnosis acute heart failure was 0.72 (95% CI 0.66–0.78) before POCUS compared to 0.79 (0.73–0.84) after POCUS (p < 0.001). ROC AUC for the diagnosis acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma was 0.87 (0.82–0.91) before POCUS and 0.93 (0.88–0.97) after POCUS (p < 0.001). A POCUS finding of any of severely reduced left ventricular function, bilateral B-lines or bilateral pleural effusion demonstrated the highest sensitivity for acute heart failure at 88% (95% CI 79%–94%), whereas the combination of all of these three findings yielded the highest specificity at 99% (95% CI 95%–100%).

Conclusion

Supplementary prehospital POCUS leads to an improvement of diagnostic accuracy of both heart failure and AE-COPD/-asthma overall described by ROC AUC, but the increase in sensitivity for the diagnoses of acute heart failure did not reach statistical significance. Tailored use of POCUS findings optimizes diagnostic accuracy for rule-out and rule-in of acute heart failure.

Trial registration: Registered in Clinical Trials, 05.04.2019 (identifier: NCT03905460) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT03905460?term=NCT03905460&cond=Dyspnea&cntry=DK&draw=2&rank=1.
Point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of fibrinolysis resistance in the critically ill: results from a feasibility study
Authors: Coupland Lucy A. , Rabbolini David J. , Schoenecker Jonathan G. , Crispin Philip J. , Miller Jennene J. , Ghent Tony , Medcalf Robert L. , Aneman Anders E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Fibrinolysisis is essential for vascular blood flow maintenance and is triggered by endothelial and platelet release of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). In certain critical conditions, e.g. sepsis, acute respiratory failure (ARF) and trauma, the fibrinolytic response is reduced and may lead to widespread thrombosis and multi-organ failure. The mechanisms underpinning fibrinolysis resistance include reduced t-PA expression and/or release, reduced t-PA and/or plasmin effect due to elevated inhibitor levels, increased consumption and/or clearance. This study in critically ill patients with fibrinolysis resistance aimed to evaluate the ability of t-PA and plasminogen supplementation to restore fibrinolysis with assessment using point-of-care ClotPro viscoelastic testing (VET).

Methods

In prospective, observational studies, whole-blood ClotPro VET evaluation was carried out in 105 critically ill patients. In 32 of 58 patients identified as fibrinolysis-resistant (clot lysis time > 300 s on the TPA-test: tissue factor activated coagulation with t-PA accelerated fibrinolysis), consecutive experimental whole-blood VET was carried out with repeat TPA-tests spiked with additional t-PA and/or plasminogen and the effect on lysis time determined. In an interventional study in a patient with ARF and fibrinolysis resistance, the impact of a 24 h intravenous low-dose alteplase infusion on coagulation and fibrinolysis was prospectively monitored using standard ClotPro VET.

Results

Distinct response groups emerged in the ex vivo experimental VET, with increased fibrinolysis observed following supplementation with (i) t-PA only or (ii) plasminogen and t-PA. A baseline TPA-test lysis time of > 1000 s was associated with the latter group. In the interventional study, a gradual reduction (25%) in serial TPA-test lysis times was observed during the 24 h low-dose alteplase infusion.

Conclusions

ClotPro viscoelastic testing, the associated TPA-test and the novel experimental assays may be utilised to (i) investigate the potential mechanisms of fibrinolysis resistance, (ii) guide corrective treatment and (iii) monitor in real-time the treatment effect. Such a precision medicine and personalised treatment approach to the management of fibrinolysis resistance has the potential to increase treatment benefit, while minimising adverse events in critically ill patients.

Trial registration: VETtiPAT-ARF, a clinical trial evaluating ClotPro-guided t-PA (alteplase) administration in fibrinolysis-resistant patients with ARF, is ongoing (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05540834; retrospectively registered September 15th 2022).
COVID-19 does not influence functional status after ARDS therapy
Authors: Bernard Alice , Serna-Higuita Lina Maria , Martus Peter , Mirakaj Valbona , Koeppen Michael , Zarbock Alexander , Marx Gernot , Putensen Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Haeberle Helene Anna
Published: February 2023

Rationale

Health-related quality of life after surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome has come into focus in recent years, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Objectives

A total of 144 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19 or of other origin were recruited in a randomized multicenter trial.

Methods

Clinical data during intensive care treatment and data up to 180 days after study inclusion were collected. Changes in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were used to quantify disease severity. Disability was assessed using the Barthel index on days 1, 28, 90, and 180.

Measurements

Mortality rate and morbidity after 180 days were compared between patients with and without COVID-19. Independent risk factors associated with high disability were identified using a binary logistic regression.

Main results

The SOFA score at day 5 was an independent risk factor for high disability in both groups, and score dynamic within the first 5 days significantly impacted disability in the non-COVID group. Mortality after 180 days and impairment measured by the Barthel index did not differ between patients with and without COVID-19.

Conclusions

Resolution of organ dysfunction within the first 5 days significantly impacts long-term morbidity. Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by COVID-19 was not associated with increased mortality or morbidity.
Oleaginous yeast, Rhodotorula paludigena CM33, platform for bio-oil and biochar productions via fast pyrolysis
Authors: Poopisut Pongsatorn , Boonyanan Pasama , Boontawan Pailin , Sukjit Ekarong , Promsampao Nuttapan , Chollacoop Nuwong , Ketudat-Cairns Mariena , Pattiya Adisak , Boontawan Apichat
Published: February 2023

An oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula paludigena CM33 was pyrolyzed for the first time to produce bio-oil and biochar applying a bench-scale reactor. The strain possessed a high lipid content with the main fatty acids similar to vegetable oils. Prior to pyrolysis, the yeast was dehydrated using a spray dryer. Pyrolysis temperatures in the range of 400–600 °C were explored in order to obtain the optimal condition for bio-oil and biochar production. The result showed that a maximum bio-oil yield of 60% was achieved at 550 °C. Simulated distillation gas chromatography showed that the bio-oil contained 2.6% heavy naphtha, 20.7% kerosene, 24.3% biodiesel, and 52.4% fuel oil. Moreover, a short path distillation technique was attempted in order to further purify the bio-oil. The biochar was also characterized for its properties. The consequence of this work could pave a way for the sustainable production of solid and liquid biofuel products from the oleaginous yeast.
Prostate cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma in a single patient: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Allahyari Abolghasem , Maharati Amirhosein , Jafari-Nozad Amir Masoud , zangooie Alireza
Published: February 2023

Background

Synchronous or metachronous multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are a known phenomenon. These occurrences may be spontaneous or related to environmental risk factors or genetic predisposition. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Multiple myeloma (MM) are two uncommon hematologic malignancies, arises from two different cell lineage. The coexistence of CML and MM that is a rare phenomenon, with only 29 cases reported in the literature. To the best of our, this combination of triple primary cancers has not been reported in a single patient.

Case presentation

Herein, we reported a case of an 85-year-old Iranian male with three confirmed primary malignant neoplasms. The patient presented with synchronous prostate cancer and CML, in august 2016. He received imatinib and nilotinib for CML and hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. He remained in good control at further follow-ups for about 5 years. In the follow-up period and after 61 months treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), CML was undetectable in molecular tests, but the presence of serum M-protein, abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, and CRAB criteria was compatible with MM.

Conclusion

We must evaluate the possibility of multiple primary cancers during cancer treatment and follow-up and it may be worthwhile to monitor serum electrophoresis and protein levels in TKIs-treated patients.
A systematic review on the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for improving mood symptoms in bipolar disorders
Authors: Jones Brett D. M. , Umer Madeha , Kittur Mary E. , Finkelstein Ofer , Xue Siqi , Dimick Mikaela K. , Ortiz Abigail , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Husain Muhammad I.
Published: February 2023

Background

Evidence-based psychotherapies available to treat patients with bipolar disorders (BD) are limited. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may target several common symptoms of BD. We conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of DBT for mood symptoms in patients with BD. The systematic search used key words related to DBT and BD in Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases from 1980 to April 1st, 2022. We included studies that enrolled patients with a BD I or II diagnosis (DSM or ICD), age 12 and older who received a DBT-based intervention. Studies reviewed were clinical trials including observational studies that reported at least one outcome related to BD mood symptoms or severity. We did not exclude based upon psychiatric or physical co-morbidity.

Results

We screened 848 abstracts and reviewed 28 full texts; 10 publications with 11 studies met our pre-determined eligibility criteria. All but one were feasibility pilot studies and most included participants in all mood states except for mania. The studies provided preliminary evidence suggesting these interventions may be effective for improving several core symptoms of BD. Overall, all the studies consistently supported that DBT-based interventions are feasible and acceptable for patients with BD.

Conclusion

DBT may be an effective treatment for BD; however, the confidence in this conclusion is limited by the small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and high risk of bias in all published trials. Larger well-designed RCTs are now required to establish the effectiveness of DBT in BD.
Analysing the impact of contextual segments on the overall rating in multi-criteria recommender systems
Authors: Krishna Chinta Venkata Murali , Rao G. Appa , Anuradha S.
Published: February 2023

Depending on the RMSE and sites sharing travel details, enormous reviews have been posted day by day. In order to recognize potential target customers in a quick and effective manner, hotels are necessary to establish a customer recommender system. The data adopted in this study was rendered by the Trip Advisor which permits the customers to rate the hotel on the basis of six criteria such as, Service, Sleep Quality, Value, Location, Cleanliness and Room. This study suggest the multi-criteria recommender system to analyse the impact of contextual segments on the overall rating based on trip type and hotel classes. In this research we have introduced item-item collaborative filtering approach. Here, the adjusted cosine similarity measure is applied to identify the missing value for context in the dataset. For the selection of significant contexts the backward elimination with multi regression algorithm is introduced. The multi-collinearity among predictors is examined on the basis of Variance Inflation Factor (V.I.F). In the experimental scenario, the results are rendered based on hotel class and trip type. The performance of the multiregression model is evaluated by the statistical measures such as R-square, MAE, MSE and RMSE. Along with this, the ANOVA study is conducted for different hotel classes and trip types under 2, 3, 4 and 5 star hotel classes.
IGRF-RFE: a hybrid feature selection method for MLP-based network intrusion detection on UNSW-NB15 dataset
Authors: Yin Yuhua , Jang-Jaccard Julian , Xu Wen , Singh Amardeep , Zhu Jinting , Sabrina Fariza , Kwak Jin
Published: February 2023

The effectiveness of machine learning models can be significantly averse to redundant and irrelevant features present in the large dataset which can cause drastic performance degradation. This paper proposes IGRF-RFE: a hybrid feature selection method tasked for multi-class network anomalies using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) network. IGRF-RFE exploits the qualities of both a filter method for its speed and a wrapper method for its relevance search. In the first phase of our approach, we use a combination of two filter methods, information gain (IG) and random forest (RF) respectively, to reduce the feature subset search space. By combining these two filter methods, the influence of less important features but with the high-frequency values selected by IG is more effectively managed by RF resulting in more relevant features to be included in the feature subset search space. In the second phase of our approach, we use a machine learning-based wrapper method that provides a recursive feature elimination (RFE) to further reduce feature dimensions while taking into account the relevance of similar features. Our experimental results obtained based on the UNSW-NB15 dataset confirmed that our proposed method can improve the accuracy of anomaly detection as it can select more relevant features while reducing the feature space. The results show that the feature is reduced from 42 to 23 while the multi-classification accuracy of MLP is improved from 82.25% to 84.24%.
Engineering design learning for high school and college first-year students in a STEM battlebot design project
Authors: Chien Yu-Hung , Liu Chia-Yu , Chan Shaio-Chung , Chang Yu-Shan
Published: February 2023

Background

There is a worldwide trend to include engineering design in high school curricula as a bridge course to higher-level STEM education and to increase high school students’ interest in STEM fields. This study used a battlebot design curriculum to compare engineering design learning between high school and college first-year students and then proposed suggestions for curriculum planning that promoted the continuity of learning between different levels of engineering design education.

Results

This study used the creative product analysis matrix (CPAM) and lag sequential analysis (LSA) to explore the possible similarities and differences between the two groups’ understanding of engineering design. The results show that college first-year students were significantly better than high school students in CPAM, but the two groups were similar in their reflections on engineering design behaviors, indicating that the noncumulative learning results must be taken seriously.

Conclusions

Higher-order engineering design thinking skills take a longer time to develop than technical skills. For both high school and college first-year students, it is important to enhance their higher-order engineering design thinking skills to promote higher engineering design performance. Moreover, high school students could be provided with convenient processing tools and easy-to-use, hands-on techniques to increase their technical skills. Educators from institutions of higher education and K-12 schools should work together to develop pedagogical models that provide rigorous, well-rounded education and outstanding engineering design instructions to most effectively cultivate STEM talent.
Application of environmental-safe fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae for increasing the cinnamon biological activities
Authors: Darwesh Osama M. , Eweys Aya S. , Zhao Yan-Sheng , Matter Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2023

The effect of fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae on biological properties of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) was investigated. The study demonstrated that the extract of S. cerevisiae-fermented cinnamon (S.C.FC) has antioxidants higher than non-fermented one. The optimum results for antioxidant yield were noted with 107 CFU S. cerevisiae/10 g cinnamon and 70 mL of dH2O at pH 6 and incubated for 3 d at 35 °C. Under optimum conditions, ABTS, DPPH, and H2O2 radical-scavenging activity increased by 43.8, 61.5, and 71.9%, respectively. Additionally, the total phenols and flavonoids in S.C.FC were increased by 81.3 and 415% compared by non-fermented one. The fermented cinnamon had antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhi, and C. albicans. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties were increased from 89 to 92% after fermentation. The lyophilized extract of S.C.FC showed positive effect against Huh7 cancer cells which decreased by 31% at the concentration of 700 µg/mL. According to HPLC analysis, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gentisic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and syringic acid were increased by 116, 33.2, 59.6, 50.6, 1.6, and 16.9%, respectively. Our findings suggest the applicability of cinnamon fermentation using S. cerevisiae as a useful tool for processing functional foods to increase their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content.

Graphical Abstract
How online shopping festival atmosphere promotes consumer participation in China
Authors: Xie Jiali , Yoon Namhee , Choo Ho Jung
Published: February 2023

Despite the immense success of China’s Double Eleven online shopping festival (OSF), research on how OSFs’ unique atmosphere relates to customer behavior has been scarce. This study investigates the influence of the OSF atmosphere on consumers’ participation behavior based on the stimulus–organism–response framework. Based on the data from 239 young Chinese consumers (in their 20 s and 30 s) and using structural equation modeling, this study explores the influence of three OSF atmosphere types—promotional, entertaining, and social interaction—on consumers’ continuous participation intention. All three types are found to influence consumers’ excitement, which strengthens their continuous participation intention. Additionally, the moderating effect of perceived time pressure is the highest for the relationship between entertaining atmosphere and excitement, followed by that between social interaction atmosphere and excitement. The greater the time pressure perceived by consumers, the stronger is the relationship between entertaining/social interaction atmosphere and excitement. This study bridges the gaps in the literature on atmosphere, consumer sentiment, and festival consumption.
Hard and soft tissue regeneration of severe peri-implantitis defects with the laser-assisted peri-implant defect regeneration technique: 3-year results
Authors: Noelken Robert , Westphal Laura , Schiegnitz Eik , Al-Nawas Bilal
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the regeneration of severe peri-implantitis deficiencies treated with the laser-assisted peri-implant defect regeneration (LAPIDER) approach within a 3-year follow-up.

Methods

Twenty-four implants with severe peri-implantitis in 18 patients were treated according to the LAPIDER technique. In contrast to classic techniques for reconstructive peri-implantitis surgery with a marginal incision, a buccal split-flap preparation avoiding papillae separation was used. After a coronal flap elevation and a laser-assisted peri-implant defect cleaning, connective tissue and autogenous bone grafting was performed. Primary outcomes were the changes of the marginal bone levels (MBL) and the buccal bone thickness. Secondary outcomes included implant survival, peri-implant probing depths (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), recession, width of keratinized mucosa (KMW), thickness of keratinized mucosa (KMT), soft tissue esthetics (PES), and implant success.

Results

MBL improved interproximal by 3.10 ± 2.02 mm (p < 0.001), buccal by 3.49 ± 2.89 mm (p < 0.001), and lingual by 1.46 ± 1.98 mm (p = 0.003); buccal bone thickness by 0.55 ± 0.60 mm (p = 0.005), and 1.01 ± 1.25 mm (p = 0.001) at 1 and 3 mm below reference level. Two implants were removed; 22 implants were still in function at a mean follow-up of 36 months. PPD changed from 5.05 ± 1.39 to 3.08 ± 0.71 mm (p < 0.001); recession was reduced from 2.07 ± 1.70 to 0.91 ± 1.13 mm (p = 0.001); KMW increased from 2.91 ± 1.81 to 4.18 ± 1.67 mm (p = 0.006); KMT improved from 1.73 ± 0.50 to 2.44 ± 0.43 mm (p < 0.001); PES changed from 7.7 ± 2.8 to 10.7 ± 1.9 (p < 0.001). 45.8% to 54.2% of the implants met the criteria of implant success.

Conclusions

The favorable results document the proof of principle for the regeneration of severe peri-implant hard and soft tissue deficiencies by the LAPIDER treatment approach.
Hierarchical porous ECM scaffolds incorporating GDF-5 fabricated by cryogenic 3D printing to promote articular cartilage regeneration
Authors: Wu Jiang , Fu Liwei , Yan Zineng , Yang Yu , Yin Han , Li Pinxue , Yuan Xun , Ding Zhengang , Kang Teng , Tian Zhuang , Liao Zhiyao , Tian Guangzhao , Ning Chao , Li Yuguo , Sui Xiang , Chen Mingxue , Liu Shuyun , Guo Quanyi
Published: February 2023

Background

In recent years, there has been significant research progress on in situ articular cartilage (AC) tissue engineering with endogenous stem cells, which uses biological materials or bioactive factors to improve the regeneration microenvironment and recruit more endogenous stem cells from the joint cavity to the defect area to promote cartilage regeneration.

Method

In this study, we used ECM alone as a bioink in low-temperature deposition manufacturing (LDM) 3D printing and then successfully fabricated a hierarchical porous ECM scaffold incorporating GDF-5.

Results

Comparative in vitro experiments showed that the 7% ECM scaffolds had the best biocompatibility. After the addition of GDF-5 protein, the ECM scaffolds significantly improved bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) migration and chondrogenic differentiation. Most importantly, the in vivo results showed that the ECM/GDF-5 scaffold significantly enhanced in situ cartilage repair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study reports the construction of a new scaffold based on the concept of in situ regeneration, and we believe that our findings will provide a new treatment strategy for AC defect repair.
Pulse oximetry: why oxygen saturation is still not a part of standard pediatric guidelines in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Sheikh Maheen , Ahmad Huzaifa , Ibrahim Romesa , Nisar Imran , Jehan Fyezah
Published: February 2023

Background

With the high frequency of acute respiratory infections in children worldwide, particularly so in low-resource countries, the development of effective diagnostic support is crucial. While pulse oximetry has been found to be an acceptable method of hypoxemia detection, improving clinical decision making and efficient referral, many healthcare set ups in low- and middle-income countries have not been able to implement pulse oximetry into their practice.

Main body

A review of past pulse oximetry implementation attempts in low- and middle-income countries proposes the barriers and potential solutions for complete integration in the healthcare systems. The addition of pulse oximetry into WHO health guidelines would prove to improve detection of respiratory distress and ensuing therapeutic measures. Incorporation is limited by the cost and unavailability of pulse oximeters, and subsequent oxygen accessibility. This restriction is compounded by the lack of trained personnel, and healthcare provider misconceptions. These hurdles can be combated by focus on low-cost devices, and cooperation at national levels for development in healthcare infrastructure, resource transport, and oxygen delivery systems.

Conclusion

The implementation of pulse oximetry shows promise to improve child morbidity and mortality from pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries. Steady measures taken to improve access to pulse oximeters and oxygen supplies, along with enhanced medical provider training are encouraging steps to thorough pulse oximetry integration.
Targeting chemoresistant senescent pancreatic cancer cells improves conventional treatment efficacy
Authors: Jaber Sara , Warnier Marine , Leers Christopher , Vernier Mathieu , Goehrig Delphine , Médard Jean-Jacques , Vindrieux David , Ziegler Dorian V. , Bernard David
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers owing to its late diagnosis and of the strong resistance to available treatments. Despite a better understanding of the disease in the last two decades, no significant improvement in patient care has been made. Senescent cells are characterized by a stable proliferation arrest and some resistance to cell death. Increasing evidence suggests that multiple lines of antitumor therapy can induce a senescent-like phenotype in cancer cells, which may participate in treatment resistance. In this study, we describe that gemcitabine, a clinically-used drug against pancreatic cancer, induces a senescent-like phenotype in highly chemoresistant pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in xenografted tumors in vivo. The use of ABT-263, a well-described senolytic compound targeting Bcl2 anti-apoptotic proteins, killed pancreatic gemcitabine-treated senescent-like cancer cells in vitro. In vivo, the combination of gemcitabine and ABT-263 decreased tumor growth, whereas their individual administration had no effect. Together these data highlight the possibility of improving the efficacy of conventional chemotherapies against pancreatic cancer by eliminating senescent-like cancer cells through senolytic intervention. Further studies testing different senolytics or their combination with available treatments will be necessary to optimize preclinical data in mouse models before transferring these findings to clinical trials.
Using interpersonal skills to manage challenging client behaviour
Authors: Stansfield Emma
Published: February 2023

Widespread pandemic-related disruption has led to increasingly challenging client interactions. The British Veterinary Association found that 57% of veterinary staff surveyed in 2021 reported feeling intimidated by client behaviour during the previous year; a 10% increase from 2019. The psychological impact of consistently difficult or abusive interactions can be significant and contribute to the high incidences of stress, burnout, attrition and potentially suicide increasingly noted in the industry. This understanding further highlights the need to focus on developing individual self-care strategies and leaders offering appropriate support to their team. Historically, veterinary education has overlooked the importance of training in interpersonal skills, such as communication, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. However, human and veterinary medicine is evolving with increasing recognition of the significance of communication skills training to help prevent and manage of challenging client behaviour. This may help to ensure practitioners are better prepared for the challenges that await them.