bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetes control is worse in children and young people with type 1 diabetes requiring interpreter support
Authors: Idkowiak Jan , Uday Suma , Elhag Sabba , Barrett Timothy , Dias Renuka , Kershaw Melanie , Mohamed Zainaba , Saraff Vrinda , Krone Ruth E.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Language barriers can pose a significant hurdle to successfully educating children and young people with type 1 diabetes (CYPD) and their families, potentially influencing their glycaemic control.

Methods

Retrospective case-control study assessing HbA1c values at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months post-diagnosis in 41 CYPD requiring interpreter support (INT) and 100 age-, sex- and mode-of-therapy-matched CYPD not requiring interpreter support (CTR) in our multi-diverse tertiary diabetes centre. Data were captured between 2009-2016. English indices of deprivation for each cohort are reported based on the UK 2015 census data.

Results

The main languages spoken were Somali (27%), Urdu (19.5%), Romanian (17%) and Arabic (12%), but also Polish, Hindi, Tigrinya, Portuguese, Bengali and sign language. Overall deprivation was worse in the INT group according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD [median]: INT 1.642; CTR 3.741; p=0.001). The median HbA1c was higher at diagnosis in the CTR group (9.95% [85.2 mmol/mol] versus 9.0% [74.9 mmol/mol], p=0.046) but was higher in the INT group subsequently: the median HbA1c at 18 months post diagnosis was 8.3% (67.2 mmol/mol; INT) versus 7.9% (62.8 mmol/mol; CTR) (p=0.014). There was no hospitalisation secondary to diabetes-related complications in either cohorts.

Summary and conclusions

Glycaemic control is worse in CYPD with language barriers. These subset of patients also come from the most deprived areas which adds to the disadvantage. Health care providers should offer tailored support for CYP/families with language barriers, including provision of diabetes-specific training for interpreters, and explore additional factors contributing to poor glycaemic control. The findings of this study suggest that poor health outcomes in CYPD with language barriers is multifactorial and warrants a multi-dimensional management approach.
Mechanistic insight of Staphylococcus aureus associated skin cancer in humans by Santalum album derived phytochemicals: an extensive computational and experimental approaches
Authors: Hosen Md. Eram , Jahan Supti Sumaiya , Akash Shopnil , Rahman Md. Ekhtiar , Faruqe Md Omar , Manirujjaman M. , Acharjee Uzzal Kumar , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Ouahmane Lahcen , Sitotaw Baye , Bourhia Mohammed , Zaman Rashed
Published: November 2023

An excessive amount of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is commonly associated with actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by secreted virulence products that induced the chronic inflammation leading to skin cancer which is regulated by staphylococcal accessory regulator (SarA). It is worth noting that there is currently no existing published study that reports on the inhibitory activity of phytochemicals derived from Santalum album on the SarA protein through in silico approach. Therefore, our study has been designed to find the potential inhibitors of S. aureus SarA protein from S. album-derived phytochemicals. The molecular docking study was performed targeting the SarA protein of S. aureus, and CID:5280441, CID:162350, and CID: 5281675 compounds showed the highest binding energy with −9.4 kcal/mol, −9.0 kcal/mol, and −8.6 kcal/mol respectively. Further, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the docked complexes were relatively stable during the 100 ns simulation period whereas the MMPBSA binding free energy proposed that the ligands were sustained with their binding site. All three complexes were found to be similar in distribution with the apoprotein through PCA analysis indicating conformational stability throughout the MD simulation. Moreover, all three compounds’ ADMET profiles revealed positive results, and the AMES test did not show any toxicity whereas the pharmacophore study also indicates a closer match between the pharmacophore model and the compounds. After comprehensive in silico studies we evolved three best compounds, namely, Vitexin, Isovitexin, and Orientin, which were conducted in vitro assay for further confirmation of their inhibitory activity and results exhibited all of these compounds showed strong inhibitory activity against S. aureus. The overall result suggests that these compounds could be used as a natural lead to inhibit the pathogenesis of S. aureus and antibiotic therapy for S. aureus-associated skin cancer in humans as well.
SciKit digital health package for accelerometry-measured physical activity: comparisons to existing solutions and investigations of age effects in healthy adults
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Karahanoglu F. Isik , Demanuele Charmaine , Khan Sheraz , Cai Xuemei , Santamaria Mar , Di Junrui , Adamowicz Lukas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Accelerometry has become increasingly prevalent to monitor physical activity due to its low participant burden, quantitative metrics, and ease of deployment. Physical activity metrics are ideal for extracting intuitive, continuous measures of participants’ health from multiple days or weeks of high frequency data due to their fairly straightforward computation. Previously, we released an open-source digital health python processing package, SciKit Digital Health (SKDH), with the goal of providing a unifying device-agnostic framework for multiple digital health algorithms, such as activity, gait, and sleep.

Methods

In this paper, we present the open-source SKDH implementation for the derivation of activity endpoints from accelerometer data. In this implementation, we include some non-typical features that have shown promise in providing additional context to activity patterns, and provide comparisons to existing algorithms, namely GGIR and the GENEActiv macros. Following this reference comparison, we investigate the association between age and derived physical activity metrics in a healthy adult cohort collected in the Pfizer Innovation Research Lab, comprising 7–14 days of at-home data collected from younger (18–40 years) and older (65–85 years) healthy volunteers.

Results

Results showed that activity metrics derived with SKDH had moderate to excellent ICC values (0.550 to 1.0 compared to GGIR, 0.469 to 0.697 compared to the GENEActiv macros), with high correlations for almost all compared metrics (>0.733 except vs GGIR sedentary time, 0.547). Several features show age-group differences, with Cohen’s d effect sizes >1.0 and p-values < 0.001. These features included non-threshold methods such as intensity gradient, and activity fragmentation features such as between-states transition probabilities.

Discussion

These results demonstrate the validity of the implemented SKDH physical activity algorithm, and the potential of the implemented PA metrics in assessing activity changes in free-living conditions.
Monitoring invasive macroalgae in southern Portugal: drivers and citizen science contribution
Authors: Herrero Javier Jiménez , Simes Dina Costa , Abecasis Rita , Relvas Paulo , Garel Erwan , Ventura Martins Paula , Santos Rui
Published: November 2023

Under certain environmental and oceanographic conditions, macroalgae can overgrow and accumulate in massive quantities on beaches, causing serious ecological and economic impacts. To address this problem, a citizen science monitoring platform was created to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of macroalgae accumulations along the beaches of Algarve in southern Portugal, with the aim to assess the extent of beach-cast events and their relationship with abiotic factors. A Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and a permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were carried out to explore the relationship between macroalgae accumulation level and the abiotic variables: sea surface temperature, wind speed, wind direction, currents, maximum sea level, significant wave height, salinity, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, precipitation and radiation. The citizen science campaign showed great participation, resulting in 404 submissions between July 2021 and September 2023. The campaign revealed that three species of macroalgae accumulated on the beaches of Algarve, Ulva sp. (with the presence of Ectocarpales and Dyctiotales) along the sandy eastern coast, and the invasive species Asparagopsis armata and Rugulopteryx okamurae in the rocky central and western beaches, respectively. The accumulations of R. okamurae increased from 2021 to 2023, were registered throughout the year and were more abundant than those of Ulva sp. and A. armata, which were only observed in spring and summer. The highest levels of R. okamurae beach-cast depositions were related to strong wave conditions, and high sea surface temperature and salinity. The accumulation of Ulva sp. was related to high sea surface temperature and salinity whereas A. armata was also correlated with winds parallel to the shore (NW-W). PERMANOVA analysis revealed that sea surface temperature and wave conditions had a significant effect on the overall abundance of macroalgae beach-cast accumulations. Overall, our citizen science campaign effectively involved the public, leading to the collection of important data on monitoring macroalgae accumulations. Through these findings, we were able to pinpoint the environmental, atmospheric, and hydrodynamic factors that contribute to their development, movement, and buildup along the Algarve coastlines.
A pharmacogenetic study of perampanel: association between rare variants of glutamate receptor genes and outcomes
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsiang , Ho Chen-Jui , Chen Shih-Ying , Lu Yan-Ting , Tsai Meng-Han
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The selection of antiseizure medication usually requires a trial-and-error process. Our goal is to investigate whether genetic markers can predict the outcome of perampanel (PER) use in patients with epilepsy.

Method: The studied participants were selected from our previous epilepsy genetics studies where whole exome sequencing was available. We reviewed the medical records of epilepsy patients older than 20 years old treated with PER. The outcome of PER treatment included the response to PER, the occurrence of any adverse drug reaction (ADR), the presence of behavior ADR, and the ability to adhere to PER for more than 1 year. We investigated the association between the rare variants of the glutamate receptor genes and the outcomes of PER use.

Result: A total of 83 patients were collected. The gene group burden analysis showed that enriched genetic variants of the glutamate receptor gene group were statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of ADR, while the glutamate ionotropic receptor delta type subunit had a nominal association with the occurrence of ADR. The gene collapse analysis found that GRID1 had a nominal association with the occurrence of ADR and GRIN3A had a nominal association with the occurrence of behavior ADR. However, these nominal associations did not remain statistically significant once adjusted for multiple testing.

Discussion: We found that enriched rare genetic variants of the glutamate receptor genes were associated with the occurrence of ADR in patients taking PER. In the future, combining the results of various pharmacogenetic studies may lead to the development of prediction tools for the outcome of antiseizure medications.
Autophagy-mediated NKG2D internalization impairs NK cell function and exacerbates radiation pneumonitis
Authors: Wang Ruiqing , Ma Xinyue , Zhang Xinyu , Jiang Dizhi , Mao Hongyuan , Li Zerun , Tian Yu , Cheng Bo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Radiation pneumonitis is a critical complication that constrains the use of radiation therapy for thoracic malignancies, leading to substantial morbidity via respiratory distress and lung function impairment. The role of Natural killer (NK) cells in inflammatory diseases is well-documented; however, their involvement in radiation pneumonitis is not fully understood.

Methods

To explore the involvement of NK cells in radiation pneumonitis, we analyzed tissue samples for NK cell presence and function. The study utilized immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and immunoprecipitation to investigate CXCL10 and ROS levels, autophagy activity, and NKG2D receptor dynamics in NK cells derived from patients and animal models subjected to radiation.

Result

In this study, we observed an augmented infiltration of NK cells in tissues affected by radiation pneumonitis, although their function was markedly diminished. In animal models, enhancing NK cell activity appeared to decelerate the disease progression. Concomitant with the disease course, there was a notable upsurge in CXCL10 and ROS levels. CXCL10 was found to facilitate NK cell migration through CXCR3 receptor activation. Furthermore, evidence of excessive autophagy in patient NK cells was linked to ROS accumulation, as indicated by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. The association between the NKG2D receptor and its adaptor proteins (AP2 subunits AP2A1 and AP2M1), LC3, and lysosomes was intensified after radiation exposure, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. This interaction led to NKG2D receptor endocytosis and subsequent lysosomal degradation.

Conclusion

Our findings delineate a mechanism by which radiation-induced lung injury may suppress NK cell function through an autophagy-dependent pathway. The dysregulation observed suggests potential therapeutic targets; hence, modulating autophagy and enhancing NK cell activity could represent novel strategies for mitigating radiation pneumonitis.
Efficacy and safety of definitive chemoradiotherapy with or without induction immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yin , Wang Jianyang , Zhang Tao , Zhou Zongmei , Wang Yu , Jiang Ying , Liu Wenyang , Xiao Zefen , Deng Lei , Feng Qinfu , Wang Xin , Lv Jima , Wang Wenqing , Xue Qi , Wang Jie , Li Ye-Xiong , Bi Nan
Published: November 2023

Background

In the era of immunotherapy, the optimal combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not defined. The current study investigated the efficacy and safety of definitive CRT(dCRT) plus consolidation ICIs with or without induction ICIs in stage III NSCLC.

Methods

123 consecutive patients treated with dCRT followed by consolidation ICIs at our institution from 2018 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Failure patterns, survival outcomes, and toxicity profiles were analyzed.

Results

The 1- and 2- year PFS rates were 75.3% and 56.9%, respectively, and median PFS was 30.83 months from the start of treatment. In-field failure (18.7%) was the most common failure pattern. The most common adverse event (AE) was pneumonitis caused by ICIs or RT. The incidence of Grade 3-4 and Grade 5 pneumonitis was 5.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Further analysis showed that the induction plus consolidation ICIs group has significantly lower cumulative incidence of distant metastasis rates (HR: 0.30, 95%CI: 0.09-1.00, p=0.043) and higher incidence of pneumonitis (p=0.039) compared with patients in the consolidation ICIs group.

Conclusions

Combined CRT and consolidation ICIs achieved encouraging efficacy and manageable toxicity in patients with stage III NSCLC in China. Induction plus consolidation ICIs might reduce distant metastasis and deserve further investigation.
A SARS-CoV-2 NSP7 homolog of a Treg epitope suppresses CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory responses
Authors: Miah S. M. Shahjahan , Lelias Sandra , Gutierrez Andres H. , McAllister Mitchell , Boyle Christine M. , Moise Lenny , De Groot Anne S.
Published: November 2023

Pathogens escape host defenses by T-cell epitope mutation or deletion (immune escape) and by simulating the appearance of human T cell epitopes (immune camouflage). We identified a highly conserved, human-like T cell epitope in non-structural protein 7 (NSP7) of SARS-CoV-2, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) hetero-tetramer complex. Remarkably, this T cell epitope has significant homology to a T regulatory cell epitope (Tregitope) previously identified in the Fc region of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) (Tregitope 289). We hypothesized that the SARS-CoV-2 NSP7 epitope (NSP7-289) may induce suppressive responses by engaging and activating pre-existing regulatory T cells. We therefore compared NSP7-289 and IgG Tregitopes (289 and 289z, a shorter version of 289 that isolates the shared NSP7 epitope) in vitro. Tregitope peptides 289, 289z and NSP7-289 bound to multiple HLA-DRB1 alleles in vitro and suppressed CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory responses. Identification and in vitro validation of SARS-CoV-2 NSP7-289 provides further evidence of immune camouflage and suggests that pathogens can use human-like epitopes to evade immune response and potentially enhance host tolerance. Further exploration of the role of cross-conserved Tregs in human immune responses to pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.
Identifying New England’s underutilized seafood species and evaluating their market potential in a changing climate
Authors: Davis Amanda G. , Staudinger Michelle D. , Mills Katherine E.
Published: November 2023

Developing and diversifying market opportunities for lesser known yet abundant seafood species has been a successful strategy for seafood businesses in the Northeast United States. Since climate change and other stressors are currently threatening the economic vitality of New England’s seafood industry, it is important to identify if there are lesser-known species that could simultaneously support additional market opportunities and remain resilient in a warming climate. We developed a quantitative definition for the term “underutilized species’’ based on five criteria derived from science-based sustainable fishing metrics. Using this definition, we evaluated 47 stocks in the Northeast United States during the initial time period of 2013-2017 to identify seven underutilized finfish species that could be considered for new market opportunities as part of a climate-smart approach: 1) Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus), 2) Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens), 3) butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus), 4) haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), 5) scup (Stenotomus chrysops), 6) silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), and 7) white hake (Urophycis tenuis). The climate resiliency of these resulting seven species was then evaluated using a framework consisting of species-specific metrics on climate sensitivity, directionality (of responses to climate impacts) and future habitat availability under warming scenarios. Our results show that assessing underutilized species on a regular basis and evaluating their ongoing responses to climate change can be a part of a climate-smart approach towards building more diversified and adaptive markets.
Enhancing mechanical performance of TiO2 filler with Kevlar/epoxy-based hybrid composites in a cryogenic environment: a statistical optimization study using RSM and ANN methods
Authors: Natrayan L. , Janardhan Gorti , Paramasivam Prabhu , Dhanasekaran Seshathiri
Published: November 2023

This research aims to investigate the mechanical performance of the different weight proportions of nano-TiO2 combined with Kevlar fiber-based hybrid composites under cryogenic conditions. The following parameters were thus considered: (i) Kevlar fiber mat type (100 and 200 gsm); (ii) weight proportions of TiO2 nanofiller (2 and 6 wt%); and (iii) cryogenic processing time (10–30 min at −196°C). The composites were fabricated through compression molding techniques. After fabrication, the mechanical characteristics of the prepared nanocomposites—such as tensile, bending, and impact properties—were evaluated. The optimal mechanical strength of nanofiller-based composites was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Compositions, such as four weight percentages of nano-TiO2 filler, 200 gsm of the Kevlar fiber mat, and 20 min of cryogenic treatment, were shown to produce the maximum mechanical strength (65.47 MPa of tensile, 97.34 MPa of flexural, and 52.82 J/m2 of impact). This is because residual strains are produced at low temperatures (cryogenic treatment) due to unstable matrices and fiber contraction. This interfacial stress helps maintain a relationship between the reinforcement and resin and improves adhesion, leading to improved results. Based on statistical evaluation, the ratio of correlation (R2), mean square deviation, and average error function of the experimental and validation data sets of the experimental models were analyzed. The ANN displays 0.9864 values for impact, 0.9842 for flexural, and 0.9764 for tensile. ANN and RSM models were used to forecast the mechanical efficiency of the suggested nanocomposites with up to 95% reliability.
Association between smoking status and handgrip strength in Korean male adults: based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2019
Authors: Cho Eunbyul , Soh Hi Sun , Lee Jae-Ryun , Yun Jieun , Bae Woo Kyung , Lee Hyejin
Published: November 2023

Background

Smoking is a well-known risk factor of frailty. Handgrip strength (HGS) is highly representative of muscular strength and is used in the diagnosis of frailty; however, the relationship between smoking and HGS is not clear. We evaluated the relationship between smoking status and HGS.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the association between HGS and smoking status.

Methods

We enrolled adult males between the ages of 19 and 80 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII–VIII. A chi-square test and ANOVA were performed to compare the mean handgrip strength (mean HGS) between non-smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the smoking status and mean HGS, and additional analyses were performed by dividing subgroups by age.

Results

A total of 7,649 participants were analyzed. When the mean HGS and mean dominant HGS were compared according to smoking status, HGS was higher in the right hand (value of p = 0.03) and left hand (value of p < 0.001) in the order of current smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers. Comparing HGS of stronger hands, the mean HGS ex-smokers [aOR, (95% confidence interval): 0.61 (0.46–0.82)] and current smokers: 0.55 (0.38–0.78) was higher than that of non-smokers. When subgroup analysis was performed according to age, current smokers aged >60 years had a higher grip strength than non-smokers.

Conclusion

Current smokers had a stronger mean HGS than that of ex-smokers and non-smokers. Current smokers older than 60 years appeared to have a stronger mean HGS than ex-smokers and non-smokers of the same age group.
Long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness evaluation of robot-assisted stereotactic hematoma drainage for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Tan Ke , Peng Yutao , Li Jinping , Liu Chang , Tao Libo
Published: November 2023

Background

To investigate the long-term follow-up and economic estimation outcomes of hematoma drainage for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) with the assistance of neurosurgical navigation and positioning planning system (referred to as robot).

Methods

Data were retrospectively obtained from consecutive patients with SICH who were admitted to our single-center between March 2019 and March 2022. Different minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedures were performed according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The different groups were sampled and matched using the propensity score method, with age, sex, history of stroke, hypertension, bleeding volume and site of bleeding as matching variables, and matched with inverse probability weighting using R statistical analysis software. From the time of discharge up until 1 year after the surgery, records were gathered on clinical results and medical expenditures. An analysis was conducted to compare the costs and health outcomes of both robot-assisted stereotactic hematoma drainage and neuro-endoscopic surgery, considering both short-term and long-term effects. Health outputs were measured using modified Rankin scale (mRS) and quality adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results

Of the 142 patients, there were 77 patients in the robotic surgery group and 65 patients in the neuro-endoscopic surgery group. Propensity score sampling was matched, resulting in a balanced and comparable group of 37 patients in each, with the robotic surgery group [mean age (57.29 ± 12.74) years, 27 males (72.97%), hematoma volume (44.54 ± 10.49 ml), 22 deep location (59.46%)] and the neuro-endoscopic surgery group [mean age (57.27 ± 11.12) years, 27 males (72.97%), hematoma volume (44.70 ± 10.86 ml), 23 deep location (62.16%)]. At both three-month and one-year postoperative follow-up, the proportion of mRS scores ≤3 was higher in the robotic surgery group (45.95%,70.27%) than in the neuro-endoscopic surgery group (35.14%, 62.16%), but there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.344, 0.461). One year after surgery, the robotic group demonstrated cost savings of ¥36,862.14 per individual and a gain of 0.062 QALYs compared to the neuro-endoscopic group.

Conclusion

Our calculations based on a model for SICH suggest that robotic-assisted stereotactic drainage offers health economic benefits due to its lower cost and higher effectiveness. However, to confirm these findings, more data from multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed.
Case report: prolonged durable clinical benefit and low toxicity from combination endocrine therapy in a patient with recurrent endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Joyce M. , Gaillard Stephanie , Beavis Anna L. , Rushton Tullia , Fader Amanda N.
Published: November 2023

Background

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic cancer, with increasing incidence and mortality. Combination endocrine therapy comprised of tamoxifen and progestational agents has demonstrated promising results in treating recurrent disease. This case report describes the prolonged clinical benefit of treatment with tamoxifen and megestrol acetate in a woman with recurrent, metastatic endometrial endometrioid carcinoma positive for estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR).

Case

A 71-year-old gravida 1 para 1 woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding and vaginal discharge. Pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 4.7 cm endometrial mass. The patient underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, and cystoscopy; pathology revealed a FIGO stage IA grade 1 ER/PR-positive endometroid endometrial adenocarcinoma. She continued under active surveillance for approximately 42 months until she experienced bone metastases in her pelvis, for which she received radiation therapy. Five months later, pulmonary metastases were detected, and she received six cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. She then started megestrol acetate and tamoxifen and has remained clinically stable with minimal side effects and reasonable quality of life for approximately 57 months.

Conclusion

Our case suggests that combination endocrine therapy has the potential to provide substantial long-term clinical benefit in women with recurrent endometrial cancer and bone metastases, despite multiple prior treatments, allowing patients to experience stable disease and quality of life. In patients with recurrent endometrioid, ER/PR-positive disease, endocrine therapy alone or in combination with other targeted therapies are regimens that may be considered due to their low overall toxicity.
Efficacy and tolerability of sulforaphane in the therapeutic management of cancers: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: ElKhalifa Dana , Al-Ziftawi Nour , Awaisu Ahmed , Alali Feras , Khalil Ashraf
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This paper presents a systematic review aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane (SFN) in the treatment of diverse cancer types.

Methods

Following Cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews, we conducted an exhaustive search of electronic databases up to May 12, 2023, encompassing PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Natural Medicines, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP. Studies were included if they were human-based RCTs involving cancer patients where SFN was the primary experimental treatment. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs (RoB2) was used for quality assessment.

Results

Eight studies investigating the efficacy and safety of SFN in prostate cancer (PCa), breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma were identified and included in the review. The dosing regimens were variable and inconsistent across the studies. SFN treatment led to statistically significant alterations in several vital genes and histological biomarkers across the studies. However, it did not impact some other key genes. Although not statistically significant, SFN improved overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients. The results on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were inconsistent in PCa. None of the studies reported significant differences between SFN and comparative controls in terms of adverse events.

Conclusion

SFN has emerged as a promising and safe therapeutic agent for diverse cancer types. Nevertheless, the high levels of methodological and clinical heterogeneity across the included studies precluded the possibility of conducting meta-analyses. Further robust clinical investigations to conclusively ascertain the chemotherapeutic potential of SFN in the management of various cancer forms are needed.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022323788, identifier CRD42022323788.
Research progress on the premature ovarian failure caused by cisplatin therapy
Authors: Li Zelin , Qi Haodong , Li Zhengyang , Bao Yuxuan , Yang Kangping , Min Qinghua
Published: November 2023

Cisplatin is a common anticancer drug able to kill tumor cells, but it causes adverse reactions in the kidney, digestive tract, and other systems. The antitumor effects of cisplatin are mainly due to its ability to bind to the DNA in tumor cells to prevent replication, thereby reducing RNA and protein syntheses, leading to cell damage and death. Cisplatin has a wide range of applications; it can be used to treat cervical, thyroid, ovarian, and other cancers. Cisplatin has a beneficial therapeutic effect, but its therapeutic selectivity is poor. In addition to eliminating diseased target cells, cisplatin can damage normal cells; in women of reproductive age being treated for cancer, cisplatin can lead to ovarian function impairment, premature ovarian failure (POF), and/or infertility. Therefore, reducing the adverse effects of cisplatin on ovarian function is an important topic in clinical research. In this paper, we explore the research progress on the POF caused by cisplatin treatment.
Differential expression of HIF1A and its downstream target VEGFA in the main subtypes of renal cell carcinoma and their impact on patient survival
Authors: Strikic Ante , Kokeza Josipa , Ogorevc Marin , Kelam Nela , Vukoja Martina , Dolonga Petar , Tomas Sandra Zekic
Published: November 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents around 3% of all cancers, with the most frequent histological types being clear-cell RCC (ccRCC), followed by papillary (pRCC) and chromophobe (chRCC). Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which promote the expression of various target genes, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the high- affinity glucose transporter 1, have an important role in the pathogenesis of RCC. This study investigated the immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1α and VEGF-A, showing significantly higher HIF-1α nuclear expression in pRCC compared to ccRCC, while there was no significant difference in VEGF-A protein expression between the analyzed histological RCC subtypes. The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for HIF1A showed no statistical difference between histological types. Data from publicly available RNA sequencing databases were analyzed and showed that, compared to healthy kidney tissue, VEGFA was significantly up-regulated in ccRCC and significantly down-regulated in pRCC. The comparison between histological subtypes of RCC revealed that VEGFA was significantly up-regulated in ccRCC compared to both pRCC and chRCC. There was no statistically significant difference in survival time between HIF1A high- and low-expression groups of patients. As for VEGFA expression, pRCC patients with low expression had a significantly higher survival rate compared to patients with high VEGFA expression.
Roles of extracellular vesicles in glioblastoma: foes, friends and informers
Authors: Lunavat Taral R. , Nieland Lisa , Vrijmoet Anne B. , Zargani-Piccardi Ayrton , Samaha Youssef , Breyne Koen , Breakefield Xandra O.
Published: November 2023

Glioblastoma (GB) tumors are one of the most insidious cancers which take over the brain and defy therapy. Over time and in response to treatment the tumor and the brain cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) undergo many genetic/epigenetic driven changes in their phenotypes and this is reflected in the cellular contents within the extracellular vesicles (EVs) they produce. With the result that some EVs try to subdue the tumor (friends of the brain), while others participate in the glioblastoma takeover (foes of the brain) in a dynamic and ever changing process. Monitoring the contents of these EVs in biofluids can inform decisions based on GB status to guide therapeutic intervention. This review covers primarily recent research describing the different cell types in the brain, as well as the tumor cells, which participate in this EV deluge. This includes EVs produced by the tumor which manipulate the transcriptome of normal cells in their environment in support of tumor growth (foes), as well as responses of normal cells which try to restrict tumor growth and invasion, including traveling to cervical lymph nodes to present tumor neo-antigens to dendritic cells (DCs). In addition EVs released by tumors into biofluids can report on the status of living tumor cells via their cargo and thus serving as biomarkers. However, EVs released by tumor cells and their influence on normal cells in the tumor microenvironment is a major factor in immune suppression and coercion of normal brain cells to join the GB “band wagon”. Efforts are being made to deploy EVs as therapeutic vehicles for drugs and small inhibitory RNAs. Increasing knowledge about EVs in the TME is being utilized to track tumor progression and response to therapy and even to weaponize EVs to fight the tumor.
Synchronous multiple primary cancers involving rectal cancer and pelvic classical hodgkin lymphoma: the first case report
Authors: Liu Shiyue , Li Hong , Dong Youhong , Zhang Dongdong
Published: November 2023

Multiple primary cancers (MPC) are characterized by the presence of synchronous and metachronous occurrence of two or more distinct histological tumor types. In this study, an exceptional clinical case was presented, demonstrating the coexistence of rectal adenocarcinoma and pelvic classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). A 65-year-old male patient with a 2-year history of persistent mucous bloody stools was admitted to our hospital. Colonoscopy and subsequent biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of the rectum and regional lymph node dissection. Postoperative histopathological analysis not only substantiated the presence of rectal adenocarcinoma, but also unexpectedly identified pelvic lymph nodes harboring the features of cHL.
Limited value of current and new in silico predicted oocyst-specific proteins of Toxoplasma gondii for source-attributing serology
Authors: López-Ureña Nadia-María , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Koudela Bretislav , Cherchi Simona , Possenti Alessia , Tosini Fabio , Klein Sandra , San Juan-Casero Carmen , Jara-Herrera Silvia , Jokelainen Pikka , Regidor-Cerrillo Javier , Ortega-Mora Luis-Miguel , Spano Furio , Seeber Frank , Álvarez-García Gema
Published: November 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. The contribution of environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts to infections is understudied. The aim of the current work was to explore T. gondii serology as a means of attributing the source of infection using a robust stepwise approach. We identified in silico thirty-two promising oocyst-specific antigens from T. gondii ´omics data, recombinantly expressed and purified them and validated whether serology based on these proteins could discriminate oocyst- from tissue cyst-driven experimental infections. For this, three well-characterized serum panels, sampled from 0 to 6 weeks post-infection, from pigs and sheep experimentally infected with T. gondii oocysts or tissue cysts, were used. Candidate proteins were initially screened by Western blot with sera from pigs or sheep, infected for different times, either with oocysts or tissue cysts, as well as non-infected animals. Only the recombinant proteins TgCCp5A and TgSR1 provoked seroconversion upon infection and appeared to discriminate between oocyst- and tissue cyst-driven infections with pig sera. They were subsequently used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for pigs. Based on this assay and Western blot analyses, a lack of stage specificity and low antigenicity was observed with all pig sera. The same was true for proteins TgERP, TgSporoSAG, TgOWP1 and TgOWP8, previously described as source-attributing antigens, when analyzed using the whole panels of sera. We conclude that there is currently no antigen that allows the discrimination of T. gondii infections acquired from either oocysts or tissue cysts by serological tests. This work provides robust new knowledge that can inform further research and development toward source-attributing T. gondii serology.
Animal-and mineral-based medicines in Gansu-Ningxia-inner Mongolia region, P.R. China: a cross-cultural ethnobiological assessment
Authors: Luo Chaoqun , Zhao Wenji , Liu Sha , Luo Mingxia , Fan Tingting , Zhao Yongxia , Ren Yan , Wu Faming , Xie Jian
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Traditional animal- and mineral-based medicines are widely used in the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone, a region with diverse ethnic groups and cultures. This study aims to document, conserve, and explore the potential of these medicines for further research and sustainable development of ethnic medicine.

Methods: We interviewed 56 informants from different ethnic backgrounds and analyzed their responses quantitatively. Additionally, a comparative analysis with adjacent regions was conducted, providing invaluable contextual insights.

Results: The study unveiled a diverse array of traditional medicines in the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone. A total of 47 animal-based medicines were identified, ranging from insects and scorpios to distinctive animal organs. Of notable significance was Moschus, emerging as a pivotal traditional Chinese medicine resource. In parallel, 12 mineral-based medicines were cataloged, procured both locally and from “pharmacies”. Female informants, frequently local herbal practitioners, demonstrated broader knowledge of medicines. The analysis of 13 villages revealed varying perceptions of medicine importance, underscoring the wealth of traditional knowledge. Specific medicines, such as Feng-Mi and Xie-Zi, were widely used and valued in local healthcare practices for their cultural and medicinal benefits.

Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive overview of traditional animal- and mineral-based medicines in the Gansu-Ningxia-Inner Mongolia junction zone. It highlights the need for preserving and applying these practices in a sustainable manner. It also lays a solid foundation for future research on ethnic medicine, which can contribute to the holistic wellbeing of local communities.
Hepcidin and erythroferrone response to 3 weeks of exposure to normobaric hypoxia at rest in trained cyclists
Authors: Płoszczyca Kamila , Czuba Miłosz , Chalimoniuk Małgorzata , Witek Konrad , Baranowski Marcin
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The effectiveness of altitude training on haematological adaptations is largely dependent on iron metabolism. Hepcidin and erythroferrone (ERFE) are key iron-regulating hormones, yet their response to altitude training is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in hepcidin and ERFE under the influence of 3 weeks of the Live High-Train Low (LH-TL) method.

Methods: Twenty male trained cyclists completed a 3-week training program under normoxic conditions (NORM) or with passive exposure to normobaric hypoxia (LH-TL; FiO2 = 16.5%, ∼2000 m; 11–12 h/day). Hepcidin, ERFE, hypoxia inducible factor-2 (HIF-2), ferroportin (Fpn), erythropoietin (EPO), serum iron (Fe) and hematological variables were assessed at baseline (S1), then immediately after (S2) and 3 days after (S3) intervention.

Results: In the LH-TL group, hepcidin decreased by 13.0% (p < 0.001) in S2 and remained at a reduced level in S3. ERFE decreased by 28.7% (p < 0.05) in S2 and returned to baseline in S3. HIF-2α decreased gradually, being lower by 25.3% (p < 0.05) in S3. Fpn decreased between S1 and S2 by 18.9% (p < 0.01) and remained lower during S3 (p < 0.01). In the NORM group, in turn, hepcidin levels increased gradually, being higher by 73.9% (p < 0.05) in S3 compared to S1. No statistically significant differences in EPO were observed in both groups.

Conclusion: Three weeks of LH-TL suppresses resting hepcidin and ERFE levels in endurance athletes. We found no association between hepcidin and ERFE after LH-TL. Probably, ERFE is not the only factor that suppresses hepcidin expression in response to moderate hypoxia, especially in later stages of hepcidin downregulation. With the cessation of hypoxia, favorable conditions for increasing the availability of iron cease.
Orchard monitoring based on unmanned aerial vehicles and image processing by artificial neural networks: a systematic review
Authors: Popescu Dan , Ichim Loretta , Stoican Florin
Published: November 2023

Orchard monitoring is a vital direction of scientific research and practical application for increasing fruit production in ecological conditions. Recently, due to the development of technology and the decrease in equipment cost, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence algorithms for image acquisition and processing has achieved tremendous progress in orchards monitoring. This paper highlights the new research trends in orchard monitoring, emphasizing neural networks, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and various concrete applications. For this purpose, papers on complex topics obtained by combining keywords from the field addressed were selected and analyzed. In particular, the review considered papers on the interval 2017-2022 on the use of neural networks (as an important exponent of artificial intelligence in image processing and understanding) and UAVs in orchard monitoring and production evaluation applications. Due to their complexity, the characteristics of UAV trajectories and flights in the orchard area were highlighted. The structure and implementations of the latest neural network systems used in such applications, the databases, the software, and the obtained performances are systematically analyzed. To recommend some suggestions for researchers and end users, the use of the new concepts and their implementations were surveyed in concrete applications, such as a) identification and segmentation of orchards, trees, and crowns; b) detection of tree diseases, harmful insects, and pests; c) evaluation of fruit production, and d) evaluation of development conditions. To show the necessity of this review, in the end, a comparison is made with review articles with a related theme.
Heat stress during seed development leads to impaired physiological function and plasticity in seed oil accumulation in Camelina sativa
Authors: Nadakuduti Satya Swathi , Laforest Larissa C. , Tachev Megan , Decker Amanda N. , Egesa Andrew Ogolla , Shirazi Ashkon S. , Begcy Kevin , Sarnoski Paul J. , Buell C. Robin
Published: November 2023

Camelina sativa, a member of the Brassicaceae, is a low-cost, renewable oilseed crop that produces seeds up to 40% oil by weight with high potential for use in food, feed, and biofuel applications. Camelina seeds contain high levels of the fatty acids α-linolenic acid (C18:3), linoleic acid (C18:2), oleic acid (C18:1), and gondoic acid (C20:1), which have high nutritional and industrial value. The impact of climate change, especially increased frequency and amplitude of heat waves, poses a serious threat to crop productivity. In this study, we evaluated the effect of elevated temperatures post-anthesis on the developing seeds of C. sativa and performed physiological, morphological, and chemical characterizations at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-anthesis (DPA), as well as at maturity. While the seed oil accumulation peaked at 21 DPA under control conditions, reaching 406mg/g dry weight, under heat stress it was only 186mg/g. Physiologically, transpiration rate (E) and internal CO2 concentration (Ci) increased between 2 to 9 days post-stress imposition and overall net photosynthesis was impaired. Seed yield, seed weight, and oil content reduced by 84.5%, 38.5% and 54.1% respectively. We demonstrate that post-anthesis heat stress causes severe yield losses and developmental plasticity in fatty acid accumulation in oilseeds.
Temperature explains intraspecific functional trait variation in Phragmites australis more effectively than soil properties
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Liu Huamin , Wen Lu , Zhang Jinghui , Xin Xiaoyun , Hu Jinpeng , Kou Xin , Liu Dongwei , Zhuo Yi , Wang Lixin
Published: November 2023

Common reed (Phragmites australis) is a widespread grass species that exhibits a high degree of intraspecific variation for functional traits along environmental gradients. However, the mechanisms underlying intraspecific variation and adaptation strategies in response to environmental gradients on a regional scale remain poorly understood. In this study, we measured leaf, stem, and root traits of common reed in the lakeshore wetlands of the arid and semi-arid regions of the Inner Mongolia Plateau aiming to reveal the regional-scale variation for functional traits in this species, and the corresponding potentially influencing factors. Additionally, we aimed to reveal the ecological adaptation strategies of common reed in different regions using the plant economics spectrum (PES) theory. The results showed that functional-trait variation followed significant latitudinal and longitudinal patterns. Furthermore, we found that these variations are primarily driven by temperature-mediated climatic differences, such as aridity, induced by geographical distance. In contrast, soil properties and the combined effects of climate and soil had relatively minor effects on such properties. In the case of common reed, the PES theory applies to the functional traits at the organ, as well as at the whole-plant level, and different ecological adaptation strategies across arid and semi-arid regions were confirmed. The extent of utilization and assimilation of resources by this species in arid regions was a conservative one, whereas in semi-arid regions, an acquisition strategy prevailed. This study provides new insights into intraspecific variations for functional traits in common reed on a regional scale, the driving factors involved, and the ecological adaptation strategies used by the species. Moreover, it provided a theoretical foundation for wetland biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.