bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of maxillary canine index and Inter canine width to establish Sexual Dimorphism among two different populations
Authors: Pal Saona , Dhillon Prabhroop , C. Saumya , Singh Ankita , George Jiji
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: Teeth are most useful tools for identification of victims in living as well as in dead in field of Forensic Odontology. Canines being the most stable in oral cavity because of labio-lingual thickness of crown and root anchorage in alveolar process of jaws, have been reported to survive in mass disasters, hence used when facial recognition is inconclusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY:The present pilot study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of canine in sex determination among two different populations (Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:The present study comprises of 40 subjects from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal population.Evaluation of canine index and labio-lingual dimension of maxillary canine was done to establish gender dimorphism among these populations.

RESULT& CONCLUSION:The findings revealed that due to smaller sample size, not much difference was seen incanine index amongboth the groups but labio-lingual dimensions showed variations. However, maxillarycanine index and labio-lingual dimensionscan be effectivein sex determination.

KEYWORDS: Canine index, Gender dimorphism, Labio-lingual dimension, Sex determination
Role of Hyaluronic acid as a healing agent in dentistry
Authors: Shukla Kirti , Pebbili Kranthi Kiran
Published: February 2024

The most common tissue matrix polysaccharide that is seen in the connective tissues, skin, synovial joints, as well as other tissues in abundance, is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a natural polysaccharide (glycosaminoglycan) and an anti-inflammatory agent, utilized in different medical fields including dermatology, orthopaedics, dentistry, and ophthalmology. In this review, we collected information from the various online databases, to study the application of HA in treatment of periodontal diseases and as healing agent of oral tissues. The data collected was analysed and presented in this review, elaborating its role as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing agent, specifically in diseases of the periodontium. HA has been established for its tissue-healing, repair and regeneration properties and hence has been widely used in the management of periodontal diseases as an adjuvant. It has also been used in other specialties of dentistry due to its properties of pain-alleviation, socket healing, clot stabilization, etc. In this review, a detailed structure of HA, its properties, functions, safety and its adverse effects, along with its efficacy as a treatment modality in periodontal disease are discussed.

Key Words
Anti-inflammatory, Gingivitis, HA, Periodontitis
A Study On Odontometric Assessment Of Mandibular Canine For Sexual Dimorphism
Authors: Surya Kanthi Bandhakavi , Anil babu Akunuru , chowdary Linga Esha , Ramya Namburu Janaki , Chandrashekar Poosarla
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Gender identification from the skeletal remains is an important part and procedure of forensic sciences. In forensic investigations the tooth especially canine gives excellent evidence in determining the gender because of many physical characters of it. Sexual dimorphism of mandibular canine provides an immense usage in forensic investigation. The aim of the study was to assess the dimensions of mandibular canines, as an adjunctive tool in determination of gender and dimorphism pertaining to the age group of 21-32 years.

Materials and methods: The study was performed on 80 subjects in general population (40 males and 40 females). Following parameters were considered in the study; mesiodistal width of right and left mandibular canine, intercanine arch width and right and left MCI. All the measurements were taken on dental casts and tabulated for statistical analysis.

Results: Mesiodistal dimension and intercanine values were utilised to determine the mean for the right and left mandibular canine. Assessment of the Standard Mandibular canine index showed more sexual dimorphism with right mandibular canine. Conclusion: The accuracy of determining gender using the mesiodistal parameter of mandibular canine turns out to be satisfactory and justifies usage as tool in forensic sciences.

Keywords : Mandibular Canine, Canine Index, Sexual Dimorphism, Mass Disaster.
Recommendations regarding weaning in infants & its importance in oral health status
Authors: Shah Lipsa , Dave Bhavna , Bargale Seema , Deshpande Anshula , Poonacha K. S. , Kariya Prateek
Published: February 2024

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding weaning in infants among dental professionals in Gujarat.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among IDA members of Gujarat. Self- prepared questionnaire was validated by Subject Experts. The electronic questionnaire was sent to the participants through e-mail. Data was collected and analyzed using the SPSS software with significant value p<0.05.

Results:Only 33% of respondents were aware that bottle unavailability completely represented weaning cessation. 56% considered that weaning should start at 6-8 months of age however 44% of them considered at 12-15 months of age. 63% considered that weaning should be achieved by the age of 12-18 months. Weaning recommendations vary among various dental professionals.

Conclusion: Dentists frequently lack a common understanding of newborn weaning guidelines. To create good and reliable oral health preventive recommendations for parents and caregivers, dentists must reach a clear consensus. As a result, dental practitioners need to have a thorough education, and these subjects need to be included in the basic education system.

Keywords: Weaning, Infants, Knowledge, Awareness, Dentists
Optimizing Antimicrobial Prescribing in Dentistry in India – From Policy to Practice
Authors: K. Yazhini
Published: February 2024

Introduction: It is estimated that in total, dentists prescribe 10% of all antimicrobials prescribed, and there is evidence of inappropriate use. Although National guidelines for antimicrobial prescribing and framing antibiotic policy are available for broad medical specialities, they don’t include various specialities in clinical dentistry. This guidance has been developed to promote judicious antimicrobial prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship in clinical dentistry in India.

Methods: This policy was developed by the members of Antimicrobial Stewardship Practice Committee in consultation with the Dental practitioners in various specialities in dentistry.

Results & Discussion: The AMSP committee issued a policy for the year 2021-2022, outlining policies to improve antibiotic use and appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions, and including targets for the various specialities in dentistry.

Conclusion: Comprehensive National clinical practice and antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, in combination with sensitization campaigns are needed for dental practitioners to effectively combat growing antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship, Antimicrobial prescribing, Dentistry, India
Cross sectional questionnaire survey on knowledge, attitude and behavior on forensic odontology among dental students: An institution based study
Authors: Kattappagari Kumar Kiran , Simha Bommireddy Vikram , Kumar Harish , Kantheti Lalith Prakash Chandra , Vakamullu Tejaswini
Published: February 2024

Forensic odontology (FO) involves examination, proper evaluation and presentation of dental evidence before the court of law. Globally, forensic odontology (FO) has been a benchmark in advance teaching. Dentists are the oral health professionals who have a high chance of identifying bite marks and signs of abuse. Dentists in India were less into the field of forensic odontology than the western countries.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behavior on FO among dental undergraduate students in a dental institution.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 273 dental undergraduate students with a 15 itemed self administered questionnaire in a dental institution located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Result: The statistical analysis was carried out through descriptives and chi-square test with the statistical significance set as p<0.05 in SPSS software version 20.0. A total of 273 students participated in the survey, 83.9% of them aware that DNA can serve as identification. 93.1% know tooth can be used for dental age estimation. 61.9% of participants know the forensic odontology from the books. 60.8% of participants were aware of the application of forensic odontology in the investigation. 66.7% were lack of adequate knowledge of forensic odontology. 65.6% of participants agreed that they aware of bite mark patterns of teeth. 58.6% of participants aware that DNA can be collected from the bite mark. More than 85% of the students contracted that cheiloscopy is a study of lip prints. 67.4% of participants agreed on the forensic odontology as a department of its specialty rather than interdisciplinary.

Conclusion: We observed a student’s has good exposure to scope, importance, and opportunity about FO among UG students, This study stimulates further research to uplifting of forensic odontology in the future.

Keywords: Awareness, Forensic odontology, Survey
Ultrasound-based assessment of the expression of inflammatory markers in the rectus femoris muscle of rats
Authors: Ahmadi Bahareh , Duarte Felipe C. K. , Srbely John , Bartlewski Pawel M.
Published: February 2024

Ultrasonographic characteristics of skeletal muscles are related to their health status and functional capacity, but they still provide limited information on muscle composition during the inflammatory process. It has been demonstrated that an alteration in muscle composition or structure can have disparate effects on different ranges of ultrasonogram pixel intensities. Therefore, monitoring specific clusters or bands of pixel intensity values could help detect echotextural changes in skeletal muscles associated with neurogenic inflammation. Here we compare two methods of ultrasonographic image analysis, namely, the echointensity (EI) segmentation approach (EI banding method) and detection of selective pixel intensity ranges correlated with the expression of inflammatory regulators using an in-house developed computer algorithm (r-Algo). This study utilized an experimental model of neurogenic inflammation in segmentally linked myotomes (i.e., rectus femoris (RF) muscle) of rats subjected to lumbar facet injury. Our results show that there were no significant differences in RF echotextural variables for different EI bands (with 50- or 25-pixel intervals) between surgery and sham-operated rats, and no significant correlations among individual EI band pixel characteristics and protein expression of inflammatory regulators studied. However, mean numerical pixel values for the pixel intensity ranges identified with the proprietary r-Algo computer program correlated with protein expression of ERK1/2 and substance P (both 86–101-pixel ranges) and CaMKII (86–103-pixel range) in RF, and were greater (p < 0.05) in surgery rats compared with their sham-operated counterparts. Our findings indicate that computer-aided identification of specific pixel intensity ranges was critical for ultrasonographic detection of changes in the expression of inflammatory mediators in neurosegmentally-linked skeletal muscles of rats after facet injury.
Generation of heterozygous and homozygous NF1 lines from human-induced pluripotent stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate bone defects associated with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Darle Annabelle , Mahiet Thibault , Aubin Déborah , Doyen Manon , El Kassar Lina , Parfait Béatrice , Lemaitre Gilles , Baldeschi Christine , Allouche Jennifer , Holic Nathalie
Published: February 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic disorders caused by heterozygous germline NF1 mutations. NF1 affects many systems, including the skeletal system. To date, no curative therapies are available for skeletal manifestations such as scoliosis and tibial dysplasia, mainly due to the lack of knowledge about the mechanisms that underlie this process. By using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to minimize the variability due to genetic background and epigenetic factors, we generated isogenic heterozygous and homozygous NF1-deficient hiPSC lines to investigate the consequences of neurofibromin inactivation on osteoblastic differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that loss of one or both copies of NF1 does not alter the potential of isogenic hiPSCs to differentiate into mesenchymal stem cells (hiPSC-MSCs). However, NF1 (+/−) and NF1 (−/−) hiPSC-MSCs show a defect in osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. In addition, we show that a mono-allelic deletion in NF1 in an isogenic context is sufficient to impair cell differentiation into osteoblasts. Overall, this study highlights the relevance of generating isogenic lines, which may help in genotype–phenotype correlation and provide a human cellular model to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying NF1 and, thus, discover new therapeutic strategies.
Anti-cancer management of head and neck cancers and oral microbiome—what can we clinically obtain?
Authors: Makarewicz Jakub , Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka Karolina , Sobocki Bartosz Kamil , Dobrucki Iwona T. , Kalinowski Leszek , Stachowska Ewa
Published: February 2024

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits significant genetic heterogeneity and primarily concerns the oral cavity and oropharynx. These cancers occur more frequently in men with a 5-year survival rate below 50%. Major risk factors include human papilloma virus (HPV) (notably type 16), Epstein–Barr virus, tobacco, alcohol, and poor oral hygiene with approximately 4.5% of global cancers linked to HPV. Notably, differences in the microbiome between healthy individuals and patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) have been identified. Recent studies highlight the significance of certain oral microbes in risk assessment and the potential of the microbiome as a biomarker for HNCs. Additionally, role of the microbiome in metastasis has been acknowledged. Treatment for HNCs includes local methods, such as surgery and radiotherapy, and systemic approaches, such as immunotherapy. Numerous side effects accompany these treatments. Emerging research suggests the beneficial role of preoperative immunonutrition and probiotics in patient outcomes, emphasizing the influence of the microbiome on treatment efficacy. This review explores the reciprocal effects of HNC treatment and the gut microbiome using radiotherapy, brachytherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Evaluation of atmospheric indicators in the Adriatic coastal areas: a multi-hazards approach for a better awareness of the current and future climate
Authors: Fedele Giusy , Manco Ilenia , Barbato Giuliana , Verri Giorgia , Mercogliano Paola
Published: February 2024

Increasing climate resilience to global warming is one of the main challenges of the last few decades. Effective local measures have to be adopted to provide concrete solutions to the current and expected impacts of climate change. This is the goal of the AdriaClim Italia-Croatia Interreg Project (https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/adriaclim), aimed at supporting the development of regional and local climate change adaptation plans for the Adriatic coastal regions. For this purpose, an exhaustive number of atmospheric climate indicators have been identified and evaluated across nine pilot areas to assess the current and expected main climate hazards affecting these regions, considering the worst-case emissions scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway RCP 8.5). The proposed analyses are provided by the results of the regional climate atmospheric model developed within the AdriaClim Project. The selected climate indicators are used to assess the possible evolution of the climate hazard across the pilot areas, covering different hazards, such as thermal discomfort, drought, and hydrological instability. A site-dependent investigation of the atmospheric climate indicators is proposed to emphasize which regions are more affected than others by the investigated climate hazards, thus warranting more attention in defining and proposing new adaptation strategies. The results highlight increasing temperatures (up to +3°C) across the Adriatic coastal regions, with more emphasis on the Northern Adriatic, where the combined effect with the relevant decrease in precipitation (down to −2 mm/day) may lead to severe drought conditions in the coming decades. In contrast, precipitation-related diseases may hit more Central and South Italy than the Northern Adriatic, except for the Emilia-Romagna region, which is found to be highly sensitive to both hazard categories. Finally, it is relevant to emphasize that these analyses have to be carefully considered in supporting adaptation strategies due to the lack of uncertainty estimates representing a fundamental element for decision-makers.
Synchronized measurement method for urban distribution networks based on proportional-integral control
Authors: Yin Xiaodong , Yu Jicheng , Liang Siyuan , Liu Junjie , Wang Jian , Liu Cheng , Ding Wangwang
Published: February 2024

In the context of the rising prevalence of renewable energy, the need for precise and synchronized measurements in urban distribution networks has become increasingly critical. Conventional synchronization techniques, which predominantly depend on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) timing signals, are often plagued by significant sampling time errors. Addressing this challenge, this study introduces an innovative automatic synchronization measurement method employing proportional-integral (PI) control. This method is composed of three integral components: the monitoring of local clock phases via pulses per second (PPS) signals, modulation of the clock phase through a PI controller, and the estimation of grid phasors from the synchronized sampled data. The test results of this method on a hardware platform demonstrate its capability to significantly reduce the sampling error from 2 × 10−3 V to an impressive 1 × 10−5 V, while also meeting the requirements of the synchronized phasor measurement standards outlined in C37.118.1. These advancements underscore the significant potential of PI-controlled simultaneous sampling in enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of urban distribution networks, particularly in environments with a high integration of renewable energy sources.
A systematic review of studies on fine and coarse root traits measurement: towards the enhancement of urban forests monitoring and management
Authors: Fantozzi Daniele , Montagnoli Antonio , Trupiano Dalila , Di Martino Paolo , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Agosto Gustavo , Chiatante Donato , Sferra Gabriella
Published: February 2024

The analysis of fine and coarse roots’ functional traits has the potential to reveal the performance of the root system, which is pivotal in tree growth, development, and failure in both natural and urban forest ecosystems. Furthermore, root traits may be a powerful indicator of tree resilience mechanisms. However, due to the inherent difficulties in measuring ‘the hidden half,’ and despite the recent advancements, the relationships among root functional traits and biotic and abiotic drivers still suffer from a lack of information. Thus, our study aimed to evidence knowledge milestones and gaps and to categorize, discuss, and suggest future directions for effective experimental designs in fine and coarse root studies. To this end, we conducted a systematic literature review supported by backward manual referencing based on 55 root functional traits and 136 plant species potentially suitable for afforestation and reforestation of natural and urban forest ecosystems. The majority of the 168 papers on fine and coarse root studies selected in our review focused predominantly on European natural contexts for a few plant species, such as Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, and Pinus cembra, and root functional traits such as standing biomass, phenology production, turnover rate, and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Additionally, the analyzed studies frequently lack information and uniformity in experimental designs, measurements, and statistical analysis, highlighting the difficult integration and comparison of outcomes derived from different experiments and sites. Moreover, no information has been detected in selected literature about urban forest ecosystems, while most of the studies focus on natural forests. These biases observed during our literature analysis led us to give key indications for future experiment designs with fine and coarse roots involved, which may contribute to the building up of common protocols to boost the monitoring, managing, and planning of afforestation and reforestation projects.
CD5 blockade, a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor, enhances T cell anti-tumour immunity and delays tumour growth in mice harbouring poorly immunogenic 4T1 breast tumour homografts
Authors: Alotaibi Faizah M. , Min Wei-Ping , Koropatnick James
Published: February 2024

CD5 is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily that is expressed on T cells and a subset of B cells (B1a) cell and can regulate the T cell receptor signaling pathway. Blocking CD5 function may have therapeutic potential in treatment of cancer by enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition and ablation of tumour cells. The effect of administering an anti-CD5 antibody to block or reduce CD5 function as an immune checkpoint blockade to enhance T cell anti-tumour activation and function in vivo has not been explored. Here we challenged mice with poorly immunogenic 4T1 breast tumour cells and tested whether treatment with anti-CD5 monoclonal antibodies (MAb) in vivo could enhance non-malignant T cell anti-tumour immunity and reduce tumour growth. Treatment with anti-CD5 MAb resulted in an increased fraction of CD8+ T cells compared to CD4+ T cell in draining lymph nodes and the tumour microenvironment. In addition, it increased activation and effector function of T cells isolated from spleens, draining lymph nodes, and 4T1 tumours. Furthermore, tumour growth was delayed in mice treated with anti-CD5 MAb. These data suggest that use of anti-CD5 MAb as an immune checkpoint blockade can both enhance activation of T cells in response to poorly immunogenic antigens and reduce tumour growth in vivo. Exploration of anti-CD5 therapies in treatment of cancer, alone and in combination with other immune therapeutic drugs, is warranted.
Inflammatory bowel disease activity threatens ankylosing spondylitis: implications from Mendelian randomization combined with transcriptome analysis
Authors: Ding Yimei , Chen Jiaxu , Li Rouxin , Xue Luan
Published: February 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) share common traits of chronic recurrent inflammation affecting both the intestines and joints. Epidemiological studies have revealed that the incidence of AS has jumped from 0.3% to 3% among patients with IBD. However, these findings do not definitively establish a causal relationship whereby IBD directly leads to the development of AS. Moreover, whether the activity of IBD will have an impact on this process remains a pending question.

Methods

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed across multiple datasets to investigate the potential of IBD as a risk factor for AS. The pathogenic genes of AS were identified by MR analysis of expression quantitative trait locus. Risk scores for active and inactive patients were calculated by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Comparative assessments encompassing alterations in risk transcription factor activity, shifts in signaling pathways, and variances in immune cell profiles were conducted between active and inactive patients. Moreover, the correlation of immune cells and risk genes was quantified.

Results

A total of 6 MR analyses, conducted across 3 exposure datasets and 2 outcome datasets, consistently revealed that IBD substantially elevates the risk of AS development. The MR analysis of the two outcome datasets identified 66 and 54 risk genes, respectively. Notably, both the risk scores computed from the two distinct sets of risk genes were notably higher in active patients compared to their inactive counterparts. Discernible variations in the activity of risk-associated transcription factors were observed between active and inactive patients. In addition, three inflammatory pathways exhibited marked activation in active patients. Moreover, seven specific immune cell types, closely linked to disease activity, exhibited statistically significant correlations with the identified risk genes.

Conclusion

By combining Mendelian randomization with transcriptome analysis, this study postulates IBD as a significant risk factor for AS, and further presents innovative evidence for the impact of IBD activity on the progression of AS.
Clinical features and prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by active cytomegalovirus infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhang Lifan , Liu Yuchen , Liu Ye , Zhao Lidan , Zhou Baotong , Ruan Guiren , Shi Xiaochun , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical traits and consequences of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Methods

This retrospective review involved the examination of medical records for patients diagnosed with SLE who had an active CMV infection at the time of their discharge from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between June 2016 and December 2022. The consistency between plasma CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) viral load and pp65 antigenemia was analyzed using the chi-square test. Related factors for CMV disease in SLE complicated by active CMV infection patients were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariable stepwise logistic regression. Cox hazards regression analysis was used to determine predictors for all-cause mortality and CMV recurrence within 3 months.

Results

A total of 206 patients were enrolled in this study. Of the 123 patients who were detected with both plasma CMV DNA viral load and pp65 antigenemia within an interval not exceeding 72 h, the consistency between plasma CMV DNA viral load and pp65 antigenemia was not good (Kappa = −0.304, p < 0.001). Plasma CMV DNA viral load ≥ 1,600 copies/mL [odds ratio (OR) 4.411, 95% CI 1.871–10.402, p = 0.001], current glucocorticoids dose (equivalent to prednisolone) ≥60 mg/d (OR 2.155, 95% CI 1.071–4.334, p = 0.031), and elevated alanine transaminase (OR 3.409, 95% CI 1.563–7.435, p = 0.002) were significant clinical clues indicating CMV disease in SLE. Multivariable Cox hazards regression analysis showed that CMV organ involvement [hazard ratio (HR) 47.222, 95% CI 5.621–396.689, p < 0.001], SLE multi-system involvement (HR 1.794, 95% CI 1.029–3.128, p = 0.039), and elevated hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (HR 5.767, 95% CI 1.190–27.943, p = 0.030) were independent risk factors for 3-month all-cause mortality. CMV organ involvement (HR 3.404, 95% CI 1.074–10.793, p = 0.037) was an independent risk factor for CMV recurrence within 3 months.

Conclusion

In SLE patients, plasma CMV DNA viral load seemed to have a higher value in the diagnosis of CMV disease; patients with CMV organ involvement, SLE multi-system involvement, and elevated hsCRP might have a higher risk of 3-month all-cause mortality; and patients with CMV organ involvement might have a higher risk of CMV recurrence within 3 months.
Case report: Two pediatric cases of long-term leukemia-free survival with relapsed acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia treated with donor CD7 CAR-T cells bridging to haploidentical stem cell transplantation
Authors: Song Yanzhi , Liu Zhanxiang , Wang Qi , Gao Kong , Wu Tong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) have a poor prognosis. We developed donor CD7 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells to salvage r/r T-ALL patients and obtained encouraging results. Patients who had not received allogeneic (allo-) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before CAR-T therapy would develop pancytopenia and immunodeficiency for a long period after CD7 CAR-T therapy; therefore, allo-HSCT is needed in these patients. Here, we report two pediatric r/r T-ALL patients who received donor CD7 CAR-T bridging to allo-HSCT with leukemia-free survival (LFS) and sustained negative minimal residual disease for >2 years.

Case presentation

Patient 1 was a 10-year-old boy who visited our hospital because of a T-ALL relapse with multiple lymphadenopathies without discomfort. The patient did not achieve remission after one course of induction chemotherapy. The patient then received donor (his father) CD7 CAR-T cells and achieved complete remission (CR). Thirty days after the first CAR-T cell infusion, he received allo-HSCT, and his father was also the donor. His LFS was >3 years. Patient 2 was an 8-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital with relapsed T-ALL with fever, cough, and mild dyspnea. He did not achieve remission after one course of induction chemotherapy; therefore, he received donor (his father) CD7 CAR-T cells and achieved CR. Twenty-six days after CAR-T cell infusion, the patient received allo-HSCT, with his father as the donor. He has survived for >2 years free of leukemia. At the last follow up, both patients were alive and presented a good quality of life

Conclusion

The long-term survival of these two patients supports the use of CD7 CAR-T therapy bridging to allo–HSCT as an effective and safe treatment with the capacity to make r/r T-ALL a curable disease, similar to r/r acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia.
Machine learning and experimental validation identified autophagy signature in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Huang Yushen , Luo Wen , Yang Zhijie , Lan Tian , Wei Xiaomou , Wu Hongwen
Published: February 2024

Background

The molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis (HF), closely related to autophagy, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate autophagy characteristics in HF.

Methods

Gene expression profiles (GSE6764, GSE49541 and GSE84044) were downloaded, normalized, and merged. Autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (ARDEGs) were determined using the limma R package and the Wilcoxon rank sum test and then analyzed by GO, KEGG, GSEA and GSVA. The infiltration of immune cells, molecular subtypes and immune types of healthy control (HC) and HF were analyzed. Machine learning was carried out with two methods, by which, core genes were obtained. Models of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro were constructed to verify the expression of core genes and corresponding immune cells.

Results

A total of 69 ARDEGs were identified. Series functional cluster analysis showed that ARDEGs were significantly enriched in autophagy and immunity. Activated CD4 T cells, CD56bright natural killer cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, and type 17 T helper (Th17) cells showed significant differences in infiltration between HC and HF groups. Among ARDEGs, three core genes were identified, that were ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2. Considerable changes in the infiltration of immune cells were observed at different expression levels of the three core genes, among which the expression of RB1CC1 was significantly associated with the infiltration of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. In the mouse liver fibrosis experiment, ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 were at higher levels in HF group than those in HC group. Compared with HC group, HF group showed low positive area in F4/80, IL-17 and CD56, indicating decreased expression of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. Meanwhile, knocking down RB1CC1 was found to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells and alleviate liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 are promising autophagy-related therapeutic biomarkers for HF. This is the first study to identify RB1CC1 in HF, which may promote the progression of liver fibrosis by regulating macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell.
Online pain neuroscience education and graded exposure to movement in breast cancer survivors: protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martínez-Miranda Patricia , Casuso-Holgado María Jesús , García-Muñoz Cristina , Muñoz-Fernández María Jesús , Jiménez-Rejano José Jesús
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cancer-related chronic pain is an important sequelae that damages the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Pain neuroscience education and graded exposure to movement are therapeutic tools that have been shown to be effective in the management of chronic pain in other populations. However, there are no previous studies that combine them after breast cancer.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of an online physiotherapy focused-person program which combines pain neuroscience education and graded exposure to movement for quality of life improvement in breast cancer survivors.

Methodology

This protocol is a randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 40 breast cancer survivors with pain in the last 6 months. Participants will be allocated to the experimental or control group using a fixed size block randomization method. The evaluator and statistician will be blinded to participant allocation. Participants in the experimental group will receive a 12-week intervention based on pain neuroscience education and therapeutic yoga as a graded exposure to movement exercise; participants in the control group will continue with their usual cancer-related symptoms care. Both groups will receive an education booklet. The main outcome will be quality of life, measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast (FACT–B+4); secondary, four outcomes related to pain experience (catastrophising, self-efficacy, kinesiophobia and fear-avoidance behaviors) will be also assessed. All variables will be assessed by two blinded evaluators at four timepoints. A mixed-model analyses of variance ANOVA (2 × 4) will be used to study the effects of the treatment on the dependent variables. All statistical tests will be performed considering a confidence interval of 95%. SPSS program will be used for the data analysis.

Discussion

This research is expected to contribute to breast cancer rehabilitation field. The proposed intervention is also expected to improve self-care skills related to chronic pain and to empower women regarding the management of their symptoms and quality of life.

Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, NCT04965909.
Genetic loss of the dopamine transporter significantly impacts behavioral and molecular responses to sub-chronic stress in mice
Authors: Petri Avelina , Sullivan Abigail , Allen Kristen , Sachs Benjamin D.
Published: February 2024

Dopaminergic neurotransmission has emerged as a critical determinant of stress susceptibility and resilience. Although the dopamine transporter (DAT) is known to play a key role in maintaining dopamine (DA) homeostasis, its importance for the regulation of stress susceptibility remains largely unknown. Indeed, while numerous studies have examined the neurochemical and behavioral consequences of genetic loss of DAT, very few have compared responses to stress in wild-type and DAT-knockout (KO) animals. The current study compared the responses of male and female WT and DAT-KO mice to a model of sub-chronic stress. Our results reveal that DAT-KO mice are resistant to stress-induced increases in the latency to enter the light chamber of the light-dark emergence test and demonstrate that DAT-KO mice exhibit baseline reductions in forced swim test immobility and grooming time in the splash test of grooming behavior. In addition to these behavioral changes, our results highlight the importance of sex and dopaminergic neurotransmission on stress-induced changes in the expression and phosphorylation of several signal transduction molecules in the nucleus accumbens that have previously been implicated in the regulation of stress susceptibility, including ERK, GSK3β, and ΔFosB. Overall, these results provide further evidence of the importance of dopaminergic neurotransmission in regulating stress susceptibility and suggest that genetic loss of DAT prevents stress-induced increases in anxiety-like behavior.
A critical evaluation of “leakage” at the cochlear blood-stria-barrier and its functional significance
Authors: Ohlemiller Kevin K. , Dwyer Noël , Henson Veronica , Fasman Kaela , Hirose Keiko
Published: February 2024

The blood-labyrinth-barrier (BLB) is a semipermeable boundary between the vasculature and three separate fluid spaces of the inner ear, the perilymph, the endolymph and the intrastrial space. An important component of the BLB is the blood-stria-barrier, which shepherds the passage of ions and metabolites from strial capillaries into the intrastrial space. Some investigators have reported increased “leakage” from these capillaries following certain experimental interventions, or in the presence of inflammation or genetic variants. This leakage is generally thought to be harmful to cochlear function, principally by lowering the endocochlear potential (EP). Here, we examine evidence for this dogma. We find that strial capillaries are not exclusive, and that the asserted detrimental influence of strial capillary leakage is often confounded by hair cell damage or intrinsic dysfunction of the stria. The vast majority of previous reports speculate about the influence of strial vascular barrier function on the EP without directly measuring the EP. We argue that strial capillary leakage is common across conditions and species, and does not significantly impact the EP or hearing thresholds, either on evidentiary or theoretical grounds. Instead, strial capillary endothelial cells and pericytes are dynamic and allow permeability of varying degrees in response to specific conditions. We present observations from mice and demonstrate that the mechanisms of strial capillary transport are heterogeneous and inconsistent among inbred strains.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the preoperative prediction of pathological characteristics in breast cancer
Authors: Li Ling-Ling , Su Quan-Li , Deng Yun-Xia , Guo Wen-Wen , Lun Hai-Mei , Hu Qiao
Published: February 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the preoperative prediction of the histological grades and molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 183 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were included. Contrast enhancement patterns and quantitative parameters were compared in different groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the efficacy of CEUS in the preoperative prediction of pathological characteristics, including histologic grade and molecular subtypes.

Results

Heterogeneous enhancement, perfusion defects, and peripheral radial vessels were mostly observed in higher histologic grade (grade III) breast cancer. Heterogeneous enhancement and perfusion defect were the most effective indicators for grade III breast cancer, with the areas under the ROC curve of 0.768 and 0.756, respectively. There were significant differences in the enhancement intensity, post-enhanced margin, perfusion defects, and peripheral radial vessel among the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer (all P < 0.01). Perfusion defects and clear edge after enhancement were the best qualitative criteria for the diagnosis of HER-2 overexpressed and triple-negative breast cancers, and the corresponding areas under the ROC curves were 0.804 and 0.905, respectively. There were significant differences in PE, WiR, WiPI, and WiWoAUC between grade III vs grade I and II breast cancer (P < 0.05). PE, WiR, WiPI, and WiWoAUC had good efficiency in the diagnosis of high-histologic-grade breast cancer. PE had the highest diagnostic efficiency in Luminal A, while WiPI had the highest diagnostic efficiency in Luminal B subtype breast cancer, and the areas under the ROC curve were 0.825 and 0.838, respectively. WiWoAUC and WiR were the most accurate parameters for assessing triple-negative subtype breast cancers, and the areas under the curve were 0.932 and 0.922, respectively.

Conclusion

Qualitative and quantitative perfusion analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be useful in the non-invasive prediction of the histological grade and molecular subtypes of breast cancers.
Case Report: Portable handheld ultrasound facilitates intra-articular injections in articular foot pathologies
Authors: Ghandour Samir , Taseh Atta , Sussman Walter , Guss Daniel , Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil , Gupta Ashim , Waryasz Gregory
Published: February 2024

Background

Intra-articular injections are commonly used to manage joint pathologies, including osteoarthritis. While conventional ultrasound (US) guidance has generally improved intra-articular injection accuracy, forefoot and midfoot joint interventions are still often performed without imaging guidance. This pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of office-based, portable ultrasound (P-US) guided intra-articular injections for forefoot and midfoot joint pain caused by various degenerative pathologies.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of consecutive patients who underwent P-US guided intra-articular injections following a chief complaint of forefoot or midfoot joint pain. Patients reported their pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pre-injection and at 3 months follow-up. The procedure was performed by an experienced foot and ankle surgeon using a linear array transducer for guidance, and a 25-gauge needle was used to inject a combination of 2 cc 1% lidocaine and 12 cc of Kenalog (40 mg/ml). Complications and pain scores were analyzed using a paired t-test and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

We included 16 patients, 31% male and 69% female with a mean age (±SD) of 61.31 (±12.04) years. None of the patients experienced immediate complications following the intervention. The mean pre-injection VAS score was significantly reduced from 5.21 (±2.04) to a mean of 0.50 (±1.32) at 3 months follow-up (P < 0.001). Thirteen patients reported complete resolution of pain at the 3-month follow-up. No adverse events were reported throughout the duration of the study.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests P-US-guided intra-articular injections offer a safe and effective method for managing forefoot and midfoot joint pain caused by various arthritic pathologies. Further research is warranted to establish the long-term efficacy and comparative effectiveness of P-US-guided injections in larger patient cohorts as compared to non-image guided injections.
New insight into the taxonomy of Cephaloziellaceae (Marchantiophyta): the family of the smallest higher plants on Earth
Authors: Bakalin Vadim A. , Maltseva Yulia D. , Klimova Ksenia G. , Nguyen Van Sinh , Choi Seung Se , Troitsky Aleksey V.
Published: February 2024

An analysis of the phylogeny of Cephaloziellaceae was carried out based on trees constructed for previously and newly obtained sequences of five genes: nuclear ITS1–2 and chloroplast trnL–F, trnG, rbcL, and psbA. Phylogenetic trees inferred from different genes are congruent for the main details; however, the position of several taxa is variable. As a result, a new phylogenetic system of the family was proposed. The narrow genus concept seems to be more appropriate for the family. Cephaloziella spinicaulis is segregated into the new genus Douiniella, the generic status for Prionolobus and Metacephalozia is confirmed, and the dubious generic status of Kymatocalyx is substantiated. The generic independence of Cylindrocolea from Cephaloziella s. str. is confirmed. The small amount of data hinders the description of two more genera from Cephaloziella s.l.
A Bursaphelenchus xylophilus effector BxICD1 inducing plant cell death, concurrently contributes to nematode virulence and migration
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Wang Honghong , Cao Yuqing , Shan Xiaoling , He Xiaoxian , Huang Qiuling , Zhuo Kan , Liao Jinling , Lin Borong
Published: February 2024

The migratory endoparasitic phytonematodes Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of pine wilt disease and causes significant economic damage to pine forests in China. Effectors play a key role in the successful parasitism of plants by phytonematodes. In this study, 210 genes obtained by transcriptomics analyses were found to be upregulated in B. xylophilus infecting Pinus massoniana that were not functionally annotated nor reported previously in B. xylophilus infecting P. thunbergii. Among these differentially expressed genes, a novel effector, BxICD1, that could induce cell death in the extracellular space of Nicotiana benthamiana was identified. BxICD1 was upregulated in the early stages of infection, as shown by RT-qPCR analyses. In situ hybridization analysis showed that BxICD1 was expressed in the esophageal gland of nematodes. The yeast signal sequence trap system indicated that BxICD1 possessed an N-terminal signal peptide with secretion functionality. Using an Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression system, it was demonstrated that the cell death-inducing activity of BxICD1 was dependent on N. benthamiana brassinosteroid-insensitive 1-associated kinase 1 (NbBAK1). Finally, BxICD1 contributed to B. xylophilus virulence and migration in host pine trees, as demonstrated by RNAi silencing assays. These findings indicate that BxICD1 both induces plant cell death and also contributes to nematode virulence and migration in P. massonian.
Taxonomic and functional β-diversity patterns reveal stochastic assembly rules in microbial communities of seagrass beds
Authors: Niu Xiaofeng , Ren Wenjing , Xu Congjun , Wang Ruilong , Zhang Jingwei , Wang Huan
Published: February 2024

Microorganisms are important members of seagrass bed ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrasses and the ecological functions of the ecosystem. In this study, we systematically quantified the assembly processes of microbial communities in fragmented seagrass beds and examined their correlation with environmental factors. Concurrently, we explored the relative contributions of species replacement and richness differences to the taxonomic and functional β-diversity of microbial communities, investigated the potential interrelation between these components, and assessed the explanatory power of environmental factors. The results suggest that stochastic processes dominate community assembly. Taxonomic β-diversity differences are governed by species replacement, while for functional β-diversity, the contribution of richness differences slightly outweighs that of replacement processes. A weak but significant correlation (p < 0.05) exists between the two components of β-diversity in taxonomy and functionality, with almost no observed significant correlation with environmental factors. This implies significant differences in taxonomy, but functional convergence and redundancy within microbial communities. Environmental factors are insufficient to explain the β-diversity differences. In conclusion, the assembly of microbial communities in fragmented seagrass beds is governed by stochastic processes. The patterns of taxonomic and functional β-diversity provide new insights and evidence for a better understanding of these stochastic assembly rules. This has important implications for the conservation and management of fragmented seagrass beds.