bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apelin prevents diabetes-induced poor collateral vessel formation and blood flow reperfusion in ischemic limb
Authors: Robillard Stéphanie , Trân Kien , Lachance Marie-Sophie , Brazeau Tristan , Boisvert Elizabeth , Lizotte Farah , Auger-Messier Mannix , Boudreault Pierre-Luc , Marsault Éric , Geraldes Pedro
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major risk factor for lower-extremity amputation in diabetic patients. Unfortunately, previous clinical studies investigating therapeutic angiogenesis using the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have shown disappointing results in diabetic patients, which evokes the necessity for novel therapeutic agents. The apelinergic system (APJ receptor/apelin) is highly upregulated under hypoxic condition and acts as an activator of angiogenesis. Apelin treatment improves revascularization in nondiabetic models of ischemia, however, its role on angiogenesis in diabetic conditions remains poorly investigated. This study explored the impact of Pyr-apelin-13 in endothelial cell function and diabetic mouse model of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods

Nondiabetic and diabetic mice underwent femoral artery ligation to induce limb ischemia. Diabetic mice were implanted subcutaneously with osmotic pumps delivering Pyr-apelin-13 for 28 days. Blood flow reperfusion was measured for 4 weeks post-surgery and exercise willingness was assessed with voluntary wheels. In vitro, bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were exposed to normal (NG) or high glucose (HG) levels and hypoxia. Cell migration, proliferation and tube formation assays were performed following either VEGF or Pyr-apelin-13 stimulation.

Results and Discussion

Following limb ischemia, blood flow reperfusion, functional recovery of the limb and vascular density were improved in diabetic mice receiving Pyr-apelin-13 compared to untreated diabetic mice. In cultured BAECs, exposure to HG concentrations and hypoxia reduced VEGF proangiogenic actions, whereas apelin proangiogenic effects remained unaltered. Pyr-apelin-13 induced its proangiogenic actions through Akt/AMPK/eNOS and RhoA/ROCK signaling pathways under both NG or HG concentrations and hypoxia exposure. Our results identified the apelinergic system as a potential therapeutic target for angiogenic therapy in diabetic patients with PAD.
Patent iliolumbar artery increase no risk of type II endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case-control study
Authors: Chen Guo Xin , Liu Dan , Weng Chengxin , Chen Chuwen , Wan Jianghong , Zhao Jichun , Yuan Ding , Huang Bin , Wang Tiehao
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aims of the present study were to explore the risk factors for type 2 endoleaks (T2ELs) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the association between T2ELs and the iliolumbar artery.

Materials and methods

A single-center, retrospective case–control study in West China Hospital was conducted among patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) who underwent EVAR between June 2010 and June 2019. The associations of patient characteristics, anatomical factors, internal iliac artery embolization, and ILA with the primary outcome were analyzed. The secondary objective was to analyze survival and reintervention between the T2EL group and the non-T2EL group. Kaplan–Meier survival, propensity matching analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used.

Results

A total of 603 patients were included. The median follow-up was 51 months (range 5.0–106.0). There was a significant difference in the diameter of the lumbar artery (LA), middle sacral artery (MSA) and inferior mesentery artery (IMA), proportion of thrombus and LA numbers. The univariate analysis showed that T2ELs were more likely to develop more thrombus in aneurysm cavity (OR = 0.294, p = 0.012), larger MSA (OR = 1.284, p = 0.04), LA (OR = 1.520, p = 0.015), IMA (OR = 1.056, p < 0.001) and more LAs (OR = 1.390, p = 0.019). The multivariate analysis showed that the number of LAs (HR: 1.349, 95% CI: 1.140–1.595, p < .001) and the diameter of the IMA (HR: 1.328, 95% CI: 1.078–1.636, p = 0.008) were significantly associated with T2ELs. There were no new findings from the propensity score matching. The reintervention-free survival rates were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.048). Overall survival and AAA-related death rates were not different between the two group. This was consistent with the PSM analysis.

Conclusion

The iliolumbar artery and the different internal iliac artery interventions may not increase the incidence of T2ELs. But the numbers of LAs and IMA diameter were independent risk factors for T2Els. T2ELs was associated with the reintervention but did not affect long-term survival or increase aneurysm-related mortality after EVAR.
Case report: Heart retransplant from a donor after circulatory death and extended transport period with normothermic perfusion
Authors: Kasinpila Patpilai , Ruaengsri Chawannuch , Koyano Tiffany , Shudo Yasuhiro
Published: August 2023

A 55-year-old man with end-stage heart failure, who had an orthotopic heart transplant 21 years prior, underwent heart retransplantation using a heart from a donor with circulatory death in a distant location and an extended transport period with normothermic ex vivo perfusion. Owing to the persistent and worsening shortage of donor hearts, this case illustrates that expanding the donor acceptance criteria to include more distant donor locations and enrolling recipients with extended criteria (e.g., heart retransplantation) is feasible.
Associated congenital heart disease with Hirschsprung's disease: a retrospective cohort study on 2,174 children
Authors: Wu Yujian , Zhu Yun , Zhang Xu , Feng Jinqing , Xia Huimin , Zhang Yan , Li Jia
Published: August 2023

Objective

To examine the incidence and phenotypes of congenital heart disease (CHD) in a large cohort of patients with Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR).

Study design

Retrospective data review of children with HSCR between 2003 and 2020 was conducted at the Provincial Key Laboratory for Structural Birth Defects in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. HSCR was confirmed by pathological diagnosis. CHD was defined as a gross structural abnormality of the heart or intrathoracic great vessels that is of functional significance.

Results

A total of 2,174 HSCR patients (84.7% males) were studied and 306 of them underwent echocardiography. Overall, 27 children (1.2%) had associated CHD. Among them, CHDs mostly presented as atrial and ventricular septal defects (n = 5 and 12 respectively) and patent ductus arteriosus (n = 4). Three patients (1.4‰) presented as a severe CHD including complete atrioventricular canal, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and double-outlet of right ventricle. Among 14 patients carrying a chromosomal abnormality, CHD was detected in 4 infants (28.6%), all being mild forms of septal defects.

Conclusions

Some new and severe types of CHD were found in patients with HSCR. Patients with syndromic features had higher incidence of CHD.
Prognostic significance of delirium in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Niu Ziru , Zhou Jiamin , Li Yongjun
Published: August 2023

Background

Delirium is a common symptom of heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and heightened medical costs. The impact of delirium on the prognosis of HF patients is currently controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic significance of delirium in HF.

Methods

Relevant articles were systematically searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase based on the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that reported mortality and hospitalization-related outcomes in HF patients with or without delirium using raw or adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OD) were included. Meta-analysis was then performed to evaluate the effect of delirium in HF patients. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and events of the hospitalization.

Results

Of the 1,501 studies identified, 7 eligible studies involving 12,830,390 HF patients (6,322,846 males and 6,507,544 females) were included in the meta-analysis. There were 91,640 patients with delirium (0.71%) and 12,738,750 patients without delirium (99.28%). HF patients with delirium had higher OR for in-hospital mortality (1.95, 95% CI = 1.30–2.91, P = 0.135), higher pooled HR for 90-day mortality (2.64, 95% CI = 1.06–1.56, P = 0.215), higher pooled HR for 1-year mortality (2.08, 95% CI = 1.34–3.22, P = 0.004), and higher pooled HR for 30-day readmission rate (4.15, 95% CI = 2.85–6.04, P = 0.831) than those without delirium.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that combined delirium increases the risk of HF-related mortality and hospitalization-related outcomes in patients with HF. However, more research is needed to assess the impact of delirium on the prognosis of HF patients.
Professional experience before a PhD. Does it pay off?
Authors: Cadilhe Maria , Almeida Beatriz , Rodrigues Ana I. , Santos Marta
Published: August 2023

The number of PhD graduates has been increasing yearly, but the job opportunities in Academia remain the same. This pattern will intensify the pressure on PhD students to look for other possible careers. Past work experiences, due to their developmental potential, occupy a prominent place in the career development paradigm. However, more is needed to know about the professional path of PhD students before they entered the PhD. This study aimed to explore PhD students’ previous professional experience, focusing on the extent to which previous experiences determine students’ perception and development of career expectations. A quantitative research approach was followed among 377 PhD students at a Portuguese Higher Education Institution (HEI). Results show that regardless of their previous work experiences, PhD students value career options related to research, preferably within Academia. However, in terms of career development, students who have diverse work experiences reported feeling more prepared to put into practice actions to prepare their career than students with professional experience in Academia or no professional experience. This study confirms that PhD students’ previous work experiences pay off by making a difference in the feeling of preparedness for career development, whereas in terms of student’s future career expectations after the PhD, it did not allow for a definite answer, as it seems that all professional groups prefer similar research-oriented paths. Intervention must be done simultaneously on an individual and contextual level, allowing students to have experiences during the PhD and promoting the reflection on these experiences so students may feel more prepared to develop their future careers. For companies, intervention should focus on showing the PhDs’ added value and also the potential of incorporating the R&D dimensions within their jobs. Failing to do so may contribute to enhancing the employability challenges faced by the growing number of PhD holders.
Analysis of the variables that promote professional insertion based on critical thinking
Authors: Parra-González María Elena , Rodríguez-Sabiote Clemente , Aguaded-Ramírez Eva María , Cuevas-Rincón Jesús Manuel
Published: August 2023

Critical thinking is currently one of the most demanded competencies and skills in professionals and, therefore, constitutes one of the fundamental aspects to be developed by educational systems. This is especially important for the development of work tools for future labor insertion. The first objective of the present study was to determine the demographic variables (school type, gender, level education, work experience and volunteering) that can be used to predict the development of critical thinking in students undertaking vocational training or secondary education. The second objective was to determine whether the variables considered to be the most effective predictors are able to distinguish between higher and lower levels of critical thinking. For this purpose, a sample of students undertaking vocational training or secondary education in southern Spain (n = 3.132) was recruited. A quantitative study was then conducted, performing regression and decision tree analysis to identify predictors. Based on study outcomes, it can be concluded that a need exists to work on critical thinking at these educational stages and throughout life while considering the variables that influence critical thinking such as educational level, work experience and volunteering.
Global trends in research of endoscopic thyroidectomy from 2013 to 2022: a scientometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Zheng Daitian , Yang Qiuping , Wu Jinyao , Zhou Zhongming , Cai Jiehui , Chen Lingzhi , Ji Zeqi , Tian Huiting , Li Zhiyang , Chen Yexi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Recently, endoscopic thyroidectomy has been developed and applied to thyroid surgery to achieve minimized neck scar formation and enhanced aesthetic outcomes. Our scientometric research in this paper offers a thorough overview of endoscopic thyroidectomy from 2013 to 2022.

Methods

All pertinent articles on endoscopic thyroidectomy were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection Database. The data on the number of citations and publications, most prolific countries and institutions, significant authors and journals, top themes, and keywords were analyzed by Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer.

Results

There were 758 publications, all of that were found from 2013 to 2022. The output of the annual publication showed an upward trend. A series of cases report by Anuwong et al. published in 2016 received the most citations. The country with the most articles published articles was South Korea, and the two countries with the most collaboration were South Korea and the United States. The most productive journal was Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques. Dionigi G, Kim HY, and Anuwong A were the writers with the most articles published, the highest h- and g-indices, and the strongest link strength, respectively. The keywords “endoscopic thyroidectomy”, “surgical”, “thyroidectomy”, “robotic thyroidectomy”, “experience”, and others were most used.

Conclusion

The innovative surgical technique, transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), leaves no scars and produces optimal cosmetic results. However, the long-term oncologic results for thyroid cancer performed with this approach are still missing. This scientometric analysis can offer valuable insights into the present research standing and key focal points in this domain, enabling researchers to gain a precise understanding of the state-of-the-art research in this area.
Risk of thyroid neoplasms in patients with 22q11.2 deletion and DiGeorge-like syndromes: an insight for follow-up
Authors: Sarli Walter Maria , Ricci Silvia , Lodi Lorenzo , Cavone Federica , Pacillo Lucia , Giancotta Carmela , Ubertini Graziamaria , Baroncelli Giampiero , Cancrini Caterina , Azzari Chiara , Stagi Stefano
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome comprises phenotypically similar diseases characterized by abnormal development of the third and fourth branchial arches, resulting in variable combinations of congenital heart defects, dysmorphisms, hypocalcemia, palatal dysfunction, developmental or neuropsychiatric disorders, and impairment of the immune system due to thymic dysfunction. Other genetic syndromes, often called DiGeorge-like, share clinical and immunological features with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This syndrome has been rarely associated with malignancies, mainly hematological but also hepatic, renal, and cerebral. Rarely, malignancies in the head and neck region have been described, although no aggregate of data on the development of thyroid neoplasms in patients with this clinical phenotype has been conducted so far.

Materials and methods

To characterize this possible association, a multicenter survey was made. Thus, we present a case series of five pediatric patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome or DiGeorge-like syndrome who were occasionally found with confirmed or highly suspected neoplasms of the thyroid gland during their follow-up. In three cases, malignancies were histologically confirmed, but their outcome was good due to an early recognition of suspicious nodules and precocious surgery.

Conclusions

This study underlines for clinicians the higher risk of neoplasms in the head and neck district for patients affected by these syndromes. It also emphasizes the importance of a prolonged clinical and ultrasound follow-up for patients with this clinical and immunological phenotype.
Diagnostic challenges and management advances in cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency, a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with 46, XX karyotype
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Tian Qinjie
Published: August 2023

Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia that can manifest with skeletal malformations, ambiguous genitalia, and menstrual disorders caused by cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) mutations affecting electron transfer to all microsomal cytochrome P450 and some non-P450 enzymes involved in cholesterol, sterol, and drug metabolism. With the advancement of molecular biology and medical genetics, increasing numbers of PORD cases were reported, and the clinical spectrum of PORD was extended with studies on underlying mechanisms of phenotype–genotype correlations and optimum treatment. However, diagnostic challenges and management dilemma still exists because of unawareness of the condition, the overlapping manifestations with other disorders, and no clear guidelines for treatment. Delayed diagnosis and management may result in improper sex assignment, loss of reproductive capacity because of surgical removal of ruptured ovarian macro-cysts, and life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction and adrenal crisis. The clinical outcomes and prognosis, which are influenced by specific POR mutations, the presence of additional genetic or environmental factors, and management, include early death due to developmental malformations or adrenal crisis, bilateral oophorectomies after spontaneous rupture of ovarian macro-cysts, genital ambiguity, abnormal pubertal development, and nearly normal phenotype with successful pregnancy outcomes by assisted reproduction. Thus, timely diagnosis including prenatal diagnosis with invasive and non-invasive techniques and appropriate management is essential to improve patients’ outcomes. However, even in cases with conclusive diagnosis, comprehensive assessment is needed to avoid severe complications, such as chromosomal test to help sex assignment and evaluation of adrenal function to detect partial adrenal insufficiency. In recent years, it has been noted that proper hormone replacement therapy can lead to decrease or resolve of ovarian macro-cysts, and healthy babies can be delivered by in vitro fertilization and frozen embryo transfer following adequate control of multiple hormonal imbalances. Treatment may be complicated with adverse effects on drug metabolism caused by POR mutations. Unique challenges occur in female PORD patients such as ovarian macro-cysts prone to spontaneous rupture, masculinized genitalia without progression after birth, more frequently affected pubertal development, and impaired fertility. Thus, this review focuses only on 46, XX PORD patients to summarize the potential molecular pathogenesis, differential diagnosis of classic and non-classic PORD, and tailoring therapy to maintain health, avoid severe complications, and promote fertility.
Artificial oocyte activation with Ca2+ ionophore improves reproductive outcomes in patients with fertilization failure and poor embryo development in previous ICSI cycles
Authors: Ruan Jing Ling , Liang Shan Shan , Pan Jia Ping , Chen Zhi Qin , Teng Xiao Ming
Published: August 2023

Research question

Does artificial oocyte activation (AOA) by a calcium ionophore (ionomycin) improve the previous fertilization failure or poor embryo development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) account for male factor infertility or other infertility causes?

Design

This retrospective study involved 114 patients receiving ICSI-AOA in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital with previous ICSI fertilization failure or poor embryo development. The previous ICSI cycles of the same patients without AOA served as the control group. The fertilization rates, cleavage rates, transferable embryo rates and blastocyst formation rates of the two groups were compared. Additionally, the clinical pregnancy, implantation rate and live birth rates were also compared to assess the efficiency and safety of AOA. Furthermore, two subgroup analyses were performed in this study based on the cause of infertility and the reason for AOA. The fertilization rate, embryonic development potential and clinical outcome were compared among groups.

Results

Among 114 ICSI-AOA cycles, the fertilization rate, top-quality embryo rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy per patient and live birth rate per patient were improved significantly compared with previous ICSI cycles (p<0.05 to P< 0.001), and the miscarriage rate in the AOA group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). In the AOA subgroups based on the cause of infertility, the fertilization rates of each subgroup were significantly improved compared with previous control cycles except for the mixed factor infertility subgroup (p<0.05 to p<0.001). In the AOA subgroups based on the reason for AOA, the fertilization rates of each subgroup were significantly increased compared with those in their previous ICSI cycle without AOA (p<0.001); however, there was no significant difference in the top-quality embryo rate. No significant improvement was found in the implantation rates and the clinical pregnancy rate in each subgroup except for the poor embryo development subgroup. In the 114 AOA cycles, 35 healthy infants (21 singletons and 7 twins) were delivered without major congenital birth defects or malformations.

Conclusion

This study showed that AOA with the calcium ionophore ionomycin can improve the reproductive outcomes of patients with previous fertilization failure and poor embryo development after ICSI.
How much does it cost the river near my house? An integrated methodology to identify a value for ecosystemic services (The case of Vjosa Valley in Albania)
Authors: Kokthi Elena , Guri Fatmir , Shehu Eneida , Sovinc Andrej , Gura Kriselda Sulcaj
Published: August 2023

This study aims to identify and evaluate ecosystem services and calculate the total economic value of Vjosa Valley, an endangered riverine ecosystem. An instrumental-deliberative approach is used with experts and Albania’s general public. The results show that experts highly evaluate Vjosa Valley for its cultural ecosystem services, while the general public assigns higher importance to regulation ecosystem services. Two monetary measures have been calculated, WTP and WTA. The results indicate no significant differences between WTP and WTA when using a payment card. Participants will pay, on average, 7% of their monthly incomes to protect Vjosa Valley from Hydropower Construction. This study was developed during the pandemic of COVID-19, and the results may be affected by the context; however, it represents the first economic evaluation of this rare ecosystem in Albania and Europe.
Nonlinear effects of blue-green space variables on urban cold islands in Zhengzhou analyzed with random forest regression
Authors: Quan Shu , Li Maojuan , Li Tianqi , Liu Haodong , Cui Yaohui , Liu Miaohan
Published: August 2023

Urban cold island effects have become increasingly relevant with accelerating climate change. However, the relationship between such effects and their causal variables remains unclear. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between blue-green space variables and land surface temperature (LST) and park cooling intensity (PCI) in central Zhengzhou City using a random forest regression model. Cool urban areas corresponded to the location of blue-green spaces. The average temperatures of these spaces were 2 °C and 1 °C lower than those of the built-up areas and the full study region, respectively. Blue-green spaces also had a maximum temperature that was 8 °C lower than those of the built-up areas and the study region. The three primary variables determining LST were blue space proportion and area and vegetation cover, whereas the three variables determining PCI were blue-green space width, vegetation cover, and patch density. At a width of 140 m, blue-green spaces caused a PCI peak, which further improved at 310 m. The proportion of blue space had a stepwise effect on PCI. A vegetation coverage of 56% represented the lower threshold of LST and the higher threshold of PCI. These results reflect a nonlinear relationship between blue-green variables and urban cold islands. In conclusion, the study provides data that could inform the efficient use of blue-green spaces in urban construction and renewal.
Carbon stock in different ecological types of mangroves in a karstic region (Yucatan, México): an opportunity to avoid site scale emissions
Authors: Cinco-Castro Siuling , Herrera-Silveira Jorge , Montero Muñoz Jorge Luis , Hernández-Nuñez Hector , Teutli Hernández Claudia
Published: August 2023

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems recognized by their capacity to store organic carbon, even more so than tropical and temperate forests. Therefore, they contribute to the local adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Mangroves have different characteristics that origin mangrove ecological types. There are few studies on mangroves in karstic environments, where there is spatial heterogeneity associated with topography-hydroperiod-nutrient interactions. To estimate the total carbon stock in mangroves and determine whether carbon storage differs according to the mangrove ecological type in a natural protected area in the karstic region of the Yucatan Peninsula (northern Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve), a study was conducted following the recommendations of the IPCC Good Practice Supplement for wetlands and standardized methods used in mangroves studies around the world. According to the results, mangroves associated with springs, called “petenes” or hammock mangroves, showed higher total ecosystem carbon stock (683.7 Mg C ha–1) than fringe, basin, and dwarf mangrove ecological types (429, 385, and 214 Mg C ha–1, respectively). Above- and below-ground carbon stock was different between mangrove ecological types. Carbon stock variation was related to environmental hydrology variables (flooding level, interstitial water salinity, and redox potential). According to the δ13C analysis from the surface soil, carbon accumulated in mangrove sediments in a karstic scenario is mainly autochthonous and predominantly originates from mangrove leaves. Carbon stock in mangroves in the northern Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve was 9.7 Tg C, of which 40.7% comes from dwarf mangroves due to their extension. These results could be used as a tool for developing specific management actions at regional or local scales for mangrove restoration and conservation.
Prognostic and tumor microenvironmental feature of clear cell renal cell carcinoma revealed by m6A and lactylation modification-related genes
Authors: Yang Lin , Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Jiahao , Liu Xiaoqiang , Li Sheng , Zheng Fuchun , Dong Qianxi , Xu Songhui , Xiong Jing , Fu Bin
Published: August 2023

Background

Both lactylation and m6A modification have important implications for the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and we aimed to use crosstalk genes of both to reveal the prognostic and immunological features of ccRCC.

Methods

Our first step was to look for lactylation-related genes that differed between normal and tumor tissues, and then by correlation analysis, we found the genes associated with M6A. Following that, ccRCC subtypes will be identified and risk models will be constructed to compare the prognosis and tumor microenvironment among different subgroups. A nomogram was constructed to predict the prognosis of ccRCC, and in vitro, experiments were conducted to validate the expression and function of key genes.

Results

We screened 100 crosstalk genes and identified 2 ccRCC subtypes. A total of 11 prognostic genes were screened for building a risk model. we observed higher immune scores, elevated tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability scores in the high-risk group. Therefore, individuals classified as high-risk would derive greater benefits from immunotherapy. The nomogram’s ability to predict overall survival with a 1-year AUC of 0.863 demonstrates its significant practical utility. In addition, HIBCH was identified as a potential therapeutic target and its expression and function were verified by in vitro experiments.

Conclusion

In addition to developing a precise prognostic nomogram for patients with ccRCC, our study also discovered the potential of HIBCH as a biomarker for the disease.
Quantifying the contribution of temperature, salinity, and climate change to sea level rise in the Pacific Ocean: 2005-2019
Authors: Ran Junlin , Chao Nengfang , Yue Lianzhe , Chen Gang , Wang Zhengtao , Wu Tangting , Li Chengchun
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, Pacific Ocean’s steric sea level anomaly (SSLA) has shown prominent patterns among global sea level variations. With ongoing global warming, the frequency and intensity of climate and sea level changes have increased, particularly in the tropical Pacific region. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the overall trends and mechanisms governing volumetric sea level changes in the Pacific. To accurately quantify the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of density-driven sea level change in the Pacific Ocean (PO) from 2005 to 2019, we decomposed temperature and salinity into linear trends, interannual variations, seasonal variations, and residual terms using the STL (seasonal-trend decomposition based on loess) method. To evaluate the influence of ocean temperature, salinity, and climate change on density-driven sea level change and its underlying mechanisms, we decompose temperature as well as salinity changes through into the Heaving (vertical displacements of isopycnal surfaces) and Spicing (density-compensated temperature and salinity change) modes. The findings reveal an average steric sea level rise rate of 0.34 ± 0.16 mm/yr in the PO from 2005 to 2019. Thermosteric sea-level accounts for 82% of this rise, primarily due to seawater temperature rise at depths of 0-700 m caused by Heaving mode changes. Accelerated SSLA increase via the thermosteric effect has been connected to interactions between greater Ekman downwelling from surface winds, radiation forcing linked to global greenhouse gases, and changes in the Pacific warm currents triggered by El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) episodes. Although salinity is affected by the Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and the Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) in the southern Indian Ocean, however the significance of salinity in sea level change is little compared to the role played by thermocline shift. This study offers a substantial contribution to the field, providing robust data and technical support, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of temperature and salinity on sea level changes during periods of rapid climate change, thus enhancing the accuracy of future predictions regarding sea level rise.
Characterization of two novel chemolithoautotrophic bacteria of Sulfurovum from marine coastal environments and further comparative genomic analyses revealed species differentiation among deep-sea hydrothermal vent and non-vent origins
Authors: Wang Jun , Zheng Qiang , Wang Shasha , Zeng Jialing , Yuan Qing , Zhong Yangsheng , Jiang Lijing , Shao Zongze
Published: August 2023

Bacteria of the genus Sulfurovum within the class Campylobacteria are widespread in global oceans and are predominant in sulfide-rich environments. However, little is known about their adaptation to such harsh environments owing to their resistance to cultivation. In this study, we obtained three pure cultures of this genus from marine coastal environments and compared them with those obtained from the deep sea. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that they represent two novel species of the genus, sharing 95.9%–96.1% sequence similarities to Sulfurovum aggregans Monchim33T. Based on the polyphasic classification results, the type strains XTW-4T and zt1-1T were proposed to represent two new species: Sulfurovum xiamenensis sp. nov. and Sulfurovum zhangzhouensis sp. nov., respectively. These coastal isolates were also obligate chemoautotrophs featuring molecular hydrogen as an electron donor and molecular oxygen, thiosulfate, or elemental sulfur as the sole electron acceptor. Comparative genomic analyses based on 11 Sulfurovum species further revealed a clear differentiation between hydrothermal vent and non-vent origins. The non-vent Sulfurovum can use thiosulfate as an electron acceptor but lacks denitrification pathways, whereas the vent bacteria can respire nitrate through complete denitrification pathways. Moreover, the non-vent Sulfurovum contained a nitrogen fixation pathway, implying their adaptation to nitrogen source-deficit niches. In addition, non-vent Sulfurovum species adapted to a higher oxygen concentration via multiple antioxidative defense mechanisms. These phenotypic and genotypic features help us to understand the ecological role of Sulfurovum bacteria in marine ecosystems.
Interferon-stimulated gene 15 facilitates BTV replication through interacting with the NS1 protein
Authors: Kang Di , Zhang Guorui , Zhang Zhonghui , Tian Zhancheng , Gao Shandian , Liu Guangyuan , Guan Guiquan , Luo Jianxun , Yin Hong , Du Junzheng
Published: August 2023

Bluetongue virus (BTV) infection effectively activates the innate immune response, followed by the expression of interferon (IFN) and multiple interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). ISG15 is one of the most induced ISGs, and often plays a role in inhibiting virus replication. This study aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of ovine ISG15 (oISG15) in BTV infection. We found that the transcription level of oISG15 was upregulated in a time-dependent and BTV multiplicity of infection-dependent manner. The overexpression of exogenous oISG15 enhances BTV replication, whereas the knockdown of endogenous oISG15 inhibits BTV replication. The viral protein in wild-type oISG15-overexpressed cells and ISGylation defective oISG15-overexpressed cells have no significant differences, which indicated that oISG15 promoted BTV replication in an ISGylation-independent manner. A co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that four viral BTV proteins—VP3, VP4, VP5, and NS1—interacted with oISG15. We also found that the VP4 and NS1 proteins associated with ubiquitin via co-immunoprecipitation, and that oISG15 overexpression improved the stability of both proteins. Further results showed that the degradation of NS1 was involved in lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin. This suggested that oISG15 may interfere with NS1 degradation via the autophagy pathway. This study provides new insights on the interaction between BTV and ISG15, and enriches our understanding of the regulation and biological function of ISG15 with virus replication.
Exploratory study of a multifrequency EIT-based method for detecting intracranial abnormalities
Authors: Ma Jieshi , Guo Jie , Li Yang , Wang Zheng , Dong Yunpeng , Ma Jianxing , Zhu Yan , Wu Guan , Yi Liang , Shi Xuetao
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to compare the differences in the features of multifrequency electrical impedance tomography (MFEIT) images of human heads between healthy subjects and patients with brain diseases and to explore the possibility of applying MFEIT to intracranial abnormality detection.

Methods

Sixteen healthy volunteers and 8 patients with brain diseases were recruited as subjects, and the cerebral MFEIT data of 9 frequencies in the range of 21 kHz - 100 kHz of all subjects were acquired with an MFEIT system. MFEIT image sequences were obtained according to certain imaging algorithms, and the area ratio of the ROI (AR_ROI) and the mean value of the reconstructed resistivity change of the ROI (MVRRC_ROI) on both the left and right sides of these images were extracted. The geometric asymmetry index (GAI) and intensity asymmetry index (IAI) were further proposed to characterize the symmetry of MFEIT images based on the extracted indices and to statistically compare and analyze the differences between the two groups of subjects on MFEIT images.

Results

There were no significant differences in either the AR_ROI or the MVRRC_ROI between the two sides of the brains of healthy volunteers (p > 0.05); some of the MFEIT images mainly in the range of 30 kHz – 60 kHz of patients with brain diseases showed stronger resistivity distributions (larger area or stronger signal) that were approximately symmetric with the location of the lesions. However, statistical analysis showed that the AR_ROI and the MVRRC_ROI on the healthy sides of MFEIT images of patients with unilateral brain disease were not significantly different from those on the affected side (p > 0.05). The GAI and IAI were higher in all patients with brain diseases than in healthy volunteers except for 80 kHz (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There were significant differences in the geometric symmetry and the signal intensity symmetry of the reconstructed targets in the MFEIT images between healthy volunteers and patients with brain diseases, and the above findings provide a reference for the rapid detection of intracranial abnormalities using MFEIT images and may provide a basis for further exploration of MFEIT for the detection of brain diseases.
Machine learning accurately predicts food exchange list and the exchangeable portion
Authors: Hernández-Hernández David Jovani , Perez-Lizaur Ana Bertha , Palacios-González Berenice , Morales-Luna Gesuri
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Food Exchange Lists (FELs) are a user-friendly tool developed to help individuals aid healthy eating habits and follow a specific diet plan. Given the rapidly increasing number of new products or access to new foods, one of the biggest challenges for FELs is being outdated. Supervised machine learning algorithms could be a tool that facilitates this process and allows for updated FELs—the present study aimed to generate an algorithm to predict food classification and calculate the equivalent portion.

Methods

Data mining techniques were used to generate the algorithm, which consists of processing and analyzing the information to find patterns, trends, or repetitive rules that explain the behavior of the data in a food database after performing this task. It was decided to approach the problem from a vector formulation (through 9 nutrient dimensions) that led to proposals for classifiers such as Spherical K-Means (SKM), and by developing this idea, it was possible to smooth the limits of the classifier with the help of a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) which were compared with two other algorithms of machine learning, these being Random Forest and XGBoost.

Results

The algorithm proposed in this study could classify and calculate the equivalent portion of a single or a list of foods. The algorithm allows the categorization of more than one thousand foods with a confidence level of 97% at the first three places. Also, the algorithm indicates which foods exceed the limits established in sodium, sugar, and/or fat content and show their equivalents.

Discussion

Accurate and robust FELs could improve implementation and adherence to the recommended diet. Compared with manual categorization and calculation, machine learning approaches have several advantages. Machine learning reduces the time needed for manual food categorization and equivalent portion calculation of many food products. Since it is possible to access food composition databases of various populations, our algorithm could be adapted and applied in other databases, offering an even greater diversity of regional products and foods. In conclusion, machine learning is a promising method for automation in generating FELs. This study provides evidence of a large-scale, accurate real-time processing algorithm that can be useful for designing meal plans tailored to the foods consumed by the population. Our model allowed us not only to distinguish and classify foods within a group or subgroup but also to perform the calculation of an equivalent food. As a neural network, this model could be trained with other food bases and thus improve its predictive capacity. Although the performance of the SKM model was lower compared to other types of classifiers, our model allows selecting an equivalent food not from a group previously classified by machine learning but with a fully interpretable algorithm such as cosine similarity for comparing food.
A combined immunopeptidomics, proteomics, and cell surface proteomics approach to identify immunotherapy targets for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Pandey Kirti , Wang Stacie S. , Mifsud Nicole A. , Faridi Pouya , Davenport Alexander J. , Webb Andrew I. , Sandow Jarrod J. , Ayala Rochelle , Monje Michelle , Cross Ryan S. , Ramarathinam Sri H. , Jenkins Misty R. , Purcell Anthony W.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), recently reclassified as a subtype of diffuse midline glioma, is a highly aggressive brainstem tumor affecting children and young adults, with no cure and a median survival of only 9 months. Conventional treatments are ineffective, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic strategies such as cellular immunotherapy. However, identifying unique and tumor-specific cell surface antigens to target with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T-cell receptor (TCR) therapies is challenging.

Methods

In this study, a multi-omics approach was used to interrogate patient-derived DIPG cell lines and to identify potential targets for immunotherapy.

Results

Through immunopeptidomics, a range of targetable peptide antigens from cancer testis and tumor-associated antigens as well as peptides derived from human endogenous retroviral elements were identified. Proteomics analysis also revealed upregulation of potential drug targets and cell surface proteins such as Cluster of differentiation 27 (CD276) B7 homolog 3 protein (B7H3), Interleukin 13 alpha receptor 2 (IL-13Rα2), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER2), Ephrin Type-A Receptor 2 (EphA2), and Ephrin Type-A Receptor 3 (EphA3).

Discussion

The results of this study provide a valuable resource for the scientific community to accelerate immunotherapeutic approaches for DIPG. Identifying potential targets for CAR and TCR therapies could open up new avenues for treating this devastating disease.
Diabetes and two kinds of primary tumors in a patient with thalassemia: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Peng Yi , Nie Tingting , Sun Wenjia , Zhou Yajuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Thalassemia is a group of common genetic hematologic disorders characterized by deficient synthesis of the hemoglobin chain. Due to effective blood transfusion and optimization of chelate therapy, the survival of thalassemia patients and their overall quality of life have improved noticeably in the past few decades. As a consequence, the longer life expectancy has led to the manifestation of several concomitant morbidities, including heart disease, infections, cirrhosis, endocrine abnormalities, various malignancies, and so on. In this context, the probability and updated literature about some malignancy cases in patients with thalassemia build new scenarios for the next few years. We describe the first report of a thalassemic patient developing diabetes and head and neck cancer and try to summarize the possible predisposing factors and mechanisms behind their phenomenon.

Case presentation

The current case report describes a 50-year-old Asian man who has been diagnosed with thalassemia since childhood. In early 2017, he was also diagnosed with diabetes and started on insulin-hypoglycemic treatment. The patient was then diagnosed with primary non-keratinizing undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharynx in late February 2013. A biopsy of the left tongue revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in late March 2019.

Conclusions

We report the first case of a thalassemic patient developing diabetes and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and discuss the possibility of a link between the three diseases. This specific case should alert physicians to the possibility of endocrinopathy and malignancy in thalassemic patients.
Case Report: Response to ALK-TKIs in a metastatic lung cancer patient with morphological heterogeneity and consistent molecular features
Authors: Yang Yu , Liu Han , Liu Tao-hua , Zheng Xi-run , Wu Bin , Zhou Dong-jing , Zheng Guang-juan , Chai Xiao-shu
Published: August 2023

Lung adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) is a rare heterogeneous tumor containing two distinct components of adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). The limited biopsy sampling of the primary tumor might have overlooked either the ADC component or the SQCC component, resulting in a misdiagnosis of pure histology. Genotyping for driver mutations is now routinely performed in clinical settings to identify actionable oncogenic mutations and gene arrangements. Additionally, somatic mutations can potentially serve as a marker of clonal relationships. We report a rare case of ASC lung cancer, in which metastases were identified as ADC, while the primary was initially diagnosed as SQCC based on a fibrobronchoscope brush biopsy. The primary and metastatic tumors shared ALK rearrangement and other mutations support they were derived from a single clone origin. Our hypothesis is that the primary tumor contained a minor component of ADC that was not present in the histologic sections of lung biopsy. After sequential ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeted therapy, both the patient’s primary lung tumor and the site of metastatic subcutaneous nodules decreased in size, with the metastatic sites demonstrating more noticeable shrinkage. However, after 11 months of targeted therapy, the patient was found to be resistant to ALK-TKIs. Subsequently, the patient’s respiratory status deteriorated rapidly, and a cycle of immunotherapy and chemotherapy did not show efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is a very rare case of lung ASC, disseminated metastasizing, with distinct morphology between the primary and metastases. Different therapeutic effects of ALK-TKIs were observed in two different morphological sites, with the metastatic cutaneous lesions shrinking more significantly than the primary lung lesions, though they both harbor the same EML4-ALK rearrangement. This case may provide diagnostic and therapeutic insights into lung ASC.