bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Hospital Discharge on Day Two Post Robotic Lobectomy with Telehealth Home Monitoring: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bottoni Edoardo , Mangiameli Giuseppe , Testori Alberto , Piccioni Federico , Giudici Veronica Maria , Voulaz Emanuele , Ruggieri Nadia , Dalla Corte Francesca , Crepaldi Alessandro , Goretti Giulia , Vanni Elena , Pisarra Martina , Cariboni Umberto , Alloisio Marco , Cecconi Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Despite the adoption of enhanced recovery programs, the reported postoperative length of stay after robotic surgery is 4 days even in highly specialized centers. We report preliminary results of a pilot study for a new protocol of early discharge (on day 2) with telehealth home monitoring after robotic lobectomy for lung cancer. All patients with a caregiver were discharged on postoperative day 2 with a telemonitoring device if they satisfied specific discharge criteria. Teleconsultations were scheduled once in the afternoon of post-operative day 2, twice on postoperative day 3, and then once a day until the chest tube removal. Post-discharge vital signs were recorded by patients at least four times daily through the device and were available for consultation by two surgeons through phone application. In case of sudden variation of vital signs or occurrence of adverse events, a direct telephone line was available for patients as well as a protected re-hospitalization path. Primary outcome was the safety evaluated by the occurrence of post-discharge complications and readmissions. Secondary outcome was the evaluation of resources optimization (hospitalization days) maintaining the standard of care. During the study period, twelve patients satisfied all preoperative clinical criteria to be enrolled in our protocol. Two of twelve enrolled patients were successively excluded because they did not satisfy discharge criteria on postoperative day 2. During telehealth home monitoring a total of 27/427 vital-sign measurements violated the threshold in seven patients. Among the threshold violations, only 1 out of 27 was a critical violation and was managed at home. No postoperative complication occurred neither readmission was needed. A mean number of three hospitalization days was avoided and an estimated economic benefit of about EUR 500 for a single patient was obtained if compared with patients submitted to VATS lobectomy in the same period. These preliminary results confirm that adoption of telemonitoring allows, in selected patients, a safe discharge on postoperative day 2 after robotic surgery for early-stage NSCLC. A potential economic benefit could derive from this protocol if this data will be confirmed in larger sample.
Genotoxins: The Mechanistic Links between Escherichia coli and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Ya , Fu Kai
Published: February 2023

Emerging evidence indicates bacterial infections contribute to the formation of cancers. Bacterial genotoxins are effectors that cause DNA damage by introducing single- and double-strand DNA breaks in the host cells. The first bacterial genotoxin cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) was a protein identified in 1987 in a pathogenic strain in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from a young patient. The peptide-polyketide genotoxin colibactin is produced by the phylogenetic group B2 of E. coli. Recently, a protein produced by attaching/effacing (A/E) pathogens, including enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EPEC and EHEC) and their murine equivalent Citrobacter rodentium (CR), has been reported as a novel protein genotoxin, being injected via the type III secretion system (T3SS) into host cells and harboring direct DNA digestion activity with a catalytic histidine-aspartic acid dyad. These E. coli-produced genotoxins impair host DNA, which results in senescence or apoptosis of the target cells if the damage is beyond repair. Conversely, host cells can survive and proliferate if the genotoxin-induced DNA damage is not severe enough to kill them. The surviving cells may accumulate genomic instability and acquire malignant traits. This review presents the cellular responses of infection with the genotoxins-producing E. coli and discusses the current knowledge of the tumorigenic potential of these toxins.
Dosimetric Impact of Intrafraction Prostate Motion and Interfraction Anatomical Changes in Dose-Escalated Linac-Based SBRT
Authors: Faccenda Valeria , Panizza Denis , Daniotti Martina Camilla , Pellegrini Roberto , Trivellato Sara , Caricato Paolo , Lucchini Raffaella , De Ponti Elena , Arcangeli Stefano
Published: February 2023

The dosimetric impact of intrafraction prostate motion and interfraction anatomical changes and the effect of beam gating and motion correction were investigated in dose-escalated linac-based SBRT. Fifty-six gated fractions were delivered using a novel electromagnetic tracking device with a 2 mm threshold. Real-time prostate motion data were incorporated into the patient’s original plan with an isocenter shift method. Delivered dose distributions were obtained by recalculating these motion-encoded plans on deformed CTs reflecting the patient’s CBCT daily anatomy. Non-gated treatments were simulated using the prostate motion data assuming that no treatment interruptions have occurred. The mean relative dose differences between delivered and planned treatments were −3.0% [−18.5–2.8] for CTV D99% and −2.6% [−17.8–1.0] for PTV D95%. The median cumulative CTV coverage with 93% of the prescribed dose was satisfactory. Urethra sparing was slightly degraded, with the maximum dose increased by only 1.0% on average, and a mean reduction in the rectum and bladder doses was seen in almost all dose metrics. Intrafraction prostate motion marginally contributed in gated treatments, while in non-gated treatments, further deteriorations in the minimum target coverage and bladder dose metrics would have occurred on average. The implemented motion management strategy and the strict patient preparation regimen, along with other treatment optimization strategies, ensured no significant degradations of dose metrics in delivered treatments.
Noncoding RNAs Controlling Oxidative Stress in Cancer
Authors: Holvoet Paul
Published: February 2023

Mitochondria in cancer cells tend to overproduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing a vicious cycle between mitochondria, ROS, genomic instability, and cancer development. The first part of this review deals with the role of noncoding RNAs in regulating mitochondrial ROS production and the expression of antioxidants in cancer cells, preventing the increase of ROS in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, cytotoxic T and natural killer cells release high levels of ROS, inducing cell death, while anti-immune regulatory T cells, tumor-associated M2 macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, at least at the initial stage of tumor growth, release low levels of ROS supporting tumor growth. Therefore, this review’s second part deals with noncoding RNAs’ role in regulating the metabolic reprogramming of immune cells about ROS release. Furthermore, the enrichment of noncoding RNAs in microvesicles allows communication between cell types in a tumor and between a tumor and tumor-adjacent tissues. Therefore, the third part illustrates how noncoding RNA-containing microvesicles secreted by mesenchymal stem cells and primary tumor cells may primarily aid the shift of immune cells to a pro-oncogenic phenotype. Conversely, microvesicles released by tumor-adjacent tissues may have the opposite effect. Our review reveals that a specific noncoding RNA may affect oxidative stress by several mechanisms, which may have opposite effects on tumor growth. Furthermore, they may be involved in mechanisms other than regulating oxidative stress, which may level out their effects on oxidative stress and tumor growth. In addition, several noncoding RNAs might share a specific function, making it very unlikely that intervening with only one of these noncoding RNAs will block this particular mechanism. Overall, further validation of the interaction between noncoding RNAs about cancer types and stages of tumor development is warranted.
Body Composition and Metabolic Dysfunction Really Matter for the Achievement of Better Outcomes in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cuello Mauricio A. , Gómez Fernán , Wichmann Ignacio , Suárez Felipe , Kato Sumie , Orlandini Elisa , Brañes Jorge , Ibañez Carolina
Published: February 2023

Although obesity-associated metabolic disorders have a negative impact on various cancers, such evidence remains controversial for ovarian cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of body composition (BC) and metabolism disorders on outcomes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Methods: We analyzed clinical/genomic data from two cohorts (PUC n = 123/TCGA-OV n = 415). BC was estimated using the measurement of adiposity/muscle mass by a CT scan. A list of 425 genes linked to obesity/lipid metabolism was used to cluster patients using non-negative matrix factorization. Differential expression, gene set enrichment analyses, and Ecotyper were performed. Survival curves and Cox-regression models were also built-up. Results: We identified four BC types and two clusters that, unlike BMI, effectively correlate with survival. High adiposity and sarcopenia were associated with worse outcomes. We also found that recovery of a normal BC and drug interventions to correct metabolism disorders had a positive impact on outcomes. Additionally, we showed that immune-cell-depleted microenvironments predominate in HGSOC, which was more evident among the BC types and the obesity/lipid metabolism cluster with worse prognosis. Conclusions: We have demonstrated the relevance of BC and metabolism disorders as determinants of outcomes in HGSOC. We have shone a spotlight on the relevance of incorporating corrective measures addressing these disorders to obtain better results.
Multi-Morbidity and Risk of Breast Cancer among Women in the UK Biobank Cohort
Authors: Henyoh Afi Mawulawoe Sylvie , Allodji Rodrigue S. , de Vathaire Florent , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Journy Neige M. Y. , Tran Thi-Van-Trinh
Published: February 2023

(Multi-)Morbidity shares common biological mechanisms or risk factors with breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of morbidities and patterns of morbidity and the risk of female breast cancer. Among 239,436 women (40–69 years) enrolled in the UK Biobank cohort who had no cancer history at baseline, we identified 35 self-reported chronic diseases at baseline. We assigned individuals into morbidity patterns using agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis. We fitted Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer risk. In total, 58.4% of women had at least one morbidity, and the prevalence of multi-morbidity was 25.8%. During a median 7-year follow-up, there was no association between breast cancer risk (5326 cases) and either the number of morbidities or the identified clinically relevant morbidity patterns: no-predominant morbidity (reference), psychiatric morbidities (HR = 1.04, 95%CI 0.94–1.16), respiratory/immunological morbidities (HR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.90–1.07), cardiovascular/metabolic morbidities (HR = 0.93, 95%CI 0.81–1.06), and unspecific morbidities (HR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.89–1.07), overall. Among women younger than 50 years of age only, however, there was a significant association with psychiatric morbidity patterns compared to the no-predominant morbidity pattern (HR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.02–1.52). The other associations did not vary when stratifying by age at baseline and adherence to mammography recommendations. In conclusion, multi-morbidity was not a key factor to help identify patients at an increased risk of breast cancer.
CAR-Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumours—A Survey of the Emerging Targets
Authors: Maher John , Davies David M.
Published: February 2023

Immunotherapy with CAR T-cells has revolutionised the treatment of B-cell and plasma cell-derived cancers. However, solid tumours present a much greater challenge for treatment using CAR-engineered immune cells. In a partner review, we have surveyed data generated in clinical trials in which patients with solid tumours that expressed any of 30 discrete targets were treated with CAR-based immunotherapy. That exercise confirms that efficacy of this approach falls well behind that seen in haematological malignancies, while significant toxic events have also been reported. Here, we consider approximately 60 additional candidates for which such clinical data are not available yet, but where pre-clinical data have provided support for their advancement to clinical evaluation as CAR target antigens.
Update on Prognostic and Predictive Markers in Mucinous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Mitidieri Marco , Cosma Stefano , Benedetto Chiara , Bertero Luca , Fucina Stefano , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Carapezzi Annalisa , Ferraioli Domenico
Published: February 2023

This review includes state-of-the-art prognostic and predictive factors of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC), a rare tumor. Clinical, pathological, and molecular features and treatment options according to prognosis are comprehensively discussed. Different clinical implications of MOC are described according to the The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage: early MOC (stage I-II) and advanced MOC (stage III-IV). Early MOC is characterized by a good prognosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Fertility-sparing surgery could be performed in patients who wish to become pregnant and that present low recurrence risk of disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended, except in patients with high-risk clinical and pathological features. Regarding the histological features, an infiltrative growth pattern is the major prognostic factor of MOC. Furthermore, novel molecular biomarkers are emerging for tailored management of early-stage MOC. In contrast, advanced MOC is characterized by poor survival. Radical surgery is the cornerstone of treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended, although the efficacy is limited by the intrinsic chemoresistance of these tumors. Several molecular hallmarks of advanced MOC have been described in recent years (e.g., HER2 amplification, distinct methylation profiles, peculiar immunological microenvironment), but target therapy for these rare tumors is not available yet.
Radiomics Applications in Head and Neck Tumor Imaging: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tortora Mario , Gemini Laura , Scaravilli Alessandra , Ugga Lorenzo , Ponsiglione Andrea , Stanzione Arnaldo , D’Arco Felice , D’Anna Gennaro , Cuocolo Renato
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence technology have ensured automated evaluation of medical images. As a result, quantifiable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers have been created. We discuss radiomics applications for the head and neck region in this paper. Molecular characterization, categorization, prognosis and therapy recommendation are given special consideration. In a narrative manner, we outline the fundamental technological principles, the overall idea and usual workflow of radiomic analysis and what seem to be the present and potential challenges in normal clinical practice. Clinical oncology intends for all of this to ensure informed decision support for personalized and useful cancer treatment. Head and neck cancers present a unique set of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. These challenges are brought on by the complicated anatomy and heterogeneity of the area under investigation. Radiomics has the potential to address these barriers. Future research must be interdisciplinary and focus on the study of certain oncologic functions and outcomes, with external validation and multi-institutional cooperation in order to achieve this.
Machine Learning Logistic Regression Model for Early Decision Making in Referral of Children with Cervical Lymphadenopathy Suspected of Lymphoma
Authors: Zijtregtop Eline A. M. , Winterswijk Louise A. , Beishuizen Tammo P. A. , Zwaan Christian M. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J. , Meyer-Wentrup Friederike A. G. , Beishuizen Auke
Published: February 2023

While cervical lymphadenopathy is common in children, a decision model for detecting high-grade lymphoma is lacking. Previously reported individual lymphoma-predicting factors and multivariate models were not sufficiently discriminative for clinical application. To develop a diagnostic scoring tool, we collected data from all children with cervical lymphadenopathy referred to our national pediatric oncology center within 30 months (n = 182). Thirty-nine putative lymphoma-predictive factors were investigated. The outcome groups were classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), other malignancies, and a benign group. We integrated the best univariate predicting factors into a multivariate, machine learning model. Logistic regression allocated each variable a weighing factor. The model was tested in a different patient cohort (n = 60). We report a 12-factor diagnostic model with a sensitivity of 95% (95% CI 89–98%) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI 77–94%) for detecting cHL and NHL. Our 12-factor diagnostic scoring model is highly sensitive and specific in detecting high-grade lymphomas in children with cervical lymphadenopathy. It may enable fast referral to a pediatric oncologist in patients with high-grade lymphoma and may reduce the number of referrals and unnecessary invasive procedures in children with benign lymphadenopathy.
Long-Term Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) for Intraprostatic Relapse after Definitive Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Patterns of Failure and Association between Volume of Irradiation and Late Toxicity
Authors: Miszczyk Marcin , Kraszkiewicz Małgorzata , Moll Matthias , Kaminiów Konrad , Sobel Szymon , Dolla Łukasz , Wojcieszek Piotr , Rajwa Paweł , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Nowicka Zuzanna , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Goldner Gregor , Miszczyk Leszek , Majewski Wojciech
Published: February 2023

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the adverse effects and outcomes of salvage re-irradiation with stereotactic body radiotherapy (sSBRT) for local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after definitive radiotherapy (RT). The study was focused on the adverse effects and prognostic factors for treatment toxicity, followed by an analysis of patterns of failure and survival. Patients treated with sSBRT between 2012 and 2020 at a tertiary institution were included. The exclusion criteria were a primary or salvage radical prostatectomy or a palliative sSBRT dose. Patients with oligorecurrence were eligible if all metastatic lesions were treated locally with curative intent. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate time to grade ≥ 3 toxicity, local control (LC), freedom from distant metastases (FFDM), progression-free survival (PFS), biochemical control (BC) and overall survival (OS). The differences between groups (focal vs. whole-gland sSBRT) were compared using the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess prognostic factors for the listed endpoints. A total of 56 patients with a median age of 70.9 years and a median follow-up of 38.6 months were included in the analysis. The majority of them received local sSBRT only (45; 80.4%), while the rest were simultaneously treated for oligometastases (11; 19.6%). Overall, 18 (32.1%) patients experienced any grade ≥ 3 toxicity, including 1 (6.7%) patient who received focal sSBRT, and 17 (41.5%) patients treated with whole-gland sSBRT. The Planning Target Volume (per cc; HR 1.01; 95% CI 1–1.02; p = 0.025) and use of ADT (yes vs. no; HR 0.35; 95%CI 0.13–0.93; p = 0.035) were independent prognostic factors for the risk of grade ≥ 3 toxicity. The estimated rate of grade ≥ 3 adverse events was significantly higher (43.8% vs. 7.1% at 2 years; p = 0.006), and there was no improvement in the LC (92.9% vs. 85.3% at 2 years; p = 0.759) in patients treated with whole-gland sSBRT compared to focal sSBRT. The 2- and 5-year LC were 87.6% and 47.9%, respectively; the 2- and 5-year FFDM were 72.7% and 42.8%, respectively; and the 2- and 5-year PFS were 67.9% and 28.7%, respectively. The primary pattern of failure was distant metastasis. The sSBRT for local recurrence of PCa after definitive RT was associated with a high risk of severe grade ≥ 3 toxicity, which significantly increased with the volume and extent of re-irradiation.
Cobalt Catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis with O2-Containing Syngas
Authors: Herbers Alexander , Kern Christoph , Jess Andreas
Published: February 2023

Provision of sustainable transportation fuels is required for the energetic transition. A new process is presented for the production of synthetic sulfur free maritime fuel. This fuel is produced by Co-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using syngas based on a plasma technology that contains traces of O2. Gravimetric experiments and steady state measurements with a Co/Pt/Al2O3 catalyst at low temperature FTS conditions (10–30 bar, 180–230 °C) show that, with H2 present in the system, the catalyst remains active for FTS, and shows no influence on the distribution of C2+-hydrocarbons. O2 is only converted to H2O and CO2 in varying proportions (H2O: 70–80%, CO2: 20–30%), whereby a higher CO concentration increases the CO2 selectivity. This work may wield a new CO2 source for carbon-neutral fuels.
Recent Progress in Surface-Defect Engineering Strategies for Electrocatalysts toward Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: A Review
Authors: Balu Sridharan , Hanan Abdul , Venkatesvaran Harikrishnan , Chen Shih-Wen , Yang Thomas C.-K. , Khalid Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Climate change, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the biggest threats to the world. As per the IEA report of 2021, global CO2 emissions amounted to around 31.5 Gt, which increased the atmospheric concentration of CO2 up to 412.5 ppm. Thus, there is an imperative demand for the development of new technologies to convert CO2 into value-added feedstock products such as alcohols, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, chemicals, and clean fuels. The intrinsic properties of the catalytic materials are the main factors influencing the efficiency of electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2-RR) reactions. Additionally, the electroreduction of CO2 is mainly affected by poor selectivity and large overpotential requirements. However, these issues can be overcome by modifying heterogeneous electrocatalysts to control their morphology, size, crystal facets, grain boundaries, and surface defects/vacancies. This article reviews the recent progress in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions accomplished by surface-defective electrocatalysts and identifies significant research gaps for designing highly efficient electrocatalytic materials.
Beyond Cellular Immunity: On the Biological Significance of Insect Hemocytes
Authors: Stanley David , Haas Eric , Kim Yonggyun
Published: February 2023

Insect immunity is assorted into humoral and cellular immune reactions. Humoral reactions involve the regulated production of anti-microbial peptides, which directly kill microbial invaders at the membrane and intracellular levels. In cellular immune reactions, millions of hemocytes are mobilized to sites of infection and replaced by hematopoiesis at a high biological cost after the immune defense. Here, we considered that the high biological costs of maintaining and replacing hemocytes would be a better investment if hemocytes carried out meaningful biological actions unrelated to cellular immunity. This idea allows us to treat a set of 10 hemocyte actions that are not directly involved in immunity, some of which, so far, are known only in Drosophila melanogaster. These include (1) their actions in molting and development, (2) in surviving severe hypoxia, (3) producing phenoloxidase precursor and its actions beyond immunity, (4) producing vitellogenin in a leafhopper, (5) recognition and responses to cancer in Drosophila, (6) non-immune actions in Drosophila, (7) clearing apoptotic cells during development of the central nervous system, (8) developing hematopoietic niches in Drosophila, (9) synthesis and transport of a lipoprotein, and (10) hemocyte roles in iron transport. We propose that the biological significance of hemocytes extends considerably beyond immunity.
Preparation and Heat Dissipation Performance of Vertical Graphene Nanosheets/Carbon Fibers Composite Film
Authors: Yan Mengting , Jia Weihong , Yang Yawen , Zhou Qi , Ma Limin , Wang Jinqing
Published: February 2023

High-efficient heat dissipation materials are urgently required in advanced electronic packaging technology because effectively releasing the internal heat flow density of electronic devices is a key factor during their operation. In this work, a novel vertical graphene nanosheets/carbon fibers (VGNs/CF) composite film, with a vertically oriented structure and excellent heat dissipation properties, is fabricated on the stainless steel substrate by a facile thermochemical growth method. The preparation of composite film is green, safe, and highly efficient. CF is used as a thermally conductive filler to provide thermal conductivity channels for VGNs, and both of them construct a continuous thermally conductive network. The through-plane thermal conductivity of the VGNs/CF composite film could reach 17.7 W/(m·K), and the addition of CF significantly improved the heat dissipation performance of the composite film compared with the pure VGNs film (13.9 W/(m·K)). Conclusively, the simple preparation method and outstanding thermal conductivity capacity of the VGNs/CF composite film are expected to meet the application requirements of the electronics industry.
Coupled Modeling of Anisotropic Stress-Induced Diffusion and Trapping of Nitrogen in Austenitic Stainless Steel during Nitriding and Thermal Annealing
Authors: Moskaliovienė Teresa , Andriūnas Paulius , Galdikas Arvaidas
Published: February 2023

In this paper, nitrogen diffusion is investigated in single-crystalline austenitic stainless steel during modified layer formation and thermal annealing. A generalized system of diffusion equations is derived within a thermodynamic framework from Fick’s laws, which describe nitrogen flux under multiple driving forces, including a concentration gradient and the gradient of hydrostatic stress. Trapping and detrapping phenomena are considered within this model, and nitrogen flux is distinguished depending on whether nitrogen is in a lattice or a trapping site. Furthermore, the effects of anisotropic elasticity in single-crystal austenitic stainless steel on the stress field are investigated. The proposed model is used to simulate the nitrogen transportation process in single-crystalline AISI 316L during ion beam nitriding and after isothermal annealing at three different crystalline orientations. The results of our theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results taken from the literature. It is shown that during isothermal annealing, nitrogen diffusion becomes significantly slower than during nitriding. The diffusion coefficient during the annealing process, compared with the nitriding process, decreases by factors of 4.3, 3.3, and 2.5 for the orientations (001), (011), and (111), respectively.
Effect of Nanoparticle Concentration on the Performance of Ni-Co-β-SiC Composite Coatings Electrodeposited on the Surface of Spindle Hook Teeth
Authors: Ni Haoyang , Fu Haiwei , Wang Hongbiao , Zhang Hongwen , Zhu Yifan , Fu Xiuqing
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of spindle hook teeth with special shapes to reduce the cost of replacing the spindle on cotton pickers. For this goal, a Ni-Co-β-SiC composite coating with different concentrations of β-SiC nanoparticles (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/L) was electrodeposited on the surface of spindle hook teeth. The hardness, elemental composition, and micromorphology of the spindle hook teeth were characterized by microhardness tests, an energy spectrum analyzer, and a scanning electron microscope after cutting with the spindles. The actual wear process of the coating was determined by wear simulation and scratch wear tests, and the effect of the concentration of β-SiC nanoparticles on the properties of the coating was investigated. The results show that Ni-Co-β-SiC composite coating has a typical cellular structure. The hardness first increases and then decreases, and the wear resistance (including friction coefficient, scratch area, and shape of wear area) first decreases and then increases, mainly due to the pinning role and agglomeration of β-SiC nanoparticles. When the concentration of β-SiC was 1 g/L, the hardness reached a maximum of 506.2 HV0.1, the coefficient of friction reached a minimum of 0.13, and the wear area and wear micromorphology reached the most suitable values. Therefore, this Ni-Co-β-SiC composite coating had the best microhardness and wear resistance.
Microstructure and Property Evolutions of Q345B Steel during Ultrasonic Shot Peening
Authors: Tao Jiahao , Zhang Xin , Huang Lianpeng , Wang Hao , Zhang Yuanhu , Wang Zehua , Wu Lei
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the surface of Q345B steel was strengthened using ultrasonic shot peening (USP) technology. Through the adjustment of USP time, power and distance, the surface morphology, roughness and microhardness of the USPed samples were measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis (EDS), a roughmeter and a microhardness tester. At the same time, the corrosion behavior of USPed samples was observed and analyzed using software simulation calculation and an immersion experiment on the dynamic polarization curve. Through tests and characterization, the influence of different USP process parameters on Q345B steel and the relationship between them were explored. The original intention of this research was to obtain better parameters to improve both the strength and corrosion resistance of the material. The results indicated that, with the increase in the USP time and power and the decrease in the USP distance, the surface roughness, the thickness of the deformed layer and the microhardness of the samples increased at first and then stabilized, and an obvious delamination phenomenon and chemical composition difference appeared between the deformed layer and the substrate. It was shown that a longer USP time and a shorter USP distance caused spalling and cracks on a substrate surface, resulting in the corrosion becoming more serious. However, with the increase in the USP power, the corrosion resistance of the sample improved.
New Low-Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Lead Halide Hybrid Systems Directed by Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium-Based Cation or Imines: Synthesis, Structures, Non-Covalent Interactions and Optical Properties
Authors: Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Buvaylo Elena A. , Nesterova Oksana V. , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Nesterov Dmytro S.
Published: February 2023

The organic–inorganic lead halide hybrids comprising semiconducting perovskite components and organic modules have proven to be promising candidates for optoelectronic applications. The modulation of the inorganic components as optical centres by diverse organic cationic templates is under intense investigation. Herein, we successfully prepared new one-dimensional lead halide hybrid perovskites [L1]2n[Pb2Cl6]n∞·nH2O (1) and [PbBr2(L2)]n∞·0.5nH2O (2), and the dimeric complex [PbBr2(L3)]2 (3) in water media. In 1, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2H-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium cation [L1]+ resulted from the oxidative condensation–cyclization between formaldehyde, ethanolamine and 2-pyridinecarbaldehyde (2-PCA); the polydentate Schiff base ligands L2 and L3 formed in the in situ condensation of 2-PCA and ethanolamine or ethylenediamine, respectively. The lead chloride hybrid 1 contains the previously unreported type of a [Pb2Cl6]∞ double chain constructed from three-edge- and five-edge-sharing PbCl6 octahedra, and cations forming π-bonded stacks aligned along the inorganic wires. In the crystal of 2, pairs of the double-side organically decorated [PbBr2(L2)]∞ chains built of corner-sharing PbBr3N2O octahedra arrange hydrophilic channels to host water molecules. In the solid state, the identically stacked dimers of 3 form columns parallel to the ab plane with the Pb2Br4 moieties in the column being strictly coplanar. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to rationalize the packing patterns through hydrogen bonds of O−H···O/Cl and C−H···O/Cl types with the involvement of OH groups of [L1]+, L2 and water molecules in 1 and 2, as well as C–H∙∙∙Br hydrogen bonding in 2 and 3. The QTAIM analysis of non-covalent interactions in 1–3 was performed. According to the analysis of the solid-state UV–visible reflectance spectra by a Tauc plot, the optical band gap values of 1, 2 and 3 as direct gap semiconductors were estimated to be 3.36, 3.13 and 2.96 eV, respectively.
Survival Benefits of Radiotherapy and Surgery in Lung Cancer Brain Metastases with Poor Prognosis Factors
Authors: Liang Lun , Wang Zhenning , Duan Hao , He Zhenqiang , Lu Jie , Jiang Xiaobing , Hu Hongrong , Li Chang , Yu Chengwei , Zhong Sheng , Cui Run , Guo Xiaoyu , Deng Meiling , Chen Yuanyuan , Du Xiaojing , Wu Shaoxiong , Chen Likun , Mou Yonggao
Published: February 2023

Background: Radiotherapy and surgery are the standard local treatments for lung cancer brain metastases (BMs). However, limited studies focused on the effects of radiotherapy and surgery in lung cancer BMs with poor prognosis factors. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 714 patients with lung cancer BMs. Analyses of overall survival (OS) and risk factors for OS were assessed by the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Age ≥ 65 years, a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score ≤ 70, anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase (ALK)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild type, and extracranial metastases were related to poor prognosis. Patients were stratified according to these poor prognosis factors. In patients with the ALK/EGFR wild type, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and surgery improved the OS of patients. WBRT and SRS were the independent protective factors for OS. In patients with extracranial metastases, patients who received WBRT plus SRS or WBRT alone had longer OS than those who did not receive radiotherapy. WBRT plus SRS and WBRT were the independent protective factors for OS. Conclusions: Radiotherapy and surgery are associated with improved survival for lung cancer BMs with the ALK/EGFR wild type. Radiotherapy is associated with improved survival in lung cancer BMs with extracranial metastases.
Genetic Diversity of Five Galician (Northwestern Spain) Local Primitive Bovine Breeds Using Pedigree Records
Authors: García-Atance María Asunción , Carleos Carlos , Andrino Sandra , Justo José Ramón , Rivero Castor José , Fernández Miguel , Cañon Javier , Cortes Oscar
Published: February 2023

Characterization, inventory and monitoring trends of animal genetic resources of local breeds are crucial factors for the development of conservation strategies. Using genealogical information, the genetic diversity of five Spanish local bovine breeds located in the northwest of Spain in the region of Galicia, and called in the past Morenas Gallegas (Cachena, Caldelá, Frieiresa, Limiá and Vianesa), has been analysed. The results achieved a good quality of pedigree records in terms of integrity and deepness. In spite of the low census of the five breeds, (no more or even less than one thousand animals), the strategies developed for genetic diversity conservation since the end of the last century revealed positive results. An increase of generation intervals, the use of reproductive technologies and a higher animal exchange between herds are some strategies suggested to preserve the genetic diversity of the five Galician bovine breeds analysed
Survival of Nematode Larvae Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus under the Influence of Various Groups of Organic Compounds
Authors: Boyko Olexandra , Brygadyrenko Viktor
Published: February 2023

Many chemically synthesized xenobiotics can significantly inhibit the vitality of parasitic nematodes. However, there is yet too little research on the toxicity of such contaminating compounds toward nematodes. Compounds that are present in plants are able to inhibit the vitality of parasitic organisms as well. According to the results of our laboratory studies of toxicity, the following xenobiotics caused no decrease in the vitality of the larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus: methanol, propan-2-ol, propylene glycol-1,2, octadecanol-1, 4-methyl-2-pen-tanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, butyl glycol, 2-pentanone, cyclopentanol, ortho-dimethylbenzene, dibutyl phthalate, succinic anhydride, 2-methylfuran, 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole. Strong toxicity towards the nematode larvae was exerted by glutaraldehyde, 1,4-diethyl 2-methyl-3-oxobutanedioate, hexylamine, diethyl malonate, allyl acetoacetate, tert butyl carboxylic acid, butyl acrylate, 3-methyl-2-butanone, isobutyraldehyde, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl pyruvate, 3-methylbutanal, cyclohexanol, cyclooctanone, phenol, pyrocatechin, resorcinol, naphthol-2, phenyl ether, piperonyl alcohol, 3-furoic acid, maleic anhydrid, 5-methylfurfural, thioacetic acid, butan-1-amine, dimethylformamide, 1-phenylethan-1-amine, 3-aminobenzoic acid. Widespread natural compounds (phytol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, maleic acid, oleic acid, hydroquinone, gallic acid-1-hydrate, taurine, 6-aminocaproic acid, glutamic acid, carnitine, ornithine monohydrochloride) had no negative effect on the larvae of S. papillosus and H. contortus. A powerful decrease in the vitality of nematode larvae was produced by 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, isovaleric acid, glycolic acid, 2-oxopentanedioic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, anisole, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol. The results of our studies allow us to consider 28 of the 62 compounds we studied as promising for further research on anti-nematode activity in manufacturing conditions.
The Effects of Vegetation and the Environment on Testate Amoeba Assemblages in Sphagnum Peatlands in the Northern Caucasus Mountains
Authors: Tsyganov Andrey N. , Chertoprud Elena S. , Mazei Natalia G. , Esaulov Anton S. , Sadchikov Ivan P. , Mazei Yuri A.
Published: February 2023

Understanding the interactions among the functional groups of living organisms within ecosystems is a main challenge in ecology. This question is particularly important in relation to the interactions between the above- and below-ground components of terrestrial ecosystems. We investigated the effects of macro- (geographic position and mire size) and micro-environmental (pH, water table depth, water mineralization and temperature) characteristics and vegetation composition (both vascular plants and bryophytes) on the species structure of testate amoeba assemblages in eight Sphagnum-dominated mires across the Northern Caucasus Mountains (Russia). In total, 97 testate amoeba species from 34 genera were identified. A multiple factor analysis indicated the strongest relationships between the species structure of the testate amoeba assemblages and the local vegetation, especially bryophytes, whereas the interaction with the micro-environmental characteristics was the weakest. Among the micro-environmental data, the strongest effects on the species composition of all the assemblages were detected for the pH followed by the water table depth and water temperature. The variance partitioning of the species structure of the testate amoeba assemblages in response to the abiotic and biotic data indicated that most of the variance was related to the bryophyte and vascular plant assemblages, whereas the contribution of the environmental data was lower. Moreover, most of the effects were highly related to each other, so that the proportion of the jointly explained variation was high, whereas the individual effects were much lower.
Heart Rate Lowering Significantly Increases Feasibility in Doppler Recording Blood Flow Velocity in Coronaries during Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Caiati Carlo , Pollice Paolo , Lepera Mario Erminio
Published: February 2023

Background: Coronary blood flow Doppler recording by Transthoracic Doppler in convergent mode (E-Doppler TTE) might be further improved by lowering heart rate (HRL) down to <60 bpm, since low HR < 60 b/m causes a disproportional lengthening of the diastole, so the coronaries are still for a longer time, very much improving the Doppler signal/noise ratio. Methods: A group of 26 patients underwent E-Doppler TTE before and after HR lowering in four branches of the coronary tree, namely, the left main (LMCA); left anterior descending (LAD), subdivided into three segments: proximal, mid and distal; proximal left circumflex (LCx); and obtuse marginal (OM). Color and PW coronary Doppler signal was judged by two expert observers as undetectable (SCORE 1), weak or with clutter artifacts (SCORE 2), or well delineated (SCORE 3). In addition, local accelerated stenotic flow (AsF) was measured in the LAD before and after HRL. Results: Beta-blockers significantly decreased the mean HR from 76 ± 5 to 57 ± 6 bpm (p < 0.001). Before HRL, the Doppler quality was very poor in the proximal and mid-LAD segments (median score value = 1 in both), while in the distal LAD, it was significantly better but still suboptimal (median score value = 1.5, p = 0.009 vs. proximal and mid-LAD score). After HRL, blood flow Doppler recording in the three LAD segments was strikingly improved (median score value = 3, 3 and 3, p = ns), so the effect of HRL was more efficacious in the two more proximal LAD segments. In 10 patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA), no AsF as expression of transtenotic velocity was detected at baseline. After HRL, thanks to the better quality and length of color flow, ASF was detected in five patients while in five others, it was not in perfect agreement with CA (Spearman correlation coefficient = 1, p < 0.01). The color flow in the proximal LCx and OM was extremely poor at baseline (color flow length 0 and 0, median (interquartile range) mm, respectively) and improved considerably after HRL (color flow length 23 [13.5] and 25 [12.0] mm, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: HRL greatly improved the success rate of blood flow Doppler recording in coronaries, not only in the LAD, but also in the LCx. Therefore, AsF for stenosis detection and coronary flow reserve assessment can have wider clinical applications. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these results.
Discriminatory Ability and Clinical Utility of the AJCC7 and AJCC8 Staging Systems for Breast Cancer in a Middle-Income Setting
Authors: Song Chin-Vern , van Gils Carla H. , Yip Cheng-Har , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Taib Nur Aishah Mohd , See Mee-Hoong , Lim Alexander , Abdul Satar Nur Fadhlina , Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Differences in access to biomarker testing and cancer treatment in resource-limited settings may affect the clinical utility of the AJCC8 staging system compared to the anatomical AJCC7 system. (2) Methods: A total of 4151 Malaysian women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer from 2010 to 2020 were followed-up until December 2021. All patients were staged using the AJCC7 and AJCC8 systems. Overall survival (OS) and relative survival (RS) were determined. Concordance-index was used to compare the discriminatory ability between the two systems. (3) Results: Migration from the AJCC7 to AJCC8 staging system resulted in the downstaging of 1494 (36.0%) patients and the upstaging of 289 (7.0%) patients. Approximately 5% of patients could not be staged using the AJCC8 classification. Five-year OS varied between 97% (Stage IA) and 66% (Stage IIIC) for AJCC7, and 96% (Stage IA) and 60% (Stage IIIC) for AJCC8. Concordance-indexes for predicting OS using the AJCC7 and AJCC8 models were 0.720 (0.694–0.747) and 0.745 (0.716–0.774), and for predicting RS they were 0.692 (0.658–0.728) and 0.710 (0.674–0.748), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Given the comparable discriminatory ability between the two staging systems in predicting the stage-specific survival of women with breast cancer in the current study, the continued use of the AJCC7 staging system in resource-limited settings seems pragmatic and justifiable.
Can Measurement of Ultrasonic Echo Intensity Predict Physical Frailty in Older Adults?
Authors: Tagami Yoshihiro , Fujimoto Keiko , Goto Takaharu , Suito Hideki , Nagao Kan , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: February 2023

Echo intensity (EI) of the tongue in ultrasonography is an easy and quantitative assessment of tongue function. Elucidating the relationship between EI and frailty, is expected to aid in the early detection of frailty and oral hypofunction in older adults. We assessed tongue function and frailty in older outpatients visiting a hospital. The subjects were 101 individuals aged 65 or older (35 men and 66 women, mean age 76.4 ± 7.0 years). Tongue pressure and EI were measured as assessments of tongue function and grip strength, and Kihon Checklist (KCL) scores were measured as assessments of frailty. In women, a significant correlation was not found between the mean EI and grip strength, whereas a significant correlation was noted between each score of the KCL and the mean EI; the scores increased as the mean EI increased. A significant positive correlation was found between tongue pressure and grip strength, but no significant correlation was observed between tongue pressure and the KCL scores. In men, no significant correlation was found between tongue assessments and frailty, except for a significant positive correlation between tongue pressure and grip strength. The results of this study suggest that EI of the tongue is positively associated with physical frailty in women and may be useful for early detection of physical frailty status.
The Pre-Treatment Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Prognostic Factor for Loco-Regional Control in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Partl Richard , Paal Katarzyna , Stranz Bettina , Hassler Eva , Magyar Marton , Brunner Thomas Baptist , Langsenlehner Tanja
Published: February 2023

Chronic inflammatory reactions have been proven to represent relevant mechanisms for the development and progression of cancer in numerous tumor entities. There is evidence that the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is associated with the prognostic outcome. In rectal cancer, the prognostic role of this parameter has not yet been conclusively clarified. The aim of this study was to further clarify the prognostic significance of the pre-treatment PLR in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). In the present study, 603 patients with LARC, who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and subsequent surgical resection between 2004 and 2019, were retrospectively evaluated. The influence of clinico-pathological and laboratory factors on locoregional control (LC), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS) was investigated. In univariate analyses, high PLR was significantly associated with worse LC (p = 0.017) and OS (p = 0.008). In multivariate analyses, the PLR remained an independent parameter for the LC (HR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.000–1.009, p = 0.050). Pre-treatment lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (HR: 1.005 95% CI:1.002–1.008; p = 0.001) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (HR: 1.006, 95% CI:1.003–1.009; p < 0.001) were independent predictors for MFS; additionally, age (HR: 1.052, 95% CI:1.023–1.081; p < 0.001), LDH (HR: 1.003, 95% CI:1.000–1.007; p = 0.029) and CEA (HR: 1.006, 95% CI:1.003–1.009; p < 0.001) independently predicted OS. Pre-treatment PLR before nCRT is an independent prognostic factor for LC in LARC, which could be used to further individualize tumor treatment.