bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary management of locally recurrent rectal cancer with carbon ion radiotherapy followed by prophylactic removal of the irradiated bowel: a case report
Authors: Nagata K. , Takiyama H. , Tashiro K. , Yamadera M. , Okamoto K. , Kajiwara Y. , Shinto E. , Kishi Y. , Matsukuma S. , Yamada S. , Ueno H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) involving the upper sacrum is typically incurable, and palliative treatment is the only option for most patients, resulting in a poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has emerged as a promising modality for treating LRRC. This report presents a case of LRRC with sacral involvement that was managed via multidisciplinary therapy incorporating CIRT.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old male was diagnosed with an anastomotic recurrence of rectal cancer 15 months after undergoing anterior resection. Computed tomography (CT) suggested that the lesion was at an anastomosis site and broadly adherent to the upper sacrum, and colonoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of LRRC. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimens revealed adenocarcinoma cells and that lesion was genetically RAS-wild. Induction chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 and panitumumab was used as the first treatment. The recurrent lesion shrank and no signs of distant metastasis were observed after 11 cycles, although the range of the lesions attached to the sacrum remained unchanged. Therefore, we provided CIRT for this inoperable lesion and prophylactically removed the radiation-exposed bowel including the recurrent lesion, because radiation-induced ulcers can cause bleeding and perforation. Despite the presence of considerable fibrosis in the irradiated region, the operation was successful and the postoperative course had no untoward incidents. He is still recurrence-free 24 months following surgery, despite the lack of adjuvant chemotherapy. This is the first report of CIRT followed by CIRT-irradiated bowel removal for an unresectable anastomosis recurrent lesion.

Conclusions

The clinical course of this case suggests that CIRT could be a potentially effective therapeutic option for LRRC involving the bowel, as long as the prophylactic removal of the irradiated bowel is performed at the optimal time. Further research involving larger sample sizes is warranted to validate the findings and conclusions of this case report.
The effect of coconut oil and palm oil on anthropometric parameters: a clinical trial
Authors: Swarnamali Hasinthi , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Jayawardena Ranil
Published: January 2024

Background

During recent years several studies have investigated the impact of different dietary oils on body weight. They have shown differential positive and negative effects on anthropometry. We investigated the effects of palm and coconut oils on body weight and other anthropometric parameters, considering their importance as a primary source of saturated fat, controlling for other confounding variable such as total energy intake.

Methods

The study was conducted as a sequential feeding clinical trial with 40 healthy men and women divided into two feeding periods of initial palm oil (8 weeks) and subsequent coconut oil (8 weeks), with a 16-week washout period in between. Each participant received a pre-determined volume of each oil, which were integrated into their routine main meals and snacks during the respective study periods. Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were evaluated. Physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated as potential confounding factors.

Results

Thirty-seven participants completed both oil treatment periods. The mean (± SD) age of the participants was 39 (± 13.1) years. There were no significant differences in any of the anthropometric parameters between the initial point of feeding coconut oil and the initial point of feeding palm oil. Following both oil treatment phases, no significant changes in the subjects’ body weight, BMI, or other anthropometric measurements (WC, HC, and WHR) were observed.

Conclusion

Neither coconut oil nor palm oil significantly changed anthropometry-related cardiovascular risk factors such as body weight, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR.

Trial registration

Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry: SLCTR/2019/034 on 4th October 2019 (https://slctr.lk/trials/slctr-2019-034).
The association between bilirubin levels, and the incidence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Nikouei Maziar , Cheraghi Mojtaba , Ghaempanah Faezeh , Kohneposhi Parisa , Saniee Nadia , Hemmatpour Sirous , Moradi Yousef
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between plasma bilirubin levels and the incidence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus across all populations.

Methods

Several databases were searched, including PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (Elsevier), to identify relevant cohort studies. All cohort studies that reported the risk ratio along with a 95% confidence interval were included. The association between bilirubin levels and metabolic syndrome or diabetes was reported as a pooled RR with a 95% CI in the forest plot. All analyses were conducted using STATA version 17, with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Out of the 10 studies included in the analysis, four investigated the effect of hyperbilirubinemia on the incidence of type 2 diabetes. When these four studies were combined, the pooled RR was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.83; I2: 88.61%; Pheterogeneity <  0.001), indicating a significant association between hyperbilirubinemia and decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Five of the 10 studies evaluated the effect of hyperbilirubinemia on the incidence of metabolic syndrome, and the pooled RR was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.73; I2: 78.13%; Pheterogeneity <  0.001), indicating a significant association between hyperbilirubinemia and decreased risk of metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that elevated levels of bilirubin may have a significant protective effect against the development of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.
Mapping of the PROMIS global health measure to the PROPr in the United States
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Herman Patricia M. , Qureshi Nabeel , Rodriguez Anthony , Edelen Maria Orlando
Published: January 2024

Background

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement and Information System (PROMIS®) global health items (global-10) yield physical and mental health scale scores and the PROMIS-Preference (PROPr) scoring system estimated from PROMIS domain scores (e.g., PROMIS-29 + 2) produces a single score anchored by 0 (dead or as bad as being dead) to 1 (full health). A link between the PROMIS global-10 and the PROPr is needed.

Methods

The PROMIS-29 + 2 and the PROMIS global-10 were administered to 4102 adults in the Ipsos KnowledgePanel in 2022. The median age was 52 (range 18–94), 50% were female, 70% were non-Hispanic White, and 64% were married or living with a partner. The highest level of education completed for 26% of the sample was a high school degree or general education diploma and 44% worked full-time. We estimated correlations of the PROPr with the PROMIS global health items and the global physical and mental health scales. We examined the adjusted R2 and estimated correlations between predicted and observed PROPr scores.

Results

Product-moment correlations between the PROMIS global health items and the PROPr ranged from 0.50 to 0.63. The PROMIS global physical health and mental health scale scores correlated 0.74 and 0.60, respectively, with the PROPr. The adjusted R2 in the regression of the PROPr on the PROMIS global health items was 64%. The equated PROPr preference scores correlated (product-moment) 0.80 (n = 4043; p < 0.0001) with the observed PROPr preference scores, and the intra-class correlation (two-way random effects model) was 0.80. The normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) was 0.45 (SD = 0.43). The adjusted R2 in the OLS regression of the PROPr on the PROMIS global health scales was 59%. The equated PROPr preference scores correlated (product-moment) was 0.77 (n = 4046; p < 0.0001) with the observed PROPr preference scores, and the intra-class correlation was 0.77. The NMAE was 0.49 (SD = 0.45).

Conclusions

Regression equations provide a reasonably accurate estimate of the PROPr preference-based score from the PROMIS global health items or scales for group-level comparisons. These estimates facilitate cost-effectiveness research and meta-analyses. The estimated PROPr scores are not accurate enough for individual-level applications. Future evaluations of the prediction equations are needed.
Nematode spatial distribution in the service of biological pest control
Authors: Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: January 2024

Sound nematode sampling techniques and related measures can gain biocontrol merits from determining their spatial (geographic and temporal) distribution patterns. These latter may be compared to other relevant biotic/abiotic forces to unfold complexities of ecosystem dynamics into quantifiable variables for better development of controlling plant pests/pathogens. Because biotic/abiotic factors are mostly more sensitive in biocontrol tactics than chemical pesticides, it becomes increasingly important to quantify such variables. Herein, pros and cons of common models used to characterize such patterns are reviewed. Adjusting models to acquire more accurate and targeted outputs for cost-effective and reliable plant-parasitic nematode management are presented, e.g., revising optimum sample size. Single models can act for the nematode-count transformation to meet assumptions necessary for parametric statistical analyses and consequently attain valid and accurate treatment comparisons. Yet, it is preferable to use more than one model to demonstrate more aspects of nematode distributions and optimize pest control in integrated pest management (IPM) plans. Harnessing these aspects will enable best seed-location matching, leverage variable rates of the used bionematicides and grasp relationships between beneficial/harmful organisms in space and time for alert IPM. Entomopathogenic nematode spatial (horizontal/vertical) distributions can mirror shifting in their key community dynamics such as parasitism and competition. To overcome limitations related to these models, incorporating emerging innovations like the PCR-based approaches to identify and quantify species (e.g., qPCR versus high-throughput sequencing), bioinformatics and volatile organic compounds as signals for soil inhabitants are discussed.
Covered stent assisted coil embolization of large Buhler aneurysm in setting of chronic celiac trunk occlusion
Authors: Quaretti Pietro , Corti Riccardo , D’Agostino Antonio Mauro , Bozzani Antonio , Moramarco Lorenzo Paolo , Cionfoli Nicola
Published: January 2024

Background

The arc of Bühler (AOB) is a residual embryonal anastomosis between the celiac artery (CA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Although usually asymptomatic, it has clinical relevance when compensatory reverse flow between the SMA and the CA in response to celiac artery obstruction leads to aneurysm formation and bleeding. Endovascular coiling is the mainstay therapy because of the deep AOB retropancreatic location, which hinders open surgery.

Case presentation

We herein report a case of a 2.8-cm AOB saccular aneurysm and LAM compression of celiac trunk in a 47-year-old man during rehabilitation following motorcycle trauma and vertebral surgery. The patient was considered unsuitable for surgery. Neither conventional coiling nor bare-metal stent and balloon-assisted techniques for coiling were suitable because of the wide necked saccular shape of AOB aneurysm interposed between the SMA and the floor of celiac trunk. To exclude the aneurysm from direct SMA inflow and permit safe and efficient coiling to rule out retrograde sac perfusion, a 9-mm polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft (Viabahn; Gore, Phoenix, AZ, USA) was positioned in the mesenteric artery, followed by antegrade periprosthetic high-density packed coiling of the aneurysm. The AOB remained excluded from mesenteric perfusion. The patient’s clinical condition and abdominal contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomographic findings were unremarkable at the 9-year follow-up.

Conclusion

The 9 year long-term efficacy in our case raises the possibility that perigraft coiling following stent-graft deployment in the SMA may represent a valuable technical option for large Bühler aneurysms that are not amenable to stand-alone coiling.
Rumex nervosus nanoparticles versus aqueous extract: introduction of novel immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory nano-preparation for management of paw oedema and gastritis in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Bassant M. M. , Awad Hanem M. , Shaffie Nermeen M. , Youness Eman R. , Mahmoud Ahlam H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Rumex nervosus is abundant in East African and Arabian countries, and is used in curing gastrointestinal diseases as well as in wound healing. The current study intends to assess Rumex nervosus aqueous extract's anti-inflammatory benefits compared to its nanoparticles on rat paw edema and its gastric mucosal protection against ulceration.

Materials and methods

In-vitro cytotoxicity effects and antioxidant activity of Rumex nervosus nanoparticles versus aqueous extract were studied, followed by a pilot in vivo pharmacological study to determine the suitable dose of nanoparticles that would be used in the safety and efficacy studies in comparison with the aqueous extract. Its protective effects on arthritis and soft tissue inflammation were studied in rat paw edema and gastric ulcer models. Rumex nervosus extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) and nanoparticles (3.3 and 6.6 mg/kg) were given to four groups of rats orally before induction of paw oedema with subplantar 0.2 ml (1% w/v) formaldehyde or gastritis with oral ethanol 1 ml (70%), besides negative, positive control and reference groups.

Results

Paw volumes and gastric ulcer indices, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant parameters (kappa β, Paraoxonase1, and Malondialdehyde) that were measured in sera showed a marked reduction in groups treated with high doses of Rumex nervosus extract, and nanoparticles. Histopathologic and histochemical assessment of the stomachs confirmed the other investigations. All results were significant compared to positive control untreated groups.

Conclusions

Most studies demonstrated Rumex nervosus’s protective anti-inflammatory benefits with the superiority of large doses of nanoparticles, offering a promising natural solution for low cost against inflammation.
Unraveling the antimicrobial efficacy and chemical fingerprinting of medicinal plants against the WHO’s prioritized pathogens
Authors: Palanisamy Balaji , Pachaiyappan Saravana Kumar , Subramanian Mutheeswaran , Das Reena , Savarimuthu Ignacimuthu
Published: January 2024

Background

The global spread of drug-resistant organisms has necessitated the search for alternative treatments against bacterial and candidal resistant pathogens. Plants have long been used as traditional medicines to ameliorate various diseases, and their antimicrobial properties are still being explored. The aim of the present study is to assess the antimicrobial activity of extracts from Alstonia scholaris, Orthosiphon aristatus, Sphaeranthus amaranthoides, Crateva magna and Garcinia travancorica against bacteria and Candida pathogens.

Results

Out of 60 different sequential extracts tested, several showed moderate to good antimicrobial activity. Among them, ethyl acetate extract of G. travancorica exhibited significant activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus (17 mm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (16 mm), Escherichia coli (13 mm), Proteus mirabilis (12 mm), Staphylococcus epidermis, Candida krusei (11 mm), Candida glabrata (10 mm) and the chloroform extract from O. aristatus showed good activity against S. epidermis, L. acidophilus (13 mm), S. aureus, Escherichia fergusonii, C. krusei (12 mm), C. glabrata, E. coli (11 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10 mm), respectively. In addition, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of nine major compounds in G. travancorica and ten compounds in O. aristatus which were responsible for the significant antimicrobial activity.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential of G. travancorica and O. aristatus as sources for developing new antimicrobial agents against the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prioritized pathogens. Further research on these plants could lead to the discovery and synthesis of novel therapeutic agents with enhanced antimicrobial properties.

Graphical abstract
Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of photosystem II (PsbX) gene family in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L)
Authors: Raza Irum , Parveen Abida , Ahmad Adeel , Hu Daowu , Pan Zhaoe , Ali Imran , Du Xiongming
Published: January 2024

Background

Photosystem II (PSII) constitutes an intricate  assembly of protein pigments, featuring extrinsic and intrinsic polypeptides within the photosynthetic membrane. The low-molecular-weight transmembrane protein PsbX has been identified in PSII, which is associated with the oxygen-evolving complex. The expression of PsbX gene protein is regulated by light. PsbX's central role involves the regulation of PSII, facilitating the binding of quinone molecules to the Qb (PsbA) site, and it additionally plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of photosynthesis. Despite these insights, a comprehensive understanding of the PsbX gene's functions has remained elusive.

Results

In this study, we identified ten PsbX genes in Gossypium hirsutum L. The phylogenetic analysis results showed that 40 genes from nine species were classified into one clade. The resulting sequence logos exhibited substantial conservation across the N and C terminals at multiple sites among all Gossypium species. Furthermore, the orthologous/paralogous, Ka/Ks ratio revealed that cotton PsbX genes subjected to positive as well as purifying selection pressure might lead to limited divergence, which resulted in the whole genome and segmental duplication. The expression patterns of GhPsbX genes exhibited variations across specific tissues, as indicated by the analysis. Moreover, the expression of GhPsbX genes could potentially be regulated in response to salt, intense light, and drought stresses. Therefore, GhPsbX genes may play a significant role in the modulation of photosynthesis under adverse abiotic conditions.

Conclusion

We examined the structure and function of PsbX gene family very first by using comparative genomics and systems biology approaches in cotton. It seems that PsbX gene family plays a vital role during the growth and development of cotton under stress conditions. Collectively, the results of this study provide basic information to unveil the molecular and physiological function of PsbX genes of cotton plants.
Temperature effects on the hormetic response of
Myzus persicae
after sublethal exposure to insecticides
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Nascimento , Chagas Camila Faria , de Andrade Alves Emanuel Lucas , de Castro Carvalho Vinícius , Haddi Khalid
Published: January 2024

Studies on insecticide-induced stimulatory effects in pest insects have become of utmost importance due to their potential implications in pest management. Temperature influences the physiology and biology of ectothermic organisms like pest insects. It can also affect the toxicity and relative efficacy of insecticides that are used in agricultural fields. However, the impact of temperature on the insect stimulatory responses after exposure to mild insecticide-induced stresses has frequently been overlooked. Here, we investigated how different temperature levels (15; 20; 25; 28 °C) can modulate the toxicity of two synthetic insecticides chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and deltamethrin pyrethroid); and subsequently how temperature impacts the survival and reproduction of the green peach aphid
Myzus persicae
exposed to sublethal concentrations of the two insecticides. Our findings indicated temperature-dependent effects of the two chemicals on mortality, longevity, and the number of nymphs produced by the aphids after lethal and sublethal exposures. In fact, besides the high toxicity induced by temperature at lower concentrations, the change’s magnitude and occurrence of stimulatory responses varied between temperatures and depended on the sublethal concentrations faced by the aphid females. Temperature increase from 15 to 28 °C increased chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin toxicity 4 and fivefold. Sublethal exposure of aphids extended the longevities for individuals treated with chlorpyrifos at 15 (all sublethal concentrations) and 25 °C (LC
15
and LC
20
) and with deltamethrin at 20 (LC
1
) and 28 °C (LC
20
). Additionally, the total number of nymphs produced during the females' lifespan was increased after sublethal exposure to chlorpyrifos at 15 °C (LC
1
, LC
5
, and LC
20
) and at 20 °C (LC
10
) and to deltamethrin at 20 °C (LC
1
), 25 °C (LC
5
and LC
10
) and 28 °C (LC
1
, LC
5
, and LC
20
). Our results reinforce the importance of a shift from studies focusing on the stimulatory effects of single stresses to studies investigating the effects of stressors’ combinations on insect hormetic response.
Coronary slow flow and its correlation with reduced left ventricle global longitudinal strain: a case–control study
Authors: Shereef Ahmed Shawky , Abdelmajeed Mohamed Gamal , Alshair Mohamad Hossam , El-Dosouky Ibtesam Ibrahim , Khalil Wael Ali , Wageeh Shaimaa , Shehata Islam Elsayed
Published: January 2024

Background

Coronary slow flow (CSF) often links to inflammation and endothelial function disturbance. While conventional ejection fraction measurements fall short in identifying myocardial dysfunction, left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) has shown superior efficacy in this regard. Our study aimed to explore subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction by assessing LV GLS in patients diagnosed with coronary slow flow (CSF).

Methods

The study included sixty patients with CSF and sixty control individuals without CSF. Coronary angiography employed the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) to identify CSF. LV GLS values were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

Significantly reduced LV GLS was evident in the CSF group compared to the control group (− 16.18 ± 1.25 vs. − 19.34 ± 1.33, p < 0.001). A notable correlation (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) between LV GLS and TFC was observed in the CSF group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis highlighted reduced LV-GLS (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.57–3.09, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 11.55, 95% CI 3.24–41.2, p < 0.001) as significant predictors for CSF presence. The receiver operating characteristic curve established that an LV GLS value of ≥ − 17.8% accurately predicted the presence of CSF (AUC: 0.958, 95% CI: 0.924–0.991, p < 0.001) with 90% specificity and 91.7% sensitivity.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that reduced LV GLS is associated with CSF presence, offering a valuable means to early detect subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in high-risk patients susceptible to heart failure.

Trial registration: ZU-IRB#7038/12-7-2021 Registered 12 July 2021, email: IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg.
Immuno-Oncology Advances in Genitourinary Cancers
Authors: Zang Peter D. , Angeles Arkhjamil , Dorff Tanya B. , Pal Sumanta K. , Gupta Shilpa
Published: January 2024

Immuno-oncology (IO) has made monumental gains in the past decade in the genitourinary space. In this review, we highlight advances with IO in renal cell carcinoma where it now has become standard-of-care frontline therapy in the metastatic setting but also discuss challenges with the initial approach. In urothelial carcinoma, we discuss the growing use of IO including exciting recent updates with IO-based regimens that may soon become the new standard of care. We further discuss difficulties with IO in prostate cancer, germ cell tumors, and penile squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we highlight advances in IO approaches beyond checkpoint inhibition including the role of the gut microbiome and T-cell redirecting therapies.
Co-emulsified Alginate-Eudragit Nanoparticles: Potential Carriers for Localized and Time-defined Release of Tenofovir in the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Takalani Funanani , Kumar Pradeep , Kondiah Pierre P. D. , Choonara Yahya E.
Published: January 2024

This research aimed to explore the possibilities of Eudragit S100 (ES100) and sodium alginate as carriers for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in the female genital tract. Alginate and alginate-ES100 nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation and emulsion/gelation complexation method, respectively. The nanocarriers were tested using morphological, physicochemical, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity analyses. In SEM and TEM images, the presence of spherical and uniformly distributed nanoparticles was revealed. The FTIR spectrum showed that alginate and calcium chloride interacted due to ionic bonds linking divalent calcium ions and the -COO- of alginate groups. Alginate and ES100 interacted via the ester C=O amide stretching. The results obtained from XRD and DSC, on the other hand, revealed a favorable interaction between sodium alginate and ES100 polymers, as evidenced by the crystallization peaks observed. Under experimental design analysis and optimization, overall size distribution profiles ranged from 134.9 to 228.0 nm, while zeta potential results showed stable nanoparticles (−17.8 to −38.4 MV). The optimal formulation exhibited a maximum cumulative in vitro release of 72% (pH 4.2) up to 96 h. The cytotoxicity tests revealed the safety of TDF-loaded nanoparticles on vaginal epithelial cells at concentrations of 0.025 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL for 72 h. These results indicated that alginate-ES100 nanoparticles have the potential to preserve and sustain the release of the TDF drug in the FGT. The future goal is to develop a low-dose non-toxic microbicide that can be administered long term in the vagina to cater to both pregnant and non-pregnant HIV patients.
Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure
Authors: Hu Cuiping , Deng Jianye , Liu Mingxi , Ni Tianxiang , Chen Zi-Jiang , Yan Junhao , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal–fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion. However, whether there is dysregulation of endometrial BMP2 expression in patients with RIF remains unknown. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BMP2 on human trophoblast invasion and early placentation remain to be further elucidated.

Methods

Midluteal phase endometrial samples were biopsied from patients with RIF and from routine control in vitro fertilization followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses. Human trophoblast organoids, primary human trophoblast cells, and an immortalized trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) were used as study models.

Results

We found that BMP2 was aberrantly low in midluteal phase endometrial tissues from patients with RIF. Recombinant human BMP2 treatment upregulated integrin β3 (ITGB3) in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner in both HTR8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated integrin β3 downregulation reduced both basal and BMP2-upregulated trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry in HTR8/SVneo cells. Importantly, shRNA-mediated ITGB3 knockdown significantly decreased the formation ability of human trophoblast organoids.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate endometrial BMP2 deficiency in patients with RIF. ITGB3 mediates both basal and BMP2-promoted human trophoblast invasion and is essential for early placentation. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the regulation of early placentation and provide candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF clinical management.
Effect of Volatile Anesthesia Versus Intravenous Anesthesia on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Yu-Tong , Chen Ying , Shang Kai-Xi , Yu Hong , Li Xue-Fei , Yu Hai
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

The effect of intraoperative anesthetic regimen on pulmonary outcome after minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is yet undetermined. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) compared with propofol-based intravenous anesthesia on pulmonary complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy.

METHODS:

Patients scheduled for minimally invasive esophagectomy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 general anesthetic regimens (sevoflurane, desflurane, or propofol). The primary outcome was the incidence of pulmonary complications within the 7 days postoperatively, which was a collapsed composite end point, including respiratory infection, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, respiratory failure, bronchospasm, pulmonary embolism, and aspiration pneumonitis. The severity of pulmonary complications, surgery-related complications, and other secondary outcomes were also assessed.

RESULTS:

Of 647 patients assessed for eligibility, 558 were randomized, and 553 were analyzed. A total of 185 patients were assigned to the sevoflurane group, 185 in the desflurane, and 183 in the propofol group. Patients receiving a volatile anesthetic (sevoflurane or desflurane) had a significantly lower incidence (36.5% vs 47.5%; odds ratio, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.91; P = .013) and lower severity grade of pulmonary complications (P = .035) compared to the patients receiving propofol. There were no statistically significant differences in other secondary outcomes between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy, the use of volatile anesthesia (sevoflurane or desflurane) resulted in the reduced risk and severity of pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days as compared to propofol-based intravenous anesthesia.
The role of microtubule-associated protein tau in netrin-1 attractive signaling
Authors: Huang Huai , Majumder Tanushree , Khot Bhakti , Suriyaarachchi Harindi , Yang Tao , Shao Qiangqiang , Tirukovalluru Shraddha , Liu Guofa
Published: January 2024

Direct binding of netrin receptors with dynamic microtubules (MTs) in the neuronal growth cone plays an important role in netrin-mediated axon guidance. However, how netrin-1 (NTN1) regulates MT dynamics in axon turning remains a major unanswered question. Here, we show that the coupling of netrin-1 receptor DCC with tau (MAPT)-regulated MTs is involved in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction. Tau directly interacts with DCC and partially overlaps with DCC in the growth cone of primary neurons. Netrin-1 induces this interaction and the colocalization of DCC and tau in the growth cone. The netrin-1-induced interaction of tau with DCC relies on MT dynamics and TUBB3, a highly dynamic β-tubulin isotype in developing neurons. Netrin-1 increased cosedimentation of DCC with tau and TUBB3 in MTs, and knockdown of either tau or TUBB3 mutually blocked this effect. Downregulation of endogenous tau levels by tau shRNAs inhibited netrin-1-induced axon outgrowth, branching and commissural axon attraction in vitro, and led to defects in spinal commissural axon projection in vivo. These findings suggest that tau is a key MT-associated protein coupling DCC with MT dynamics in netrin-1-promoted axon attraction.
Believing is seeing – the deceptive influence of bias in quantitative microscopy
Authors: Lee Rachel M. , Eisenman Leanna R. , Khuon Satya , Aaron Jesse S. , Chew Teng-Leong
Published: January 2024

The visual allure of microscopy makes it an intuitively powerful research tool. Intuition, however, can easily obscure or distort the reality of the information contained in an image. Common cognitive biases, combined with institutional pressures that reward positive research results, can quickly skew a microscopy project towards upholding, rather than rigorously challenging, a hypothesis. The impact of these biases on a variety of research topics is well known. What might be less appreciated are the many forms in which bias can permeate a microscopy experiment. Even well-intentioned researchers are susceptible to bias, which must therefore be actively recognized to be mitigated. Importantly, although image quantification has increasingly become an expectation, ostensibly to confront subtle biases, it is not a guarantee against bias and cannot alone shield an experiment from cognitive distortions. Here, we provide illustrative examples of the insidiously pervasive nature of bias in microscopy experiments – from initial experimental design to image acquisition, analysis and data interpretation. We then provide suggestions that can serve as guard rails against bias.
Multielectrode array use in insect auditory neuroscience to unravel the spatio-temporal response pattern in the prothoracic ganglion of Mecopoda elongata
Authors: Scherberich Jan , Stange-Marten Annette , Schöneich Stefan , Merdan-Desik Melisa , Nowotny Manuela
Published: January 2024

Mechanoreceptors in hearing organs transduce sound-induced mechanical responses into neuronal signals, which are further processed and forwarded to the brain along a chain of neurons in the auditory pathway. Bushcrickets (katydids) have their ears in the front leg tibia, and the first synaptic integration of sound-induced neuronal signals takes place in the primary auditory neuropil of the prothoracic ganglion. By combining intracellular recordings of the receptor activity in the ear, extracellular multichannel array recordings on top of the prothoracic ganglion and hook electrode recordings at the neck connective, we mapped the timing of neuronal responses to tonal sound stimuli along the auditory pathway from the ears towards the brain. The use of the multielectrode array allows the observation of spatio-temporal patterns of neuronal responses within the prothoracic ganglion. By eliminating the sensory input from one ear, we investigated the impact of contralateral projecting interneurons in the prothoracic ganglion and added to previous research on the functional importance of contralateral inhibition for binaural processing. Furthermore, our data analysis demonstrates changes in the signal integration processes at the synaptic level indicated by a long-lasting increase in the local field potential amplitude. We hypothesize that this persistent increase of the local field potential amplitude is important for the processing of complex signals, such as the conspecific song.
Voltage-gated ion channels are expressed in the Malpighian tubules and anal papillae of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), and may regulate ion transport during salt and water imbalance
Authors: Farrell Serena , Dates Jocelyne , Ramirez Nancy , Hausknecht-Buss Hannah , Kolosov Dennis
Published: January 2024

Vectors of infectious disease include several species of Aedes mosquitoes. The life cycle of Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, consists of a terrestrial adult and an aquatic larval life stage. Developing in coastal waters can expose larvae to fluctuating salinity, causing salt and water imbalance, which is addressed by two prime osmoregulatory organs – the Malpighian tubules (MTs) and anal papillae (AP). Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) have recently been implicated in the regulation of ion transport in the osmoregulatory epithelia of insects. In the current study, we: (i) generated MT transcriptomes of freshwater-acclimated and brackish water-exposed larvae of Ae. aegypti, (ii) detected expression of several voltage-gated Ca2+, K+, Na+ and non-ion-selective ion channels in the MTs and AP using transcriptomics, PCR and gel electrophoresis, (iii) demonstrated that mRNA abundance of many altered significantly following brackish water exposure, and (iv) immunolocalized CaV1, NALCN, TRP/Painless and KCNH8 in the MTs and AP of larvae using custom-made antibodies. We found CaV1 to be expressed in the apical membrane of MTs of both larvae and adults, and its inhibition to alter membrane potentials of this osmoregulatory epithelium. Our data demonstrate that multiple VGICs are expressed in osmoregulatory epithelia of Ae. aegypti and may play an important role in the autonomous regulation of ion transport.
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Reducing Kinesiophobia. A Systematic Review
Authors: Coja Daniel Mădălin , Talaghir Laurențiu Gabriel , Georgescu Luminița , Codreanu Corneliu Mircea
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from 18 distinct research studies examining various virtual reality strategies for alleviating kinesiophobia in people with chronic pain or musculoskeletal issues. These methods included but were not limited to exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Our analysis highlights several positive outcomes using VR- driven interventions for treatment-seeking populations with movement/activity anxiety. While some VR interventions lasted just one session and others up to eight weeks, they all shared a remarkable success rate at reducing kinsesiophobia based on findings from this systematic review. As such, future research must be dedicated towards determining which types of VR interventions prove most effective given broad differences in duration among current studies. The rapid advancements of virtual reality (VR) technology have revolutionized several industries, including education and entertainment. However, beyond these domains, the medical field has also begun to include this innovative technology into their treatment interventions for various health concerns worldwide.
3D-CT imagistic for diagnosis assessment and orthopedic treatment of articular fractures with relevance for patient functional rehabilitation
Authors: Baz Radu , Iliescu Dan Marcel , Caraban Bogdan Marian , Iliescu Madalina , Baz Radu Andrei , Obada Bogdan
Published: January 2024

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the contribution of 3-dimensional computer tomography (3D-CT) in the diagnosis of the articular fractures compared with X-rays and computer tomography (CT), and to establish if 3D-CT can confirm or modify the preoperative plans.
Methods: We have conducted a retrospective study between 2020 - 2022, 46 patients with articular fractures. We have asked 5 independent surgeons to make comparative analyses of the information required for a correct diagnosis and preoperative planning, obtained from X-ray, CT and 3D-CT. Each time, the surgeon was requested to categorize the fracture using specific classification systems and articulate their recommended treatment approach.
Results: The study showed us the importance of 3D-CT to achieve a correct diagnosis for the articular fractures by ana-lyzing the discrepancies between X-ray, CT and 3D-CT, with direct influence upon the presurgical plan. In 37% of the cases, fracture lines were not apparent on X-rays but were visible on CT scans. However, in more than 27% of these instances, specific bone injuries, like central articular depression or unique split-comminution patterns, were not evident on standard CT scans but could be identified using 3D-CT scans.
Conclusions: To establish the correct diagnosis and the proper therapeutical plan for the articular fractures, it is necessary to make a complete ra-diological evaluation, which consists of X-ray, CT and 3D-CT.
Domestic fall – related multiple osteoporotic vertebral fractures: considerations amid late COVID-19 pandemic (a case on point)
Authors: Carsote Mara , Stanciu Mihaela , Popa Florina Ligia , Sima Oana-Claudia , Caraban Bogdan Marian , Dumitrascu Anda , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela , Nistor Claudiu Nistor
Published: January 2024

Our purpose was to introduce a case on point of a menopausal woman who suffered a domestic fall with consecutive persistent back pain and reduced mobility, and delayed the presentation amid late COVID-19 pandemic. On admission, she was confirmed with osteoporosis according to DXA (lowest T-score of -5.5) and started zoledronate. She refused further orthopedic intervention and remained on non-invasive long term rehabilitation plan while surveillance of anti-osteoporotic medication was offered to her. Fragility vertebral fractures represent increasingly common issues that require prompt intervention to overall a better prognosis. Late presentation and a first diagnosis of 10 vertebral fractures is a part of real life medicine with consequences amid potential lack of compliance to medication and adherence to a rehabilitation plan with short term and long term effects. Transition to post-pandemic reality still represents a concurrent pitfall to delayed hospitalization.
Current developments in bruxism identification
Authors: Fluerasu Mirela Ioana , Ciurte Denisa , Nichimis Andra , Muntean Cezar , Chisnoiu Andrea , Berar Antonela , Buduru Smaranda , Almasan Oana
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Bruxism is a parafunctional activity that can have several causes. Patients with bruxism need an interdisciplinary approach to treatment planning and individualized treatment options. The present study evaluates dentists' knowledge of the bruxism condition and their need for further education. Diagnosis and treatment methods used by practicians from different specialties are emphasized.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional, observational, and analytical cohort study was conducted. It employed a questionnaire based on information on etiology, diagnosis, and treatment methods and included data from 80 dental practitioners from Cluj County.
Results: Most dentists (81.3%) recognized awake and sleep bruxism as separate entities. Most participants identified psychological status as the primary etiological factor (80%), followed by occlusal interferences (13.8%) and other factors (genetics). Anamnesis and clinical examination were performed for bruxism diagnosis (90%). Occlusal balance (%) and occlusal splints (%) were the most encountered treatment methods. Only 27.5% of the practitioners referred patients to other specialists. Physiotherapy and psychotherapy were the primary interdisciplinary approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy was employed by 43.8%, whereas pharmaceutical therapy by 20% of the practitioners.
Conclusions. There is a need for standardized training among dentists due to a lack of information on this topic. When combined with an interdisciplinary approach, complementary diagnostic methods such as polysomnography and BruxApp can yield accurate diagnosis.
Difficulties in decision making on a long standing, complicated case of osteoporosis – a real challenge for functional rehabilitation
Authors: Stanciu Mihaela , Sandru Florica , Carsote Mara , Ciuche Adrian , Sima Oana-Claudia , Popa Florina Ligia , Iliescu Mădălina Gabriela , Ciufu Nicolae , Nistor Claudiu
Published: January 2024

We aim was to present a case of severe osteoporosis with concern to an adult female who was under specific medication against the condition while she experienced inexplicable weight loss in association with an incidental fracture inconsistent with DXA changes. Challenges of the case management and decision making are further on explained. Real-life-medicine poses multiple issues that require an individual decision while respecting the standard protocols. That is why a generalized decision is rather impractical. Here we introduce the clinical case of a lady in her late 60s with a known 6-year history of osteoporosis that required several difficult decisions along surveillance: at first, zoledronic acid represented an available solution, yet after one year, BMD decreased and adjustment was done by initiating a second sequence according to the teriparatide protocol. DXA-BMD, as well as the spectrum of bone turnover markers, qualified the patient as responsive and she further continued with oral bisphosphonates while being monitored via telemedicine amid COVID-19 pandemic. After 24 more months, a second decision of zoledronic acid was done, despite prior partial response, but digestive complains restricted the oral administration of anti-osteoporotic drugs. After one more year, denosumab was initiated and consecutive follow-up is essential. At this point, another challenging aspect was revealed: the discordance between DXA – based scores increase and the presence of an incidental fracture. A supplementary investigation was considered useful (Tc- whole body scintigraphy) noting the clinical presentation with local pain, dysfunctionality, and mild weight loss that also required rehabilitation management.
Graph-based knowledge representation and extraction from unstructured textual data using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Κανακάρης Νικόλαος
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή επεκτείνει υπάρχοντα μοντέλα αναπαράστασης κειμένου που βασίζονται σε γράφους και προτείνει ένα νέο μοντέλο, το ‘graph-of-docs’, για την αναπαράσταση πολλαπλών εγγράφων κειμένου σε έναν ενιαίο γράφο. Σε αντίθεση με τις υπάρχουσες προσεγγίσεις, το graph-of-docs επιτρέπει τη διερεύνηση της σημασίας ενός όρου στο σύνολο των εγγράφων, μειώνει τη συνολική πολυπλοκότητα ανάγοντας κάθε γράφο λέξεων σε έναν κόμβο, και υποστηρίζει την εισαγωγή ακμών σχέσης μεταξύ των εγγράφων. Ως εκ τούτου, επιτρέπει τον υπολογισμό σημαντικών μετρικών σε σχέση με πολλαπλά έγγραφα και επιτρέπει τη συνύπαρξη ετερογενών δεδομένων στον ίδιο γράφο. Επιπλέον, η διατριβή προτείνει και αξιολογεί εμπειρικά το συνδυασμό των διανυσμάτων λέξεων (word embeddings), των αναπαραστάσεων κειμένου και των νευρωνικών δικτύων που βασίζονται σε γράφους για την βελτίωση κλασικών εφαρμογών της μηχανικής μάθησης, όπως η ταξινόμηση κειμένου, η παλινδρόμηση, και η επιλογή διακριτικών χαρακτηριστικών (feature selection). Στο πλαίσιο της διατριβής έλαβε χώρα μια σειρά πειραμάτων και μετρήσεων, αξιοποιώντας σύνολα δεδομένων από διαφορετικούς τομείς και εφαρμογές, με στόχο την αξιολόγηση της προτεινόμενης προσέγγισης. Τα δεδομένα αυτά αφορούν θέματα επιλογής προσωπικού, εντοπισμού σφαλμάτων λογισμικού, πρόβλεψης μελλοντικών ερευνητικών συνεργασιών και πρόβλεψης τιμών για καταχωρίσεις στην πλατφόρμα της Airbnb. Τα αποτελέσματα της αξιολόγησης επιδεικνύουν μια στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση μιας σειράς μετρικών (accuracy, precision, recall) των προτεινόμενων λύσεων σε σύγκριση με τα αντίστοιχα κλασικά και βασισμένα σε γράφους μοντέλα.
Ομοιόμορφα κατανεμημένες ακολουθίες ως προς αναλλοίωτα μέτρα και πυκνότητα μέτρων Radon
Authors: Γεωργόπουλος Παναγιώτης
Published: January 2024

Το περιεχόμενο της παρούσης διδακτορικής διατριβής χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος φέρει τον τίτλο «Αναλλοίωτα μέτρα ως προς λοξά γινόμενα και ομοιόμορφα κατανεμημένες ακολουθίες». Εδώ αποδεικνύουμε ότι «σχεδόν όλες» οι ακολουθίες (r1,r2,…rn,…) θετικών ακεραίων έχουν την ακόλουθη «καθολική» ιδιότητα: Αν (X,μ) είναι ένας χώρος μέτρου, όπου ο X είναι ένας συμπαγής μετρικός χώρος, ενώ το μ είναι ένα Borel μέτρο πιθανότητας στον X και αν επιπλέον θεωρήσουμε μια ακολουθία Φ1,Φ2,…,Φn,… συνεχών συναρτήσεων στον (X,μ), οι οποίες μετατίθενται και διατηρούν το μέτρο μ, με την ιδιότητα η δράση (ως προς τη σύνθεση) στον χώρο (X,μ) της ημιομάδας με γεννήτορες την ακολουθία Φ1,Φ2,…,Φn,… να είναι μοναδικά εργοδική και ισοσυνεχής, τότε για κάθε x στο X, η ακολουθία w1,w2,…wn,…, όπου wn:=Φrn(…(Φ2(Φ1(x)))…) είναι ομοιόμορφα κατανεμημένη ως προς το μέτρο μ. Το δεύτερο μέρος φέρει τον τίτλο «Ισχυροποιώντας το Θεώρημα Πυκνότητας Lebesgue στο σύνολο των πραγματικών αριθμών για μέτρα Radon». Ο S. Ulam το 1937 στο Scottish Book ρωτά αν μπορούμε να ισχυροποιήσουμε το θεώρημα Πυκνότητας Lebesgue. Εμείς, εφαρμόζοντας μια κατασκευαστική μέθοδο του Κ. Γρυλλάκη, δίνουμε καταφατική απάντηση στο πρόβλημα του Ulam για οποιοδήποτε μέτρο Radon στο σύνολο των πραγματικών αριθμών.