bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results from a systematic programme of evaluating COVID-19 reinfection cases in the early phase of the pandemic, Singapore
Authors: Tan Glorijoy Shi En , Gao Christine Qiuhan , Ow Jievanda Shu Ying , Tan Thuan Thong , Ooi Say Tat , Lin Cui , Lin Raymond Tzer Pin , Lee Vernon Jian Ming , Chan Monica , Leo Yee Sin , Vasoo Shawn
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) reinfection evaluation algorithm used in the early phase of the pandemic in Singapore and analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the cases evaluated.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case-control analysis including all COVID-19 cases evaluated for possible reinfection under the local COVID-19 reinfection evaluation programme between 1 June 2020-30 June 2021. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used as confirmatory testing. We compared all reinfection (“RI”) cases against those who were evaluated but eventually assessed not to be reinfection (“non-RI”).

Results

There were 74 possible reinfection cases evaluated through the programme, of which 32 were subsequently classified as RI. There was strong statistical evidence that RI cases had a longer interval between 1st and 2nd episode (mean 297 days; 95%-confidence interval (CI) 267–327) compared to non-RI cases (mean 186 days; 95%-CI 144–228). The cycle threshold (Ct) value of initial polymerase chain rection (PCR) at 2nd episode was also found to be significantly lower in RI cases (mean 23; 95%-CI 20–26) compared to non-RI cases (mean 34; 95%-CI 32–36). There was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals who had fever, acute respiratory symptoms or asymptomatic in both groups. Delta and beta variants were most commonly identified from WGS and provide indication of re-infection as these were not ‘wild-type’ and were not circulating during the time period of the index infection.

Conclusions

Using a combination of serologic, microbiologic and genomic criteria to evaluate possible reinfection cases is useful and can provide a framework for evaluation that may be modified for future similar situations.
Association between atmospheric pollutant levels and oxidative stress in pregnant women and newborns in Urumqi
Authors: Zhu Linghui , Lu Ying , Cheng Fang , Zhang Luyi , Yusan Aliya , Alifu Xialidan , Alimasi Ayixiemuguli , Alemujiang Xiahaida
Published: February 2023

Background

Frequent heavy air pollution occurred during the winter heating season of northern China. Particulate air pollution is a serious concern in Urumqi during heating season. Exposure to air pollution is known to increase adverse health outcomes, particularly oxidative damage. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of air pollution on oxidative damage around pregnant women and newborns in Urumqi.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled pregnant women in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2019 and October 2019. Pregnant women and newborns were allocated into a heating season group (January - end of April 2019, October 2019) or non-heating season group (June 2019 - end of September) according to the specific delivery time. Venous blood, urine from the women and cord blood from their newborns were collected to measure the levels of PAHs and 8-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a measure of oxidative stress.

Results

A total of 200 pregnant women and newborns were enrolled, with 100 pregnant women and newborns in the heating season group. Compared to the non-heating season group, the total contents of 8-OHdG in maternal urine, PAHs and 8-OHdG in maternal plasma and neonatal cord blood were higher in the heating season group (all P < 0.001). The average values for AQI, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO were higher in the heating season group (all P < 0.001). Maternal and neonatal PAHs were correlated with 8-OHdG measurements in maternal urine (r = 0.288, P < 0.001 and r = 0.336, P < 0.001) and neonatal umbilical cord blood (r = 0.296, P < 0.001 and r = 0.252, P < 0.001). There was also a positive relationship between PAHs, 8-OHdG levels in pregnant women and their newborns and proximate air pollutant concentrations (all P < 0.05). Based on the results of multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that air pollutants(PM10, 03) had a great influence on the level of 8-OHdG in neonatal cord blood, and the contribution rate was high(R2 = 0.320). Based on the epidemiological questionnaire, a multiple linear regression model was established(R2 = 0.496). We found that 8-OHdG levels in neonatal umbilical cord blood were mainly affected by two aspects: (1) Biological samples collected during heating had higher levels of 8-OHdG in neonatal umbilical cord blood. (2) Study may suggest that in neonates, males are more sensitive to oxidative damage.

Conclusion

Particulate air pollution may increase PAHs exposure and oxidative DNA damage in pregnant women and newborns.
Predictive value of characteristics of resected parathyroid glands for persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism during parathyroidectomy
Authors: Huang Yaoyu , Wang Jing , Zeng Ming , Wan Huiting , Wang Ningning , Yang Guang
Published: February 2023

Background

Parathyroidectomy (PTX), an effective treatment for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, still has a high persistent rate. This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of characteristics of resected parathyroid glands for postoperative persistent SHPT.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with persistent SHPT and successful PTX controls who had or underwent total parathyroidectomy with forearm autotransplantation (TPTX + AT) was retrospectively collected. The characteristics including the number, minimum weight, maximum weight and total weight of resected parathyroid glands from each patient were recorded. Characteristics and cutoff value of resected parathyroid glands for the prediction of persistent SHPT were analyzed.

Results

A total of 227 patients (62 persistent SHPT patients and 165 successful PTX controls) were enrolled in the study. Forty-one (66%) persistent SHPT cases related to supernumerary parathyroid and the remaining 21 (34%) cases related to residual undetected parathyroid. In addition, ectopic parathyroid was found in 8 patients (13%) before PTX. The average number of resected glands in the persistent SHPT group and successful PTX group was 3.53 ± 0.72 and 3.93 ± 0.25 respectively (p < 0.001). There was significance in the number of patients with different resected parathyroid glands between two groups (p < 0.001). When the resected gland number was 4, minimum weight of the parathyroid was noted to be heavier in the persistent SHPT group than that in the successful PTX group (0.52 ± 0.31 g vs. 0.38 ± 0.19 g, p < 0.001). For persistent SHPT prediction, cutoff value of minimum weight was 0.535 g, with sensitivity of 46% and specificity of 82% (AUC = 0.611; p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Major reason for the persistent SHPT is the existence of supernumerary parathyroid glands or resection of less than 4 glands. When 4 glands were resected, a minimum total parathyroid gland weight heavier than 0.535 g implied the potential presence of a missed supernumerary parathyroid gland, which also contributed to the persistent SHPT.
Primary maxillary sinus carcinosarcoma with multidisciplinary management: a case report with 4 years follow-up and literature review
Authors: Li Jiajia , Wang Shaohai , Tang Xiufa , Que Lin , Han Wenzhe , Yu Bo
Published: February 2023

Background

Primary maxillary sinus carcinosarcoma (CS) is an extremely rare malignant tumor characterized by biphasic histologic components, lack of standardized treatment, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. This paper presents a case of primary maxillary sinus CS and its treatment.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old female patient complained of right facial pain and maxillary teeth numbness on March 21, 2018. Computed tomography examination revealed a malignant mass with osteolytic destruction. Preoperative biopsy suggested sarcomatoid carcinoma or CS. A total right maxillectomy under general anesthesia was performed on April 12, 2018. The final staging was T3N0M0 (ACJJ 2019). Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed. On May 26, 2018, the patient received the first cycle of doxorubicin plus ifosfamide. Two days before radiotherapy, the patient received an intra-oral prosthesis. From June 20, 2018, to August 22, 2018, the patient received concurrent chemoradiotherapy: radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions) and the second cycle of doxorubicin. Then, the patient received four cycles of doxorubicin plus ifosfamide. The patient was followed for 39 months with no evidence of disease.

Conclusion

Using multidisciplinary therapy, clinical-stage T3N0M0 (ACJJ 2019) maxillary sinus CS may achieve a good prognosis.
Comparison of three-dimensional maxillary growth across spheno-occipital synchondrosis maturation stages
Authors: Al-Gumaei Waseem S. , Long Hu , Al-Attab Reem , Elayah Sadam A. , Alhammadi Maged S. , Almagrami Ibtehal , Al-Rokhami Remsh K. , Lai Wenli , Zheng Yan
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to three-dimensionally compare the maxillary growth among the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) maturation stages in both genders.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of a retrospective type in which cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 500 patients aged 6 to 25 years (226 males and 274 females) were analyzed. The SOS was evaluated using the four-stage scoring system; completely open, partially fused, semi-fused, or completely fused. The SOS scoring and three-dimensional cephalometric measurements were analyzed by Invivo 6.0.3 software. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed and aP-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in maxillary measurements among SOS maturation stages in both genders (P < 0.05). The mean differences in the maxillary growth among the SOS maturation stages between SOS stages 2 and 3 were higher than those between stages 1and 2 and stages 3 and 4 for maxillary length and height in both genders. However, the mean difference in the maxillary width was higher between SOS stages 1 and 2 than those stages 2 and 3 and stages 3 and 4. On other hand, there may be lesser maxillary growth between SOS stages 3 and 4 for maxillary width, length (in males), and height. The growth curves showed high active growth of the maxilla as the SOS was still fusing (especially stage 2 and 3) than those of the fused (stage 4). Moreover, the acceleration of growth occurred earlier in females than males regarding chronological age but not for SOS maturation stages.

Conclusions

The SOS maturation stages are valid and reliable maxillary skeletal maturation indicators for three-dimensional maxillary growth in both genders.
Dental caries status and its associated factors among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Zhi , Zhu Junhua , Zhao Jing , Sun Zhe , Zhu Bing , Lu Haiping , Zheng Yuanna
Published: February 2023

Background

Dental caries prevalence reaches the first peak around 6 years old. It is necessary to take effective measures to prevent and treat caries at this stage. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou City, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hangzhou from October 2017 to May 2018. Oral health status of schoolchildren in 1st and 2nd grades of primary schools aged 6–8 years was examined by well-trained examiners according to the WHO criteria. Questionnaires about potential caries-related factors were distributed to their parents. ANOVA test and logistic regression were conducted for the statistical analyses (α = 0.05).

Results

A total of 7959 pairs of schoolchildren and their parents were invited to participate, and 5595 were included in this study according to the eligible criteria (response rate: 70.3%). The overall prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT of dental caries in the investigated schoolchildren were 52.78% and 2.11. The prevalence and mean dmft/DMFT were 39.05% and 1.63 in the deciduous teeth, while these were 21.45% and 0.48 in the permanent teeth, respectively. For the first permanent molars (FPMs), the rate of fully eruption and pit and fissure sealing (PFS) were 79.09% and 6.60%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that girl (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.25, p < 0.05), seldom or never brush teeth (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.08–5.44, p < 0.05), consuming sweet food or drink once or more time a day (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.29, p < 0.05; OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.36, p < 0.05), dental visit experiences (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35–1.86, p < 0.001) were positively and no tooth pain in the past 12 months (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.38–0.80, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with caries.

Conclusions

Dental caries was prevalent among schoolchildren aged 6–8 years in Hangzhou, and was associated with gender, frequency of toothbrushing, sweet food or drink consuming, tooth pain and dental visit experiences. A large number of fully erupted FPMs did not receive timely PFS.
Evaluation of muco-adhesive tacrolimus patch on caspase-3 induced apoptosis in oral lichen planus: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ibrahim Suzan S. , Ragy Nivine I. , Nagy Noha A. , El-kammar Hala , Elbakry Asmaa M. , Ezzatt Ola M.
Published: February 2023

Background

The study compared the clinical effectiveness of topical Tacrolimus (TAC) in patches or gel with Triamcinolone acetonide (TRI) gel for erosive/atrophic oral lichen planus (OLP) and investigated the influence of these therapies on Caspase-3 expression as a marker of apoptosis.

Methods

Thirty patients were randomly assigned into three equal groups to receive either topical TAC 0.1% patch twice daily, topical TAC 0.1% gel, or topical TRI 0.1% gel four times daily for 8 weeks. Each patient's clinical score (CS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and total atrophic area (TAA) of the marker lesion were measured at baseline, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment, as well as after 4 weeks of treatment free period. Caspase-3 expression and lymphocytic counts (LC) were assessed in pre- and post-treatment biopsied stained sections.

Results

TAC patch resulted in a higher reduction in CS [− 14.00 (15.54%)] and VAS [− 70.21 (15.82%)] followed by TAC gel then TRI gel within the first two weeks. The reduction in VAS and TAA were significantly higher in TAC groups compared to TRI gel, although the difference between TAC treatment was not significant and this was observed throughout the treatment and follow-up periods. Caspase-3 expression increased in connective tissue in all groups. It decreased significantly within the epithelium in both TAC groups but increased in TRI gel. (LC) were significantly lowered with the TAC patch compared to other groups. The percentage change in Caspase-3 epithelial expression was significantly correlated to the CS, TAA, and LC.

Conclusion

Both TAC patch and gel significantly decreased pain and lesion size than TRI gel, with a significant reduction in Caspase-3 expression within the epithelium in comparison to the increase seen with TRI gel. The study protocol was registered atwww.clinicaltrials.gov(NCT05139667) on 01/12/2021.
In utero and postnatal exposure to Foeniculum vulgare and Linum usitatissimum seed extracts: modifications of key enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation and estrogen receptors expression in the offspring’s ovaries of NMRI mice
Authors: Pourjafari Fahimeh , Ezzatabadipour Massood , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noureddin , Afgar Ali , Haghpanah Tahereh
Published: February 2023

Background

Early-life exposure to exogenous estrogens such as phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens) could affect later health through epigenetic modifications. Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Linum usitatissimum (flax) are two common medicinal plants with high phytoestrogen content. Considering the developmental epigenetic programming effect of phytoestrogens, the main goal of the present study was to evaluate the perinatal exposure with life-long exposure to hydroalcoholic extracts of both plants on offspring’s ovarian epigenetic changes and estrogen receptors (ESRs) expression level as signaling cascades triggers of phytoestrogens.

Methods

Pregnant mice were randomly divided into control (CTL) that received no treatment and extract-treated groups that received 500 mg/kg/day of fennel (FV) and flaxseed (FX) alone or in combination (FV + FX) during gestation and lactation. At weaning, female offspring exposed to extracts prenatally remained on the maternal-doses diets until puberty. Then, the ovaries were collected for morphometric studies and quantitative real-time PCR analysis.

Results

A reduction in mRNA transcripts of the epigenetic modifying enzymes DNMTs and HDACs as well as estrogen receptors was observed in the FV and FX groups compared to the CTL group. Interestingly, an increase in ESRα/ESRβ ratio along with HDAC2 overexpression was observed in the FV + FX group.

Conclusion

Our findings clearly show a positive relationship between pre and postnatal exposure to fennel and flaxseed extracts, ovarian epigenetic changes, and estrogen receptors expression, which may affect the estrogen signaling pathway. However, due to the high phytoestrogen contents of these extracts, the use of these plants in humans requires more detailed investigations.
Swin Unet3D: a three-dimensional medical image segmentation network combining vision transformer and convolution
Authors: Cai Yimin , Long Yuqing , Han Zhenggong , Liu Mingkun , Zheng Yuchen , Yang Wei , Chen Liming
Published: February 2023

Background

Semantic segmentation of brain tumors plays a critical role in clinical treatment, especially for three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging, which is often used in clinical practice. Automatic segmentation of the 3D structure of brain tumors can quickly help physicians understand the properties of tumors, such as the shape and size, thus improving the efficiency of preoperative planning and the odds of successful surgery. In past decades, 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have dominated automatic segmentation methods for 3D medical images, and these network structures have achieved good results. However, to reduce the number of neural network parameters, practitioners ensure that the size of convolutional kernels in 3D convolutional operations generally does not exceed $$7 \times 7 \times 7$$

7
×
7
×
7

, which also leads to CNNs showing limitations in learning long-distance dependent information. Vision Transformer (ViT) is very good at learning long-distance dependent information in images, but it suffers from the problems of many parameters. What’s worse, the ViT cannot learn local dependency information in the previous layers under the condition of insufficient data. However, in the image segmentation task, being able to learn this local dependency information in the previous layers makes a big impact on the performance of the model.

Methods

This paper proposes the Swin Unet3D model, which represents voxel segmentation on medical images as a sequence-to-sequence prediction. The feature extraction sub-module in the model is designed as a parallel structure of Convolution and ViT so that all layers of the model are able to adequately learn both global and local dependency information in the image.

Results

On the validation dataset of Brats2021, our proposed model achieves dice coefficients of 0.840, 0.874, and 0.911 on the ET channel, TC channel, and WT channel, respectively. On the validation dataset of Brats2018, our model achieves dice coefficients of 0.716, 0.761, and 0.874 on the corresponding channels, respectively.

Conclusion

We propose a new segmentation model that combines the advantages of Vision Transformer and Convolution and achieves a better balance between the number of model parameters and segmentation accuracy. The code can be found at https://github.com/1152545264/SwinUnet3D.
Current career situations of Chinese pharmacovigilance professionals working for pharmaceutical companies: an exploratory survey
Authors: Tang Yalan , Liu Yan , Liao Hongli , Yuan Yonghua , Jiang Qihua
Published: February 2023

Background

Pharmacovigilance in China has experienced rapid development in the past 30 years. The implementation of Good Pharmacovigilance Practice in China since the end of 2021 heralds a new era of pharmacovigilance affairs, which puts forward higher requirements for the quantity and quality of pharmacovigilance personnel. This study aimed to preliminarily explore the current career situations of pharmacovigilance professionals working in China for pharmaceutical companies.

Methods

A questionnaire was adapted from research in the USA and Europe with the help of several pharmacovigilance experts. Snowball sampling was used to conduct an exploratory survey to obtain the frequency of basic demographic information, work status, and career expectations of pharmacovigilance professionals working for pharmaceutical companies.

Results

The personnel engaged in pharmacovigilance work for pharmaceutical companies were mainly medical or pharmaceutical undergraduates within 3 years of graduation. Their work intensity and pressure were relatively high. The training provided by their universities and enterprises could not well meet their needs to improve their job competence. Although they were optimistic about pharmacovigilance and will not change their career, most of them were planning to change their employers.

Conclusion

There was a gap between the demand and supply of pharmacovigilance personnel. Relevant regulatory authorities and industry associations should guide higher education institutions to collaborate with pharmacovigilance specialists to strengthen pharmacovigilance education for medical or pharmaceutical students, on the basis of which pharmacovigilance certification courses and continuing education courses can be developed. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical enterprises should consider reasonably adjusting work intensity and income to avoid a high turnover rate.
Approaches to optimising access to NICE-approved biologic anti-TNFs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis with moderately active disease
Authors: Taylor Peter C. , Askari Ayman , Choy Ernest , Ehrenstein Michael R. , Else Sara , Nisar Muhammad K.
Published: February 2023

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with joint pain and stiffness. Biologics represent some of the most effective treatments for RA, but previous guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has limited their use to patients with severely active disease. This has meant patients with moderately active RA have been treated as if they have an acceptable disease state, despite many cases where the inflammation has a major impact on joint damage, mobility, pain and quality of life. However, recent guideline changes (NICE TA715) have approved the use of three biologics — adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab — for the treatment of moderately active RA.

Main body

In response to these changes, we have held discussions with medical teams from across the UK to consider the main implications for implementation of these new recommendations, as well as any differences in approach that may exist at a local level. Several key challenges were identified. These included establishing methods of educating both physicians and patients concerning the new availability of the biologic treatments, with suggestions of various organisations that could be approached to circulate informative material. Identifying which patients with moderately active RA stand to benefit was another discussion topic. Relying solely on scoring systems like Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28) was acknowledged to have limitations, and alternative complementary approaches such as ultrasound, as well as assessing a patient’s co-morbidities, could also be useful tools in determining those who could benefit from biologics. An additional challenge for the process of patient identification has been the increase in the use of telemedicine consultations in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. More use of patient-reported outcomes was raised as one possible solution, and the importance of maintaining up-to-date databases on patient disease scores and treatment history was also stressed.

Conclusion

While challenges exist in education and identifying patients who may benefit from the use of biologics, the NICE TA715 recommendations hold great potential in addressing an unmet need for the treatment of moderate RA.
Leveraging massively parallel reporter assays for evolutionary questions
Authors: Gallego Romero Irene , Lea Amanda J.
Published: February 2023

A long-standing goal of evolutionary biology is to decode how gene regulation contributes to organismal diversity. Doing so is challenging because it is hard to predict function from non-coding sequence and to perform molecular research with non-model taxa. Massively parallel reporter assays (MPRAs) enable the testing of thousands to millions of sequences for regulatory activity simultaneously. Here, we discuss the execution, advantages, and limitations of MPRAs, with a focus on evolutionary questions. We propose solutions for extending MPRAs to rare taxa and those with limited genomic resources, and we underscore MPRA’s broad potential for driving genome-scale, functional studies across organisms.
Early diagnosis of ovarian cancer based on methylation profiles in peripheral blood cell-free DNA: a systematic review
Authors: Terp Simone Karlsson , Stoico Malene Pontoppidan , Dybkær Karen , Pedersen Inge Søkilde
Published: February 2023

Patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (OC) have a 5-year survival rate of 49%. For early-stage disease, the 5-year survival rate is above 90%. However, advanced-stage disease accounts for most cases as patients with early stages often are asymptomatic or present with unspecific symptoms, highlighting the need for diagnostic tools for early diagnosis. Liquid biopsy is a minimal invasive blood-based approach that utilizes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed from tumor cells for real-time detection of tumor genetics and epigenetics. Increased DNA methylation of promoter regions is an early event during tumorigenesis, and the methylation can be detected in ctDNA, accentuating the promise of methylated ctDNA as a biomarker for OC diagnosis. Many studies have investigated multiple methylation biomarkers in ctDNA from plasma or serum for discriminating OC patients from patients with benign diseases of the ovaries and/or healthy females. This systematic review summarizes and evaluates the performance of the currently investigated DNA methylation biomarkers in blood-derived ctDNA for early diagnosis of OC. PubMed’s MEDLINE and Elsevier’s Embase were systematically searched, and essential results such as methylation frequency of OC cases and controls, performance measures, as well as preanalytical factors were extracted. Overall, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The most common method used for methylation analysis was methylation-specific PCR, with half of the studies using plasma and the other half using serum. RASSF1A, BRCA1, and OPCML were the most investigated gene-specific methylation biomarkers, with OPCML having the best performance measures. Generally, methylation panels performed better than single gene-specific methylation biomarkers, with one methylation panel of 103,456 distinct regions and 1,116,720 CpGs having better performance in both training and validation cohorts. However, the evidence is still limited, and the promising methylation panels, as well as gene-specific methylation biomarkers highlighted in this review, need validation in large, prospective cohorts with early-stage asymptomatic OC patients to assess the true diagnostic value in a clinical setting.
Targeting ovarian cancer stem cells: a new way out
Authors: Ma Huiying , Tian Tian , Cui Zhumei
Published: February 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy due to tumor heterogeneity, the lack of reliable early diagnosis methods and the high incidence of chemoresistant recurrent disease. Although there are developments in chemotherapies and surgical techniques to improve the overall survival of OC patients, the 5-year survival of advanced OC patients is still low. To improve the prognosis of OC patients, it is important to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that participate in tumor growth, metastasis and chemoresistance. It is important to study the role of CSCs in a highly heterogeneous disease such as OC, which may be significant to a better understanding of the oncogenetic and metastatic pathways of the disease and to develop novel strategies against its progression and platinum resistance. Here, we summarized the current findings about targeting methods against ovarian cancer stem cells, including related signaling pathways, markers and drugs, to better manage OC patients using CSC-based therapeutic strategies.
Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock
Authors: Zeng Xiangzhou , Li Siyu , Liu Lu , Cai Shuang , Ye Qianhong , Xue Bangxin , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Shihai , Chen Fang , Cai Chuanjiang , Wang Fenglai , Zeng Xiangfang
Published: February 2023

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.
Native knee kinematics is not reproduced after sensor guided cruciates substituting total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Indelli Pier Francesco , Giuntoli Michele , Zepeda Karlos , Ghirardelli Stefano , Valtanen Rosa Susanna , Iannotti Ferdinando
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Gait analysis was used to evaluate knee kinematics in patients who underwent successful primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using two modern bi‐cruciate substituting designs. The knee joint was balanced intraoperatively using real‐time sensor technology, developed to provide dynamic feedback regarding stability and tibiofemoral load. The authors hypothesized that major differences exist in gait parameters between healthy controls and post‐TKA patients.

Methods

Ten patients who underwent successful TKA using bi‐cruciate substituting designs were evaluated at a minimum of 9 months postoperatively using three‐dimensional knee kinematic analysis; a multi‐camera optoelectronic system and a force platform were used. Sensor‐extracted kinematic data included knee flexion angle at heel‐strike (KFH), peak midstance knee flexion angle (MSKFA), maximum and minimum knee adduction angle (KAA) and knee rotational angle at heel‐strike. Multiple gait analysis data from the study group were compared to a group of ten healthy controls who were matched by age, sex and BMI. Clinical outcome in the TKA group was also measured using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).

Results

Clinically, at final follow‐up, a statistically significant difference in pain, general symptoms, and activities of daily living was seen between the groups. From a gait analysis standpoint, TKA patients had significantly less rotation at heel strike (p = 0.04), lower late stance peak extension moments (p = 0.02), and less Knee Adduction Angle excursion during swing phase (p = 0.04) compared to the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed for knee flexion angle at heel strike, knee adduction moment, or peak knee flexion moment between the groups.

Conclusions

Modern bi‐cruciate substituting TKA designs failed to reproduce normal knee kinematics. The lack of full knee extension during the stance phase, absence of the “screw‐home mechanism” typical of an ACL functioning knee, and the reduced fluctuation in knee adduction angle during the swing phase still represent major proprioceptive and muscular recruitment differences between normal and replaced knees.
Degenerative tendon matrix induces tenogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hwang Joongwon , Lee Seung Yeon , Jo Chris Hyunchul
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) react dynamically with the surrounding microenvironment to promote tissue‐specific differentiation and hence increase targeted regenerative capacity. Extracellular matrix (ECM) would be the first microenvironment to interact with MSCs injected into the tissue lesion. However, degenerative tissues would have different characteristics of ECM in comparison with healthy tissues. Therefore, the influence of degenerative ECM on tissue‐specific differentiation of MSCs and the formation of matrix composition need to be considered for the sophisticated therapeutic application of stem cells for tissue regeneration.

Methods

Human degenerative tendon tissues were obtained from patients undergoing rotator cuff repair and finely minced into 2 ~ 3 mm fragments. Different amounts of tendon matrix (0.005 g, 0.01 g, 0.025 g, 0.05 g, 0.1 g, 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1 g, and 2 g) were co‐cultured with bone marrow MSCs (BM MSCs) for 7 days. Six tendon‐related markers, scleraxis, tenomodulin, collagen type I and III, decorin, and tenascin‐C, osteogenic marker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and chondrogenic marker, aggrecan (ACAN), were analyzed by qRT‐PCR. Cell viability and senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase assays were performed. The connective tissue growth factor was used as a positive control.

Results

The expressions of six tendon‐related markers were significantly upregulated until the amount of tendon matrix exceeded 0.5 g, the point where the mRNA expressions of all six genes analyzed started to decrease. The tendon matrix exerted an inhibitory effect on ACAN expression but had a negligible effect on ALP expression. Cell viability did not change significantly over the culture period. The amount of tendon matrix exceeding 0.01 g significantly increased the SA‐βgal activity of BM MSCs.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrated tendon ECM‐stimulated tenogenesis of BM MSCs through an indirect co‐culture system without the use of exogenous growth factors and the alteration of cellular viability. In contrast to the initial hypothesis, the tenogenesis of BM MSCs induced with the degenerative tendon matrix accompanied cellular senescence.
Cultivating interlanguage pragmatic comprehension through concurrent and cumulative group dynamic assessment: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Rezai Afsheen
Published: February 2023

This study explored the effects of concurrent group dynamic assessment (G-DA) and cumulative G-DA on Iranian pre-intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ interlanguage pragmatic comprehension (ILPC). To this end, a total of 97 pre-intermediate learners took the key English test (KET) test and 45 learners whose scores fell between − 1 and + 1 SD were selected and randomly assigned to experimental groups, namely concurrent G-DA (n = 15), cumulative G-DA (n = 15), and a control group, namely immediate feedback (IF) group (n = 15). Then, they went through pre-test, interventions (lasting fifteen 1-h sessions held three times a week), and post-test procedures, as well as the interactions among the teachers and learners were recorded. The data were analyzed through a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a microgenetic development approach. Results revealed that the concurrent G-DA and cumulative G-DA outperformed the IP group concerning the gains in the ILPC on the post-test. Additionally, the complementary microgenetic findings demonstrated the ways through which the concurrent G-DA and cumulative G-DA could lead to improving the learners’ ILPC.
The association between metamemory, subjective memory complaints, mood, and well-being: the Hungarian validation of Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire
Authors: Csábi Eszter , Hallgató Emese , Volosin Márta
Published: February 2023

The current study addressed the relationship between subjective memory complaints and negative affect, well-being, and demographic variables by investigating the Hungarian version of Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire. The original factor structure showed a poor fit on our data; therefore, principal component analysis was conducted on data from 577 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 92 years. Our analysis provided a six-component solution:Satisfaction,Retrospective memory mistakes,Prospective memory mistakes,External Strategies,Internal Strategies,andFrustration. To improve the reliability and internal consistency indicators we created four subscales by combiningFrustrationwithSatisfaction,andRetrospectiveandProspective memory mistakes subscales. Thus, we were able to preserve the factor structure similar to the original. Subjective memory complaints were correlated positively with anxiety and depression and were associated negatively with well-being. We found a slight positive correlation between age and memory ability, and age was associated negatively with the frequency of external strategy use. Individuals with higher education were satisfied with their memory, used more frequent external strategies. Furthermore, men were more satisfied with their memory and reported better memory ability, while women tended to use more external and internal strategies. Women also showed a higher level of anxiety and depression than men. In conclusion, self-reported memory changes are of particular importance because of their association with perceived mental health status and implications for later disease development.
Host metabolome and faecal microbiome shows potential interactions impacted by age and weaning times in calves
Authors: Amin Nida , Schwarzkopf Sarah , Tröscher-Mußotter Johanna , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Dänicke Sven , Huber Korinna , Frahm Jana , Seifert Jana
Published: February 2023

Background

Calves undergo nutritional, metabolic, and behavioural changes from birth to the entire weaning period. An appropriate selection of weaning age is essential to reduce the negative effects caused by weaning-related dietary transitions. This study monitored the faecal microbiome and plasma metabolome of 59 female Holstein calves during different developmental stages and weaning times (early vs. late) and identified the potential associations of the measured parameters over an experimental period of 140 days.

Results

A progressive development of the microbiome and metabolome was observed with significant differences according to the weaning groups (weaned at 7 or 17 weeks of age). Faecal samples of young calves were dominated by bifidobacterial and lactobacilli species, while their respective plasma samples showed high concentrations of amino acids (AAs) and biogenic amines (BAs). However, as the calves matured, the abundances of potential fiber-degrading bacteria and the plasma concentrations of sphingomyelins (SMs), few BAs and acylcarnitines (ACs) were increased. Early-weaning at 7 weeks significantly restructured the microbiome towards potential fiber-degrading bacteria and decreased plasma concentrations of most of the AAs and SMs, few BAs and ACs compared to the late-weaning event. Strong associations between faecal microbes, plasma metabolites and calf growth parameters were observed during days 42–98, where the abundances of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, and Blautia were positively correlated with the plasma concentrations of AAs, BAs and SMs as well as the live weight gain or average daily gain in calves.

Conclusion

The present study reported that weaning at 17 weeks of age was beneficial due to higher growth rate of late-weaned calves during days 42–98 and a quick adaptability of microbiota to weaning-related dietary changes during day 112, suggesting an age-dependent maturation of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the respective plasma samples of late-weaned calves contained several metabolites with differential concentrations to the early-weaned group, suggesting a less abrupt but more-persistent effect of dietary changes on host metabolome compared to the microbiome.
Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of bladder lesions
Authors: Yoon Jin Woo , Park Sung Bin , Lee Eun Sun , Park Hyun Jeong
Published: February 2023

Background

Urinary bladder tumors are the most common type of tumors detected in patients with gross hematuria. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is an accurate method for detecting bladder lesions. This review aims to describe the features of MDCT and the possible values for distinguishing these lesions in the bladder.

Main body

In this review, we discuss the role of MDCT in the evaluation of patients with bladder cancer and describe a broad spectrum of bladder lesions, including malignant bladder lesions beyond bladder cancer, benign bladder lesions, and diffuse bladder wall thickening.

Short conclusion

Familiarity with the clinical presentations and imaging features of bladder lesions can lead to more accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Complete resection of an intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst with median sternotomy showing high CA19-9 level fluid sampling by EBUS-TBNA: a case report
Authors: Suzuki Hirotoshi , Ishida Itaru , Kawatsu Satoshi , Suzuki Yuyo , Oda Katsuhiko , Oura Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

Background

An intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst (IBC) is rare and compresses the surrounding organs, causing symptoms. Resection of an IBC leads to an improvement in symptoms. We completely resected an IBC by performing median sternotomy and the symptom improved, and we described the clinical course.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old man with palpitation and chest discomfort was referred to our institution. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a 42 × 35 × 32-mm cystic mass attached to the right pulmonary artery and right bronchus. Chest CT also revealed that this cystic mass compressed the superior vena cava, right superior pulmonary vein, and left atrium. Endobronchial ultrasonography transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) revealed a mucinous fluid with high CA19-9 level (> 12,000 U/mL). We performed complete resection of the IBC that firmly adhered to the superior pulmonary vein and left atrium with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using median sternotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 16 without major complications. The cystic mass was diagnosed as an IBC. He has been well without symptom of chest discomfort and any signs of recurrence for 18 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

For complete resection of an IBC, CPB needs to be anticipated for difficulty in predicting firm adhesion to the heart and great vessels. Measuring the CA19-9 level in the sampling fluid with EBUS-TBNA can be useful for the preoperative IBC diagnosis.
Deformation of nanowires and nanotubes
Authors: Khan Aatif Kaisar , Wani Salman Sajad , Shaikh Aasiya , Yamin Yas , Shah Naveed Ahmad , Aitenov Yermek O. , Faizal Mir , Lone Suhail
Published: February 2023

In this article, we have investigated the consequences of the next-to-leading-order correction to the effective field theory of nanostructures. This has been done by analyzing the effects of deformed Heisenberg algebra on nanowires and nanotubes. We first deform the Schrödinger equation with cylindrical topology. Then specific solutions to the deformed Schrödinger equation with different boundary conditions are studied. These deformed solutions are used to investigate the consequences of the deformation on the energy of nanowires and nanotubes. This deformation can be detected by connecting such nanostructures to ferromagnets, and testing the current-voltage relation for such junctions.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Xenopus proteins
Authors: Horr Brett , Kurtz Ryan , Pandey Ankit , Hoffstrom Benjamin G. , Schock Elizabeth , LaBonne Carole , Alfandari Dominique
Published: February 2023

Monoclonal antibodies are powerful and versatile tools that enable the study of proteins in diverse contexts. They are often utilized to assist with identification of subcellular localization and characterization of the function of target proteins of interest. However, because there can be considerable sequence diversity between orthologous proteins in Xenopus and mammals, antibodies produced against mouse or human proteins often do not recognize Xenopus counterparts. To address this issue, we refined existing mouse monoclonal antibody production protocols to generate antibodies against Xenopus proteins of interest. Here, we describe several approaches for the generation of useful mouse anti-Xenopus antibodies to multiple Xenopus proteins and their validation in various experimental approaches. These novel antibodies are now available to the research community through the Developmental Study Hybridoma Bank (DSHB).
An interview with Mayssa Mokalled
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: February 2023

Mayssa Mokalled is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, USA. Her lab investigates the basis of spinal cord regeneration in the zebrafish with the aim of promoting spinal cord repair after damage or disease. In 2021, Mayssa received the Junior Faculty Award for Excellence from the Zebrafish Disease Models Society and in 2022 she was awarded the Rising Star Award from the International Society for Regenerative Biology. We met with Mayssa over Teams while she was in Lebanon to discuss her achievements, values and her excitement for the future.