bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High levels of Bifidobacteriaceae are associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zuo ShuJia , Wang HaiJing , Zhao Qiang , Tang Jie , Wang Min , Zhang Yu , Sang Ming , Tian Jing , Wang Puqing
Published: January 2023

Background

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complex and there are no biomarkers for early identification. Many studies have reported altered gut microbiota in patients with PD compared with healthy individuals. However, results from previous studies vary across countries.

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify gut microbiota biomarkers that could be used as a marker for the diagnosis of PD.

Methods

Firstly, the differential gut microbiota was obtained by meta-analysis, and then the results of meta-analysis were validated through metagenomic cohort. Finally, the ROC curve was drawn based on the metagenomic validation results.

Results

The meta-analysis showed a lower relative abundance of Prevotellaceae (p < 0.00001) and Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.002), and a higher of Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.00001), Christensenellaceae (p = 0.03), Bifidobacteriaceae (p < 0.00001), and Verrucomicrobiaceae (p = 0.23) in patients with PD. Only Bifidobacteriaceae was also at high levels in the validation cohort of the metagenome. Meanwhile, three species from the Bifidobacteriaceae, including Scardovia_inopinata (p = 0.022), Bifidobacterium_dentium (p = 0.005), and Scardovia_wiggsiae (p = 0.024) were also high. The ROC curve showed that the three species (71.2%) from Bifidobacteriaceae had good predictive efficiency for PD.

Conclusion

Elevated Bifidobacteriaceae may be associated with PD. Elevated three species from the Bifidobacteriaceae, including Scardovia_inopinata, Bifidobacterium_dentium and Scardovia_wiggsiae may provide new potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of PD.
A review of the oxygen vacancy ordering in surrogate structures simulating Pu-based nuclear ceramics
Authors: Charlton Henry , Baldinozzi Gianguido , Patel Maulik
Published: January 2023

Advanced nuclear power systems and nuclear fuel cycles will require nuclear fuels capable of higher burnup and with higher transuranic concentrations than those previously developed for current nuclear power plants. Expensive qualification tests are required to validate the thermal and mechanical performance of fuels in normal and accident-scenario operations. Research of surrogate systems with specific properties and characteristics of advanced nuclear fuels can be an effective way to frame the problem, reduce costs, and support the technical development of future research. From this perspective, lanthanide counterparts like mixed oxides of Ce and Nd can provide replica systems for many technological properties of the actual fuels. These ceramic systems can lead to a better understanding of the fundamental irradiation processes responsible for the evolution of their microstructures, the interplay with charge and defect localisation, and the evolution of their mechanical properties. In non-stoichiometric MO2−x binary systems (M = Ce, Pr, and Tb), there is evidence of systematic ordering of vacancies resulting in a deviation from the ideal fluorite structure and the formation of several intermediate fluorite-related phases. Substitution of the 4+ cations with 3+ cations in these systems drives the formation of oxygen vacancies as a charge compensation mechanism. By analogy with MO2−x systems, a variety of similar intermediate phases would also be expected to form in the MO2:Ln2O3 (Ln = La, Nd, Gd … etc). However, in order to achieve chemical homogeneity and charge ordering, prolonged annealing just above the charge ordering transition temperature is required, covering a time-scale determined by the chemical diffusion coefficient. Achieving these conditions with powder metallurgy techniques, commonly employed in literature, is practically impossible. This paper reviews the transport properties and structural features found in these surrogate systems which may be helpful in addressing challenges facing advanced nuclear fuels. We present results of a recent diffraction experiment investigating the structure of neodymium doped ceria synthesised using soft chemical methods. The sample shows a deviation from previous literature as the diffraction data is best described by a monoclinic Ln6O11-type structure (SG P21/c), often referred to as “β phase” in PrO2−x.
Technetium (Tc)/Rhenium (Re) solubility and leaching behavior from waste forms: An overview
Authors: Singh Bhupendra Kumar , Kim Jueun , Pak Donghun , Kim Kyungwon , Um Wooyong
Published: January 2023

Technetium-99 (99Tc), a radionuclide generated from nuclear industry is a great environmental concern because of its long half-life (2.13 × 105 years) and high mobility in environment. Therefore, apposite management of 99Tc is imperative to control its hazardous radiological impact on humans and other livings. So far, the major strategy implementation has been the solidification and immobilization of 99Tc radioactive waste in various matrices as waste forms and disposal in deep geological repository. However, by passing the time, 99Tc may leach out/solubilize from the waste forms under different geochemical/environmental conditions. In this minireview, we discuss some key contributions towards the solubility of 99Tc and rhenium (Re; a well-known surrogate of 99Tc) from different waste forms. Specifically, we review the solubility of 99Tc from glass, cement, ceramic, and geopolymer waste forms. The final section (conclusion) presents a short summary and future challenges need be addressed to impede the solubility of 99Tc from the designed waste forms. We believe this minireview will be beneficial to provide a significant insight on the solubility of 99Tc from aforementioned waste forms and in the design of robust matrices to minimize/prevent 99Tc migration in various environments.
Healthy Eating Index-2015 in relation to risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among US population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Xinyue , Huang Jiale , Wang Siyi , Yao Qing , Li Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a serious chronic disease in the US. Dietary patterns provide good guidance for the prevention of chronic diseases. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) is a dietary pattern based on the dietary characteristics of the US.

Objective

Since the relation between HEI-2015 and MAFLD is unclear, this study examined their associations using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHAENS) during 2017–2018.

Methods

This study included data from 4,062 participants aged ≥20 years, without viral hepatitis or pregnancy. MAFLD is defined as hepatic steatosis with one or more of the following: (1) overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2); (2) type 2 diabetes; or (3) two or more other metabolic risk abnormalities. HEI-2015 scores were calculated from food intake information collected by the 24-h meal review method. The relationship of HEI-2015 with MAFLD was calculated using survey-weighted logistic regression analysis after adjusting for sex, age, race, education level, smoking status, alcohol use, levels of C-reactive protein, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase, a body shape index, minutes of sedentary activity, levels of cholesterol and glucose, energy take, drugs use, hypertension, and diabetes.

Results

When compared to the study population with no MAFLD, the patients with MAFLD showed a lower weighted mean HEI (48.0 ± 0.6). HEI-2015 was inversely associated with MAFLD in the fully adjusted model [Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 0.567 (0.407–0.790), P = −0.002]. Among the 13 HEI-2015 components, total vegetables, greens and beans, total fruits, whole fruits, and whole grains were negatively associated with MAFLD, while added sugars were positively associated with MAFLD. This inverse association was consistent in subgroups of the participants stratified by sex, age, education level, race, body shape index, minutes of sedentary activity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Conclusion

A higher HEI-2015 is associated with a lowered risk of MAFLD which is more obvious among participations who were women, young, Mexican Americans, with higher education, and with no hypertension or diabetes.
The association between dietary fiber intake and severe headaches or migraine in US adults
Authors: Huang Hao , He Kaiyin
Published: January 2023

Background

The data on the effect of dietary fiber on severe headaches or migraine are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between dietary fiber intake and the prevalence of severe headaches or migraine.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 12,710 participants, all data collected from NHANES 1999–2004. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between dietary fiber intake (as an independent variable) and severe headaches or migraine (as outcome variable). We also performed sensitivity analyses, including multiple sensitivity analyses.

Results

The overall incidence of severe headache or migraine in the study was 2527/12,710 (19.9%). After adjusting for correlation covariates, we found a significant inverse association between dietary fiber intake and severe headache or migraine, with lowest prevalence in the fifth quintile (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61–0.90). Our study also revealed that for every 10 g/day increase in dietary fiber intake, the prevalence of severe headache or migraine decreased by 11%. However, no such inverse association was found among Mexican Americans, other races, or those with a body mass index (BMI) of 25–30. E-value analysis suggested robustness to unmeasured confounding.

Conclusion

Increasing the intake of fiber-rich foods might protect from severe headache or migraine. More prospective studies should be conducted to confirm their association before dietary recommendations.
Consumption of a high-fat diet alters transcriptional rhythmicity in liver from pubertal mice
Authors: Yan Lin , Sundaram Sneha , Rust Bret M. , Palmer Daniel G. , Johnson LuAnn K. , Zeng Huawei
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Childhood obesity is associated with adult obesity, which is a risk factor for chronic diseases. Obesity, as an environmental cue, alters circadian rhythms. The hypothesis of this study was that consumption of a high-fat diet alters metabolic rhythms in pubertal mice.

Methods

Weanling female C57BL/6NHsd mice were fed a standard AIN93G diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks. Livers were collected from six-week-old mice every 4 h over a period of 48 h for transcriptome analysis.

Results and discussion

The HFD altered rhythmicity of differentially rhythmic transcripts in liver. Specifically, the HFD elevated expression of circadian genes Clock, Per1, and Cry1 and genes encoding lipid metabolism Fads1 and Fads2, while decreased expression of circadian genes Bmal1 and Per2 and lipid metabolism genes Acaca, Fasn, and Scd1. Hierarchical clustering analysis of differential expression genes showed that the HFD-mediated metabolic disturbance was most active in the dark phase, ranging from Zeitgeber time 16 to 20. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that the HFD up-regulated signaling pathways related to fatty acid and lipid metabolism, steroid and steroid hormone biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, glutathione metabolism, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism in the dark phase. Down-regulations included MAPK pathway, lipolysis in adipocytes, Ras and Rap1 pathways, and pathways related to focal adhesion, cell adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction. In summary, the HFD altered metabolic rhythms in pubertal mice with the greatest alterations in the dark phase. These alterations may disrupt metabolic homeostasis in puberty and lead to metabolic disorders.
Mechanisms of the Ping-wei-san plus herbal decoction against Parkinson’s disease: Multiomics analyses
Authors: Li Ding , You Hong-juan , Hu Guo-jie , Yao Ru-yong , Xie An-mu , Li Xiao-yuan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder involving loss of dopaminergic neurons. Multiple studies implicate the microbiota-gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s disease pathophysiology. Ping-wei-san plus Herbal Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine composition with beneficial effects in Parkinson’s disease, may have a complex array of actions. Here we sought to determine whether gut microbiota and metabolic pathways are involved in Ping-wei-san plus herbal therapy for Parkinson’s disease and to identify functional pathways to guide research.

Methods and results

The model of Parkinson’s disease were induced with the rotenone. The Ping-wei-san plus group received the PWP herbal decoction for 90 days, after which all groups were analyzed experimentally. PWP herbal treatment improved motor behavior and emotional performance, balanced gut microbiota, and benefited dietary metabolism. Tandem Mass Tags mass spectrometry identified many differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the substantia nigra and duodenum in the PWP group, and these DEPs were enriched in pathways such as those involving cAMP signaling, glutamatergic synapses, dopaminergic synapses, and ribosome-rich functions in the gut. The PWP group showed increases in recombinant tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing proteins 6 in the substantia nigra and decreased parkin, gasdermin D, recombinant tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 3, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine rich repeat and pyrin domain containing proteins 6 in the duodenum.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study combined gut microbiota, metabolomics, and proteomics to evaluate the mechanism of action of Ping-wei-san plus on Parkinson’s disease and revealed that PWP herbal treatment modulated gut microbiota, altered metabolite biological pathways, and affected functional pathway protein expression in Parkinson’s disease mice, resulting in therapeutic effects.
Impact of the malnutrition on mortality in Rheumatoid arthritis patients: A cohort study from NHANES 1999–2014
Authors: Tian Pan , Xiong Jialing , Wu Wanxia , Shi Shanshan , Chen Aizhen , Chen Kaihong , Chen Weihua , Wu Aiyu , Liao Ying
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prone to malnutrition. However, it is rare studies assessing the relationship between malnutrition and all-cause mortality in patients with RA.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between malnutrition and all-cause mortality in patients with RA in a large national sample cohort.

Methods

We analyzed data on 1,976 adults ≥ 18 years of age during National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2014. We chose the Controlled Nutritional Status Score (CONUT) and the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) to assess the nutritional status of patients with RA. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the associations between malnutrition and all-cause mortality.

Results

Of the 1,976 patients with RA (57.38 ± 0.40 years, female 59.9%, non-Hispanic white 69.9%), the prevalence of malnutrition was 18.8% by used the CONUT and 26.6% by used the NRI. The KM survival curves showed that malnutrition was associated with a higher incidence of all-cause mortality during the 10-year follow-up period (log-rank test, P < 0.001). In the fully corrected model, the adjusting hazard ratio (aHR) for all-cause mortality in patients with moderate to severe malnutrition with CONUT and NRI were 5.63 (95% CI, 2.55–12.45; P < 0.001) and 2.56 (95% CI, 1.81–3.62; P < 0.001), respectively, compared with patients without malnutrition.

Conclusion

Malnutrition is very prevalent in patients with RA, approximately 18.8% (CONUT) to 26.6% (NRI). Malnutrition is strongly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. These findings underscore the importance of attention and intervention in the nutritional status of patients with RA. Further clinical trials are needed to prospectively assess the effect of nutritional interventions on the prognosis of patients with RA.
Development and validation of A CT-based radiomics nomogram for prediction of synchronous distant metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Xinxin , Gao Lin , Zhang Shuai , Sun Cong , Zhang Juntao , Kang Bing , Wang Ximing
Published: January 2023

Background

Early identification of synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in patients with clear cell Renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) can certify the reasonable diagnostic examinations.

Methods

This retrospective study recruited 463 ccRCC patients who were divided into two cohorts (training and internal validation) at a 7:3 ratio. Besides, 115 patients from other hospital were assigned external validation cohort. A radiomics signature was developed based on features by means of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. Demographics, laboratory variables and CT findings were combined to develop clinical factors model. Integrating radiomics signature and clinical factors model, a radiomics nomogram was developed.

Results

Ten features were used to build radiomics signature, which yielded an area under the curve (AUC) 0.882 in the external validation cohort. By incorporating the clinical independent predictors, the clinical model was developed with AUC of 0.920 in the external validation cohort. Radiomics nomogram (external validation, 0.925) had better performance than clinical factors model or radiomics signature. Decision curve analysis demonstrated the superiority of the radiomics nomogram in terms of clinical usefulness.

Conclusions

The CT-based nomogram could help in predicting SDM status in patients with ccRCC, which might provide assistance for clinicians in making diagnostic examinations.
Separate and combined effects of advanced age and obesity on mammary adipose inflammation, immunosuppression and tumor progression in mouse models of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Smith Laura A. , Craven Dalton M. , Rainey Magdalena A. , Cozzo Alyssa J. , Carson Meredith S. , Glenny Elaine M. , Sheth Nishita , McDonell Shannon B. , Rezeli Erika T. , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Bowers Laura W. , Coleman Michael F. , Hursting Stephen D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Advanced age and obesity are independent risk and progression factors for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which presents significant public health concerns for the aging population and its increasing burden of obesity. Due to parallels between advanced age- and obesityrelated biology, particularly adipose inflammation, we hypothesized that advanced age and obesity each accelerate mammary tumor growth through convergent, and likely interactive, mechanisms.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we orthotopically transplanted murine syngeneic TNBC cells into the mammary glands of young normoweight control (7 months), young diet-induced obese (DIO), aged normoweight control (17 months), and aged DIO female C57BL/6J mice.

Results

Here we report accelerated tumor growth in aged control and young DIO mice, compared with young controls. Transcriptional analyses revealed, with a few exceptions, overlapping patterns of mammary tumor inflammation and tumor immunosuppression in aged control mice and young DIO mice, relative to young controls. Moreover, aged control and young DIO tumors, compared with young controls, had reduced abundance ofcytotoxic CD8 T cells. Finally, DIO in advanced age exacerbated mammary tumor growth, inflammation and tumor immunosuppression.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate commonalities in the mechanisms driving TNBC in aged and obese mice, relative to young normoweight controls. Moreover, we found that advanced age and DIO interact to accelerate mammary tumor progression. Given the US population is getting older and more obese, age- and obesity-related biological differences will need to be considered when developing mechanism-based strategies for preventing or controlling breast cancer.
Effects of wound infection on prognosis after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Wang , Wei Zheng-qiang , Qiu Yu-hao , Tang Gang , Sun Hao
Published: January 2023

Background

In two facilities in Chongqing, this research sought to retrospectively evaluate the effects of perineal wound infection on survival after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (LAPR) of rectal cancer.

Methods

To obtain clinical information on patients who underwent LAPR between January 2013 and December 2021, we performed a multicenter cohort study. A total of 473 patients were enrolled: 314 in the non-infection group and 159 in the group with perineal infection. The general data, perioperative conditions, and tumor outcomes between groups were analyzed. The infection rates, recurrence rates, and survival rates of the two centers were compared.

Results

The age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), preoperative complications, preoperative treatment, and intraoperative conditions of patients in the LAPR infection group were not statistically different from those in the non-infection group. The percentage of men, typical postoperative hospital stay, length of initial postoperative therapy, and recurrence and metastasis rates were all considerably higher in the infection group than those in the non-infection group. Wound infection was an independent factor affecting tumor recurrence and metastasis after LAPR as well as an independent factor shortening patient survival time according to multivariate analysis. The incidence of wound infection, the rate of recurrence, and the rate of mortality did not vary significantly across sites.

Conclusion

Wound infection after LAPR increases the mean postoperative hospital stay, prolongs the time to first postoperative treatment, and decreases the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Therefore, decreasing the rate of LAPR wound infection is expected to shorten the postoperative hospital stay and prolong the patient DFS and OS. Patients with postoperative infection may require intensive adjuvant therapy.
A predictive model for personalization of nanotechnology-based phototherapy in cancer treatment
Authors: Varon Eli , Blumrosen Gaddi , Shefi Orit
Published: January 2023

A major challenge in radiation oncology is the prediction and optimization of clinical responses in a personalized manner. Recently, nanotechnology-based cancer treatments are being combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Predictive models based on machine learning techniques can be used to optimize the clinical setup configuration, including such parameters as laser radiation intensity, treatment duration, and nanoparticle features. In this article we demonstrate a methodology that can be used to identify the optimal treatment parameters for PDT and PTT by collecting data from in vitro cytotoxicity assay of PDT/PTT-induced cell death using a single nanocomplex. We construct three machine learning prediction models, employing regression, interpolation, and low- degree analytical function fitting, to predict the laser radiation intensity and duration settings that maximize the treatment efficiency. To examine the accuracy of these prediction models, we construct a dedicated dataset for PDT, PTT, and a combined treatment; this dataset is based on cell death measurements after light radiation treatment and is divided into training and test sets. The preliminary results show that the performance of all three models is sufficient, with death rate errors of 0.09, 0.15, and 0.12 for the regression, interpolation, and analytical function fitting approaches, respectively. Nevertheless, due to its simple form, the analytical function method has an advantage in clinical application and can be used for further analysis of the sensitivity of performance to the treatment parameters. Overall, the results of this study form a baseline for a future personalized prediction model based on machine learning in the domain of combined nanotechnology- and phototherapy-based cancer treatment.
MRI radiomic features of peritumoral edema may predict the recurrence sites of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Long Hao , Zhang Ping , Bi Yuewei , Yang Chen , Wu Manfeng , He Dian , Huang Shaozhuo , Yang Kaijun , Qi Songtao , Wang Jun
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

As one of the most aggressive malignant tumor in the central nervous system, the main cause of poor outcome of glioblastoma (GBM) is recurrence, a non-invasive method which can predict the area of recurrence pre-operation is necessary.To investigate whether there is radiological heterogeneity within peritumoral edema and identify the reproducible radiomic features predictive of the sites of recurrence of glioblastoma(GBM), which may be of value to optimize patients’ management.

Materials and methods

The clinical information and MR images (contrast-enhanced T1 weighted and FLAIR sequences) of 22 patients who have been histologically proven glioblastoma, were retrospectively evaluated. Kaplan-Meier methods was used for survival analysis. Oedematous regions were manually segmented by an expert into recurrence region, non-recurrence region. A set of 94 radiomic features were obtained from each region using the function of analyzing MR image of 3D slicer. Paired t test was performed to identify the features existing significant difference. Subsequently, the data of two patients from TCGA database was used to evaluate whether these features have clinical value.

Results

Ten features with significant differences between the recurrence and non-recurrence subregions were identified and verified on two individual patients from the TCGA database with pathologically confirmed diagnosis of GBM.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that heterogeneity does exist in peritumoral edema, indicating that the radiomic features of peritumoral edema from routine MR images can be utilized to predict the sites of GBM recurrence. Our findings may further guide the surgical treatment strategy for GBM.
Case Report: Pituitary metastasis as a presenting manifestation of silent gastric cardia adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ghezzi Andrea , Rossi Jessica , Cavallieri Francesco , Napoli Manuela , Pascarella Rosario , Rizzi Romana , Russo Marco , Salomone Gaetano , Romano Antonio , Iaccarino Corrado , Froio Elisabetta , Serra Silvia , Cozzi Salvatore , Giaccherini Lucia , Valzania Franco , Pisanello Anna
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Pituitary metastases are very rare in cancer patients and often originate from lung or breast tumors. They usually occur in patients with known metastatic disease, but rarely may be the first presentation of the primary tumor.

Methods

We present the case of a 58 years-old-man who reported a three-month history of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, generalized asthenia, panhypopituitarism and bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain-MRI showed a voluminous pituitary mass causing posterior sellar enlargement and compression of the surrounding structures including pituitary stalk, optic chiasm, and optic nerves.

Results

The patient underwent neurosurgical removal of the mass. Histological examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of uncertain origin. A total body CT scan showed a mass in the left kidney that was subsequently removed. Histological features were consistent with a clear cell carcinoma. However, endoscopic examination of the digestive tract revealed an ulcerating and infiltrating adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia. Total body PET/CT scan with 18F-FDG confirmed an isolated area of accumulation in the gastric cardia, with no hyperaccumulation at other sites.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of pituitary metastases from gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Our patient presented with symptoms of sellar involvement and without evidence of other body metastases. Therefore, sudden onset of diabetes insipidus and visual deterioration should lead to the suspicion of a rapidly growing pituitary mass, which may be the presenting manifestation of a primary extracranial adenocarcinoma. Histological investigation of the pituitary mass can guide the diagnostic workup, which must however be complete.
DEF6 has potential to be a biomarker for cancer prognosis: A pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Yuan Ziming , Zhong Yuchen , Hu Hanqing , Zhang Weiyuan , Wang Guiyu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

DEF6 is a gene associated with the immune system and is thought to play a crucial role in autoimmunity. There are few DEF6-related studies in cancer, and it is assumed that DEF6 is a proto-oncogene. There is currently no pan-cancer analysis of DEF6, and we performed a systematic and comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of DEF6 in an attempt to reveal its role and function in cancer.

Methods

The data were analyzed by mining databases available to the public and by using R software. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to validate the results.

Results

Our results revealed that DEF6 is commonly aberrantly expressed in cancer and its expression is strongly correlated with survival prognosis in a variety of cancer types. Through correlation analysis we found that DEF6 was associated with multiple immune genes and was closely related to immune infiltration. In the enrichment analysis, DEF6 may have cross-talk with multiple cancer pathways and exert oncogenic or pro-cancer functions. In addition, we collected pathological samples from colorectal cancer patients for immunohistochemical analysis and found that patients with higher immunohistochemical scores had more lymph node metastases, higher CA199, and bigger tumor size.

Discussion

Overall, DEF6 expression is closely related to cancers and has the potential to act as a cancer biomarker.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided ultrasound ablation for prostate cancer – A contemporary review of performance
Authors: Alabousi Mostafa , Ghai Sangeet
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men, but patient outcomes are varied depending on extent of disease. Radical, whole-gland therapies, such as prostatectomy or radiotherapy, are definitive treatments for PCa, but they are associated with significant morbidity, including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Focal therapies for PCa, whereby the part of gland harboring disease is selectively treated, spares the normal surrounding structures, and minimizes the morbidity associated with whole gland treatment. The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance provides advantages over ultrasound guidance, such as better localization and targeting of clinically significant PCa (csPCa), as well as MRI thermometry which optimizes tissue ablation temperatures. This review will discuss two MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) techniques – transrectal MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and TULSA (transurethral ultrasound ablation) ablation for localized PCa. Overall, recent major trials for MRgFUS and TULSA have shown promising oncological and functional results in the treatment of low- to intermediate-risk PCa. Recent Phase II MRgFUS trials have shown better oncologic outcomes than the published results for focal ultrasound guided HIFU and may justify the additional costs associated with MRI guidance. While initial studies on TULSA have focused on subtotal gland ablation, recent trials assessing oncological outcomes for focal treatment of angular sectors have shown promise.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: A bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis
Authors: Li Mei , Zhang Kai , He Ji’an , Zhang Weihao , Lv Tianye , Wang Li , Xing Wenge , Yu Haipeng
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has gained popularity in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although several studies have been published, no bibliometric analysis have been conducted on this topic.

Objectives

To understand the development status and future trends in the application of HAIC, we conducted bibliometric analysis to examine the cooperation and influence among countries, institutions, authors, and journals.

Methods

All relevant articles and reviews on the use of HAIC in HCC treatment were retrieved from the Web of Science database. A bibliometric analysis of countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords related to this field was performed using R and VOSviewer software. The main aspects analyzed were the research status and key fields of HAIC in HCC treatment.

Results

A total of 1026 articles published in 292 journals by 4937 authors from 959 institutions between 1974 and 2021 were retrieved. A rapid increase in articles published after 1990 was observed, which reached the peak in 2021. Japan had the most publications and citations. Yonsei University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Hiroshima University were the three leading institutions in research on this topic. Kwang-Hyub Han and Masatoshi Kudo have the greatest academic influence in this field. Most publications were made in the Hepato-Gastroenterology, whereas cancer had the most citations. The main aspects of HAIC treatment of HCC include HAIC and TACE, chemotherapy drug selection, HAIC and targeted therapy and immunotherapy, HAIC and surgery, and hepatotoxicity. Keywords such as FOLFOX, lenvatinib, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy are hot words in this field in recent years.

Conclusion

The research on the use of HAIC in the treatment of HCC has been on the rise. Currently, HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy has attracted significant attention.
Pseudoprogression after advanced first-line endocrine therapy in metastatic breast cancer with bone metastasis: A case report
Authors: Tian Aijuan , Lv Huiyun , Liu Wei , Zhao Jinbo , Zhao Shanshan , Wang Kainan , Song Chen
Published: January 2023

Approximately 75% of patients with advanced breast cancer develop bone metastasis, which significantly affects both the quality of life and the survival rate of patients. Accurate determination of the status of bone metastases is important for developing treatment strategies and the prognosis of the disease. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old patient with advanced metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and multiple bone metastases, in which advanced first-line endocrine therapy and second-line chemotherapy were both considered unsuccessful according to the efficacy evaluation by conventional imaging. Considering the possibility of bone pseudoprogression, the original endocrine scheme was reapplied, and bone metastases achieved a great response of non-complete response (CR)/non-progressive disease (PD). This case showed that, in the course of therapy for the disease, if bone scintigraphy (BS) shows increased lesion density or new lesions, this probably indicates a favorable response (osteoblastic repair of osteolytic lesions) to therapy, and not the worsening of metastatic lesions, called bone pseudoprogression. This paper will provide new insights into strategies for the treatment of bone metastasis and shows the significance of distinguishing osteoblastic bone repair from real bone lesion progression in clinical settings.
Study of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation combined with portal vein embolization for rapid future liver remnant increase of planned hepatectomy
Authors: Hu Qiaohong , Zeng Zeng , Zhang Yuanbiao , Fan Xiaoming
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (PMA) combined with portal vein embolization (PVE) for planned hepatectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 18 patients with multiple right liver tumors or hilar tumor of liver invades the surrounding tissue and insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) for hepatectomy from July 2015 to March 2017. Ultrasound-guided PMA was performed by using PMCT cold circulation microwave treatment apparatus. PVE was performed after PMA. The increase of FLR was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) 6-22 days after PVE. The proportion of FLR, increase in the amplitude of FLR, procedure-related complications, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and overall survival (OS) rates, the median survival time were analyzed.

Results

The median volume of FLR before PMA and PVE was 369.7 ml (range: 239.4-493.1 ml). After a median waiting period of 11.5 days (range: 6-22 days), the median volume of FLR was increased to 523.4 ml (range: 355.4-833.3 ml). The changes in FLR before and after PMA and PVE were statistically significant (p<0.001). No serious perioperative complications or mortality were found. After a median follow-up time of 51.0 months (range: 2-54 months), the 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year survival rates were 88.9%, 72.2%, 44.4%, 33.3%, 22.2%, respectively, and the median survival time was 15.0 ± 7.1 months.

Conclusion

PMA combined with PVE increases FLR rapidly, avoids touching malignant tumors, and produces fewer procedure-related complications. It appears safe and efficacious for planned hepatectomy.
Mechanisms of cancer pain
Authors: Haroun Rayan , Wood John N , Sikandar Shafaq
Published: January 2023

Personalised and targeted interventions have revolutionised cancer treatment and dramatically improved survival rates in recent decades. Nonetheless, effective pain management remains a problem for patients diagnosed with cancer, who continue to suffer from the painful side effects of cancer itself, as well as treatments for the disease. This problem of cancer pain will continue to grow with an ageing population and the rapid advent of more effective therapeutics to treat the disease. Current pain management guidelines from the World Health Organisation are generalised for different pain severities, but fail to address the heterogeneity of mechanisms in patients with varying cancer types, stages of disease and treatment plans. Pain is the most common complaint leading to emergency unit visits by patients with cancer and over one-third of patients that have been diagnosed with cancer will experience under-treated pain. This review summarises preclinical models of cancer pain states, with a particular focus on cancer-induced bone pain and chemotherapy-associated pain. We provide an overview of how preclinical models can recapitulate aspects of pain and sensory dysfunction that is observed in patients with persistent cancer-induced bone pain or neuropathic pain following chemotherapy. Peripheral and central nervous system mechanisms of cancer pain are discussed, along with key cellular and molecular mediators that have been highlighted in animal models of cancer pain. These include interactions between neuronal cells, cancer cells and non-neuronal cells in the tumour microenvironment. Therapeutic targets beyond opioid-based management are reviewed for the treatment of cancer pain.
Homeless in the hospital: A call to strengthen multidisciplinary care for children awaiting out-of-home and psychiatric placements
Authors: Jawed Aysha , Boro-Hernandez Rachel , Pickett Diane
Published: January 2023

Increasingly more school-age and adolescent children continue to await psychiatric or out-of-home placements across pediatric healthcare systems. These children comprise the growing overstay pediatric population. The medical, developmental, socioemotional, behavioral and academic needs of these patients are complex and diverse. The uncertainty of waiting times for placement further continues. This growing pediatric issue emphasizes the importance of mobilizing a myriad of resources across healthcare and community contexts to support these patients during this precarious time. The reality is that there is a significant scarcity of placement resources which contributes to extended waiting times for placement. This contemporary issue brings child development, ethical and moral considerations, and healthcare operations to the forefront. We discuss a myriad of dimensions surrounding this growing issue from our clinical practice. We present a wealth of recommendations in working through each of these dimensions through a multi-systems approach that include development of individualized care plan, access to consistent psychiatric services, and implementing short-term and long-term goals pertaining to treatment and placement. We also review our clinical practices that have supported these patients on a continuum at our healthcare institution which integrate our recommendations and also involve an open line of communication with established community partners involved in the care of these children. Furthermore, we propose suggestions from an operational perspective on developing a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care model for this fragile and oftentimes neglected patient population across the healthcare system as the basis to achieve equity and translational impact in the quality and delivery of healthcare care services across pediatric healthcare systems.
Premedication before laryngoscopy in neonates: Evidence-based statement from the French society of neonatology (SFN)
Authors: Durrmeyer Xavier , Walter-Nicolet Elizabeth , Chollat Clément , Chabernaud Jean-Louis , Barois Juliette , Chary Tardy Anne-Cécile , Berenguer Daniel , Bedu Antoine , Zayat Noura , Roué Jean-Michel , Beissel Anne , Bellanger Claire , Desenfants Aurélie , Boukhris Riadh , Loose Anne , Massudom Tagny Clarisse , Chevallier Marie , Milesi Christophe , Tauzin Manon
Published: January 2023

Context

Laryngoscopy is frequently required in neonatal intensive care. Awake laryngoscopy has deleterious effects but practice remains heterogeneous regarding premedication use. The goal of this statement was to provide evidence-based good practice guidance for clinicians regarding premedication before tracheal intubation, less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) and laryngeal mask insertion in neonates.

Methods

A group of experts brought together by the French Society of Neonatology (SFN) addressed 4 fields related to premedication before upper airway access in neonates: (1) tracheal intubation; (2) less invasive surfactant administration; (3) laryngeal mask insertion; (4) use of atropine for the 3 previous procedures. Evidence was gathered and assessed on predefined questions related to these fields. Consensual statements were issued using the GRADE methodology.

Results

Among the 15 formalized good practice statements, 2 were strong recommendations to do (Grade 1+) or not to do (Grade 1−), and 4 were discretionary recommendations to do (Grade 2+). For 9 good practice statements, the GRADE method could not be applied, resulting in an expert opinion. For tracheal intubation premedication was considered mandatory except for life-threatening situations (Grade 1+). Recommended premedications were a combination of opioid + muscle blocker (Grade 2+) or propofol in the absence of hemodynamic compromise or hypotension (Grade 2+) while the use of a sole opioid was discouraged (Grade 1−). Statements regarding other molecules before tracheal intubation were expert opinions. For LISA premedication was recommended (Grade 2+) with the use of propofol (Grade 2+). Statements regarding other molecules before LISA were expert opinions. For laryngeal mask insertion and atropine use, no specific data was found and expert opinions were provided.

Conclusion

This statement should help clinical decision regarding premedication before neonatal upper airway access and favor standardization of practices.
Dental caries and periodontitis risk factors in cleft lip and palate patients
Authors: Wu Qinrui , Li Zhengyi , Zhang Yixin , Peng Xian , Zhou Xuedong
Published: January 2023

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is the most common congenital facial malformation and has a significant developmental, physical, and psychological impact on those with the deformity and their families. Risk factors contributing to CLP may conclude as genetic factors and environmental factors. The anatomical and morphological abnormalities related to CLP are favorable for dental plaque accumulation on the tooth surface. Therefore, patients with CLP undergo poorer oral hygiene and higher susceptibility to dental caries and periodontitis. In this review, we aim to conclude and update probable causes underlying the association between CLP and poor oral health and provide novel ideas of targeted early prevention for such oral diseases.
Herbal medicines in the treatment of tinnitus: An updated review
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Hu Yue , Wang Dali , Han Hezhou , Wang Yi , Wang Xilu , Zhou Zhaoyu , Ma Xiulan , Dong Yaodong
Published: January 2023

Tinnitus is perception of sound in the absence of an apparent external acoustic stimulus. The condition is prevalent in adults, especially the elderly (≥65 years), and may be associated with cognitive function decline and significantly impacts on the quality of life, heralding difficulties in managing this challenging disorder. Interventions for tinnitus have been varied. However, drugs have not yet been approved for the treatment of tinnitus and there is no pharmacotherapy recommended by existing guidelines. Still, herbal medicines are used for the treatment of tinnitus in many countries, especially Gingko (G.) biloba. In the current updated literature review, we evaluated the efficacy of herbal medicines in the treatment of tinnitus by reviewing the evidence of relevant randomized controlled trials. The authors also highlight some of the issues in clinical trials of herbal medicines given that currently available evidence on herbal medicines for tinnitus is overall of insufficient quality and the conclusions from existing trials are conflicting. Nevertheless, there is a clear and urgent need for safe and effective pharmacotherapy of tinnitus.
Construction of a ferroptosis scoring system and identification of LINC01572 as a novel ferroptosis suppressor in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hong Lingling , Wang Xuehai , Cui Weiming , Wang Fengxu , Shi Weiwei , Yu Shali , Luo Yonghua , Zhong Lixin , Zhao Xinyuan
Published: January 2023

Background: Ferroptosis is a novel process of programmed cell death driven by excessive lipid peroxidation that is associated with the development of lung adenocarcinoma. N6-methyladenosine (m6a) modification of multiple genes is involved in regulating the ferroptosis process, while the predictive value of N6-methyladenosine- and ferroptosis-associated lncRNA (FMRlncRNA) in the prognosis of patients remains with LUAD remains unknown.

Methods: Unsupervised cluster algorithm was applied to generate subcluster in LUAD according to ferroptosis-associated lncRNA. Stepwise Cox analysis and LASSO algorithm were applied to develop a prognostic model. Cellular location was detected by single-cell analysis. Also, we conducted Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) enrichment, immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity analysis. In addition, the expression and function of the LINC01572 were investigated by several in vitro experiments including qRT-PCR, cell viability assays and ferroptosis assays.

Results: A novel ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs-based molecular subtype containing two subclusters were determined in LUAD. Then, we successfully created a risk model according to five ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs (LINC00472, MBNL1-AS1, LINC01572, ZFPM2-AS1, and TMPO-AS1). Our nominated model had good stability and predictive function. The expression patterns of five ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in LUAD cell lines. Knockdown of LINC01572 significantly inhibited cell viability and induced ferroptosis in LUAD cell lines.

Conclusion: Our data provided a risk score system based on ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs with prognostic value in LUAD. Moreover, LINC01572 may serve as a novel ferroptosis suppressor in LUAD.