bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faunistic overview of the freshwater zooplankton from the urban riverine habitats of Pune, India
Authors: Vanjare Avinash Isaac , Shinde Yugandhar Satish , Padhye Sameer Mukund
Published: September 2023

Urbanization modifies the physical, chemical, and biological nature of all ecosystems including rivers. Such changes negatively impact all aquatic biodiversity including the freshwater zooplankton. Given the fast pace of urbanization in all the major cities across India, the aim is to provide a faunistic overview of Rotifera, Cladocera, and Ostracoda from two polluted rivers flowing through Pune, one of the rapidly growing cities in the state of Maharashtra, India. A one-year survey of three localities on the rivers Mula & Mutha and data from published literature on another locality revealed the presence of 73 species which includes 47 rotifers, 15 cladocerans, and 11 ostracods. A higher species number of rotifers was seen at lesser polluted localities while cladocerans and ostracods occurred even in the most urbanized sampling locality. Many of the species found were commonly observed species from the region. Epizoic associations of cladocerans and rotifers and red coloration in the former group were observed during a low dissolved oxygen phase in both rivers. Such observations underscore the potential bioindicator value of these small animals to the impacts of urbanization.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Cardiac Sarcoid: Prognostic Implications of Isolated Cardiac Involvement and Impact of Diagnostic Delays
Authors: Sink Joshua , Joyce Cara , Liebo Max J. , Wilber David J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Isolated cardiac sarcoid (iCS) is reported to have more severe clinical presentation and greater risk of adverse events compared with cardiac sarcoid (CS) with extracardiac involvement (nonisolated CS). Delays in diagnosing specific organ involvement may play a role in these described differences.

Methods and Results

A retrospective observational study of patients with CS over a 20‐year period was conducted. Objective evidence of organ involvement and time of onset based on consensus criteria were identified. CS was confirmed by histology in all patients from myocardium only (iCS) or extracardiac tissue (nonisolated CS). The primary end point was a composite of mortality, orthotopic heart transplant, and durable left ventricular assist device implantation. CS was isolated in 9 of 50 patients (18%). Among baseline characteristics, iCS and nonisolated CS differed significantly only in the frequency of sustained ventricular tachycardia at presentation (78% versus 37%;
P
=0.03) and delay in CS diagnosis >6 months (67% versus 5%;
P
<0.01). A nonsignificant trend toward lower left ventricular ejection fraction and more frequent heart failure in iCS was observed. Over a median follow‐up of 9.7 years (95% CI, 6.8–10.8), 18 patients reached the primary end point (13 deaths, 2 orthotopic heart transplants, and 3 durable left ventricular assist device implantations). The 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year event‐free survival rates were 96% (95% CI, 85%–99%), 79% (95% CI, 64%–88%), and 58% (95% CI, 40%–73%), respectively, without differences between groups. There were no significant predictors of the primary end point, including delayed CS diagnosis.

Conclusions

Long‐term outcomes were similar between iCS and nonisolated CS in patients with histologically documented sarcoid. Diagnostic delays may contribute to differences in the dominant clinical presentation, despite similar outcomes.
Sustained Increases in Cardiomyocyte Protein
O
‐Linked β‐N‐Acetylglucosamine Levels Lead to Cardiac Hypertrophy and Reduced Mitochondrial Function Without Systolic Contractile Impairment
Authors: Ha Chae‐Myeong , Bakshi Sayan , Brahma Manoja K. , Potter Luke A. , Chang Samuel F. , Sun Zhihuan , Benavides Gloria A. , He Lihao , Umbarkar Prachi , Zou Luyun , Curfman Samuel , Sunny Sini , Paterson Andrew J. , Rajasekaran Namakkal‐Soorappan , Barnes Jarrod W. , Zhang Jianhua , Lal Hind , Xie Min , Darley‐Usmar Victor M. , Chatham John C. , Wende Adam R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Lifestyle and metabolic diseases influence the severity and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease through numerous mechanisms, including regulation via posttranslational modifications. A specific posttranslational modification, the addition of
O
‐linked β‐
N
acetylglucosamine (
O
‐GlcNAcylation), has been implicated in molecular mechanisms of both physiological and pathologic adaptations. The current study aimed to test the hypothesis that in cardiomyocytes, sustained protein
O
‐GlcNAcylation contributes to cardiac adaptations, and its progression to pathophysiology.

Methods and Results

Using a naturally occurring dominant‐negative
O
‐GlcNAcase (dnOGA) inducible cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression transgenic mouse model, we induced dnOGA in 8‐ to 10‐week‐old mouse hearts. We examined the effects of 2‐week and 24‐week dnOGA overexpression, which progressed to a 1.8‐fold increase in protein
O‐
GlcNAcylation. Two‐week increases in protein
O
‐GlcNAc levels did not alter heart weight or function; however, 24‐week increases in protein
O
‐GlcNAcylation led to cardiac hypertrophy, mitochondrial dysfunction, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Interestingly, systolic function was maintained in 24‐week dnOGA overexpression, despite several changes in gene expression associated with cardiovascular disease. Specifically, mRNA‐sequencing analysis revealed several gene signatures, including reduction of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid, and glucose metabolism pathways, and antioxidant response pathways after 24‐week dnOGA overexpression.

Conclusions

This study indicates that moderate increases in cardiomyocyte protein
O
‐GlcNAcylation leads to a differential response with an initial reduction of metabolic pathways (2‐week), which leads to cardiac remodeling (24‐week). Moreover, the mouse model showed evidence of diastolic dysfunction consistent with a heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. These findings provide insight into the adaptive versus maladaptive responses to increased
O‐
GlcNAcylation in heart.
An mTORC1‐Dependent Mouse Model for Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Bueno‐Beti Carlos , Lim Clarice X. , Protonotarios Alexandros , Szabo Petra Lujza , Westaby Joseph , Mazic Mario , Sheppard Mary N. , Behr Elijah , Hamza Ouafa , Kiss Attila , Podesser Bruno K. , Hengstschläger Markus , Weichhart Thomas , Asimaki Angeliki
Published: September 2023

Background

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory, granulomatous disease of unknown cause affecting multiple organs, including the heart. Untreated, unresolved granulomatous inflammation can lead to cardiac fibrosis, arrhythmias, and eventually heart failure. Here we characterize the cardiac phenotype of mice with chronic activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 signaling in myeloid cells known to cause spontaneous pulmonary sarcoid‐like granulomas.

Methods and Results

The cardiac phenotype of mice with conditional deletion of the
tuberous sclerosis 2
(
TSC2
) gene in CD11c
+
cells (TSC2
fl/fl
CD11c‐Cre; termed
TSC2
KO
) and controls (
TSC2
fl/fl
) was determined by histological and immunological stains. Transthoracic echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic measurements were performed to assess myocardial function.
TSC2
KO
animals were treated with either everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, or Bay11‐7082, a nuclear factor‐kB inhibitor. Activation of mTOR signaling was evaluated on myocardial samples from sudden cardiac death victims with a postmortem diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. Chronic activation of mTORC1 signaling in CD11c
+
cells was sufficient to initiate progressive accumulation of granulomatous infiltrates in the heart, which was associated with increased fibrosis, impaired cardiac function, decreased plakoglobin expression, and abnormal connexin 43 distribution, a substrate for life‐threatening arrhythmias. Mice treated with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus resolved granulomatous infiltrates, prevented fibrosis, and improved cardiac dysfunction. In line, activation of mTOR signaling in CD68
+
macrophages was detected in the hearts of sudden cardiac death victims who suffered from cardiac sarcoidosis.

Conclusions

To our best knowledge this is the first animal model of cardiac sarcoidosis that recapitulates major pathological hallmarks of human disease. mTOR inhibition may be a therapeutic option for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.
New species of Centris (Xanthemisia) Moure from the Mesoamerican Dominion and the Mexican Transition Zone (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: VIVALLO FELIPE , VÁSQUEZ-LENIS ELDER A. , MÉRIDA-RIVAS JORGE A.
Published: September 2023

Three new species of oil-collecting bees of the genus Centris (Xanthemisia) Moure are described and illustrated: C. jakalteka sp. nov., C. maya sp. nov. and C. purhepecha sp. nov. The new proposed taxa are distributed in the north of the Neotropical Region, specifically in the Mesoamerican Dominion and the Mexican Transition Zone, between the Neotropics and Nearctic. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key for the species of the subgenus occurring in the aforementioned regions are also presented.
On the taxonomy of the genus Teulisna Walker from India with a description of a new species (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V.
Published: September 2023

The taxonomy of two Indian species of the genus Teulisna Walker, 1862, T. basigera (Walker, [1865]) and T. inducta (Walker, [1865]), is revised. One species is reinstated from the synonymy with T. basigera: Teulisna ruma (Swinhoe, [1890] 1889), stat. rev. A new species, Teulisna munnara sp. n. is described from the state of Kerala (South India). Lectotypes are designated for Cossa basigera Walker, [1865] 1864, Lithosia inducta Walker, [1865] 1864, and Cossa ruma Swinhoe, [1890] 1889. Adults as well as male and female genitalia of all the species considered are illustrated.
The third dimension of tumor microenvironment—The importance of tumor stroma in 3D cancer models
Authors: Plava Jana , Cehakova Michaela , Kuniakova Marcela , Trnkova Lenka , Cihova Marina , Bohac Martin , Danisovic Lubos
Published: September 2023

Recent advances in the three-dimensional (3D) cancer models give rise to a plethora of new possibilities in the development of anti-cancer drug therapies and bring us closer to personalized medicine. Three-dimensional models are undoubtedly more authentic than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Nowadays, they are becoming preferentially used in most cancer research fields due to their more accurate biomimetic characteristics. On the contrary, they still lack the cellular and matrix complexity of the native tumor microenvironment (TME). This review focuses on the description of existing 3D models, the incorporation of TME and fluidics into these models, and their perspective in the future research. It is clear that such an improvement would need not only biological but also technical progress. Therefore, the modern approach to anti-cancer drug discovery should involve various fields.
Salvage radiotherapy strategy and its prognostic significance for patients with locoregional recurrent cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy: a multicenter retrospective 10-year analysis
Authors: Shan Minjie , Deng Yuping , Zou Wen , Fan Shasha , Li Yanlong , Liu Xianling , Wang Jingjing
Published: September 2023

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and prognostic significance of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)-based salvage concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for patients with locoregional recurrence cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy and evaluated two salvage radiotherapy modes—regional RT (involved-field RT combined with regional lymph nodes) and local RT (involved-field RT).

Methods

Patients were enrolled retrospectively from January 2011 to January 2022 in three medical centers. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model. Propensity score (PS) matching analysis was used to compare the two RT groups.

Results

There were 72 patients underwent IMRT-based salvage CCRT. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 65.9% and 57.6%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that patients with stump recurrence, a lower systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), only one metastatic lesion, and received regional RT had better prognosis than their counterparts. In multivariate analysis, recurrence site was the independent prognostic factor of OS, and SIRI was that of PFS. After PS matching, there were 15 patients each in the regional RT group and local RT group. The 5-year OS rate of regional RT group was better than that of local RT group (90.9 vs. 42.4, p = 0.021). However, there was no significant difference between them in terms of PFS rate (47.1 vs. 38.1, p = 0.195).

Conclusion

Locoregional recurrent cervical cancer treated with IMRT-based salvage therapy has a good prognosis. Recurrence site and SIRI were independent prognostic factors. Regional RT may be a better option for patients with locoregional recurrent.
A unique case of bilateral nanophthalmos and pigmentary retinal abnormality with unilateral angle closure glaucoma and optic disc pit
Authors: Garg Prerna , Kumar Brajesh , Dubey Suneeta
Published: September 2023

Background

Microophthalmos or ‘dwarf eye’ is characterized by an axial length 2 standard deviation less than age-matched controls. It is classified into nanophthalmos, relative anterior microphthalmos, and posterior microphthalmos based on the anterior segment: posterior segment ratio. Nanophthalmos can occur in association with optic disc drusen, foveoschisis, and retinitis pigmentosa, as an autosomal recessive syndrome linked to mutations in the MFRP gene. We report a case of bilateral nanophthalmos and pigmentary retinopathy with angle closure glaucoma and optic disc pit in one eye. We believe this to be the first case presenting with optic disc pit in association with nanophthalmos.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old female presented with bilateral small eyes, high hypermetropia, shallow anterior chamber depth, increased lens thickness, mid-peripheral retinal flecks, and macular edema. She also had high intraocular pressure in the right eye, with a disc cupping of 0.9 with an Optic disc pit. The macular edema in the right eye was found to occur in association with the Optic disc pit, whereas, in the left eye, it was associated with intra-retinal hemorrhages and diagnosed as macular branch retinal vein occlusion secondary to hypertension. She was started on anti-glaucoma medications in both eyes and planned for Anti-VEGF injection in the left eye.

Conclusion

This case report is unique as it reports an association of Nanophthalmos with Optic Disc pit, with an associated angle closure glaucoma in the same eye, an association which has never been previously reported in the literature.
Role of rs9939506 polymorphism of FTO gene in resistance to eating in male adolescents
Authors: Shaker Ali , Shekari Soheila , Zeinalabedini Mobina , Salimi Zahra , Roumi Zahra , Mobarakeh Khadijeh Abbasi , Shamsi-Goushki Ali , Masoumvand Mohammad , Keshavarz Mohammadian Mohammad , Samani Pegah , Azizi-Tabesh Ghasem , Shafaei Hanieh , Doaei Saeid , Kalantari Naser , Gholamalizadeh Maryam
Published: September 2023

Background

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene may be associated with obesity by regulating appetite. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between FTO genotype and resistance to eating in male adolescents.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study included 246 adolescent boys in Tehran, Iran, who were assessed for self-efficacy related to weight control using the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle (WEL), questionnaire, food intake using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and anthropometric indices using Bio-Impedance Analyzer (BIA). Moreover, the participants underwent genotyping for the rs9930506 polymorphism of the FTO gene, and the relationship between FTO genotype and resistance to eating was investigated using different models of multiple linear regression.

Results

According to our findings, there was a significant reverse relationship between the FTO rs9930506 genotype and resistance to eating (β: -0.16, P = 0.01). Moreover, the relationship was still significant after adjusting for age, nutritional knowledge, BMI, and mother’s BMI, educational level, and occupational status.

Conclusion

According to our results, the FTO genotype had a significant effect on resistance to eating and food desires. However, there is a need for further studies to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of the FTO gene on appetite and obesity.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of oblique lumbar interbody fusion with anterolateral screw and rod instrumentation in osteopenia patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Renjie , Liu Yijie , Zhu Yi , Lu Minhua , Jiang Weimin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) to perform in L4/5 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) patients who diagnosed with osteopenia.

Methods

From December 2018 to 2021 March, 94 patients were diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis underwent OLIF and divided into two groups with different bone mineral density. Anterolateral screw and rod instrumentation was applied in two groups. The primary outcomes were VAS, JOA and ODI. The secondary outcomes included disc height (DH), cross-sectional height of the intervertebral foramina (CSH), cross-sectional area of the dural sac (CSA), lumbar lordorsis (LL), pelvic titlt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI) and sacrum slop (SS).

Results

All patients finished at least 1 years follow-up with 21.05 ± 4.42 months in the group A and 21.09 ± 4.28 months in the group B. The clinical symptoms were evaluated by VAS, JOA and ODI and 94 patients showed good outcomes at final follow-up (P < 0.05), with significant increases in DH, CSH and CSA. In group A, DH increased from 8.54 ± 2.48 to 11.11 ± 2.63 mm, while increased from 8.60 ± 2.29 to 11.23 ± 1.88 were recorded in group B. No statistical difference was found in DH between the two groups (P > 0.05). The cage subsidence was 1.14 ± 0.83 mm in group A and 0.87 ± 1.05 mm in group B (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the adjusted parameters of spino-pelvic between two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion with anterolateral screw and rod instrumentation is feasible to be performed in osteopenia patients who diagnosed with degenerative spondylolisthesis.
A call to improve paediatric palliative care quality through research
Authors: Dombrecht Laure , Lacerda Ana , Wolfe Joanne , Snaman Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Paediatric palliative care is needed now more than ever. Medical and technological advances mean that children with complex chronic conditions are surviving longer, necessitating longitudinal support from communities and healthcare systems. Efforts need to be made to ensure our healthcare systems and workforce are equipped to meet the needs of this growing population, including gathering data on the effect of many of our primary and specialty palliative care interventions. BMC Palliative Care has launched a new article Collection on “Paediatric palliative care” to provide an open-access resource for all interested in this topic.
Number of vaginal lactobacilli in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy before and after treatment with erbium–YAG laser: a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Panyawongudom Nuttanun , Panyakhamlerd Krasean , Suwan Ammarin
Published: September 2023

Primary objective

To evaluate the effect of erbium–YAG laser on the number of vaginal lactobacilli in postmenopausal women.

Secondary objectives

To evaluate the effect of erbium–YAG laser on vaginal atrophy symptoms and vaginal pH in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods

A total of 44 postmenopausal women who met the inclusion criteria were randomized in the laser group (n = 22) and sham group (n = 22). Vaginal lactobacilli grading, vaginal pH, vaginal atrophy score, and vaginal atrophy symptoms were assessed before and after treatment with erbium–YAG laser for two consecutive times, with a four-week interval; the results were compared with the effects of the sham procedure. Any adverse events after the treatment were recorded.

Results

A total of 44 women were included, and five were lost to follow-up. Compared with sham procedure, vaginal lactobacilli grading improved in the laser group (5/20 in the laser group and 1/19 in the sham group). However, the improvement did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio = 5.32, 95% CI = 0.5–56.21). Vaginal atrophy symptoms measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and vaginal pH were improved in both groups without a statistically significant difference between the two groups. Vaginal “dryness” VAS and vaginal atrophy score after treatment were significantly lowered in the laser group compared with the sham group.

Conclusions

This study showed an improvement in vaginal lactobacilli grading after vaginal laser treatment. However, the difference in vaginal lactobacilli grading after treatment in both groups was not statistically significant.
A comparative study on teaching satisfaction of smart class and traditional class in pharmacy administration
Authors: Wang Qingyu , Gao Yan , Du Juan
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare the difference in teaching satisfaction between traditional classes and smart classes after adopting the smart class design for “Pharmacy Administration”.

Methods

20 classes were selected for traditional class teaching and smart class teaching, respectively. The first 10 classes were implemented using traditional teaching methods, and the last 10 classes were implemented using smart classes. After each 10 classes, the ten-point Likert scale was used to measure teacher satisfaction and course satisfaction, and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed on the mean value of satisfaction.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of teacher satisfaction using traditional classes (n = 193) were 9.82 ± 0.471, and the mean and standard deviation of teacher satisfaction using smart classes (n = 199) were 9.85 ± 0.566, P > 0.05; the mean and standard deviation of course satisfaction using traditional classes (n = 193) were 9.68 ± 0.636, and the mean and standard deviation of course satisfaction using smart classes (n = 199) were 9.75 ± 0.649, P > 0.05.

Conclusion

After using the smart class teaching practice, the scores of teacher satisfaction and course satisfaction improved; the mean of teacher satisfaction increased by 0.03 points and the mean of course satisfaction increased by 0.07 points. For course satisfaction and teacher satisfaction, there is no significant difference between using traditional class and smart class.
Serum metabolite profiling reveals metabolic characteristics of sepsis patients using LC/MS-based metabolic profiles: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Peng Jinliang , Qiu Chongrong , Zhang Jun , Xiao Xiaoliu
Published: September 2023

Background

Individuals with sepsis exhibited a higher likelihood of benefiting from early initiation of specialized treatment to enhance the prognosis of the condition. The objective of this study is to identify potential biomarkers of sepsis by means of serum metabolomics.

Materials and methods

The screening of putative biomarkers of sepsis was conducted using serum samples from patients with sepsis and a control group of healthy individuals. The pathogenesis of sepsis was determined through the utilization of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiles and bioinformatic techniques, which in turn provided a foundation for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Results

Individuals with sepsis had significantly different metabolic characteristics compared to those with normal health. The concentrations of phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylserine (PS), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPEs), and lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPCs) exhibited a decrease, while the levels of creatinine, C17-Sphinganine, and PS(22:0/22:1(11Z)) demonstrated an increase in the serum of sepsis patients when compared to the control group. Additionally, ROC curves were generated to assess the discriminatory ability of the differentially expressed metabolites. The area under the ROC curve for PS (22:0/22:1(11Z)) and C17-Sphinganine were determined to be 0.976 and 0.913, respectively. These metabolites may potentially serve as diagnostic markers for sepsis. Additionally, the pathogenesis of sepsis is associated with mTOR signaling, NF-κB signaling pathway, calcium signaling, calcium transport, and tRNA charging pathway.

Conclusion

The identification of differential expression of these metabolites in sepsis serum samples could aid in the timely diagnosis and intervention of sepsis, as well as enhance our understanding of its pathogenesis.
Quantitative dynamic contrast-enhance MRI parameters for rectal carcinoma characterization: correlation with tumor tissue composition
Authors: Yuan Jie , Liu Kun , Zhang Yun , Yang Yuchan , Xu Huihui , Han Gang , Lyu Hua , Liu Mengxiao , Tan Wenli , Feng Zhen , Gong Hangjun , Zhan Songhua
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements and the potential composition of rectal carcinoma.

Methods

Twenty-four patients provided informed consent for this study. DCE-MRI was performed before total mesorectal excision. Quantitative parameters were calculated based on a modified Tofts model. Whole-mount immunohistochemistry and Masson staining sections were generated and digitized at histological resolution. The percentage of tissue components area was measured. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations between pathological parameters and DCE-MRI parameters.

Results

On the World Health Organization (WHO) grading scale, there were significant differences in extracellular extravascular space (Ktrans) (F = 9.890, P = 0.001), mean transit time (MTT) (F = 9.890, P = 0.038), CDX-2 (F = 4.935, P = 0.018), and Ki-67 (F = 4.131, P = 0.031) among G1, G2, and G3. ECV showed significant differences in extramural venous invasion (t =  − 2.113, P = 0.046). Ktrans was strongly positively correlated with CD34 (r = 0.708, P = 0.000) and moderately positively correlated with vimentin (r = 0.450, P = 0.027). Interstitial volume (Ve) was moderately positively correlated with Masson’s (r = 0.548, P = 0.006) and vimentin (r = 0.417, P = 0.043). There was a moderate negative correlation between Ve and CDX-2 (r =  − 0.441, P = 0.031). The rate constant from extracellular extravascular space to blood plasma (Kep) showed a strong positive correlation with CD34 expression (r = 0.622, P = 0.001). ECV showed a moderate negative correlation with CDX-2 (r =  − 0.472, P = 0.020) and a moderate positive correlation with collagen fibers (r = 0.558, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI-derived parameters measured in rectal cancer were significantly correlated with the proportion of histological components. This may serve as an optimal imaging biomarker to identify tumor tissue components.
Neoadjuvant sintilimab combined with chemotherapy in resectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: case series and literature review
Authors: Yin Cunli , Hu Bin , Yang Xi , Kou Lingna , Tian Bo , Wang Chenghao , Li Siru , Liu Bin , Ge Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

In recent years, neoadjuvant immunotherapy with chemotherapy has shown increasing promise for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, to establish its clinical efficacy and safety, it is imperative to amass more real-world clinical data. This retrospective study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of combing sintilimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment modality in patients diagnosed with potentially resectable NSCLC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with stage II-III NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in Sichuan Cancer Hospital between February 2021 and February 2023. Sintilimab injection (intravenously,200 mg, iv, d1, q3w) and platinum-based chemotherapy were administered intravenously every 3 weeks, with radical lung cancer resection planned approximately 4–11 weeks after the last dose. The primary endpoint of the study was pathologic complete response (pCR). The secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), and safety.

Result

Thirteen patients were enrolled, they were mostly diagnosed with stage III NSCLC (IIB 15.4% IIIA 38.5%; IIIB 46.2%). Most of them had pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (69.2%).

All patients received sintilimab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for 2 to 4 cycles. Notably, none of the patients necessitated a reduction in initial dosages or treatment postponement due to intolerable adverse events. Then, all of them underwent surgical operation. Impressively, nine patients (69.2%) achieved a pathologic complete response. The objective response rate (ORR) stood at 46.15%. Nine patients experienced neoadjuvant treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), with only one patient (7.6%) encountering a grade 4 neoadjuvant TRAE.

Conclusion

Therefore, the current study suggested that neoadjuvant sintilimab plus platinum-based chemotherapy can be a safe approach in increasing the efficiency of treatment and hopefully improving the prognosis of patients with potentially resectable locally advanced NSCLC.
Disclosing transcriptomics network-based signatures of glioma heterogeneity using sparse methods
Authors: Martins Sofia , Coletti Roberta , Lopes Marta B.
Published: September 2023

Gliomas are primary malignant brain tumors with poor survival and high resistance to available treatments. Improving the molecular understanding of glioma and disclosing novel biomarkers of tumor development and progression could help to find novel targeted therapies for this type of cancer. Public databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provide an invaluable source of molecular information on cancer tissues. Machine learning tools show promise in dealing with the high dimension of omics data and extracting relevant information from it. In this work, network inference and clustering methods, namely Joint Graphical lasso and Robust Sparse K-means Clustering, were applied to RNA-sequencing data from TCGA glioma patients to identify shared and distinct gene networks among different types of glioma (glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and oligodendroglioma) and disclose new patient groups and the relevant genes behind groups’ separation. The results obtained suggest that astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma have more similarities compared with glioblastoma, highlighting the molecular differences between glioblastoma and the others glioma subtypes. After a comprehensive literature search on the relevant genes pointed our from our analysis, we identified potential candidates for biomarkers of glioma. Further molecular validation of these genes is encouraged to understand their potential role in diagnosis and in the design of novel therapies.
A molecule perturbation software library and its application to study the effects of molecular design constraints
Authors: Kerstjens Alan , De Winter Hans
Published: September 2023

Computational molecular design can yield chemically unreasonable compounds when performed carelessly. A popular strategy to mitigate this risk is mimicking reference chemistry. This is commonly achieved by restricting the way in which molecules are constructed or modified. While it is well established that such an approach helps in designing chemically appealing molecules, concerns about these restrictions impacting chemical space exploration negatively linger. In this work we present a software library for constrained graph-based molecule manipulation and showcase its functionality by developing a molecule generator. Said generator designs molecules mimicking reference chemical features of differing granularity. We find that restricting molecular construction lightly, beyond the usual positive effects on drug-likeness and synthesizability of designed molecules, provides guidance to optimization algorithms navigating chemical space. Nonetheless, restricting molecular construction excessively can indeed hinder effective chemical space exploration.
Silicosis as a predictor of tuberculosis mortality and treatment failure and need for incorporation in differentiated TB care models in India
Authors: Rupani Mihir P.
Published: September 2023

Background

Differentiated tuberculosis (TB) care is an approach to improve treatment outcomes by tailoring TB management to the particular needs of patient groups based on their risk profile and comorbidities. In silicosis-prone areas, the coexistence of TB and silicosis may exacerbate treatment outcomes. The objective of the study was to determine predictors of TB-related mortality, treatment failure, and loss to follow-up in a silicosis-prone region of western India.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was conducted among 2748 people with TB registered between January 2006 and February 2022 in Khambhat, a silicosis-prone block in western India. Death, treatment failure, and loss to follow up were the outcome variables. The significant predictors of each outcome variable were determined using multivariable logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

In the cohort of 2,748 people with TB, 5% presented with silicosis, 11% succumbed to the disease, 5% were lost to follow-up during treatment, and 2% encountered treatment failure upon completion of therapy. On multivariable logistic regression, concomitant silicosis [aOR 2.3 (95% CI 1.5–3.5)], advancing age [aOR 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04)], male gender [aOR 1.4 (95% 1.1–1.9)], human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive [aOR 2.2 (95% 1.02–4.6)], and previous TB treatment [aOR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–1.9)] significantly predicted mortality among people with TB. Concomitant silicosis [aOR 3 (95% CI 1.4–6.5)], previous TB treatment [aOR 3 (95% CI 2–6)], and multi-drug resistant TB [aOR 18 (95% CI 8–41)] were the significant predictors of treatment failure on adjusted analysis. Advancing age [aOR 1.012 (1.001–1.023)], diabetes [aOR 0.6 (0.4–0.8)], and multi-drug resistance [aOR 6 (95% CI 3–12)] significantly predicted loss to follow-up after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

Controlling silicosis might decrease TB mortality and treatment failure in silicosis-prone regions. The coexistence of HIV and silicosis may point to an increase in TB deaths in silicosis-prone areas. Silicosis should now be acknowledged as a major comorbidity of TB and should be included as one of the key risk factors in the differentiated TB care approach. Primary care physicians should have a high clinical suspicion for silicosis among individuals diagnosed with TB in silicosis-prone blocks.
Disordered eating behaviours and body shape dissatisfaction among adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a cross sectional study
Authors: Daniel Lidiya , Haile Demewoz , Egata Gudina
Published: September 2023

Background

Disordered eating behaviours (DEBs) are variations in regular eating patterns and behaviours and might include symptoms and behaviours of eating disorder with lower level of severity. Such behaviours are common during adolescence at which time several physical and psychological changes occur favouring unhealthy dietary behaviours. Although the magnitude of DEBs is high among high—income countries, similar data are limited among adolescents with diabetes in low-income countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of DEBs and its relationship with body shape dissatisfaction among adolescents with diabetes on follow-up at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 395 adolescents with diabetes attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa from January to December, 2021. Data were collected using structured pretested standard diabetes eating problem survey revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire, body part satisfaction scale of 8 items, and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics such as median alongside interquartile range was used to describe the continuous variables. Binary bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used for data analysis. Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to evaluate the difference between median scores of independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) alongside 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to measure the strength of association between variables of interest.

Results

The magnitude of disordered eating behaviours within the last 30 days was 43.3%, [95% CI: (38%, 48%)]. In multivariable analysis, body shape dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.28, 3.82, p = 0.0001)], family history of diabetes mellitus [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.03, 2.47, p = 0.038)], late adolescence period [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.33, 3.34, p = 0.002)], having diabetic complication[AOR = 2.32, 95% CI (1.43, 3.75, p = 0.001)],and being overweight [AOR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.32, 3.82, p = 0.003)] were significantly associated with DEBs.

Conclusions

The magnitude of DEBs was high among the study participants. Body shape dissatisfaction, family history of diabetes mellitus, being in late adolescence period, diabetic complication, and nutritional status of adolescents were significantly associated with DEBs. Therefore, preventive interventions need to be designed by all relevant actors working on health promotion of young population to address factors influencing DEBs among adolescent population with diabetes.
Exploring Black Undergraduate Students’ Communication and Biology Education Experiences about COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccines During the Pandemic
Authors: Bowen Chloe D. , Summersill Alexa R. , Google Angela N. , Aadnes Madeline G. , Barnes M. Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

In this study Black undergraduate biology students described their science communication about COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Results indicate that students may have been using a deficit approach to communicating. Students recommended that science communication strategies be taught in biology classes to improve their science communication.
Undergraduate Lay Theories of Abilities: Mindset, universality, and brilliance beliefs uniquely predict undergraduate educational outcomes
Authors: Limeri Lisa B. , Carter Nathan T. , Lyra Franchesca , Martin Joel , Mastronardo Halle , Patel Jay , Dolan Erin L.
Published: September 2023

This article presents a new measure of Science and Math undergraduates’ mindset beliefs: the Undergraduate Lay Theories of Abilities survey. The authors find that mindset, brilliance, and universality are distinct and empirically discriminable constructs. They also find that each of these lay theories contributes unique predictive value to relevant academic outcomes.
Evolution of CT radiation dose in pediatric patients undergoing hybrid 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT between 2007 and 2021
Authors: Skawran Stephan , Sartoretti Thomas , Gennari Antonio G , Schwyzer Moritz , Sartoretti Elisabeth , Treyer Valerie , Maurer Alexander , Huellner Martin W , Waelti Stephan , Messerli Michael
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To evaluate the evolution of CT radiation dose in pediatric patients undergoing hybrid 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) PET/CT between 2007 and 2021.

Methods and materials:

Data from all pediatric patients aged 0–18 years who underwent hybrid 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT of the body between January 2007 and May 2021 were reviewed. Demographic and imaging parameters were collected. A board-certified radiologist reviewed all CT scans and measured image noise in the brain, liver, and adductor muscles.

Results:

294 scans from 167 children (72 females (43%); median age: 14 (IQR 10–15) years; BMI: median 17.5 (IQR 15–20.4) kg/m2) were included. CT dose index-volume (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) both decreased significantly from 2007 to 2021 (both p < 0.001, Spearman’s rho coefficients −0.46 and −0.35, respectively). Specifically, from 2007 to 2009 to 2019–2021 CTDIvol and DLP decreased from 2.94 (2.14–2.99) mGy and 309 (230-371) mGy*cm, respectively, to 0.855 (0.568–1.11) mGy and 108 (65.6–207) mGy*cm, respectively. From 2007 to 2021, image noise in the brain and liver remained constant (p = 0.26 and p = 0.06), while it decreased in the adductor muscles (p = 0.007). Peak tube voltage selection (in kilovolt, kV) of CT scans shifted from high kV imaging (140 or 120kVp) to low kV imaging (100 or 80kVp) (p < 0.001) from 2007 to 2021.

Conclusion:

CT radiation dose in pediatric patients undergoing hybrid 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT has decreased in recent years equaling approximately one-third of the initial amount.

Advances in knowledge:

Over the past 15 years, CT radiation dose decreased considerably in pediatric patients undergoing hybrid imaging, while objective image quality may not have been compromised.
Effects of EGFR driver mutations on pathologic regression in resectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and completion surgery
Authors: Appel Sarit , Bar Jair , Saad Akram , Marom Edith Michelle , Urban Damien , Onn Amir , Gantz-Sorotsky Hadas , Kremer Ran Yosef , Ben-Nun Alon , Perelman Marina , Ofek Efrat , Yacobi Rinat , Daher Sameh , Rasco Adi , Symon Zvi , Lawrence Yaacov Richard , Goldstein Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Objective

We hypothesized that driver mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with decreased pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NA-ChRT) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC).

Methods

Patients with Stage IIB-IIIA NSCLC treated with NA-ChRT, completion surgery, and underwent molecular profile testing were identified in a lung cancer database. Pathologic response was quantified using: (i) major pathologic response (MPR), (ii) complete pathologic response (pCR), and (iii) mean residual viable tumor cells (MRTC). Two groups were formed based on the presence or absence of driver mutations. Clinical and pathological correlations between the groups were studied.

Results

Forty-seven patients underwent tumor molecular profile testing, NA-ChRT, and completion surgery. Compared to the no-driver mutation group, the driver mutation group had lower MPR (23% vs 71%, p = 0.003), pCR (0% vs 26%, p = 0.02), and higher MRTC (43.4% vs 15.8%, p = 0.009). Univariate analysis showed an increased MPR rate for smokers, squamous cell histology, ChRT-surgery interval >65 days, and no-driver mutations. Multivariate analysis showed that only no-driver mutations (OR 0.39, p = 0.02) remained significant for MPR. PD-L1 status did not affect MPR. At 2 years, the driver mutation group had lower rates of local control (Hazard ration [HR] 0.67, p = 0.17) and disease-free survival (HR 0.5, p = 0.001). Overall survival was similar for both groups (HR = 1.04, p = 0.86).

Conclusion

Following 60 Gray NA-ChRT, tumors with a driver mutation had lower MPR and pCR rates than tumors without a driver mutation. PD-L1 was not associated with tumor regression.

Advances in knowledge

Patients with resectable LA-NSCLC and an EGFR driver mutation treated with neoadjuvant-ChRT and completion surgery have reduced pathologic regression, lower local control rates, and shorter disease-free survival than patients without a driver mutation. Evaluation of molecular testing should be introduced in LA-NSCLC intended for prognostication and treatment decisions.
Automated vertebral bone mineral density measurement with phantomless internal calibration in chest LDCT scans using deep learning
Authors: Pan Yaling , Zhao Fanfan , Cheng Gen , Wang Huogen , Lu Xiangjun , He Dong , Wu Yinbo , Ma Hongfeng , PhD Hui Li , Yu Taihen
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To develop and evaluate a fully automated method based on deep learning and phantomless internal calibration for bone mineral density (BMD) measurement and opportunistic low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) screening using chest low-dose CT (LDCT) scans.

Methods

A total of 1175 individuals were enrolled in this study, who underwent both chest LDCT and BMD examinations with quantitative computed tomography (QCT), by two different CT scanners (Siemens and GE). Two convolutional neural network (CNN) models were employed for vertebral body segmentation and labeling, respectively. A histogram technique was applied for vertebral BMD calculation using paraspinal muscle and surrounding fat as references. 195 cases (by Siemens scanner) as fitting cohort were used to build the calibration function. 698 cases as validation cohort I (VCI, by Siemens scanner) and 282 cases as validation cohort II (VCII, by GE scanner) were performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, with QCT as the standard for analysis.

Results

The average BMDs from the proposed method were strongly correlated with QCT (in VCI: r = 0.896, in VCII: r = 0.956, p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed a small mean difference of 1.1 mg/cm3, and large interindividual differences as seen by wide 95% limits of agreement (−29.9 to +32.0 mg/cm3) in VCI. The proposed method measured BMDs were higher than QCT measured BMDs in VCII (mean difference = 15.3 mg/cm3, p < 0.001). Osteoporosis and low BMD were diagnosed by proposed method with AUCs of 0.876 and 0.903 in VCI, 0.731 and 0.794 in VCII, respectively. The AUCs of the proposed method were increased to over 0.920 in both VCI and VCII after adjusting the cut-off.

Conclusion:

Without manual selection of the region of interest of body tissues, the proposed method based on deep learning and phantomless internal calibration has the potential for preliminary screening of patients with low BMD using chest LDCT scans. However, the agreement between the proposed method and QCT is insufficient to allow them to be used interchangeably in BMD measurement.

Advances in knowledge:

This study proposed an automated vertebral BMD measurement method based on deep learning and phantomless internal calibration with paraspinal muscle and fat as reference.