bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Oil Production Performance of Different Well Patterns with Water Injection
Authors: Sikanyika Elia Wilinasi , Wu Zhengbin , Mbarouk Mbarouk Shaame , Mafimba Adamu Musa , Elbaloula Husham Ali , Jiang Shu
Published: December 2022

Numerical reservoir simulation, which includes the construction and operation of a model that performs similarly to a real-world reservoir, is an effective method for exploring complex reservoir issues. Due to the complexity of constructing reservoir environments for experiments, numerical simulation is a vital method for studying flow behavior under reservoir conditions. In this study, a black-oil modeling simulator was used to construct, simulate, and evaluate a conceptual hydrocarbon reservoir model. The model evolved by drilling two production wells and one injection well in two cases. The first case consisted of two horizontal production wells and one injection well, while the second consisted of two vertical production wells and an injection well. In total, 25 simulation runs were performed, and the results showed that horizontal wells perform better than vertical wells in terms of productivity, with a field oil production total of 1,930,000 m3. This is significantly higher than vertical wells, which have a field oil production total of 1,890,000 m3 after 1840 days. The field recovery factor for horizontal wells was 41% and for vertical wells it was 39%, both of which were less than 50%. This indicates that the reservoir’s sweeping efficiency was minimal. To enhance sweeping efficiency, the water injection rate and number of injection wells should be increased, as well as well patterns and locations remodeled. It was also shown that as reservoir thickness increased, horizontal and vertical well productivity increased. In order to boost horizontal well productivity and increase field oil recovery above 50%, the horizontal well length should be increased to take up a wider area of the reservoir portion. On the other hand, well length may have no impact on vertical well production efficiency.
Optimal Scheduling of Controllable Resources in Energy Communities: An Overview of the Optimization Approaches
Authors: Cruz-De-Jesús Emely , Martínez-Ramos Jose L. , Marano-Marcolini Alejandro
Published: December 2022

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the study of energy communities. This new definition refers to a community sharing energy resources of different types to meet its needs and reduce the associated costs. Optimization is one of the most widely used techniques for scheduling the operation of an energy community. In this study, we extensively reviewed the mathematical models used depending on the objectives and constraints considered. The models were also classified according to whether they address uncertainty and the inclusion of flexibility constraints. The main contribution of this study is the analysis of the most recent research on the mathematical formulation of optimization models for optimal scheduling of resources in energy communities. The results show that the most commonly used objectives are profit maximization and cost minimization. Additionally, in almost all cases, photovoltaic generation is one of the main energy sources. Electricity prices, renewable generation, and energy demand are sources of uncertainty that have been modeled using stochastic and robust optimization. Flexibility services using demand response are often modeled using interruptible loads and shiftable loads. There is still considerable room for further research on the distribution of benefits among the participants of the energy community and the provision of flexibility services to the electricity grid.
Effect of Type of Forest Growth Conditions and Climate Elements on the Dynamics of Radial Growth in English Oak (Quercus robur L.) of Early and Late Phenological Forms
Authors: Milenin Andrey I. , Popova Anna A. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: December 2022

The pattern of annual radial growth is influenced by various factors: the local growth conditions, the age structure, and the ecotypes or provenances of trees. A more in-depth approach to the study of specific growth patterns of tree forms is needed to predict the further genesis of forests. This research was carried out on healthy English oak trees of early (EF) and late (LF) phenological forms in Shipov Forest, Voronezh Region. The dendroclimatic analysis was performed on permanent sample plots in wet, dry, and very dry oak stands grown on different soil types. The effect of precipitation on annual ring width was assessed using a one-way ANOVA. The LF showed higher radial growth rates on wet sites than the EF did on dry ones. Their annual radial growth was less stable and more variable compared with the LF. For both phenoforms, the most important radial growth factors are the composite indicators reflecting the ratio of temperature and moisture (Selyaninov’s hydrothermal coefficient and Lang’s rain factor). Generally, the radial growth minima coincided in time on dry and wet sites, and the periods of maximum growth were associated with high-water years.
Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate in the Bread Matrix with Glycemic Reduction
Authors: Li Lanqi , Gao Jing , Koh Hui Si Audrey , Zhou Weibiao
Published: December 2022

Bread has a high glycemic index (GI) and rich contents of quickly digestible carbohydrates, which is associated with insulin resistance and the risk of chronic diseases. (-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is the primary catechin component that inhibits starch hydrolases, while the low release and absorption rates limit its utilization. In this study, EGCG was added to the bread matrix for fortification to reduce its glycemic index compared to white bread. EGCG fortification at 4% decreased the starch digestion rate of baked bread by 24.43% compared to unfortified bread and by 14.31% compared to white bread, with an identical amount of EGCG outside the matrix. Moreover, the predicted GI (pGI) was reduced by 13.17% compared to white bread. Further, 4% EGCG-matched bread enhanced the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of EGCG by 40.38% and 47.11%, respectively, compared to the control. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that EGCG had a higher binding affinity with α-amylase than with α-glucosidase, indicating that EGCG may effectively inhibit the accumulation of carbs during starch digestion. Thus, EGCG can be used as a functional ingredient in bread to reduce its glycemic potential, and the bread matrix can be used as a carrier for EGCG delivery to enhance its bioaccessibility and bioavailability.
Assessment of the Efficiency of Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging Modalities for Detecting Myocardial Ischemia in Patients Suspected of Having Stable Angina
Authors: Iwata Kunihiro , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to assess and compare the efficiency of non-invasive imaging modalities in detecting myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected stable angina as easy-to-understand indices. Our study included 1000 patients with chest pain and possible stable myocardial ischemia. The modalities to be assessed were cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), single-photon emission computed tomography, positron emission computed tomography (PET), stress echocardiography, and fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFRCT). As a simulation study, we assumed that all five imaging modalities were performed on these patients, and a decision tree analysis was conducted. From the results, the following efficiencies were assessed and compared: (1) number of true positive (TP), false positive (FP), false negative (FN), and true negative (TN) test results; (2) positive predictive value (PPV); (3) negative predictive value (NPV); (4) post-test probability; (5) diagnostic accuracy (DA); and (6) number needed to diagnose (NND). In the basic settings (pre-test probability: 30%), PET generated the highest TP (267) and NPV (95%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 93–96%). In contrast, CMRI produced the highest TN (616), PPV (76%, 95% CI: 71–80%), and DA (88%, 95% CI: 86–90%) and the lowest NND (1.33, 95% CI: 1.24–1.47). Although FFRCT generated the highest TP (267) and lowest FN (33), it generated the highest FP (168). In terms of detecting myocardial ischemia, compared with the other modalities, PET and CMRI were more efficient. The results of our study might be helpful for both patients and medical professionals associated with their examination.
The Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Natural Products to Control Autoimmune Inflammation
Authors: Moudgil Kamal D. , Venkatesha Shivaprasad H.
Published: December 2022

Inflammation is an integral part of autoimmune diseases, which are caused by dysregulation of the immune system. This dysregulation involves an imbalance between pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory mediators. These mediators include various cytokines and chemokines; defined subsets of T helper/T regulatory cells, M1/M2 macrophages, activating/tolerogenic dendritic cells, and antibody-producing/regulatory B cells. Despite the availability of many anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory drugs, the severe adverse reactions associated with their long-term use and often their high costs are impediments in effectively controlling the disease process. Accordingly, suitable alternatives are being sought for these conventional drugs. Natural products offer promising adjuncts/alternatives in this regard. The availability of specific compounds isolated from dietary/medicinal plant extracts have permitted rigorous studies on their disease-modulating activities and the mechanisms involved therein. Here, we describe the basic characteristics, mechanisms of action, and preventive/therapeutic applications of 5 well-characterized natural product compounds (Resveratrol, Curcumin, Boswellic acids, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and Triptolide). These compounds have been tested extensively in animal models of autoimmunity as well as in limited clinical trials in patients having the corresponding diseases. We have focused our description on predominantly T cell-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.
Deficiency of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Induces Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiomyopathy in Zebrafish
Authors: Lai Hsin-Hung , Yeh Kun-Yun , Hsu Hung-Ming , Her Guor Mour
Published: December 2022

Lipid metabolism dysfunction is related to clinical disorders including obesity, cancer, liver steatosis, and cardiomyopathy. Impaired lipolytic enzymes result in altered release of free fatty acids. The dramatic change in dyslipidemia is important in lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) catalyzes the lipolysis of triacylglycerol to reduce intramyocardial triglyceride levels in the heart and improve myocardial function. We examined the role of ATGL in metabolic cardiomyopathy by developing an Atgl knockout (ALKO) zebrafish model of metabolic cardiomyopathy disease by continuously expressing CRISPR/Cas9 protein and atgl gene guide RNAs (gRNAs). The expressed Cas9 protein bound to four gRNAs targeting the atgl gene locus, facilitating systemic gene KO. Ablation of Atgl interfered with lipid metabolism, which induced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. ALKO adults and embryos displayed hypertrophic hearts. ALKO presented a typical dilated cardiomyopathy profile with a remarkable reduction in four sarcomere genes (myosin heavy chain 7-like, actin alpha cardiac muscle 1b, myosin binding protein C3, and troponin T type 2a) and two Ca2+ handling regulator genes (tropomyosin 4b and ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 2b). Immune cell infiltration in cardiac tissue of ALKO provided direct evidence of advanced metabolic cardiomyopathy. The presently described model could become a powerful tool to clarify the underlying mechanism between metabolic disorders and cardiomyopathies.
The Update Immune-Regulatory Role of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Recurrent Pregnancy Losses
Authors: Yang Xiuhua , Tian Yingying , Zheng Linlin , Luu Thanh , Kwak-Kim Joanne
Published: December 2022

Recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL) is a common reproductive disorder with various underlying etiologies. In recent years, rapid progress has been made in exploring the immunological mechanisms for RPL. A propensity toward Th2 over Th1 and regulatory T (Treg) over Th17 immune responses may be advantageous for reproductive success. In women with RPL and animals prone to abortion, an inordinate expression of cytokines associated with implantation and early embryo development is present in the endometrium or decidua secreted from immune and non-immune cells. Hence, an adverse cytokine milieu at the maternal-fetal interface assaults immunological tolerance, leading to fetal rejection. Similar to T cells, NK cells can be categorized based on the characteristics of cytokines they secrete. Decidual NK (dNK) cells of RPL patients exhibited an increased NK1/NK2 ratio (IFN-γ/IL-4 producing NK cell ratios), leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu and increased NK cell cytotoxicity. Genetic polymorphism may be the underlying etiologies for Th1 and Th17 propensity since it alters cytokine production. In addition, various hormones participate in cytokine regulations, including progesterone and estrogen, controlling cytokine balance in favor of the Th2 type. Consequently, the intricate regulation of cytokines and hormones may prevent the RPL of immune etiologies. Local or systemic administration of cytokines or their antagonists might help maintain adequate cytokine milieu, favoring Th2 over Th1 response or Treg over Th17 immune response in women with RPL. Herein, we provided an updated comprehensive review regarding the immune-regulatory role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in RPL. Understanding the roles of cytokines involved in RPL might significantly advance the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of RPL.
Roles of NAD+ in Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Morevati Marya , Fang Evandro Fei , Mace Maria L. , Kanbay Mehmet , Gravesen Eva , Nordholm Anders , Egstrand Søren , Hornum Mads
Published: December 2022

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidized form, NAD+) is a critical coenzyme, with functions ranging from redox reactions and energy metabolism in mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation to being a central player in multiple cellular signaling pathways, organ resilience, health, and longevity. Many of its cellular functions are executed via serving as a co-substrate for sirtuins (SIRTs), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and CD38. Kidney damage and diseases are common in the general population, especially in elderly persons and diabetic patients. While NAD+ is reduced in acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), mounting evidence indicates that NAD+ augmentation is beneficial to AKI, although conflicting results exist for cases of CKD. Here, we review recent progress in the field of NAD+, mainly focusing on compromised NAD+ levels in AKI and its effect on essential cellular pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, compromised autophagy, and low expression of the aging biomarker αKlotho (Klotho) in the kidney. We also review the compromised NAD+ levels in renal fibrosis and senescence cells in the case of CKD. As there is an urgent need for more effective treatments for patients with injured kidneys, further studies on NAD+ in relation to AKI/CKD may shed light on novel therapeutics.
Analysis of Serum Advanced Glycation Endproducts Reveals Methylglyoxal-Derived Advanced Glycation MG-H1 Free Adduct Is a Risk Marker in Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rabbani Naila , Adaikalakoteswari Antonysunil , Larkin James R. , Panagiotopoulos Sianna , MacIsaac Richard J. , Yue Dennis K. , Fulcher Gregory R. , Roberts Matthew A. , Thomas Merlin , Ekinci Elif , Thornalley Paul J.
Published: December 2022

Accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) is linked to decline in renal function, particularly in patients with diabetes. Major forms of AGEs in serum are protein-bound AGEs and AGE free adducts. In this study, we assessed levels of AGEs in subjects with and without diabetes, with normal renal function and stages 2 to 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), to identify which AGE has the greatest progressive change with decline in renal function and change in diabetes. We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with stages 2–4 CKD, with and without diabetes, and healthy controls (n = 135). Nine protein-bound and free adduct AGEs were quantified in serum. Most protein-bound AGEs increased moderately through stages 2–4 CKD whereas AGE free adducts increased markedly. Methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone MG-H1 free adduct was the AGE most responsive to CKD status, increasing 8-fold and 30-fold in stage 4 CKD in patients without and with diabetes, respectively. MG-H1 Glomerular filtration flux was increased 5-fold in diabetes, likely reflecting increased methylglyoxal glycation status. We conclude that serum MG-H1 free adduct concentration was strongly related to stage of CKD and increased in diabetes status. Serum MG-H1 free adduct is a candidate AGE risk marker of non-diabetic and diabetic CKD.
Oxidative Stress and Nuclear Reprogramming: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on Architectural and Epigenetic Landscapes
Authors: Casali Claudio , Siciliani Stella , Galgano Luca , Biggiogera Marco
Published: December 2022

Cell genome integrity is continuously threatened by various sources, both endogenous and exogenous. Oxidative stress causes a multitude of damages, severely affecting cell viability, fidelity of genetic information inheritance, and determining profound alterations in gene expression. Epigenetics represents a major form of gene expression modulation, influencing DNA accessibility to transcription factors and the overall nuclear architecture. When assessing the stress-induced epigenome reprogramming, widely diffused biochemical and molecular approaches commonly fail to incorporate analyses such as architectural chromatin alterations and target molecules precise spatial localization. Unveiling the significance of the nuclear response to the oxidative stress, as well as the functional effects over the chromatin organization, may reveal targets and strategies for approaches aiming at limiting the impact on cellular stability. For these reasons, we utilized potassium bromate treatment, a stressor able to induce DNA damages without altering the cellular microenvironment, hence purely modeling nuclear oxidative stress. By means of high-resolution techniques, we described profound alterations in DNA and histone epigenetic modifications and in chromatin organization in response to the reactive oxygen species.
A 3D, Compartmental Tumor-Stromal Microenvironment Model of Patient-Derived Bone Metastasis
Authors: Mohseni Garakani Mansoureh , Cooke Megan E. , Weber Michael H. , Wertheimer Michael R. , Ajji Abdellah , Rosenzweig Derek H.
Published: December 2022

Bone is a frequent site of tumor metastasis. The bone–tumor microenvironment is heterogeneous and complex in nature. Such complexity is compounded by relations between metastatic and bone cells influencing their sensitivity/resistance to chemotherapeutics. Standard chemotherapeutics may not show efficacy for every patient, and new therapeutics are slow to emerge, owing to the limitations of existing 2D/3D models. We previously developed a 3D interface model for personalized therapeutic screening, consisting of an electrospun poly lactic acid mesh activated with plasma species and seeded with stromal cells. Tumor cells embedded in an alginate-gelatin hydrogel are overlaid to create a physiologic 3D interface. Here, we applied our 3D model as a migration assay tool to verify the migratory behavior of different patient-derived bone metastasized cells. We assessed the impact of two different chemotherapeutics, Doxorubicin and Cisplatin, on migration of patient cells and their immortalized cell line counterparts. We observed different migratory behaviors and cellular metabolic activities blocked with both Doxorubicin and Cisplatin treatment; however, higher efficiency or lower IC50 was observed with Doxorubicin. Gene expression analysis of MDA-MB231 that migrated through our 3D hybrid model verified epithelial–mesenchymal transition through increased expression of mesenchymal markers involved in the metastasis process. Our findings indicate that we can model tumor migration in vivo, in line with different cell characteristics and it may be a suitable drug screening tool for personalized medicine approaches in metastatic cancer treatment.
Role of Nitric Oxide-Derived Metabolites in Reactions of Methylglyoxal with Lysine and Lysine-Rich Protein Leghemoglobin
Authors: Shumaev Konstantin B. , Kosmachevskaya Olga V. , Nasybullina Elvira I. , Ruuge Enno K. , Topunov Alexey F.
Published: December 2022

Carbonyl stress occurs when reactive carbonyl compounds (RCC), such as reducing sugars, dicarbonyls etc., accumulate in the organism. The interaction of RCC carbonyl groups with amino groups of molecules is called the Maillard reaction. One of the most active RCCs is α-dicarbonyl methylglyoxal (MG) that modifies biomolecules forming non-enzymatic glycation products. Organic free radicals are formed in the reaction between MG and lysine or Nα-acetyllysine. S-nitrosothiols and nitric oxide (•NO) donor PAPA NONOate increased the yield of organic free radical intermediates, while other •NO-derived metabolites, namely, nitroxyl anion and dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs) decreased it. At the late stages of the Maillard reaction, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) also inhibited the formation of glycation end products (AGEs). The formation of a new type of DNICs, bound with Maillard reaction products, was found. The results obtained were used to explain the glycation features of legume hemoglobin—leghemoglobin (Lb), which is a lysine-rich protein. In Lb, lysine residues can form fluorescent cross-linked AGEs, and •NO-derived metabolites slow down their formation. The knowledge of these processes can be used to increase the stability of Lb. It can help in better understanding the impact of stress factors on legume plants and contribute to the production of recombinant Lb for biotechnology.
Analytical Perspectives in the Study of Polyvalent Interactions of Free and Surface-Bound Oligonucleotides and Their Implications in Affinity Biosensing
Authors: Gliga Laura-Elena , Iacob Bogdan-Cezar , Moldovean Sanda-Nastasia , Spivak David A. , Bodoki Andreea Elena , Bodoki Ede , Oprean Radu
Published: December 2022

The high affinity and/or selectivity of oligonucleotide-mediated binding offers a myriad of therapeutical and analytical applications, whose rational design implies an accurate knowledge of the involved molecular mechanisms, concurring equilibrium processes and key affinity parameters. Oligonucleotide-functionalized gold surfaces or nanostructures are regularly employed analytical platforms for the development of label-free optical or electrochemical biosensors, and recently, novel detection platform designs have been increasingly considering the synergistic effect of polyvalent binding, involving the simultaneous interaction of two or several oligonucleotide strands. Considering the general lack of studies involving ternary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interactions, a complementary analytical workflow involving capillary gel electrophoretic (CGE) mobility shift assay, microcalorimetry and computational modeling has been deployed for the characterization of a series of free and surface-bound binary and ternary oligonucleotide interactions. As a proof of concept, the DNA analogue of MicroRNA 21 (miR21), a well-known oncogenic short MicroRNA (miRNA) sequence, has been chosen as a target molecule, simulating limiting-case scenarios involved in dual molecular recognition models exploited in affinity (bio)sensing. Novel data for the characterization of oligonucleotide interacting modules is revealed, offering a fast and complete mapping of the specific or non-specific, often competing, binary and ternary order interactions in dynamic equilibria, occurring between various free and metal surface-bound oligonucleotides.
Mechanosensing in the Physiology and Pathology of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Kola Job Baffin , Docsa Tibor , Uray Karen
Published: December 2022

Normal gastrointestinal function relies on sensing and transducing mechanical signals into changes in intracellular signaling pathways. Both specialized mechanosensing cells, such as certain enterochromaffin cells and enteric neurons, and non-specialized cells, such as smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells of Cajal, and resident macrophages, participate in physiological and pathological responses to mechanical signals in the gastrointestinal tract. We review the role of mechanosensors in the different cell types of the gastrointestinal tract. Then, we provide several examples of the role of mechanotransduction in normal physiology. These examples highlight the fact that, although these responses to mechanical signals have been known for decades, the mechanosensors involved in these responses to mechanical signals are largely unknown. Finally, we discuss several diseases involving the overstimulation or dysregulation of mechanotransductive pathways. Understanding these pathways and identifying the mechanosensors involved in these diseases may facilitate the identification of new drug targets to effectively treat these diseases.
Data-Oriented Software Development: The Industrial Landscape through Patent Analysis
Authors: Georgiou Konstantinos , Mittas Nikolaos , Ampatzoglou Apostolos , Chatzigeorgiou Alexander , Angelis Lefteris
Published: December 2022

Τhe large amounts of information produced daily by organizations and enterprises have led to the development of specialized software that can process high volumes of data. Given that the technologies and methodologies used to develop software are constantly changing, offering significant market opportunities, organizations turn to patenting their inventions to secure their ownership as well as their commercial exploitation. In this study, we investigate the landscape of data-oriented software development via the collection and analysis of information extracted from patents. To this regard, we made use of advanced statistical and machine learning approaches, namely Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Brokerage Analysis for the identification of technological trends and thematic axes related to software development patent activity dedicated to data processing and data management processes. Our findings reveal that high-profile countries and organizations are engaging in patent granting, while the main thematic circles found in the retrieved patent data revolve around data updates, integration, version control and software deployment. The results indicate that patent grants in this technological domain are expected to continue their increasing trend in the following years, given that technologies evolve and the need for efficient data processing becomes even more present.
Effect of Mechanical Stimuli and Zoledronic Acid on the Femoral Bone Morphology in Rats with Obesity and Limited Mobility
Authors: Kostyshyn Nazar M. , Muszyński Siemowit , Tomaszewska Ewa , Tomczyk-Warunek Agnieszka , Puzio Iwona , Dobrowolski Piotr
Published: December 2022

Our study aimed to compare the impact of zoledronic acid and whole-body vibration (WBV) as a non-pharmacological method of treatment for early obesity/immobility-related osteoporosis in male rat models. In total, 36 male Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups: obese control with immobility (Control, n = 12) and two experimental groups (n = 12 each), including obese and immobile rats subjected to whole-body vibration with an acceleration level of 3 m/s2 g (obesity and immobility + WBV) and obese and immobile rats that received an intramuscular injection of zoledronic acid at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg (obesity and immobility + ZOL). After the 8th and 16th week of treatment, n = 6 rats from each group were euthanized and isolated femora were subjected to a histological examination of bone, and analysis of the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) involved in bone turnover and the amount of thin collagen fibers (PSR stain). The obtained results showed that short-term vibrotherapy (up to 8 weeks) can lead to improvement in bone remodeling in rat models with obesity and limited mobility.
Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring Allows Recognition of Early Response Patterns to Diuresis in Congestive Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Dagan Maya , Kolben Yotam , Goldstein Nir , Ben Ishay Arik , Fons Meir , Merin Roei , Eisenkraft Arik , Amir Offer , Asleh Rabea , Ben-Yehuda Arie , Nachman Dean
Published: December 2022

There are no clear guidelines for diuretic administration in heart failure (HF), and reliable markers are needed to tailor treatment. Continuous monitoring of multiple advanced physiological parameters during diuresis may allow better differentiation of patients into subgroups according to their responses. In this study, 29 HF patients were monitored during outpatient intravenous diuresis, using a noninvasive wearable multi-parameter monitor. Analysis of changes in these parameters during the course of diuresis aimed to recognize subgroups with different response patterns. Parameters did not change significantly, however, subgroup analysis of the last quartile of treatment showed significant differences in cardiac output, cardiac index, stroke volume, pulse rate, and systemic vascular resistance according to gender, and in systolic blood pressure according to habitus. Changes in the last quartile could be differentiated using k-means, a technique of unsupervised machine learning. Moreover, patients’ responses could be best clustered into four groups. Analysis of baseline parameters showed that two of the clusters differed by baseline parameters, body mass index, and diabetes status. To conclude, we show that physiological changes during diuresis in HF patients can be categorized into subgroups sharing similar response trends, making noninvasive monitoring a potential key to personalized treatment in HF.
Effectiveness and Safety of Attic Exposition–Antrum Exclusion versus Canal Wall-Up in Patients with Acquired Stage Ib and II Cholesteatoma Affecting the Attic and Tympanic Cavity
Authors: Arias Marzán Francisco , Pacheco Coronel Esteban Reinaldo , Lemes Robayna Ayoze , Salom Lucena Maria Cecilia , De Lucas Carmona Gemma , Muñoz Cordero María Gabriela , Macias Rodríguez Diego Hernando , Jimenez Sosa Alejandro
Published: December 2022

This study aims to test the effectiveness and safety of exteriorization surgery comprising atticotomy and obliteration of the additus ad antrum, also referred to as attic exposition–antrum exclusion (AE-AE) surgery. This surgery combines otoendoscopy with surgical microscopy for the treatment of acquired pars flaccida cholesteatoma in stages Ib and II (according to the classification of the Japan Otological Society) present in the attic and the tympanic cavity. We reviewed a historical cohort of 65 patients. Of the total, 21 were treated with canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWU). Patients in whom the AE-AE technique was performed had residual and recurrence rates of 0% and 9.1%, respectively, compared with 28.6% and 9.5%, respectively, for those treated with CWU. In the AE-AE procedure, surgery is performed in one stage compared with the two stages in CWU, to address the risk of residual cholesteatoma. Auditory thresholds were higher in the CWU group compared with the AE-AE group in the pre-surgery (53 ± 16 vs. 44 ± 15 dB; p = 0.039) and post-surgery (52 ± 18 vs. 42 ± 16 dB; p = 0.042) evaluations but not in pre–post-surgery comparisons for either the AE-AE technique (p = 0.89) or the CWU technique (p = 0.96). We conclude that AE-AE is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of acquired stage Ib and II cholesteatoma present in the attic and tympanic cavities.
Years of Potential Life Lost on Renal Replacement Therapy: Retrospective Study Cohort
Authors: Muñoz-Terol José Manuel , Rocha José L. , Castro-de la Nuez Pablo , García-Cabrera Emilio , Vilches-Arenas Ángel
Published: December 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease is the non-communicable disease with the highest growth in morbidity and mortality. Renal transplantation (RT) is the first option of renal replacement in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and dialysis is an alternative. However, there is no objective quantification of the impact of both options on a patient’s overall survival. The purpose of our study is to assess the potential years of life lost by patients on renal replacement therapy. Methods: Retrospective study cohort conducted from 2008 to 2018 based on autonomic data registry. Results: 11,551 patients included who received renal replacement therapy (RRT) in a range of age from 15 to 94 years. The mean age at the time of onset was 62.7 years, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (62.4; 63.0). The mortality rate of RRT patients was 42.2%, 95% CI (41.5; 43.3) and the mean age at death was 72.7 years, 95% CI (72.4; 73.1). The number of patients with ESKD treated with RT was 3776, 32.7% of the total, 95% CI (31.8; 33.5). The total amount of years of potential life lost (YPLL) in the entire cohort was 77,831.3 years, 48,010.1 years in men, and 29,821.2 years in women. The mean number of YPLL per patient with RRT was 6.74 years in both sexes, 6.95 years in women, and 6.61 years in men. The mean number of potential years of life lost in dialysis patients was 9.0 years in both sexes, 8.8 years in men, and 9.2 years in women, while among kidney transplant recipients this figure decreased to 2.2 years in both men and women. Conclusions: End-stage chronic kidney disease in renal replacement therapy by dialysis causes an average of 9.0 years of life potentially lost for each patient on dialysis treatment, while having received a kidney transplant reduces this figure by 75.6%.
RETRACTED: Clinical Effect of Arthroscopic Resection of Extra-Articular Knee Osteochondroma
Authors: Chen Peng , Shen Li , Long Qiong , Dai Wei , Jiang Xiaocheng , Li Canfeng , Zuo Jianwei , Guo Jiang , Zhang Xintao
Published: December 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of arthroscopic resection of extraarticular knee osteochondroma. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 74 patients with extra-articular knee osteochondroma treated by arthroscopic resection between August 2011 and August 2021, including 43 males and 31 females. Overall, 26 Distal femur cases and 48 proximal tibia cases were involved, with an average age of 31.7 ± 11.3 (11–57) years. Preoperative routine knee X-ray, CT, and MRI were performed before the operation. The Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Tegner knee motor function score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate symptoms and functions before surgery and 3, 6, 12, and ≥24 months after surgery. Results: The average course of disease was (7.9 ± 3.7) months (range, 3–14 months) in 74 patients. The average follow-up was (22.6 ± 6.4) months (range, 10–37 months). There were no cases of vascular or nerve injury or wound infection. Compared with the preoperative function, the average scores of VAS, Lysholm, IKDC, and Tegner joint motor function decreased or increased significantly compared with the last follow-up (3.6 ± 1.1 vs. 0.1 ± 0.02, 44.5 ± 2.3 vs. 91.3 ± 4.9, 53.7 ± 2.6 vs. 94.2 ± 5.1, 4.6 ± 1.2 vs. 9.4 ± 1.4, p < 0.001). There was no recurrence or metastasis during the follow up. Conclusions: With the advantages of less trauma, high precision, less pain, and rapid recovery, arthroscopic resection of extra-articular knee osteochondroma can significantly improve the function of knee. It can be gradually extended to the treatment of other benign bone tumors.
Automatic Masseter Muscle Accurate Segmentation from CBCT Using Deep Learning-Based Model
Authors: Jiang Yiran , Shang Fangxin , Peng Jiale , Liang Jie , Fan Yi , Yang Zhongpeng , Qi Yuhan , Yang Yehui , Xu Tianmin , Jiang Ruoping
Published: December 2022

Segmentation of the masseter muscle (MM) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is challenging due to the lack of sufficient soft-tissue contrast. Moreover, manual segmentation is laborious and time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to propose a deep learning-based automatic approach to accurately segment the MM from CBCT under the refinement of high-quality paired computed tomography (CT). Fifty independent CBCT and 42 clinically hard-to-obtain paired CBCT and CT were manually annotated by two observers. A 3D U-shape network was carefully designed to segment the MM effectively. Manual annotations on CT were set as the ground truth. Additionally, an extra five CT and five CBCT auto-segmentation results were revised by one oral and maxillofacial anatomy expert to evaluate their clinical suitability. CBCT auto-segmentation results were comparable to the CT counterparts and significantly improved the similarity with the ground truth compared with manual annotations on CBCT. The automatic approach was more than 332 times shorter than that of a human operation. Only 0.52% of the manual revision fraction was required. This automatic model could simultaneously and accurately segment the MM structures on CBCT and CT, which can improve clinical efficiency and efficacy, and provide critical information for personalized treatment and long-term follow-up.
Prognostic Impact of Sarcopenia in Patients with Advanced Prostate Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Pablos-Rodríguez Pedro , del Pino-Sedeño Tasmania , Infante-Ventura Diego , de Armas-Castellano Aythami , Ramírez Backhaus Miguel , Ferrer Juan Francisco Loro , de Pablos-Velasco Pedro , Rueda-Domínguez Antonio , Trujillo-Martín María M.
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth leading cause of death from cancer. The possibility of sarcopenia being a prognostic factor in advanced PCa patients has recently become a subject of interest. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of sarcopenia in advanced prostate carcinoma. A systematic review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science (March, 2021). The quality of studies was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Meta-analyses for overall, cancer-specific, and progression-free survival were performed. Nine studies (n = 1659) were included. Sarcopenia was borderline associated with a shorter overall survival (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.44, P = 0.04, I2 = 43%) but was significantly associated with progression-free survival (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.06, P < 0.01; k = 3; n = 588). Available evidence supports sarcopenia as an important prognostic factor of progression-free survival in patients with advanced PCa. However, sarcopenia has a weak association with a shorter overall survival. The evidence on the role of sarcopenia in prostate-cancer-specific survival is insufficient and supports the need for further research. Patient summary: The literature was reviewed to determine whether the loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) affects the survival in patients with advanced PCa. Patients with advanced PCa and sarcopenia were found to have a shorter progression-free survival (the length of time during and after treatment of a cancer that the patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse), but sarcopenia did not have much influence on the overall survival and cancer-specific survival (the length of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start of treatment to the date of death due to the cancer).
Fetal Brain Tumors, a Challenge in Prenatal Diagnosis, Counselling, and Therapy
Authors: Bedei Ivonne Alexandra , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Whitehead William , Axt-Fliedner Roland , Belfort Michael , Sanz Cortes Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Fetal brain tumors are a rare entity with an overall guarded prognosis. About 10% of congenital brain tumors are diagnosed during fetal life. They differ from the postnatally encountered pediatric brain tumors with respect to location and tumor type. Fetal brain tumors can be benign or malignant and infiltrate or displace adjacent brain structures. Due to their high mitotic rate, they can show rapid growth. Outcome depends on age of diagnosis, size, and histological tumor type. Findings like polyhydramnios and macrocephaly encountered on routine ultrasound are frequently associated. Detailed prenatal anomaly scan and subsequent fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may identify the brain tumor and its severity. Both maternal and fetal prognosis should be included in prenatal counselling and decision making.
Outcomes and Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality among Older Patients with Dementia
Authors: De Matteis Giuseppe , Burzo Maria Livia , Della Polla Davide Antonio , Serra Amato , Russo Andrea , Landi Francesco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Gambassi Giovanni , Franceschi Francesco , Covino Marcello
Published: December 2022

Dementia is associated with high rates of admission to hospital, due to acute illness, and in-hospital mortality. The study aimed to investigate the impact of dementia on in-hospital mortality and identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality in these patients. This was a retrospective study evaluating all the patients ≥65 years consecutively admitted to our Emergency Department (ED). We compared the clinical outcomes of the patients with dementia at ED admission with those who did not have dementia, using a propensity score-matched (PSM) paired cohort of controls. The patients were matched for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index value, and clinical severity at presentation (based on NEWS ≥ 5). The primary study endpoint was all-cause in-hospital death. After the PSM, a total of 7118 patients, 3559 with dementia and 3559 in the control group, were included in the study cohort. The mean age was 84 years, and 59.8% were females. The overall mortality rate was higher for the demented patients compared with the controls (18.7% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.002). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) showed that dementia was an independent risk factor for death (HR 1.13 [1.01–1.27]; p = 0.033). In the patients with dementia, respiratory failure (HR 3.08 [2.6–3.65]), acute renal failure (HR 1.64 [1.33–2.02]; p < 0.001), hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.84 [1.38–2.44]; p < 0.001), and bloodstream infection (HR 1.41 [1.17–1.71]; p = 0.001) were significant predictors of worse outcomes. Finally, the comorbidities and severity of illness at ED admission negatively influenced survival among the patients with dementia (CCI HR 1.05 [1.01–1.1] p = 0.005; NEWS ≥ 5 HR 2.45 [1.88–3.2] p < 0.001). In conclusion, among the hospitalized older patients, dementia was associated with a higher risk of mortality. Furthermore, among the older patients with dementia, respiratory failure and bloodstream infections were independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Potential Diagnostic and Monitoring Biomarkers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Fiedorczuk Piotr , Polecka Agnieszka , Walasek Marzena , Olszewska Ewa
Published: December 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent, underdiagnosed disease that imposes a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of patients and a financial burden on individuals, their families, and society. Development of new methods of testing other than an overnight sleep study, such as measurement of serum or plasma biomarkers, may provide an easier diagnostic process to identify patients with OSA and allow earlier initiation of treatment, which might prevent serious comorbidities. We conducted a systematic review and quality assessment of available meta-analyses regarding potential diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers of obstructive sleep apnea. A total of 14 sets of candidate biomarkers displayed differences in levels or concentrations in OSA patients compared to non-OSA controls, and decreased after OSA treatment: CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, Il-8, HCY, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, VEGF, TC, LDLc, HDLc, TG, leptin, MDA, ALT, AST, IGF-1, adiponectin, and cortisol. This review summarizes the evidence for OSA-associated potential biomarkers and demonstrates that the quality of available studies, as measured by AMSTAR2, is often low and associated with a high risk of bias.
C-Reactive Protein Is Associated with Physical Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Romero-Elías María , Álvarez-Bustos Alejandro , Cantos Blanca , Maximiano Constanza , Méndez Miriam , Méndez Marta , de Pedro Cristina G. , Rosado-García Silvia , Sanchez-Lopez Antonio J. , García-González David , Cebolla-Boado Héctor , Ruiz-Casado Ana
Published: December 2022

Background: Physical fitness (PF) is an expression of the physiological functioning of multiple body components. PF is an important prognostic factor in terms of cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality. PF has been related to some biomarkers in the general population but not in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Purpose: To evaluate the effects of PF on biomarkers potentially related to physical activity (PA) in a sample of BCS. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 84 BCS (mean age 54) who had finished their treatment were recruited. Different components of PF were evaluated, namely body composition (anthropometry), cardiorespiratory fitness (one-mile walk test), muscular (handgrip and sit-to-stand timed test), and motor (gait speed) components. Sexual hormones, inflammation, and insulin resistance biomarkers were measured. Results: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) was associated with every component of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness (p-value = 0.002), muscular (sit-to-stand timed test, p-value = 0.002) and motor (gait speed, p-value = 0.004) components, and body composition (body mass index, p-value = 0.003; waist, p-value < 0.000; and waist-to-hip index, p-value = 0.012). CRP also was associated with “poor physical condition,” a constructed variable that encompasses all components of physical fitness (p-value < 0.001). Insulin was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and gait speed (p-values = 0.002 and 0.024, respectively). Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 was negatively associated with waist perimeter and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusions: CRP can also be considered an indicator of poor PF in BCS. Implications for cancer survivors: in case of elevation of CRP indicating cardiovascular risk, health professionals should recommend lifestyle changes to improve BCS physical condition.
Off-Hour Admission Is Associated with Poor Outcome in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Akram Muhammad Junaid , Lv Xinni , Deng Lan , Li Zuoqiao , Yang Tiannan , Yin Hao , Wu Xiaofang , Pu Mingjun , Chen Chu , Zhao Libo , Li Qi
Published: December 2022

The mortality of stroke increases on weekends and during off-hour periods. We investigated the effect of off-hour admission on the outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of ICH patients, admitted between January 2017 and December 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Acute ICH within 72 h after onset with a baseline computed tomography and 3-month follow-up were included in our study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for calculating the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the outcome measurements. Of the 656 participants, 318 (48.5%) were admitted during on-hours, whereas 338 (51.5%) were admitted during off-hours. Patients with a poor outcome had a larger median baseline hematoma volume, of 27 mL (interquartile range 11.1–53.2 mL), and a lower median time from onset to imaging, of 2.8 h (interquartile range 1.4–9.6 h). Off-hour admission was significantly associated with a poor functional outcome at 3 months, after adjusting for cofounders (adjusted OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.35–3.47; p = 0.001). We found that patients admitted during off-hours had a higher risk of poor functional outcomes at 3 months than those admitted during working hours.