bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cluster of Psittacosis cases in Lishui, Zhejiang Province, China, in 2021
Authors: Yao Wenwu , Chen Xiuying , Wu Zhuoying , Wang Lingbo , Shi Guoxiang , Yang Zhangnv , Zhang Yanjun , Wu Beibei
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Psittacosis, caused by Chlamydia psittaci, is widespread throughout the world. In humans, C. psittaci infection may lead to severe conditions and complications, including sepsis and multiple organ failure. We report a cluster of cases caused by C. psittaci in Zhejiang Province, 2021, which led to one death and three cases of hospitalization.

Methods

The cases were confirmed by nest-PCR, RT-PCR, and mNGS.

Results

The four cases were related and the sequences obtained from the samples were closely correlated with those from Taiwan.

Discussion

This study is the first to report on the case of death from psittacosis in Zhejiang Province, and our results help to assess the disease and recommend effective measures to prevent further spread of C. psittaci.
Performance of D-dimer to lymphocyte ratio in predicting the mortality of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Peng Fei , Yi Qiong , Zhang Quan , Deng Jiayi , Li Cheng , Xu Min , Wu Chenfang , Zhong Yanjun , Wu Shangjie
Published: December 2022

Background

Nowadays, there is still no effective treatment developed for COVID-19, and early identification and supportive therapies are essential in reducing the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. This is the first study to evaluate D-dimer to lymphocyte ratio (DLR) as a prognostic utility in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 611 patients and separated them into groups of survivors and non-survivors. The area under the curve (AUC) of various predictors integrated into the prognosis of COVID-19 was compared using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In order to ascertain the interaction between DLR and survival in COVID-19 patients, the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve was chosen.

Results

Age (OR = 1.053; 95% CI, 1.022-1.086; P = 0.001), NLR (OR = 1.045; 95% CI, 1.001-1.091; P = 0.046), CRP (OR = 1.010; 95% CI, 1.005-1.016; P < 0.001), PT (OR = 1.184; 95% CI, 1.018-1.377; P = 0.029), and DLR (OR = 1.048; 95% CI, 1.018-1.078; P = 0.001) were the independent risk factors related with the mortality of COVID-19. DLR had the highest predictive value for COVID-19 mortality with the AUC of 0.924. Patients’ survival was lower when compared to those with lower DLR (Log Rank P <0.001).

Conclusion

DLR might indicate a risk factor in the mortality of patients with COVID-19.
Repurposing non-antifungal drugs auranofin and pentamidine in combination as fungistatic antifungal agents against C. albicans
Authors: Lin Jiaying , Xiao Xueyi , Liang Yijing , Zhao Huimin , Yu Yingxiao , Yuan Peiyan , Lu Sha , Ding Xin
Published: December 2022

Fungal infection is a serious global health issue, causing approximately 1.5 million mortalities annually. However, clinically available anti-fungal drugs are limited, especially for multidrug-resistant fungal infections. Therefore, new antifungal drugs are urgently needed to address this clinical challenge. In this study, we proposed two non-antifungal drugs, auranofin and pentamidine, in combination to fight against multidrug-resistant C. albicans. The insufficient antifungal activity of anti-rheumatic drug auranofin is partially due to fungal membrane barrier preventing the drug uptake, and anti-protozoal drug pentamidine was used here to improve the permeability of membrane. The auranofin/pentamidine combination displayed synergistic inhibitory effect against both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant C. albicans, as well as biofilm, and significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration of each drug. At non-antifungal concentration, pentamidine can disrupt the membrane integrity and increase membrane permeability, leading to enhanced cellular uptake of auranofin in C. albicans. This repurposing strategy using the combination of non-antifungal drugs with complementary antifungal mechanism may provide a novel approach for discovery of antifungal drugs to fight against multidrug-resistant fungal infections.
The station scientist: Examining the impact of race and sex of broadcast meteorologists on credibility, trust, and information retention
Authors: Rainear Adam M. , Lachlan Kenneth A.
Published: December 2022

Broadcast meteorologists hold a set of skills unique in a newsroom. Not only must a broadcast meteorologist utilize communication skills similar to that of a newscaster, they are also typically versed in some physical science. In addition, the field of meteorology has an unfortunate disparity when examining job statistics as they relate to race and biological sex. Generally speaking, men outnumber women in broadcast television positions three to one, and minorities are often outnumbered or excluded from coverage altogether. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications and Media System Dependency Theory, this project examined the effects of race and biological sex on the audience perceptions of forecaster trust, credibility, and information retention. Two experiments were conducted, and analysis of variance was utilized to examine the hypotheses and research questions. The first experiment tested the manipulations of forecaster race and sex in the form of a mock weather hit – using a student sample. The results generally suggest that there are mixed findings for the effects of forecaster race and sex on the dependent variables of trust, credibility, and information retention. The second experiment tested the same two manipulations from experiment one on a non-student sample. The results are discussed in terms of how individuals may perceive forecasters given their race, sex, or degree level, and the potential implications for processing information or forming attitudes and decisions based off this behavior.
An intrinsically motivated learning algorithm based on Bayesian surprise for cognitive radar in autonomous vehicles
Authors: Zamiri-Jafarian Yeganeh , Hou Ming , Plataniotis Konstantinos N.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This paper proposes a Bayesian surprise learning algorithm that internally motivates the cognitive radar to estimate a target's state (i.e., velocity, distance) from noisy measurements and make decisions to reduce the estimation error gradually. The work exhibits how the sensor learns from experiences, anticipates future responses, and adjusts its waveform parameters to achieve informative measurements based on the Bayesian surprise.

Methods

For a simple vehicle-following scenario where the radar measurements are generated from linear Gaussian state-space models, the article adopts the Kalman filter to carry out state estimation. According to the information within the filter's estimate, the sensor intrinsically assigns a surprise-based reward value to the immediate past action and updates the value-to-go function. Through a series of hypothetical steps, the cognitive radar considers the impact of future transmissions for a prescribed set of waveforms–available from the sensor profile library–to improve the estimation process.

Results and discussion

Numerous experiments investigate the performance of the proposed design for various surprise-based reward expressions. The robustness of the proposed method is compared to the state-of-the-art for practical and risky driving situations. Results show that the reward functions inspired by estimation credibility measures outperform their competitors when one-step planning is considered. Simulation results also indicate that multiple-step planning does not necessarily lead to lower error, particularly when the environment changes abruptly.
Mitral stenosis in a teenager after rheumatic mitral valve regurgitation valve repair: A case report
Authors: Ngardig Ngaba Neguemadji , Chibuzo Uzoego Nwakaku , Patel Meet , Gulati Amit , Ola Olatunde , Djindimadje Allarangué , Khan Imteyaz A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a widely known complication of mitral valve repair for non-rheumatic mitral regurgitation (MR). Few reports are available on the occurrence of MS after mitral valve repair for rheumatic MR in young populations.

Case summary

A 14-year-old girl presented with orthopnea, abdominal distension, and bilateral lower-limb edema. She was cachectic, with a high-pitched holosystolic murmur best heard at the cardiac apex, bilateral basal crackles, tender hepatomegaly, pitting pedal edema, and jugular venous distension. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer was elevated. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed the loss of central coaptation of the mitral valve with leaflet restriction and MR, annular dilatation of the tricuspid valve, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR). She had AHA/ACC stage D mitral and TR s. Tricuspid annuloplasty and mitral valve repair for rheumatic MR were performed using Carpentier Edwards numbers 30 and 34, respectively. Following surgery, the weight and body mass index (BMI) rapidly normalized. The patient also developed progressive MS.

Discussion

Previous studies in adults have described the etiopathogenesis of MS after non-rheumatic mitral valve repair. There is a paucity of reports describing the development of MS over the span of months after rheumatic MR valve repair in early pubescent children.

Conclusion

Growth spurts during puberty can potentially affect MR repair, as the mitral valve prosthesis based on the preoperative Body Surface Area (BSA) is outgrown. There is a need for research on planning, prognostication, and development of an optimal, individualized, and adaptable approach to MR intervention in early pubescence.
Urolithin B: Two-way attack on IAPP proteotoxicity with implications for diabetes
Authors: Raimundo Ana F. , Ferreira Sofia , Pobre Vânia , Lopes-da-Silva Mafalda , Brito José A. , dos Santos Daniel J. V. A. , Saraiva Nuno , dos Santos Cláudia N. , Menezes Regina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Diabetes is one of the major metabolic diseases worldwide. Despite being a complex systemic pathology, the aggregation and deposition of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP), or amylin, is a recognized histopathological marker of the disease. Although IAPP proteotoxicity represents an important trigger of β-cell dysfunction and ultimately death, its exploitation as a therapeutic tool remains underdeveloped. The bioactivity of (poly)phenols towards inhibition of pathological protein aggregation is well known, however, most of the identified molecules have limited bioavailability.

Methods

Using a strategy combining in silico, cell-free and cell studies, we scrutinized a unique in-house collection of (poly)phenol metabolites predicted to appear in the human circulation after (poly)phenols ingestion.

Results

We identified urolithin B as a potent inhibitor of IAPP aggregation and a powerful modulator of cell homeostasis pathways. Urolithin B was shown to affect IAPP aggregation pattern, delaying the formation of amyloid fibrils and altering their size and morphology. The molecular mechanisms underlying urolithin B-mediated protection include protein clearance pathways, mitochondrial function, and cell cycle ultimately rescuing IAPP-mediated cell dysfunction and death.

Discussion

In brief, our study uncovered urolithin B as a novel small molecule targeting IAPP pathological aggregation with potential to be exploited as a therapeutic tool for mitigating cellular dysfunction in diabetes. Resulting from the colonic metabolism of dietary ellagic acid in the human body, urolithin B bioactivity has the potential to be explored in nutritional, nutraceutical, and pharmacological perspectives.
Lower hypothalamus subunit volumes link with impaired long-term body weight gain after preterm birth
Authors: Ruzok Tobias , Schmitz-Koep Benita , Menegaux Aurore , Eves Robert , Daamen Marcel , Boecker Henning , Rieger-Fackeldey Esther , Priller Josef , Zimmer Claus , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter , Sorg Christian , Hedderich Dennis M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Preterm birth is associated with an increased risk for impaired body weight gain. While it is known that in prematurity several somatic and environmental factors (e.g., endocrine factors, nutrition) modulate short- and long-term body weight gain, the contribution of potentially impaired body weight control in the brain remains elusive. We hypothesized that the structure of hypothalamic nuclei involved in body weight control is altered after preterm birth, with these alterations being associated with aberrant body weight development into adulthood.

Materials and methods

We assessed 101 very preterm (i.e., <32 weeks of gestational age) and/or very low birth weight (i.e., <1500g; VP/VLBW) and 110 full-term born (FT) adults of the population-based Bavarian Longitudinal Study with T1-weighted MRI, deep learning-based hypothalamus subunit segmentation, and multiple body weight assessments from birth into adulthood.

Results

Volumes of the whole hypothalamus and hypothalamus subunits relevant for body weight control were reduced in VP/VLBW adults and associated with birth variables (i.e., gestational age and intensity of neonatal treatment), body weight (i.e., weight at birth and adulthood), and body weight trajectories (i.e., trajectory slopes and cluster/types such as long-term catch-up growth). Particularly, VP/VLBW subgroups, whose individuals showed catch-up growth and/or were small for gestational age, were mostly associated with volumes of distinct hypothalamus subunits such as lateral or infundibular/ventromedial hypothalamus.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate lower volumes of body weight control-related hypothalamus subunits after preterm birth that link with long-term body weight gain. Data suggest postnatal development of body weight -related hypothalamic nuclei in VP/VLBW individuals that corresponds with distinct body weight trajectories into adulthood.
Distinct pathological changes of osteochondral units in early OVX-OA involving TGF-β signaling
Authors: Yang Zihuan , Tan Qizhao , Zhao Zhenda , Niu Guodong , Li Siwei , Li Weishi , Song Chunli , Leng Huijie
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Different opinions exist about the role of subchondral bone in osteoarthritis (OA), probably because subchondral bone has different effects on cartilage degeneration in OA induced by different pathologies. Animal studies to illustrate the role of subchondral bone in cartilage degeneration were mostly based on post-traumatic OA (PT-OA). Postmenopausal women experience a much higher occurrence of OA than similar-aged men. The physiological changes and pathogenesis of the osteochondral unit in ovariectomy-induced OA (OVX-OA) might be distinct from other types of OA.

Methods

The osteochondral alterations of post-traumatic OA (PT-OA) and OVX-OA at week 9 after surgery were compared. Then the alterations of osteochondral units in OVX-OA rats were tracked over time for the designed groups: Sham, OVX and OVX rats treated with estrogen (OVX+E). DXA, micro-CT, and histochemical staining were performed to observe alterations in osteochondral units.

Results

Rapid cartilage degeneration and increased bone formation were observed in PT-OA, while only mild cartilage erosion and significant bone loss were observed in OVX-OA at week 9 after surgery. Subchondral bone degradation preceded cartilage degeneration by 6 weeks in OVX-OA. TGF-β expression was downregulated in the osteochondral unit of OVX rats. Estrogen supplementation inhibited subchondral bone loss, cartilage degradation and TGF-β expression decrease.

Discussion

This research demonstrated the distinct behaviors of the osteochondral unit and the critical role of subchondral bone in early OVX-OA compared with PT-OA. Inhibiting subchondral bone catabolism at the early stage of OVX-OA could be an effective treatment for post-menopausal OA. Based on the results, estrogen supplementation and TGF-β modulation at the early stage are both potential therapies for post-menopausal OA.
Precision medicine implementation challenges for APOL1 testing in chronic kidney disease in admixed populations
Authors: Giudicelli Giovanna Câmara , De Souza Celia Mariana Barbosa , Veronese Francisco Veríssimo , Pereira Lygia V. , Hünemeier Tábita , Vianna Fernanda Sales Luiz
Published: December 2022

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a public health problem that presents genetic and environmental risk factors. Two alleles in the Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene were associated with chronic kidney disease; these alleles are common in individuals of African ancestry but rare in European descendants. Genomic studies on Afro-Americans have indicated a higher prevalence and severity of chronic kidney disease in people of African ancestry when compared to other ethnic groups. However, estimates in low- and middle-income countries are still limited. Precision medicine approaches could improve clinical outcomes in carriers of risk alleles in the Apolipoprotein L1 gene through early diagnosis and specific therapies. Nevertheless, to enhance the definition of studies on these variants, it would be necessary to include individuals with different ancestry profiles in the sample, such as Latinos, African Americans, and Indigenous peoples. There is evidence that measuring genetic ancestry improves clinical care for admixed people. For chronic kidney disease, this knowledge could help establish public health strategies for monitoring patients and understanding the impact of the Apolipoprotein L1 genetic variants in admixed populations. Therefore, researchers need to develop resources, methodologies, and incentives for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, to develop and implement precision medicine strategies and contribute to consolidating diversity in science and precision medicine in clinical practice.
Exposure to particulate pollutant increases the risk of hospitalizations for Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Zhang Tian-Ping , Dou Jing , Wang Li , Wang Shan , Wang Ping , Zhou Xiao-Hui , Yang Chun-Mei , Li Xiao-Mei
Published: December 2022

Objective

Numerous researches have reported the role of air pollution in the development of autoimmune diseases. However, few have evaluated the relationship between inhalable particulate matter (PM) exposure and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). This study aimed to analyze the association between exposure to two particulate pollutants (PM2.5, PM10) and SS-related hospitalizations.

Methods

Daily data were obtained on PM2.5 and PM10, meteorological factors, and hospital hospitalizations for SS between 2016 and 2021. The daily data on PM2.5 and PM10, meteorological factors, and the number of SS hospitalizations were collected between 2016 and 2021. A distributed lag non-linear model and a generalized linear model were established to explore the association between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and hospitalizations for SS. Stratified analyses were performed to explore possible gender-, age-, and season-related differences in PM2.5 and PM10 effects.

Results

Exposure to PM2.5 was related to the evaluated risk of hospitalizations for SS (RR=1.015, 95% CI: 1.001-1.029, lag 3 day), similarly, PM10 exposure had a statistically significant positive association with SS hospitalizations (RR =1.013, 95% CI: 1.001-1.026, lag 3 day). Stratified analyses found that exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 exhibited higher impact on SS-related hospitalizations in female patients and exposure to PM2.5 was also associated with the higher risk of SS-related hospitalizations in patients aged ≥ 65 years. In addition, exposure to PM2.5, PM10 in colder season were more likely to increase SS-related hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were significantly linked to an elevated risk of hospitalizations for SS.
The extrinsic factors important to the homeostasis of allergen-specific memory CD4 T cells
Authors: Choi Aryeong , Jung Yong Woo , Choi Hanbyeul
Published: December 2022

Memory T cells, which are generated after the primary immune response to cognate antigens, possess unique features compared to naïve or effector T cells. These memory T cells are maintained for a long period of time and robustly reactivate in lymphoid or peripheral tissues where they re-encounter antigens. Environments surrounding memory T cells are importantly involved in the process of the maintenance and reactivation of these T cells. Although memory T cells are generally believed to be formed in response to acute infections, the pathogenesis and persistence of chronic inflammatory diseases, including allergic diseases, are also related to the effector functions of memory CD4 T cells. Thus, the factors involved in the homeostasis of allergen-specific memory CD4 T cells need to be understood to surmount these diseases. Here, we review the characteristics of allergen-specific memory CD4 T cells in allergic diseases and the importance of extrinsic factors for the homeostasis and reactivation of these T cells in the view of mediating persistence, recurrence, and aggravation of allergic diseases. Overall, this review provides a better understanding of memory CD4 T cells to devise effective therapeutic strategies for refractory chronic inflammatory diseases.
Structural, optical, and electrical properties of V2O5 thin films: Nitrogen implantation and the role of different substrates
Authors: Priya Bhanu , Jasrotia Priya , Kumar Arun , Singh Vinamrita , Jire L. Hmar Jehova , Kumar Raj , Kulriya Pawan Kumar , Kumar Tanuj
Published: December 2022

This report investigates the effect of substrate and nitrogen (16 keV N+) ion implantation on the structural, morphological, compositional, and electrical properties of V2O5 thin films which are grown by thermal evaporation on various substrates, including glass, Si, and sapphire (termed V2O5:Gl, V2O5:Si, and V2O5:Sp, respectively). Structural analysis showed the formation of the mixed (α, and β-V2O5) phases on all substrates; however, the β-V2O5 phase is highly dominant in the V2O5:G and V2O5:Si samples. A deformation in the β-phase of V2O5 thin film under ion implantation-induced strain results in a change of crystallite size. Irradiation suppresses XRD peaks in relative intensities, indicating partial amorphization of the film with defect formation. Microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of uniform-sized nanorods for V2O5:Si, whereas isolated crystallites were formed for other types of substrates. Thermal conductivity may influence the size and shapes of V2O5 crystallite forms on different surfaces. Silicon absorbs heat more effectively than sapphire or glass, resulting in nanorod formation. A decrease in optical bandgap and electrical conduction has been observed due to increased oxygen vacancies, induced electron scattering, and trapping centres on N+ implantation. The present study thus offers the unique advantage of simultaneous reduction in optical band-gap and conductance of V2O5 thin films, which is important for optoelectronic applications.
Serum B-cell activating factor and lung ultrasound B-lines in connective tissue disease related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Wang Yukai , Xie Xuezhen , Zheng Shaoyu , Du Guangzhou , Chen Shaoqi , Zhang Weijin , Zhuang Jinghua , Lin Jianqun , Hu Shijian , Zheng Kedi , Mikish Angelina , Xu Zhuangyong , Zhang Guohong , Gargani Luna , Bruni Cosimo , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Furst Daniel E.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the role of serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and lung ultrasound (LUS) B-lines in connective tissue disease related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD), and their association with different ILD patterns on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of chest.

Methods

We measured the levels of BAFF and KL-6 by ELISA in the sera of 63 CTD-ILD patients [26 with fibrotic ILD (F-ILD), 37 with non-fibrotic ILD (NF-ILD)], 30 CTD patients without ILD, and 26 healthy controls. All patients underwent chest HRCT and LUS examination.

Results

Serum BAFF levels were significantly higher in CTD patients compared to healthy subjects (617.6 ± 288.1 pg/ml vs. 269.0 ± 60.4 pg/ml, p < 0.01). BAFF concentrations were significantly different between ILD group and non-ILD group (698.3 ± 627.4 pg/ml vs. 448.3 ± 188.6 pg/ml, p < 0.01). In patients with ILD, BAFF concentrations were significantly correlated with B-lines number (r = 0.37, 95% CI 0.13–0.56, p < 0.01), KL-6 level (r = 0.26, 95% CI 0.01–0.48, p < 0.05), and Warrick score (r = 0.33, 95% CI 0.09–0.53, p < 0.01), although all correlations were only low to moderate. B-lines number correlated with Warrick score (r = 0.65, 95% CI 0.48–0.78, p < 0.01), and KL-6 levels (r = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21–0.61, p < 0.01). Patients with F-ILD had higher serum BAFF concentrations (957.5 ± 811.0 pg/ml vs. 516.1 ± 357.5 pg/ml, p < 0.05), KL-6 levels (750.7 ± 759.0 U/ml vs. 432.5 ± 277.5 U/ml, p < 0.05), B-lines numbers (174.1 ± 82 vs. 52.3 ± 57.5, p < 0.01), and Warrick score (19.9 ± 4.6 vs. 13.6 ± 3.4, p < 0.01) vs. NF-ILD patients. The best cut-off values to separate F-ILD from NF-ILD using ROC curves were 408 pg/ml for BAFF (AUC = 0.73, p < 0.01), 367 U/ml for KL-6 (AUC = 0.72, p < 0.05), 122 for B-lines number (AUC = 0.89, p < 0.01), and 14 for Warrick score (AUC = 0.87, p < 0.01) respectively.

Conclusion

Serum BAFF levels and LUS B-lines number could be useful supportive biomarkers for detecting and evaluating the severity and/or subsets of CTD-ILD. If corroborated, combining imaging, serological, and sonographic biomarkers might be beneficial and comprehensive in management of CTD-ILD.
Effect and safety of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets (II) for dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Jinghua , Leng Jinhua
Published: December 2022

Aim

This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.

Methods

Electronic databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, were searched before September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and single-arm studies were included. Furthermore, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Systematic Reviews version 1 was used for the risk of bias assessment on RCTs. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used for risk of bias assessment on non-randomized studies. The risk ratio (RR) was calculated for dichotomous data. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) were used as the effect size for continuous data.

Results

A total of 11 studies involving 2,251 participants with dysmenorrhea were included. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) conventional 24/4-day regimen was compared with placebo, the total efficiency rate (defined as pain symptom disappearing or being relieved) in Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) 24/4-day regimen group was higher than in placebo group (RR = 5.55, 95%CI: 2.48–12.39, P < 0.0001). No clear differences were found on risk of overall adverse events or specific adverse events. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) was compared with active control drugs, no clear differences were found on the total efficiency rate or visual analog scale (VAS) scores for dysmenorrhea and other related pain. The risk of overall adverse events decreased in Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) conventional 24/4-day regimen (13/53 vs. 66/148, RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.33–0.91) when compared with active control drugs group. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) flexible extended regimen was compared with conventional 24/4-day regimen, the number of days of dysmenorrhea (MD=−3.98, 95%CI: −5.69 to −2.27), and dysmenorrhea associated with unscheduled bleedings (MD = −1.6, 95%CI: −2.8 to −0.5), were fewer in flexible extended regimen. In addition, there were no differences found on risk of adverse events (including mood changes, spotting, headache, breast pain, nausea, and vomiting) between compared groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) could improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea and decrease other related pain symptoms. More high-quality evidence is needed to confirm the advantages.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021271605], identifier [CRD42021271605].
Application of data integration for rice bacterial strain selection by combining their osmotic stress response and plant growth-promoting traits
Authors: Devarajan Arun Kumar , Truu Marika , Gopalasubramaniam Sabarinathan Kuttalingam , Muthukrishanan Gomathy , Truu Jaak
Published: December 2022

Agricultural application of plant-beneficial bacteria to improve crop yield and alleviate the stress caused by environmental conditions, pests, and pathogens is gaining popularity. However, before using these bacterial strains in plant experiments, their environmental stress responses and plant health improvement potential should be examined. In this study, we explored the applicability of three unsupervised machine learning-based data integration methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) of concatenated data, multiple co-inertia analysis (MCIA), and multiple kernel learning (MKL), to select osmotic stress-tolerant plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacterial strains isolated from the rice phyllosphere. The studied datasets consisted of direct and indirect PGP activity measurements and osmotic stress responses of eight bacterial strains previously isolated from the phyllosphere of drought-tolerant rice cultivar. The production of phytohormones, such as indole-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), and cytokinin, were used as direct PGP traits, whereas the production of hydrogen cyanide and siderophore and antagonistic activity against the foliar pathogens Pyricularia oryzae and Helminthosporium oryzae were evaluated as measures of indirect PGP activity. The strains were subjected to a range of osmotic stress levels by adding PEG 6000 (0, 11, 21, and 32.6%) to their growth medium. The results of the osmotic stress response experiments showed that all bacterial strains accumulated endogenous proline and glycine betaine (GB) and exhibited an increase in growth, when osmotic stress levels were increased to a specific degree, while the production of IAA and GA considerably decreased. The three applied data integration methods did not provide a similar grouping of the strains. Especially deviant was the ordination of microbial strains based on the PCA of concatenated data. However, all three data integration methods indicated that the strains Bacillus altitudinis PB46 and B. megaterium PB50 shared high similarity in PGP traits and osmotic stress response. Overall, our results indicate that data integration methods complement the single-table data analysis approach and improve the selection process for PGP microbial strains.
Development of NMDA receptors contributes to the enhancement of electroencephalogram oscillations under volatile anesthetics in rats
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Chen Yali , Liu Jin , Yang Yaoxin , Wang Rurong , Zhang Donghang , Zhu Tao
Published: December 2022

Background

Volatile anesthetics including sevoflurane and isoflurane enhance oscillations of cortical electroencephalogram (EEG), partly by their modulations on glutamate-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. Expression of NMDA receptors is increased during neonatal development. However, how the development of NMDA receptors influences EEG under volatile anesthesia remains unclear.

Methods

Expressions of NMDA receptor subtypes (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B) during neonatal development were measured by Western blotting. MAC (minimal alveolar concentration) of isoflurane and sevoflurane that inducing loss of righting reflex (LORR) and no response to tail-clamp (immobility) were measured to verify the effect of NR1 expression on anesthetic potency during neonatal development. Cortical electroencephalogram recording was used to examine the influence of NR1 expression on the power density of EEG.

Results

The expressions of GluNR1, GluNR2A and GluNR2B receptors were gradually increased during neonatal development in cortex, hippocampus and thalamus of rats. Knockdown of NR1 enhanced the sedative potency of volatile anesthetics but not on immobility potency in postnatal day 14 (P14)-P17 rats. For cortical EEG, along with the increased concentration of volatile anesthetics, cortical slow-delta oscillations of P5 rats were inhibited, theta and alpha oscillations were not changed significantly; while these oscillations were enhanced until high anesthetic concentrations in P21 rats. Knockdown of NR1 in forebrain suppressed the enhancement of cortical EEG oscillations in P21 rats.

Conclusion

The development of NMDA receptors may contribute to the enhancement of cortical EEG oscillations under volatile anesthetics.
Diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative brainstem auditory evoked potential for predicting hearing loss after vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Gu Feng , Yang Xingyu , Wang Zilan , Tan Xin , Xue Tao , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: December 2022

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic value of intraoperative brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) for predicting post-operative hearing loss.

Methods

Research articles in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched and selected up to 20 January 2022, and data were extracted following a standard procedure. A diagnostic accuracy test meta-analysis was performed using a mixed-effect binary regression model.

Results

A total of 693 patients from 15 studies were extracted. The change in intraoperative BAEP showed high sensitivity (0.95) but low specificity (0.37), with an area under the curve of 0.83. Diagnostic accuracy of the loss of potentials showed high sensitivity (0.82) and specificity (0.79). The area under the curve was 0.88. No factor was found to account for the heterogeneity of the results according to the meta-regression and subgroup analyses (all P-values > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results showed that the loss of BAEP has meaningful value for predicting hearing loss after vestibular schwannoma surgery. The change in BAEP is also important for its high sensitivity during hearing preservation surgery.
Diffusion tensor imaging of the brain white matter microstructure in patients with chronic kidney disease and its correlation with cognition
Authors: Zhang Chaoyang , Yu Huan , Cai Yan , Wu Ning , Liang Shuang , Zhang Chun , Duan Zhiyu , Zhang Zhou , Cai Guangyan
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), neurological damage is commonly observed. This neurodegeneration is closely linked to microstructural damage to the brain white matter due to the high incidence of cognitive dysfunction. However, the specific pathogenesis of CKD nephropathy caused by cognitive system developmental disorders remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the correlation between cognitive impairment and diffusion parameters obtained on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of abnormal white matter tracts in CKD patients.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with CKD were divided into the non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) group (N = 26) and dialysis-dependent CKD (DD-CKD) group (N = 38) according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate, whereas 43 healthy control subjects (normal control [NC]) were included and underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging during the same period. Differences in the abnormal white matter microstructure and correlations between them and cognitive scores were assessed using several parameters between the groups.

Results

There were more extensive peri-lesions and distant white matter microstructural changes in the DD-CKD and NDD-CKD groups than in the NC group. DTI diffusion parameters in abnormal white matter regions were associated with impaired cognitive function in CKD patients. The DD-CKD group had worse cognitive function and more severe microstructural damage in the cerebral white matter than the NDD-CKD group.

Conclusion

CKD patients showed cognitive impairment and changes in the brain white matter microstructure; CKD can lead to extensive white matter tract damage. Additionally, diffusion parameters can be used as a complement to describe structural brain damage in CKD patients.
Speech biomarkers of risk factors for vascular dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Martínez-Nicolás Israel , Llorente Thide E. , Martínez-Sánchez Francisco , Meilán Juan J. G.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In this study we intend to use speech analysis to analyze the cognitive impairments caused by pathologies of vascular origin such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease, predictors of the development of vascular dementia.

Methods

In this study, 40 participants with mild cognitive impairment were asked to read while being recorded and they were inquired about their history of the aforementioned conditions. Their speech was then analyzed.

Results

We found that some speech parameters of frequencies and syllabic rhythm vary due to these pathologies. In addition, we conducted a discriminant analysis in which we found that diabetes and hypertension can be predicted with an accuracy over 95% with few speech parameters, and hypercholesterolemia and heart disease with an accuracy over 80%.

Discussion

The predictor parameters found are heterogeneous, including voice quality, amplitude, frequency, and rhythm parameters. This result may lead to investigate why such important qualitative changes occur in the voice of older adults with these pathologies. Rather than trying to find a diagnostic procedure already existing in classical medicine, we expect this finding to contribute to explore the causes and concomitant pathologies of these diseases. We discuss the implications of behavioral traits, such as speech, as digital biomarkers.
Inhibition by rno-circRNA-013017 of the apoptosis of motor neurons in anterior horn and descending axonal degeneration in rats after traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Qin Chuan , Liu Yi , Xu Pei-Pei , Zhang Xin , Talifu Zuliyaer , Liu Jia-Yi , Jing Ying-Li , Bai Fan , Zhao Li-Xi , Yu Yan , Gao Feng , Li Jian-Jun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes continuous neurological damage to clinical patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are related to a lot of diseases, including SCI. We previously found five candidate circRNAs which were likely to regulate the secondary pathophysiological changes in rat model after traumatic SCI.

Methods

In this study, we first selected and overexpressed target circRNA in rats. We then explored its functional roles using various functional assays in a rat model after SCI.

Results

We found that rno-circRNA-013017—the selected target circRNA—reduced neuron apoptosis, preserved the survival and activity of motor neurons, and regulated apoptosis-related proteins at 3 days post-SCI using western blot, immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we found that rno-circRNA-013017 inhibited descending axonal degeneration and preserved motor neurons and descending axons at 6 weeks post-SCI using immunofluorescence, biotin dextran amine diffusion tensor imaging. Finally, the overexpression of rno-circRNA-013017 promoted the locomotor function of rats after SCI using open-field test and gait analysis.

Conclusion

Focusing on the functions of rno-circRNA-013017, this study provides new options for future studies exploring therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms for SCI.
Effect of lifelong sucrose consumption at human-relevant levels on food intake and body composition of C57BL/6N mice
Authors: Yan Ruolin , Choi Vivian Wai Wan , Hartono Tania , Tse Iris Mei Ying , Tse Margaret Chui Ling , Zhou Yunpeng , Xu Jinfeng , Sit Wai Hung , Wan Jennifer Man Fan , Li Edmund Tsz Shing , Chan Chi Bun , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Controversies surround the issue if chronic consumption of a high-sugar diet is detrimental to health or not. This study investigates whether lifelong consumption of a higher sucrose diet will induce overeating, and obesity, and cause metabolic dysfunctions such as hyperglycemia and dyslipidaemia in C57BL/6N mice, compared to a lower sucrose diet.

Methods

Male C57BL/6N mice at 3 weeks of age were randomized into consuming a diet with 25 or 10% kcal from sucrose for the rest of their lives. Body weight, food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and lipid levels were measured at regular intervals. At the end of the study, organs and tissues were collected and gene expression was measured.

Results

There was no discernible difference in the impact on food intake, body composition, glucose and lipid homeostasis, liver triglyceride content, life expectancy, as well as gene expression related to intermediary metabolism between mice fed a diet with 10 vs. 25% kcal as sucrose over their lifespan. We also showed that switching from a 25% kcal diet to a 10% kcal diet at different life stages, or vice versa, did not appear to affect these outcomes of interest.

Discussion

The results from our study suggest that lifelong consumption of a higher sugar diet generally did not induce overeating and obesity, disrupt carbohydrate metabolism and lipid homeostasis, and reduce life expectancy compared with a lower sugar diet. Our unorthodox findings disagreed with the popular belief that higher sugar consumption is detrimental to health, which should be confirmed in future studies.
Iodine-125 brachytherapy treatment for newly diagnosed brain metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer: A biocentric analysis
Authors: Yang Lili , Wang Congxiao , Zhang Wei , Liu Shifeng , Xuan Tiantian , Jiang Han , Hu Xiaokun , Hu Man , Li Huanting
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of iodine-125 brachytherapy for newly diagnosed brain metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and methods

The study included 158 NSCLC patients diagnosed with brain metastasis from December 2003 to August 2017. Ninety-nine patients underwent external beam radiotherapy (EBRT group), and 59 patients received iodine-125 brachytherapy (125I group). In addition, the 6- and 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rates and the 12- and 24-month overall survival (OS) rates were compared between the EBRT group and the 125I group. Median OS and PFS were analyzed using the Kaplan−Meier method with a log-rank test.

Results

The 6-month PFS rate was significantly higher in the 125I group (p = 0.002) than in the EBRT group, while no differences were found in the 12-month PFS rate (p = 0.184). Additionally, the 12- (p = 0.839) and 24-month (p = 0.284) OS rates were not significantly different between the two groups. No significant differences in median OS (p = 0.525) or PFS (p = 0.425) were found between the two groups.

Conclusions

Iodine-125 brachytherapy is an alternative therapy for patients unable to undergo surgical resection.
Nomogram predicts CR-POPF in open central pancreatectomy patients with benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms
Authors: Ouyang Liu , Liu Ren-dong , Ren Yi-wei , Nie Gang , He Tian-lin , Li Gang , Zhou Ying-qi , Huang Zhi-ping , Zhang Yi-jie , Hu Xian-gui , Jin Gang
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is a standard surgical procedure for benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms in the body and neck of the pancreas. Higher incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after CP than after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) has been reported, but no nomogram for prediction of CR-POPF after open CP has been previously established.

Methods

Patients undergoing open CP for benign or low-grade malignant pancreatic neoplasms in the department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HBP) surgery of Shanghai Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Medical University between January 01, 2009 and December 31,2020 were enrolled. Pre-, intra- and post-operative parameters were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 194 patients, including 60 men and 134 women, were enrolled with median age of 52 years (21~85 years). 84 patients (43.3%) were overweight (BMI>23.0 Kg/m2) and 14 (7.2%) were obese (BMI>28.0 Kg/m2). Pathological diagnoses ranged from serous cystic neoplasm (32.5%), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (22.2%), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (20.1%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (18.0%) to mucinous cystic neoplasm (5.2%). All patients had soft pancreatic texture. Main pancreatic duct diameters were ≤0.3cm for 158 patients (81.4%) and were ≥0.5cm in only 12 patients (6.2%). A stapler (57.7%) or hand-sewn closure (42.3%) were used to close the pancreatic remnant. The pancreatic anastomosis techniques used were duct to mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ)-interrupted suture (47.4%), duct to mucosa PJ-continuous suture (43.3%), duct to mucosa “HO” half-purse binding PJ (5.2%) and invaginating pancreaticogastrostomy (4.1%). Post-surgical incidences of CR-POPF of 45.9%, surgical site infection of 28.9%, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage of 7.7% and delayed gastric emptying of 2.1% were found. Obesity and pancreatic anastomosis technique were independent risk factors of CR-POPF, with a concordance index of 0.675 and an Area Under the Curve of 0.678.

Discussion

This novel nomogram constructed according to obesity and pancreatic anastomosis technique showed moderate predictive performance of CR-POPF after open CP.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ovarian tissue cryopreservation planning in the Bologna clinical center
Authors: Magnani Valentina , Vicenti Rossella , Fabbri Raffaella , Paradisi Roberto , De Meis Lucia , Raimondo Diego , Casadio Paolo , Seracchioli Renato
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Treatment of patients with COVID-19 has been a priority by competing with the treatment of any other disease due to limited hospital resources. The current pandemic situation has focused the attention of healthcare providers around the world away from all other non-emergency health problems, including oncofertility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity levels of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) in the our center.

Methods

The study analyzed the number of patients treated for OTC in our center during three periods: pre-pandemic period: March 2019-February 2020, pandemic period: March 2020-February 2021 and post-pandemic period: March 2021-February 2022.

Results

In our center routine hospital operation was completely reorganized, allowing only urgent interventions. Continuing to urgently preserve fertility during the pandemic required rapid changes to our standard practices for the care of these vulnerable patients. Despite the modifications, there was no difference in the number of OTC performed among the periods analyzed. Similarly, the number of patients who did not perform OTC was the same over the three years analyzed.

Discussion

Despite the local and national restructuring of care to conserve resources and protect the community, it is significant to continue offering fertility-sparing treatment to cancer patients. This emphasis on the importance of preserving fertility despite the pandemic further highlights the essential and urgent nature of this procedure.
Application of engineered extracellular vesicles to overcome drug resistance in cancer
Authors: Nonaka Taichiro
Published: December 2022

Targeted therapies have significantly improved survival rates and quality of life for many cancer patients. However, on- and off-target side toxicities in normal tissues, and precocious activation of the immune response remain significant issues that limit the efficacy of molecular targeted agents. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) hold great promise as the mediators of next-generation therapeutic payloads. Derived from cellular membranes, EVs can be engineered to carry specific therapeutic agents in a targeted manner to tumor cells. This review highlights the progress in our understanding of basic EV biology, and discusses how EVs are being chemically and genetically modified for use in clinical and preclinical studies.