bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of lung-intestinal microecology and lung cancer therapy
Authors: Kong Ling-Yu , Chen Xuan-Yu , Lu Xin , Caiyin Qinggele , Yang Dong-Hua
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the incidence of lung cancer is increasing. Lung cancer has become one of the most malignant tumors with the highest incidence in the world, which seriously affects people’s health. The most important cause of death of lung cancer is metastasis. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanism of lung cancer progression and metastasis. This review article discusses the physiological functions, pathological states and disorders of the lung and intestine based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and analyzes the etiology and mechanisms of lung cancer formation from the perspective of TCM. From the theory of “the exterior and interior of the lung and gastrointestinal tract”, the theory of “the lung-intestinal axis” and the progression and metastasis of lung cancer, we proposed e “lung-gut co-treatment” therapy for lung cancer. This study provides ideas for studying the mechanism of lung cancer and the comprehensive alternative treatment for lung cancer patients.
Automated quantitative trait locus analysis (AutoQTL)
Authors: Freda Philip J. , Ghosh Attri , Zhang Elizabeth , Luo Tianhao , Chitre Apurva S. , Polesskaya Oksana , St. Pierre Celine L. , Gao Jianjun , Martin Connor D. , Chen Hao , Garcia-Martinez Angel G. , Wang Tengfei , Han Wenyan , Ishiwari Keita , Meyer Paul , Lamparelli Alexander , King Christopher P. , Palmer Abraham A. , Li Ruowang , Moore Jason H.
Published: April 2023

Background

Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have the power to identify variants that capture significant levels of phenotypic variance in complex traits. However, effort and time are required to select the best methods and optimize parameters and pre-processing steps. Although machine learning approaches have been shown to greatly assist in optimization and data processing, applying them to QTL analysis and GWAS is challenging due to the complexity of large, heterogenous datasets. Here, we describe proof-of-concept for an automated machine learning approach, AutoQTL, with the ability to automate many complicated decisions related to analysis of complex traits and generate solutions to describe relationships that exist in genetic data.

Results

Using a publicly available dataset of 18 putative QTL from a large-scale GWAS of body mass index in the laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, AutoQTL captures the phenotypic variance explained under a standard additive model. AutoQTL also detects evidence of non-additive effects including deviations from additivity and 2-way epistatic interactions in simulated data via multiple optimal solutions. Additionally, feature importance metrics provide different insights into the inheritance models and predictive power of multiple GWAS-derived putative QTL.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept illustrates that automated machine learning techniques can complement standard approaches and have the potential to detect both additive and non-additive effects via various optimal solutions and feature importance metrics. In the future, we aim to expand AutoQTL to accommodate omics-level datasets with intelligent feature selection and feature engineering strategies.
Is gallbladder PoCUS diagnostic accuracy accessible to medical students after PoCUS training exclusively on healthy volunteers? A pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Dupriez Florence , de Castro Bastian Rodrigues , Gendebien Félix , Fasseaux Antoine , Gensburger Matthieu , Marissiaux Laurent , Penaloza Andrea , Bobbia Xavier , Jarman Robert
Published: April 2023

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is increasingly used in clinical practice and is now included in many undergraduate curricula. Here, we aimed to determine whether medical students who participated in a PoCUS teaching program with several practical training sessions involving healthy volunteers could achieve a good level of diagnostic accuracy in identifying gallbladder pathologies. The intervention group (IG) was trained exclusively on volunteers with a healthy gallbladder, whereas the control group (CG) had access to volunteers with a pathological gallbladder as recommended in most PoCUS curricula.

Materials and methods

Twenty medical students were randomly assigned to the IG and CG. After completing the training program over 2 months, students were evaluated by three independent examiners. Students and examiners were blind to group allocation and study outcome. Sensitivity and specificity of students’ PoCUS gallstone diagnosis were assessed. Secondary outcomes were students’ confidence, image quality, acquisition time, and PoCUS skills.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity for gallstone diagnosis were, respectively, 0.85 and 0.97 in the IG and 0.80 and 0.83 in the CG. Areas under the curve (AUC) based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were 0.91 and 0.82 in the IG and CG, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.271) and an AUC difference of -0.092. No significant between-group difference was found for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Our pilot study showed that medical students can develop PoCUS diagnostic accuracy after training on healthy volunteers. If these findings are confirmed in a larger sample, this could favor the delivery of large practical teaching sessions without the need to include patients with pathology, thus facilitating PoCUS training for students.
Probiotics for glycemic and lipid profile control of the pre-diabetic patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial study
Authors: AkbariRad Mina , Shariatmaghani Somayeh Sadat , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Majd Hassan Mehrad , Shakhsemampour Zeinab , Sarabi Mehrdad , Jafari Maryam , Azarkar Setareh , Ghalibaf AmirAli Moodi , Khorasani Zahra Mazloum
Published: April 2023

Background

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not as high as in diabetic patients. However, it can lead to diabetes, making it a serious global health issue. Previous studies have shown that the gut microbiome can affect insulin sensitivity and improve glucose management, which can reduce or delay the progression of pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to investigate the effects of probiotics on glycemic and lipid profile control in pre-diabetic patients.

Methods

This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 70 pre-diabetic patients at the Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Participants were divided into two groups, both of which received lifestyle modification training. One of the groups also received 500 mg/day probiotic capsules for three months, while the other group received a placebo. Before and after the three-month period, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum insulin level, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) were measured and compared using statistical tests to examine the effect of probiotics.

Results

A total of 70 individuals participated in the trial, including 50 women (71.4%) and 20 men (28.6%), with an average age of 43.53 ± 8.54 years. At the end of the trial, the mean weight (P < 0.001), FBS (P < 0.001), HbA1c (P = 0.035), TG (P = 0.004), and LDL (P = 0.016) were significantly reduced in the intervention group, while their insulin level (P = 0.041) and HDL (P = 0.001) were significantly increased. However, mean systolic (P = 0.459) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.961) and insulin resistance (P = 0.235) did not show any significant difference in the intervention group from the beginning of the study.

Conclusion

Our study showed that probiotic administration is effective in improving the glucose and lipid profile of pre-diabetic patients. However, it was not significantly different from the placebo.
Telomeric retrotransposons show propensity to form G-quadruplexes in various eukaryotic species
Authors: Jedlička Pavel , Tokan Viktor , Kejnovská Iva , Hobza Roman , Kejnovský Eduard
Published: April 2023

Background

Canonical telomeres (telomerase-synthetised) are readily forming G-quadruplexes (G4) on the G-rich strand. However, there are examples of non-canonical telomeres among eukaryotes where telomeric tandem repeats are invaded by specific retrotransposons. Drosophila melanogaster represents an extreme example with telomeres composed solely by three retrotransposons—Het-A, TAHRE and TART (HTT). Even though non-canonical telomeres often show strand biased G-distribution, the evidence for the G4-forming potential is limited.

Results

Using circular dichroism spectroscopy and UV absorption melting assay we have verified in vitro G4-formation in the HTT elements of D. melanogaster. Namely 3 in Het-A, 8 in TART and 2 in TAHRE. All the G4s are asymmetrically distributed as in canonical telomeres. Bioinformatic analysis showed that asymmetric distribution of potential quadruplex sequences (PQS) is common in telomeric retrotransposons in other Drosophila species. Most of the PQS are located in the gag gene where PQS density correlates with higher DNA sequence conservation and codon selection favoring G4-forming potential. The importance of G4s in non-canonical telomeres is further supported by analysis of telomere-associated retrotransposons from various eukaryotic species including green algae, Diplomonadida, fungi, insects and vertebrates. Virtually all analyzed telomere-associated retrotransposons contained PQS, frequently with asymmetric strand distribution. Comparison with non-telomeric elements showed independent selection of PQS-rich elements from four distinct LINE clades.

Conclusion

Our findings of strand-biased G4-forming motifs in telomere-associated retrotransposons from various eukaryotic species support the G4-formation as one of the prerequisites for the recruitment of specific retrotransposons to chromosome ends and call for further experimental studies.
Association between ATN profiles and mortality in a clinical cohort of patients with cognitive disorders
Authors: Régy Mélina , Dugravot Aline , Sabia Séverine , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Paquet Claire , Hanseeuw Bernard , Singh-Manoux Archana , Dumurgier Julien
Published: April 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the 5th leading cause of death in people 65 years and older. The ATN classification reflects a biological definition of AD pathology with markers of Aβ deposition (A), pathologic tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N). Little is known about the relationship between ATN status and the risk of mortality, leading us to examine this association in a relatively large population of patients seen at a memory clinic for cognitive disorders.

Methods

Data were drawn from the BioCogBank Study, including patients seen for cognitive disorders in Lariboisiere Hospital (Paris, France), followed up to 15 years. All participants underwent a lumbar puncture for an assessment of the levels of CSF tau (tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), and β-amyloid 42 peptide (Aβ42). Vital status on July 1, 2020, was recorded for each participant using the national mortality register. Individuals were categorized according to their ATN profiles based on CSF Aβ42 or Aβ42/40 ratio, p-tau181, and tau. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox analyses were performed with A-T-N − participants as the reference using a short (5 years) and long follow-up (15 years).

Results

Of the 1353 patients in the study (mean age: 68 years old, 53% of women, mean MMSE score: 22.6), 262 died during the follow-up. At 5 years of follow-up, A-T-N + individuals had the highest risk of mortality in Kaplan–Meier and adjusted Cox analyses [HR (95% CI) = 2.93 (1.31–6.56)]. At 15 years of follow-up, patients in the AD spectrum had a higher mortality risk with a gradient effect for biomarker positivity: A-T + [HR = 1.63 (1.04–2.55)], A + T − [HR = 2.17 (1.44–3.26)], and A + T + individuals [HR = 2.38 (1.66–3.39)], compared to A-T-N − patients. Adjustments on potential confounders had little impact on these associations.

Conclusion

This study shows ATN profiles to be associated with mortality in a relatively large patient cohort based on a memory clinic. Patients with isolated evidence of neurodegeneration had a higher mortality rate in the short follow-up, and patients with the AD profile had the highest mortality rate in the long follow-up.
The identification and cognitive correlation of perfusion patterns measured with arterial spin labeling MRI in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Meng Meng , Liu Fang , Ma Yilong , Qin Wen , Guo Lining , Peng Shichun , Gordon Marc L. , Wang Yue , Zhang Nan
Published: April 2023

Background

Vascular dysfunction, including cerebral hypoperfusion, plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), independent of amyloid and tau pathology. We established an AD-related perfusion pattern (ADRP) measured with arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI using multivariate spatial covariance analysis.

Methods

We obtained multimodal MRI including pseudo-continuous ASL and neurocognitive testing in a total of 55 patients with a diagnosis of mild to moderate AD supported by amyloid PET and 46 normal controls (NCs). An ADRP was established from an identification cohort of 32 patients with AD and 32 NCs using a multivariate analysis method based on scaled subprofile model/principal component analysis, and pattern expression in individual subjects was quantified for both the identification cohort and a validation cohort (23 patients with AD and 14 NCs). Subject expression score of the ADRP was then used to assess diagnostic accuracy and cognitive correlations in AD patients and compared with global and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in specific areas identified from voxel-based univariate analysis.

Results

The ADRP featured negative loading in the bilateral middle and posterior cingulate and precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, and frontal areas, and positive loading in the right cerebellum and bilateral basal areas. Subject expression score of the ADRP was significantly elevated in AD patients compared with NCs (P < 0.001) and showed good diagnostic accuracy for AD with area under receiver–operator curve of 0.87 [95% CI (0.78–0.96)] in the identification cohort and 0.85 in the validation cohort. Moreover, there were negative correlations between subject expression score and global cognitive function and performance in various cognitive domains in patients with AD. The characteristics of the ADRP topography and subject expression scores were supported by analogous findings obtained with regional CBF.

Conclusions

We have reported a characteristic perfusion pattern associated with AD using ASL MRI. Subject expression score of this spatial covariance pattern is a promising MRI biomarker for the identification and monitoring of AD.
Emphysematous cystitis, iliopsoas abscess, and pneumorrhachis in an elderly woman: a case report
Authors: Stein Maya , Min Adam , Mohammed Basma , Mathur Shobhit , Ailon Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Background

Emphysematous cystitis is a well-described life threatening complication of urinary tract infection, most commonly seen in patients with diabetes and typically caused by gas forming bacterial or fungal pathogens. Pneumorrhachis is the rare finding of gas within the spinal canal, most commonly reported in the context of cerebrospinal fluid leakage secondary to trauma or spinal instrumentation. To our knowledge there is only one other reported case of pneumorrhachis in the setting of emphysematous cystitis.

Case presentation

This is a single case report of pneumorrhachis in the setting of emphysematous cystitis. An 82-year-old Asian female patient originally from East Asia, with no prior medical history besides hypertension, presented to hospital with a chief complaint of acute on chronic neck pain and functional decline. Examination revealed nonspecific neurosensory deficits and suprapubic tenderness. Laboratory investigations demonstrated leukocytosis and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase containing Escherichia coli bacteremia and bacteriuria. Computed tomography showed emphysematous cystitis with widespread gas within the cervical and lumbar spinal canal, as well as multiple gas-containing soft tissue collections in the bilateral psoas muscles and paraspinal soft tissues. Despite prompt antimicrobial therapy the patient passed away within 48 hours from septic shock.

Conclusions

Our case adds to a growing body of literature showing that the spread of air to distant sites, including the spine, may be a poor prognostic indicator in patients with gangrenous intraabdominal infections. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the causes and presentation of pneumorrhachis to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life threatening and treatable causes.
MetaRF: attention-based random forest for reaction yield prediction with a few trails
Authors: Chen Kexin , Chen Guangyong , Li Junyou , Huang Yuansheng , Wang Ercheng , Hou Tingjun , Heng Pheng-Ann
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence has deeply revolutionized the field of medicinal chemistry with many impressive applications, but the success of these applications requires a massive amount of training samples with high-quality annotations, which seriously limits the wide usage of data-driven methods. In this paper, we focus on the reaction yield prediction problem, which assists chemists in selecting high-yield reactions in a new chemical space only with a few experimental trials. To attack this challenge, we first put forth MetaRF, an attention-based random forest model specially designed for the few-shot yield prediction, where the attention weight of a random forest is automatically optimized by the meta-learning framework and can be quickly adapted to predict the performance of new reagents while given a few additional samples. To improve the few-shot learning performance, we further introduce a dimension-reduction based sampling method to determine valuable samples to be experimentally tested and then learned. Our methodology is evaluated on three different datasets and acquires satisfactory performance on few-shot prediction. In high-throughput experimentation (HTE) datasets, the average yield of our methodology’s top 10 high-yield reactions is relatively close to the results of ideal yield selection.
Evaluation of fluid responsiveness with dynamic superior vena cava collapsibility index in mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Li Yaru , Jiang Luyang , Wang Lu , Dou Dou , Feng Yi
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the superior vena cava collapsibility index measured by transesophageal echocardiography and compare the index with stroke volume variation measured by FloTrac™/Vigileo™ in mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

In the prospective study, a total of 60 patients were enrolled for elective general surgery under mechanical ventilation, where all patients received 10 ml/kg of Ringer’s lactate. Five kinds of related data were recorded before and after the fluid challenge, including the superior vena cava collapsibility index (SVC-CI), the ratio of E/e’, cardiac index (CI), stroke volume variation (SVV), and central venous pressure (CVP). Based on the collected data after the fluid challenge, we classified the patients as responders (FR group) if their CI increased by at least 15% and the rest were non-responders (NR).

Results

Twenty-five of 52 (48%) of the patients were responders, and 27 were non-responders (52%). The SVC-CI was higher in the responders (41.90 ± 11.48 vs 28.92 ± 9.05%, P < 0.01). SVC-CI was significantly correlated with △CI FloTrac (r = 0.568, P < 0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of SVC-CI was 0.838 (95% CI 0.728 ~ 0.947, P < 0.01) with the optimal cutoff value of 39.4% (sensitivity 64%, specificity 92.6%). And there was no significant difference in E/e’ between the two groups (P > 0.05). The best cutoff value for SVV was 12.5% (sensitivity 40%, specificity 89%) with the AUROC of 0.68 (95% CI 0.53 ~ 0.826, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The SVC-CI and SVV can predict fluid responsiveness effectively in mechanically ventilated patients. And SVC-CI is superior in predicting fluid responsiveness compared with SVV. The E/e’ ratio and CVP cannot predict FR effectively.

Trial registration

Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2000034940).
Determination of antimicrobial use in commercial poultry farms in Plateau and Oyo States, Nigeria
Authors: Ndahi Mwapu Dika , Hendriksen Rene , Helwigh Birgitte , Card Roderick M. , Fagbamila Idowu Oluwabunmi , Abiodun-Adewusi Oluwadamilola Olawumi , Ekeng Eme , Adetunji Victoria , Adebiyi Ini , Andersen Jens Kirk
Published: April 2023

Background

Indiscriminate use of antimicrobials for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infection in animals is a common practice in Nigeria as in other developing countries. These antimicrobials are purchased over the counter without restrictions and often administered in form of medicated feedstuffs. In Nigeria, like most developing countries, antimicrobial prescription data are not routinely collected or reported at the farm level, instead import data are used in reporting antimicrobial consumption. Farmers can be useful sources of data on the use of antimicrobial agents by class, animal species, production type and age. The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of poultry farmers on antimicrobial resistance and to generate data on antimicrobial use (AMU) in poultry farms in Plateau and Oyo states in accordance with the guidelines of the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).

Methods

A questionnaire used by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Ghana was adopted and modified to collect data on the knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers on AMR and AMU and to collect AMU data from selected poultry farms. A focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted in Plateau state with poultry farmers and representatives from the state veterinary services, using a checklist. The aim of the FGD was to have an idea on antimicrobial use among poultry farmers and to generate additional questions that might be added to the questionnaire. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 50 farms from Plateau and Oyo states, using the list of registered poultry farms in the two states as sampling frame.

Results

Ninety eight percent (98%) of farmers gave antibiotics as prophylactic treatment to day old chicks. There were 47 different products used in the two states within the study period. We observed that five classes of antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Penicillins, Aminoglycosides, Polypeptides and Fluoroquinolone) were used in the two states. A total of 351 kg of active ingredients from seven different classes, namely: tetracyclines, penicillins, aminoglycosides, polypeptide, fluoroquinolones, amphenicol and macrolides were recorded from the two states. Some products contained cocktail of antibiotics, having up to six different classes with very high concentration of active ingredients which are not in the list of registered antimicrobials reported to WOAH.

Conclusion

The concept used for this survey proved that the approach can be applied for AMU surveillance in the animal health sector. It also provided insight on farmers’ knowledge and practices with regards to the use of antimicrobials which is missing in the national import data. The need for “stronger” antibiotics was identified as one of the drivers of antibiotic resistance.
Decitabine in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide as a lymphodepletion regimen followed by CD19/CD22 bispecific targeted CAR T-cell therapy significantly improves survival in relapsed/refractory B-ALL patients
Authors: Ma Yunju , Dai Haiping , Cui Qingya , Liu Sining , Kang Liqing , Lian Xiaying , Cui Wei , Yin Jia , Liu Lingling , Cai Mengjie , Yu Lei , Wu Depei , Tang Xiaowen
Published: April 2023

Relapse is a major limitation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Here, we speculated that decitabine (DAC) in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) as a lymphodepletion regimen may improve the efficacy of CD19/CD22 CAR T-cell therapy. Fourteen of 26 patients with relapsed/refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL) without remission before lymphodepletion treatment were treated with DAC (total dose 100 mg/m2 in 3 days) followed by the FC regimen (DAC group), while twelve patients received the FC regimen (CON group). On Day 28 after CAR T-cells infusion, no significant differences in complete remission (CR) and minimal residual disease negative CR rates were found between both groups. However, there were significant differences in overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) between two groups: 3-year OS, 92.3% (DAC) versus 41.7% (CON), P = 0.005 and 3-year LFS, 92.9% (DAC) versus 27.3% (CON), P < 0.001. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cytokine release syndrome between both groups. Median time to platelet and neutrophil counts recovery was similar in both groups. All adverse events were reversible and manageable. In conclusion, DAC in combination with the FC lymphodepletion regimen may be a new treatment option that can improve the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in r/r B-ALL.
Antibiotic treatment using amoxicillin-clavulanic acid impairs gut mycobiota development through modification of the bacterial ecosystem
Authors: Spatz Madeleine , Da Costa Gregory , Ventin-Holmberg Rebecka , Planchais Julien , Michaudel Chloé , Wang Yazhou , Danne Camille , Lapiere Alexia , Michel Marie-Laure , Kolho Kaija-Leena , Langella Philippe , Sokol Harry , Richard Mathias L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Effects of antibiotics on gut bacteria have been widely studied, but very little is known about the consequences of such treatments on the fungal microbiota (mycobiota). It is commonly believed that fungal load increases in the gastrointestinal tract following antibiotic treatment, but better characterization is clearly needed of how antibiotics directly or indirectly affect the mycobiota and thus the entire microbiota.

Design

We used samples from humans (infant cohort) and mice (conventional and human microbiota-associated mice) to study the consequences of antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) on the intestinal microbiota. Bacterial and fungal communities were subjected to qPCR or 16S and ITS2 amplicon-based sequencing for microbiota analysis. In vitro assays further characterized bacterial-fungal interactions, with mixed cultures between specific bacteria and fungi.

Results

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment triggered a decrease in the total fungal population in mouse feces, while other antibiotics had opposite effects on the fungal load. This decrease is accompanied by a total remodelling of the fungal population with the enrichment in Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Valsa genera. In the presence of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, microbiota analysis showed a remodeling of bacterial microbiota with an increase in specific bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae. Using in vitro assays, we isolated different Enterobacteriaceae species and explored their effect on different fungal strains. We showed that Enterobacter hormaechei was able to reduce the fungal population in vitro and in vivo through yet unknown mechanisms.

Conclusions

Bacteria and fungi have strong interactions within the microbiota; hence, the perturbation initiated by an antibiotic treatment targeting the bacterial community can have complex consequences and can induce opposite alterations of the mycobiota. Interestingly, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment has a deleterious effect on the fungal community, which may have been partially due to the overgrowth of specific bacterial strains with inhibiting or competing effects on fungi. This study provides new insights into the interactions between fungi and bacteria of the intestinal microbiota and might offer new strategies to modulate gut microbiota equilibrium.
Facelift thyroid surgery: A systematic review of indications, surgical and functional outcomes
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Fisichella Piero M. , Dapri Giovanni , Russell Jonathon O. , Hans Stéphane
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate indications, surgical and functional outcomes of robotic or endoscopic facelift thyroid surgery (FTS) and whether FTS reported comparable outcomes of other surgical approaches.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

Review methods

A literature search was conducted about indications, clinical and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent FTS using PICOTS and PRISMA Statements. Outcomes reviewed included age; gender; indications; pathology; functional evaluations; surgical outcomes and complications.

Results

Fifteen papers met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 394 patients. Endoscopic or robotic FTS was carried out for benign and malignant thyroid lesions, with or without central neck dissection. Nodule size and thyroid lobe volume did not exceed 6, 10 cm, respectively. FTS reported comparable outcome with transaxillary or oral approaches about operative time, complication rates or drainage features. The mean operative time ranged from 88 to 220 min, depending on the type of surgery (endoscopic vs robotic hemi- or total thyroidectomy). Conversion to open surgery was rare, occurring in 0–6.3% of cases. The most common complications were earlobe hypoesthesia, hematoma, seroma, transient hypocalcemia and transient recurrent nerve palsy. There was an important disparity between studies about the inclusion/exclusion criteria, surgical and functional outcomes.

Conclusion

FTS is a safe and effective approach for thyroid benign and malignant lesions. FTS reports similar complications to conventional thyroidectomy and excellent cosmetic satisfaction.

Graphical Abstract
RINGO: A RINEX pre-processing software for multi-GNSS data
Authors: Kawamoto Satoshi , Takamatsu Naofumi , Abe Satoshi
Published: April 2023

We have developed a new multi-GNSS data pre-processing software “RINGO” that provides various features including editing, quality checking, clock jump correction, higher order ionosphere correction, conversion of BINEX and RTCM files, and an interactive viewer for RINEX files. The recent increase in number of GNSS satellites has made GNSS data more complex; however, the software available to pre-process them is very limited. RINGO is a command line tool capable of handling multi-GNSS data, including GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Galileo, and other systems in RINEX 2.xx, 3.0x, and 4.00 formats, which allows users to easily manage the multi-GNSS data observed at continuously operating reference stations. We present algorithms and applications for each RINGO feature. The results of the quality check feature were compared with results estimated by other existing software packages. Our results agreed well with those of the TEQC software. With RINGO, users can easily pre-process multi-GNSS data without combining multiple tools, and the software will contribute to the popularization of the latest RINEX format.

Graphical Abstract
Accessing the energy-limited and sparsely populated deep biosphere: achievements and ongoing challenges of available technologies
Authors: Morono Yuki
Published: April 2023

Microbes in marine sediments detected and counted by direct observation of membrane-filtered sediment samples stained with acridine orange. This technique can still be applied to high-biomass (> 105 cells/cm3) sedimentary habitats, such as organic-rich sediments collected in shallow areas near the seafloor. However, to further explore the nutrients and energy turnover under extremely low energy flux conditions, or in habitats that are close to the lower limit of the biosphere, technological breakthroughs have been required to increase the detection sensitivity for microbial life at densities of a few cells/cm3 of sediment. These technological developments contributed to increasing fundamental information on microbial life at the fringes of the subseafloor biosphere and led to the discovery of revivable microbes in sediments aged up to 101.5 million years old. More recently, chemical detection methods have revealed the existence of spores in the deep biosphere that are impermeable to conventional DNA stains. Previous applications of molecular biology-based approaches have been limited to relatively higher biomass samples, potentially because the cells surviving in these very low energy flux environments have less integrated genomes. Here, I review the contribution and importance of the technological developments that have been made in the study of microbes from the subseafloor biosphere, recent developments of alternative methods to microscopically detect microbial spores and their application to deep subseafloor sediments, and the challenges associated with applying molecular biological approaches to study low-biomass samples.
Dark-zone alterations expand throughout Paleolithic Lascaux Cave despite spatial heterogeneity of the cave microbiome
Authors: Bontemps Zélia , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Guillmot Alice , Hugoni Mylène , Moënne-Loccoz Yvan
Published: April 2023

Background

Cave anthropization related to rock art tourism can lead to cave microbiota imbalance and microbial alterations threatening Paleolithic artwork, but the underpinning microbial changes are poorly understood. Caves can be microbiologically heterogeneous and certain rock wall alterations may develop in different rooms despite probable spatial heterogeneity of the cave microbiome, suggesting that a same surface alteration might involve a subset of cosmopolitan taxa widespread in each cave room. We tested this hypothesis in Lascaux, by comparing recent alterations (dark zones) and nearby unmarked surfaces in nine locations within the cave.

Results

Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding of unmarked surfaces confirmed microbiome heterogeneity of the cave. Against this background, the microbial communities of unmarked and altered surfaces differed at each location. The use of a decision matrix showed that microbiota changes in relation to dark zone formation could differ according to location, but dark zones from different locations displayed microbial similarities. Thus, dark zones harbor bacterial and fungal taxa that are cosmopolitan at the scale of Lascaux, as well as dark zone-specific taxa present (i) at all locations in the cave (i.e. the six bacterial generaMicrobacterium, Actinophytocola, Lactobacillus,Bosea, NeochlamydiaandTsukamurella) or (ii) only at particular locations within Lascaux. Scanning electron microscopy observations and most qPCR data evidenced microbial proliferation in dark zones.

Conclusion

Findings point to the proliferation of different types of taxa in dark zones, i.e. Lascaux-cosmopolitan bacteria and fungi, dark zone-specific bacteria present at all locations, and dark zone-specific bacteria and fungi present at certain locations only. This probably explains why dark zones could form in various areas of the cave and suggests that the spread of these alterations might continue according to the area of distribution of key widespread taxa.
Effect of various parameters on the performance of solar PV power plant: a review and the experimental study
Authors: Shaik Feroz , Lingala Syam Sundar , Veeraboina Punnaiah
Published: April 2023

One of the biggest causes of worldwide environmental pollution is conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation. The need for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to produce power is growing as a result of the quick depletion of fossil fuel supplies and their negative effects on the environment. Solar PV cells employ solar energy, an endless and unrestricted renewable energy source, to generate electricity directly. The optimum output, energy conversion efficiency, productivity, and lifetime of the solar PV cell are all significantly impacted by environmental factors as well as cell operation and maintenance, which have an impact on the cost-effectiveness of power generation. This article presents an analysis of recent research on the impact of operational and environmental factors on the performance of solar PV cells. It has been discovered that temperature and humidity, combined with dust allocation and soiling effect, have a significant impact on the performance of PV modules. In addition, particularly in the lonely places, the wind itself carries a lot of dust and sand particles. The situation gets worse when dust builds up in humid circumstances and produces tenacious, sticky mud on the PV cell, which lowers power output by up to 60–70%. This paper covers cutting-edge methods for reducing these elements’ effects, along with their proportional benefits and difficulties. This paper also explains about the parameters which involved in the solar power production and their influence on the efficiency analysis. The efficiency and energy conversion capacity of the semi conducting materials for power production is also discussed. It is also discussed about the general benefits of the solar PV power generation.
Researchers’ experiences with patient engagement in health research: a scoping review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Pratte Marie-Mychèle , Audette-Chapdelaine Sophie , Auger Anne-Marie , Wilhelmy Catherine , Brodeur Magaly
Published: April 2023

Context

Implicating patients in research is gaining popularity around the world and is now the reference of many funding agencies. Understanding these partnerships is necessary to grasp this new reality. The experiences of researchers who have involved patient-partners (PPs) in health research are important for a better understanding of these practices.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and analyze the existing qualitative scientific literature on the experiences of academic researchers involved in health research with patient engagement (PE).

Design

A scoping review of the available literature with an inductive thematic synthesis, guided by the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley.

Data collection

A search strategy was developed to include keywords relating to researchers, patient-partners, experiences, and the qualitative methodologies of the targeted studies. Five databases were searched using the EBSCO-host engine. The search results were screened by four reviewers to only include articles written in English on the topic of the experience of academic researchers having worked with PPs in health research based on qualitative studies or mixed-methods studies with a distinct qualitative section.

Analysis

Articles included were charted for general information. All “results” sections were coded line by line. These codes were organized inductively to form descriptive and analytical themes. This led to the synthesis of the ideas found in the selected articles.

Results

The search strategy yielded 7616 results, of which 2468 duplicates were removed. The remaining 5148 articles were screened, resulting in the exclusion of 5114 off-topic studies. The remaining 29 full-text articles were evaluated for inclusion from which 5 additional studies were identified. The final selection consisted of 11 articles that met all the criteria. These articles were published between 2009 and 2019. Five general themes inductively emerged from the analysis: the understanding of PE, motivations, contexts, attitudes, and practical aspects of PE that are central to researchers.

Conclusion

This scoping review provides a better understanding of the experiences of researchers who have implemented patient partnerships in health research projects. Our findings reveal many positive elements central to health researchers’ discourses about PE, but they provide insights into the challenges and postures of resistance. This knowledge can support the development of empirically sound improvements in PE practices.
Dose-response association between dietary folate and niacin intakes with diabetes among Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Yuhong , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhu Yi , Chai Yongfei , Xie Hong
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary intake of folate and niacin and diabetes risk in Chinese adults.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Demographic and anthropometric data along with information on dietary intake of vitamins were collected, and eligible participants were recruited to complete the questionnaire. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between dietary intake of vitamins and diabetes risk, with adjustment for potential confounders. Non-linear dose-response relationships between dietary intake of folate and niacin and diabetes risk were also evaluated using adjusted restricted cubic splines.

Results

Of the 3106 eligible participants, 15.9% had diabetes. Median folate was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in controls (32.030 vs. 27.600 gμ), while median niacin was significantly lower (7.000 vs. 7.900 mg). After controlling for potential confounders, binary logistic regression analysis showed that each unit increase in folate intake was associated with a 1.002-fold increase in the risk of developing diabetes (odds ratio (OR) = 1.002; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.000–1.004; P = 0.022), while each unit increase in niacin intake was associated with a 3.5% reduction in diabetes risk (OR = 0.965; 95% CI 0.944–0.986; P = 0.001). The plots of restricted cubic splines presented an atypical inverted U-shaped association between dietary intake of folate and diabetes risk.

Conclusions

Diabetic patients had a low intake of vitamins, especially the B vitamins. Dietary intake of folate and niacin tended to be independently associated with the risk of diabetes. Nevertheless, this study is observational and a large-scale randomized controlled trial is yet to be conducted, which will add to the evidence of the study results.
Modified pressure-cooker technique (PCT) using extra-soft Kaneka coils improves embolization of high-grade cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a technical note
Authors: Yüksel Mahmut , Psychogios Marios , Blackham Kristine
Published: April 2023

Endovascular embolization techniques are showing an extraordinary potential to treat patients suffering from complex neurovascular malformations. The embolization with liquid embolic agents via Onyx is a prominent approach to treat arteriovenous malformation (AVM). However, intraoperative reflux of the liquid agents can be very challenging and, thus, is impairing full success of endovascular treatment. A possible technique to prevent intraoperative endovascular reflux is the pressure-cooker technique (PCT) utilizing coils to build a wedge proximal to the AVM. Few modifications of the PCT have been developed in the recent years to improve effectiveness of embolization procedure. Hereby, we present a novel PCT modification utilizing extra-soft Kaneka coils and glue to build well-fitting wedges. After the application of extremely soft bare coils with high trackability, flexibility and crossability, liquid agents can be injected with reduced reflux. We think the pressure-cooker technique with extra-soft Kaneka coils enables more efficient embolization in even farther, tinier and more tortuous target vessels. This technical note presents two illustrative patient cases with treatment-refractory, high-grade cerebral arteriovenous malformations which were successfully treated via embolization with PCT in which the plug was formed with Kaneka coils.
Articulating spacers: what are available and how to utilize them?
Authors: Li Zhuo , Xu Chi , Chen Jiying
Published: April 2023

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most devastating complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and is posing a global healthcare challenge as the demand for TJA mounts. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty with the placement of antibiotic-loaded spacers has been shown to be efficacious against chronic PJI. This study aimed to review the key concepts, types, and outcome evaluations of articulating spacers in the two-stage exchange for PJI. Previous studies indicated that articulating spacers have been widely used due to better functional improvement and a comparable infection control rate relative to static spacers. Several types of articulating spacers are reportedly available, including hand-made spacers, spacers fashioned from molds, commercially preformed spacers, spacers with additional metal or polyethylene elements, new or autoclaved prosthesis, custom-made articulating spacers, and 3D printing-assisted spacers. However, limited evidence suggested no significant difference in clinical outcomes among the different subtypes of articulating spacers. Surgeons should be familiar with different treatment strategies when using various spacers to know which is the most appropriate.
Network and functional analyses of differentially expressed genes in gastric cancer provide new biomarkers associated with disease pathogenesis
Authors: Fadaei Mousa , Kohansal Maryam , Akbarpour Omidreza , Sami Mahsa , Ghanbariasad Ali
Published: April 2023

Background

Gastric cancer is a dominant source of cancer-related death around the globe and a serious threat to human health. However, there are very few practical diagnostic approaches and biomarkers for the treatment of this complex disease.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate the association between differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which may function as potential biomarkers, and the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer (GC). We constructed a protein-protein interaction network from DEGs followed by network clustering. Members of the two most extensive modules went under the enrichment analysis. We introduced a number of hub genes and gene families playing essential roles in oncogenic pathways and the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Enriched terms for Biological Process were obtained from the “GO” repository.

Results

A total of 307 DEGs were identified between GC and their corresponding normal adjacent tissue samples in GSE63089 datasets, including 261 upregulated and 261 downregulated genes. The top five hub genes in the PPI network were CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, CDC20, and PBK. They are involved in focal adhesion formation, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell migration, survival signals, and cell proliferation. No significant survival result was found for these hub genes.

Conclusions

Using comprehensive analysis and bioinformatics methods, important key pathways and pivotal genes related to GC progression were identified, potentially informing further studies and new therapeutic targets for GC treatment.