bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of α-Linolenic Acid 16(S)-Lipoxygenase: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Vegetative Lipoxygenase 3
Authors: Gorina Svetlana S. , Egorova Alevtina M. , Lantsova Natalia V. , Toporkova Yana Y. , Grechkin Alexander N.
Published: August 2023

The GC-MS profiling of the endogenous oxylipins (Me/TMS) from cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) leaves, flowers, and fruit peels revealed a remarkable abundance of 16-hydroxy-9,12,14-octadecatrienoic acid (16-HOT). Incubations of homogenates from these organs with α-linolenic acid yielded 16(S)-hydroperoxide (16-HPOT) as a predominant product. Targeted proteomic analyses of these tissues revealed the presence of several highly homologous isoforms of the putative “9S-lipoxygenase type 6”. One of these isoenzymes (CsLOX3, an 877 amino acid polypeptide) was prepared by heterologous expression in E. coli and exhibited 16(S)- and 13(S)-lipoxygenase activity toward α-linolenic and linoleic acids, respectively. Furthermore, α-linolenate was a preferred substrate. The molecular structures of 16(S)-HOT and 16(S)-HPOT (Me or Me/TMS) were unequivocally confirmed by the mass spectral data, 1H-NMR, 2D 1H-1H-COSY, TOCSY, HMBC, and HSQC spectra, as well as enantiomeric HPLC analyses. Thus, the vegetative CsLOX3, biosynthesizing 16(S)-HPOT, is the first 16(S)-LOX and ω3-LOX ever discovered. Eicosapentaenoic and hexadecatrienoic acids were also specifically transformed to the corresponding ω3(S)-hydroperoxides by CsLOX3.
Structure-Based Modeling of Sigma 1 Receptor Interactions with Ligands and Cholesterol and Implications for Its Biological Function
Authors: Kim Meewhi , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: August 2023

The sigma 1 receptor (S1R) is a 223-amino-acid-long transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein. The S1R plays an important role in neuronal health and it is an established therapeutic target for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its importance in physiology and disease, the biological function of S1R is poorly understood. To gain insight into the biological and signaling functions of S1R, we took advantage of recently reported crystal structures of human and Xenopus S1Rs and performed structural modeling of S1R interactions with ligands and cholesterol in the presence of the membrane. By combining bioinformatics analysis of S1R sequence and structural modelling approaches, we proposed a model that suggests that S1R may exist in two distinct conformations—“dynamic monomer” (DM) and “anchored monomer” (AM). We further propose that equilibrium between AM and DM conformations of S1R is essential for its biological function in cells, with AM conformation facilitating the oligomerization of S1R and DM conformation facilitating deoligomerization. Consistent with experimental evidence, our hypothesis predicts that increased levels of membrane cholesterol and S1R antagonists should promote the oligomeric state of S1R, but S1R agonists and pathogenic mutations should promote its deoligomerization. Obtained results provide mechanistic insights into signaling functions of S1R in cells, and the proposed model may help to explain neuroprotective effects of S1R modulators.
Ubiquitination Is a Novel Post-Translational Modification of VMP1 in Autophagy of Human Tumor Cells
Authors: Renna Felipe J. , Enriqué Steinberg Juliana H. , Gonzalez Claudio D. , Manifava Maria , Tadic Mariana S. , Orquera Tamara , Vecino Carolina V. , Ropolo Alejandro , Guardavaccaro Daniele , Rossi Mario , Ktistakis Nicholas T. , Vaccaro Maria I.
Published: August 2023

Autophagy is a tightly regulated catabolic process involved in the degradation and recycling of proteins and organelles. Ubiquitination plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy. Vacuole Membrane Protein 1 (VMP1) is an essential autophagy protein. The expression of VMP1 in pancreatic cancer stem cells carrying the activated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) triggers autophagy and enables therapy resistance. Using biochemical and cellular approaches, we identified ubiquitination as a post-translational modification of VMP1 from the initial steps in autophagosome biogenesis. VMP1 remains ubiquitinated as part of the autophagosome membrane throughout autophagic flux until autolysosome formation. However, VMP1 is not degraded by autophagy, nor by the ubiquitin–proteasomal system. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation showed that the cell division cycle protein cdt2 (Cdt2), the substrate recognition subunit of the E3 ligase complex associated with cancer, cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase complex 4 (CRL4), is a novel interactor of VMP1 and is involved in VMP1 ubiquitination. VMP1 ubiquitination decreases under the CRL inhibitor MLN4924 and increases with Cdt2 overexpression. Moreover, VMP1 recruitment and autophagosome formation is significantly affected by CRL inhibition. Our results indicate that ubiquitination is a novel post-translational modification of VMP1 during autophagy in human tumor cells. VMP1 ubiquitination may be of clinical relevance in tumor-cell-therapy resistance.
ATRX Loss in the Development and Prognosis of Conjunctival Melanoma
Authors: van Ipenburg Jolique A. , van den Bosch Quincy C. C. , Paridaens Dion , Dubbink Hendrikus J. , Kiliç Emine , Naus Nicole , Verdijk Robert M.
Published: August 2023

Metastatic disease is linked to TERT promoter mutations in conjunctival melanomas (CM). Both TERT promoter and ATRX mutations are associated with faulty telomere maintenance. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of ATRX loss in conjunctival melanocytic lesions. Eighty-six conjunctival melanocytic lesions from the Rotterdam Ocular Melanoma Study group were collected. ATRX status and TERT promoter status were determined using immunohistochemical staining and molecular diagnostics, respectively. None of the nevi (n = 16) and primary acquired melanosis (PAM) without atypia (n = 6) showed ATRX loss. ATRX loss was found in 2/5 PAM with atypia without CM and in 8/59 CM. No cases with a TERT promoter mutation (n = 26) showed ATRX loss. Eight/eleven metastatic CM harbored a TERT promoter mutation, two other metastatic CM showed ATRX loss and one metastatic case showed no TERT promoter/ATRX alterations. In conclusion ATRX loss and TERT promoter mutations are only found in (pre)malignant conjunctival melanocytic lesions, with most metastatic cases harboring one of these alterations, suggesting that both alterations are associated with adverse behavior. Similar to TERT promoter mutations, ATRX loss may be used as a diagnostic tool in determining whether a conjunctival melanocytic lesion is prone to having an adverse course.
Histamine H4 Receptor Agonist, 4-Methylhistamine, Aggravates Disease Progression and Promotes Pro-Inflammatory Signaling in B Cells in an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mouse Model
Authors: Alsaad Abdulaziz M. S. , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Nadeem Ahmed , Attia Sabry M. , Bakheet Saleh A. , Alomar Hatun A. , Ahmad Sheikh F.
Published: August 2023

We sought to assess the impact of 4-Methylhistamine (4-MeH), a specific agonist targeting the Histamine H4 Receptor (H4R), on the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and gain insight into the underlying mechanism. EAE is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by demyelination, axonal damage, and neurodegeneration. Over the past decade, pharmacological research into the H4R has gained significance in immune and inflammatory disorders. For this study, Swiss Jim Lambert EAE mice were treated with 4-MeH (30 mg/kg/day) via intraperitoneal administration from days 14 to 42, and the control group was treated with a vehicle. Subsequently, we evaluated the clinical scores. In addition, flow cytometry was employed to estimate the impact of 4-Methylhistamine (4-MeH) on NF-κB p65, GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6, and TNF-α within CD19+ and CXCR5+ spleen B cells. Additionally, we investigated the effect of 4-MeH on the mRNA expression levels of Nf-κB p65, Gmcsf, Mcp1, Il6, and Tnfα in the brain of mice using RT-PCR. Notably, the clinical scores of EAE mice treated with 4-MeH showed a significant increase compared with those treated with the vehicle. The percentage of cells expressing CD19+NF-κB p65+, CXCR5+NF-κB p65+, CD19+GM-CSF+, CXCR5+GM-CSF+, CD19+MCP-1+, CXCR5+MCP-1+, CD19+IL-6+, CXCR5+IL-6+, CD19+TNF-α+, and CXCR5+TNF-α+ exhibited was more pronounced in 4-MeH-treated EAE mice when compared to vehicle-treated EAE mice. Moreover, the administration of 4-MeH led to increased expression of NfκB p65, Gmcsf, Mcp1, Il6, and Tnfα mRNA in the brains of EAE mice. This means that the H4R agonist promotes pro-inflammatory mediators aggravating EAE symptoms. Our results indicate the harmful role of H4R agonists in the pathogenesis of MS in an EAE mouse model.
The Role of Hydrogen Incorporation into Amorphous Carbon Films in the Change of the Secondary Electron Yield
Authors: Bundaleski Nenad , Adame Carolina F. , Alves Eduardo , Barradas Nuno P. , Cerqueira Maria F. , Deuermeier Jonas , Delaup Yorick , Ferraria Ana M. , Ferreira Isabel M. M. , Neupert Holger , Himmerlich Marcel , Rego Ana Maria M. B. do , Rimoldi Martino , Teodoro Orlando M. N. D. , Vasilevskiy Mikhail , Costa Pinto Pedro
Published: August 2023

Over the last few years, there has been increasing interest in the use of amorphous carbon thin films with low secondary electron yield (SEY) to mitigate electron multipacting in particle accelerators and RF devices. Previous works found that the SEY increases with the amount of incorporated hydrogen and correlates with the Tauc gap. In this work, we analyse films produced by magnetron sputtering with different contents of hydrogen and deuterium incorporated via the target poisoning and sputtering of CxDy molecules. XPS was implemented to estimate the phase composition of the films. The maximal SEY was found to decrease linearly with the fraction of the graphitic phase in the films. These results are supported by Raman scattering and UPS measurements. The graphitic phase decreases almost linearly for hydrogen and deuterium concentrations between 12% and 46% (at.), but abruptly decreases when the concentration reaches 53%. This vanishing of the graphitic phase is accompanied by a strong increase of SEY and the Tauc gap. These results suggest that the SEY is not dictated directly by the concentration of H/D, but by the fraction of the graphitic phase in the film. The results are supported by an original model used to calculate the SEY of films consisting of a mixture of graphitic and polymeric phases.
Periodontal Disease and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Aizenbud Itay , Wilensky Asaf , Almoznino Galit
Published: August 2023

Periodontal disease is a complex and progressive chronic inflammatory condition that leads to the loss of alveolar bone and teeth. It has been associated with various systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus and obesity, among others. Some of these conditions are part of the metabolic syndrome cluster, a group of interconnected systemic diseases that significantly raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. The metabolic syndrome cluster encompasses central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. In this review, our objective is to investigate the correlation between periodontal disease and the components and outcomes of the metabolic syndrome cluster. By doing so, we aim to gain insights into the fundamental mechanisms that link each systemic condition with the metabolic syndrome. This deeper understanding of the interplay between these conditions and periodontal disease can pave the way for more effective treatments that take into account the broader impact of managing periodontal disease on the comprehensive treatment of systemic diseases, and vice versa.
QSPR and Nano-QSPR: Which One Is Common? The Case of Fullerenes Solubility
Authors: Toropova Alla P. , Toropov Andrey A. , Fjodorova Natalja
Published: August 2023

Background: The system of self-consistent models is an attempt to develop a tool to assess the predictive potential of various approaches by considering a group of random distributions of available data into training and validation sets. Considering many different splits is more informative than considering a single model. Methods: Models studied here build up for solubility of fullerenes C60 and C70 in different organic solvents using so-called quasi-SMILES, which contain traditional simplified molecular input-line entry systems (SMILES) incorporated with codes that reflect the presence of C60 and C70. In addition, the fragments of local symmetry (FLS) in quasi-SMILES are applied to improve the solubility’s predictive potential (expressed via mole fraction at 298’K) models. Results: Several versions of the Monte Carlo procedure are studied. The use of the fragments of local symmetry along with a special vector of the ideality of correlation improves the predictive potential of the models. The average value of the determination coefficient on the validation sets is equal to 0.9255 ± 0.0163. Conclusions: The comparison of different manners of the Monte Carlo optimization of the correlation weights has shown that the best predictive potential was observed for models where both fragments of local symmetry and the vector of the ideality of correlation were applied.
Recent Progress on the Functionalization of Endohedral Metallofullerenes
Authors: Wang Song , Zhang Xianming , Tan Xi , Li Hongzhen , Dai Songxin , Yao Bin , Liu Xingyan , He Youzhou , Jin Fei
Published: August 2023

Functionalization of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) plays an important role in exploring the reactivity of EMFs and stabilizing missing EMFs, thus conferring tunable properties and turning EMFs into applicable materials. In this review, we present exhaustive progress on the functionalization of EMFs since 2019. Classic functionalization reactions include Prato reactions, Bingel–Hirsch reactions, radical addition reactions, carbene addition reactions, and so on are summarized. And new complicated multi-component reactions and other creative reactions are presented as well. We also discuss the structural features of derivatives of EMFs and the corresponding reaction mechanisms to understand the reactivity and regioselectivity of EMFs. In the end, we make conclusions and put forward an outlook on the prospect of the functionalization of EMFs.
Maturation and Function of the Intercalated Disc: Report of Two Pediatric Cases Focusing on Cardiac Development and Myocardial Hyperplasia
Authors: van Ham Willem B. , Meijboom Esmeralda E. M. , Ligtermoet Merel L. , Nikkels Peter G. J. , van Veen Toon A. B.
Published: August 2023

The development of the normal human heart, ranging from gestational age to the mature adult heart, relies on a very delicate and timely orchestrated order of processes. One of the most striking alterations in time is the gradual extinction of the ability for cardiomyocytes to proliferate. Once passing this event, cardiomyocytes grow and increase in contractile strength by means of physiological hypertrophy. This process, importantly, seems to depend on an adequate development of electromechanical coupling that is achieved by the appropriate formation of the intercellular junction named the intercalated disc (ICD). In this report, we describe two sudden death cases of young and apparently healthy-born individuals without external abnormalities compared to an age-matched control. Histological examination, including the comparison with the age-matched and histology-matched controls, showed a disturbed formation of the protein machinery composing the electromechanical junctions at the ICD and an increased nuclei count for both patients. As a cause or consequence, cardiomyocytes in both sudden death cases showed signs of a delayed developmental stage, presumably resulting in an exaggerated degree of hyperplasia.
Cough Characteristics and Their Association Patterns According to Cough Etiology: A Network Analysis
Authors: Kang Jieun , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Deog Kyeom , Kim Jin Woo , Jang Seung Hun , Koo Hyeon-Kyoung
Published: August 2023

Although cough is a common respiratory symptom, determining its cause is challenging. We aimed to explore how cough severity and characteristics vary with different etiologies, while investigating their interrelations with demographic features. Adult patients (n = 220) with chronic cough and completed diagnostic work-up and the COugh Assessment Test were enrolled. A correlation network analysis was used to examine the associations between the demographic features and cough severity/characteristics across various etiologies such as upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, eosinophilic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and idiopathic cough. Demographic features like age and sex showed complex associations with cough characteristics and severity. Cough severity decreased with age, especially in cases of eosinophilic bronchitis and GERD. Women with eosinophilic bronchitis reported more severe cough, while men with idiopathic cough reported more severe cough. Asthma was significantly linked to more sleep disturbance and fatigue, independent of age and sex, whereas GERD showed less sleep disturbance and fatigue. Network analysis revealed overall close associations between cough characteristics, though hypersensitivity in asthma and sleep disturbance in GERD were not linked with other cough traits. In conclusion, the demographic features and cough characteristics were interrelated, exhibiting distinct patterns based on the etiology.
Safety and Feasibility Study of the Medical Care Pit Walking Support System for Rehabilitation of Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Watanabe Hiroki , Mathis Bryan J. , Ueno Tomoyuki , Taketomi Masakazu , Kubota Shigeki , Marushima Aiki , Kawamoto Hiroaki , Sankai Yoshiyuki , Matsumura Akira , Hada Yasushi
Published: August 2023

Stroke rehabilitation with mechanical assistance improves outcomes by facilitating repetition and relieving the care burden of therapy staff. Here, we tested the Medical Care Pit (MCP) walking assistance training device in the rehabilitation of eight acute stroke patients (median age 60.7 ± 16.3 years) who had recently suffered ischemic (three) or hemorrhagic (five) stroke (14.1 ± 6.5 days). Patients received standard rehabilitation approximately 5 days per week (weekdays only), plus MCP therapy twice a week, totaling four MCP sessions over 2 weeks. Fugl–Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and other gait-associated parameters were measured. Over the 10.5 ± 1.6 days of therapy, MCP qualitatively assisted in gait analysis and real-time patient feedback while independent walking scores significantly improved (FAC 2.2 ± 0.8 to 3.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.020). FMA-LE scores also slightly improved but not to significance (p = 0.106). Objective burden on patients, as measured by modified Borg scale, was significantly improved (2.7 ± 1.6 to 2.0 ± 1.6, p = 0.014). In terms of questionnaires, anxiety scores for the physical therapist regarding gait training and falling with MCP significantly decreased (3.8 ± 2.3 to 1.0 ± 1.6; p = 0.027 and 3.1 ± 2.2 to 0.8 ± 1.3; p = 0.045) from the first to fourth sessions. Taken together, MCP, in addition to the usual rehabilitation program, was effective in gait rehabilitation for independent walking and relieved burdens on the patients. Such walking support systems may be an important part of acute stroke rehabilitation.
SuperPATH—Current Status of Evidence and Further Investigations: A Scoping Review and Quality Assessment
Authors: Ramadanov Nikolai
Published: August 2023

Background: SuperPATH is a novel minimally invasive technique for hip replacement that is gaining increasing attention. The aim of this review was to determine the nature, extent, and quality of current research evidence on SuperPATH and to identify areas for further investigations. Methods: A bibliometric search was conducted in PubMed up to 1 August 2023 using the search term “SuperPATH”. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed for relevant articles. Results: The bibliometric search yielded 51 articles on SuperPATH, 9 of which were meta-analyses, 11 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 4 were prospective non-RCTs, 12 were retrospective comparative studies, 11 were case series, and 4 were other article types. Most articles were published between 2015 and 2023, with a steady increase in publications per year. The articles originated from 13 countries, of which China was the most productive (35%). The quality assessment of the meta-analyses showed that 22.2% were of moderate quality, 66.7% were of low quality, and 11.1% were of critically low quality. The quality assessment of the RCTs showed that 36.4% had a low risk of bias (RoB), 27.2% revealed some concerns, and 36.4% had a high RoB. All studies were evaluated for content and taken into account in the formulation of recommendations and conclusions. Conclusions: The SuperPATH evidence varies from low to high quality. There is a steady increase in SuperPATH publications in the English-language literature and an uneven distribution of the article origins, with most articles coming from China. Consistent terminology should be used in the future, referring to the surgical approach as the direct superior approach (DSA) and to the surgical technique as SuperPATH. This review provides further concrete suggestions for future investigations and recommendations to improve study quality.
Image-to-Patient Registration in Computer-Assisted Surgery of Head and Neck: State-of-the-Art, Perspectives, and Challenges
Authors: Taleb Ali , Guigou Caroline , Leclerc Sarah , Lalande Alain , Bozorg Grayeli Alexis
Published: August 2023

Today, image-guided systems play a significant role in improving the outcome of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. They provide crucial anatomical information during the procedure to decrease the size and the extent of the approach, to reduce intraoperative complications, and to increase accuracy, repeatability, and safety. Image-to-patient registration is the first step in image-guided procedures. It establishes a correspondence between the patient’s preoperative imaging and the intraoperative data. When it comes to the head-and-neck region, the presence of many sensitive structures such as the central nervous system or the neurosensory organs requires a millimetric precision. This review allows evaluating the characteristics and the performances of different registration methods in the head-and-neck region used in the operation room from the perspectives of accuracy, invasiveness, and processing times. Our work led to the conclusion that invasive marker-based methods are still considered as the gold standard of image-to-patient registration. The surface-based methods are recommended for faster procedures and applied on the surface tissues especially around the eyes. In the near future, computer vision technology is expected to enhance these systems by reducing human errors and cognitive load in the operating room.
Treatment with Methotrexate in Infants and Toddlers with Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study
Authors: Barak Levitt Jen A. , Alemi Sima , Ollech Ayelet , Reiss-Huss Shiran , Sah Mohammad , Renert-Yuval Yael , Friedland Rivka , Greenberger Shoshana , Cohen Barak Eran
Published: August 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 20% of children. Methotrexate (MTX) is used off-label as a systemic treatment for AD patients unresponsive to topical therapies, but limited data exist regarding its safety and efficacy in children, especially in those < 4 years old. To further investigate MTX in younger patients, we screened the medical records of three referral centers between 2016 and 2022 and identified 28 infants and toddlers < 4 years old with AD treated with MTX. Mean age upon MTX initiation was 2.7 ± 1.2 years and mean investigator global assessment (IGA) score was 3.78 ± 0.4. Median duration of MTX treatment was five months. Following 12 and 24 weeks of MTX treatment, the response rate was 50% and IGA 0/1 was achieved in 14.2% and 21.4% of patients, respectively. Most treatment cessations were attributed to a lack of efficacy or parental concern. Although adverse events were reported in 57.1% of patients, MTX was discontinued due to such adverse events only in two patients (7.1%). Taken together, MTX demonstrated a high safety profile in AD patients <4 years old. MTX efficacy was moderate and presumably underestimated by parents who opted for premature treatment cessation due to concerns associated with an immunomodulatory drug.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Response in Japanese Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis: Results of Propensity Score-Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Moriya Kei , Nakakita Tomoko , Nakayama Natsuki , Matsuo Yuya , Komeda Yusuke , Hanatani Junichi , Kaya Daisuke , Nagamatsu Shinsaku , Matsuo Hideki , Uejima Masakazu , Nakamura Fumihiko
Published: August 2023

Background/Aims: Although the World Health Organization declared the end of the public health emergency of international concern focusing on COVID-19 in May 2023, this bothersome virus continues to mutate, and the possibility of the emergence of mutant strains with high infectivity and severe disease rates has not disappeared. Thus, medical evidence must be accumulated, which is indispensable for protecting both patients under immunosuppressive treatments and the healthy population. This study examined SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in Japanese patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) compared with healthy controls. Methods: This observational study registered 22 patients with histologically diagnosed AIH and 809 healthy controls in our hospital. Their Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody concentrations before and after vaccination were evaluated. Results: In this study, 72.7% and 18.2% of patients with AIH received steroids and azathioprine, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between age and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody concentration in both groups; however, no sex differences were found. Although anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody concentration was drastically augmented after the second vaccination (p < 0.05) in the AIH group, these levels were significantly lower than those in the controls (p < 0.05). In the age- and sex-matched analysis, the population ratio with a minimum response (≤100 binding antibody units (BAU/mL) was higher among patients with AIH than among controls 26 weeks after the second vaccination (44% vs. 7%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody concentration in AIH patients was significantly lower than that in controls after the second vaccination. Continued and widespread vaccination, particularly for patients requiring medical immunomodulation, is recommended.
Invasive Functional Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis in the TAVI Era
Authors: Weferling Maren , Kim Won-Keun
Published: August 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common finding in patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis (AS), with a prevalence of over 50% in patients 70 years of age or older. Transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI) is the standard treatment option for patients with severe AS and at least 75 years of age. Current guidelines recommend percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients planned for TAVI with stenoses of >70% in the proximal segments of non-left main coronary arteries and in >50% of left main stenoses. While the guidelines on myocardial revascularization clearly recommend functional assessment of coronary artery stenoses of less than 90% in the absence of non-invasive ischemia testing, a statement regarding invasive functional testing in AS patients with concomitant CAD is lacking in the recently published guideline on the management of valvular heart disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the hemodynamic background in AS patients, discusses and summarizes the current evidence of invasive functional testing in patients with severe AS, and gives a future perspective on the ongoing trials on that topic.
Textbook Outcome after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer Is Associated with Improved Overall and Disease-Free Survival
Authors: Çetinkaya-Hosgör Candan , Seika Philippa , Raakow Jonas , Kröll Dino , Dobrindt Eva , Maurer Max , Martin Friederike , Ossami Saidy Ramin , Thuss-Patience Peter , Pratschke Johann , Biebl Matthias , Denecke Christian
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: The complexity of the perioperative outcome for patients with gastric cancer is not well reflected by single quality metrics. To study the effect of the surgical outcome on survival, we have evaluated the relationship between textbook outcome (TO)—a new composite parameter—and oncological outcome. (2) Methods: All patients undergoing total gastrectomy or trans-hiatal extended gastrectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent between 2017 and 2021 at our institution were included. TO was defined by negative resection margins (R0); collection of ≥25 lymph nodes; the absence of major perioperative complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3); the absence of any reintervention; absence of unplanned ICU re-admission; length of hospital stay < 21 days; absence of 30-day readmission and 30-day mortality. We evaluated factors affecting TO by multivariate logistic regression. The correlation between TO and long-term survival was assessed using a multivariate cox proportional-hazards model. (3) Results: Of the patients included in this study, 52 (52.5 %) achieved all TO metrics. Open surgery (p = 0.010; OR 3.715, CI 1.334–10.351) and incomplete neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.020, OR 4.278, CI 1.176–15.553) were associated with failure to achieve TO on multivariate analysis. The achievement of TO significantly affected overall survival (p = 0.015). TO (p = 0.037, OD 0.448, CI 0.211–0.954) and CCI > 4 (p = 0.034, OR 2.844, CI 1.079–7.493) were significant factors affecting DFS upon univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, CCI > 4 (p = 0.035, OR 2.605, CI 0.983–6.905) was significantly associated with DFS. (4) Conclusions: We identified patient- and procedure-related factors influencing TO. Importantly, achieving TO is strongly associated with improved long-term survival in gastric cancer patients and merits further focus on surgical quality improvement efforts.
The Presence of a ‘Sentinel’ Vessel as an Anatomical Reference during Hamstring Tendon Harvesting—A Prospective Study
Authors: Prejbeanu Radu , Mioc Mihail Lazar , Jebelean Silviu , Balanescu Andrei , Feier Andrei-Marian , Pop Tudor Sorin , Russu Octav
Published: August 2023

Background: The identification of the branch of the inferior medial genicular artery (bIMGA) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) has previously been considered a landmark by some surgeons, but its consistency remains debated. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the variability in the appearance and location of bIMGA and to assess its validity as a reliable landmark during hamstring tendon harvesting procedures. Methods: This prospective, single-center study comprised 213 patients who underwent ACLR over a period of two years. The surgical procedures were conducted by the same surgical team, maintaining uniformity in the approach. The study sought correlations between patient demographics, level of activity, and the potential for successful identification of the bIMGA. Results: A statistically significant association between patient activity levels and successful identification of the bIMGA (p = 0.035) was observed. No significant correlations were found concerning patient demographic characteristics. bIMGA demonstrated a substantial degree of anatomical variability, rendering its consistent identification in the surgical field challenging. Conclusions: Given the observed variability and the associated difficulty in its identification, the use of the bIMGA as a dependable anatomical reference during ACL graft harvesting is not recommended. This study confirms the inconsistency of bIMGA as a traditional landmark, underscoring the need for research aimed at identifying more consistent and reliable anatomical references to enhance the precision of surgical interventions in ACLR.
Impact of Persistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome during Intensive Care Admission on Each Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Component in a PICS Clinic
Authors: Suganuma Shinya , Idei Masafumi , Nakano Hidehiko , Koyama Yasuaki , Hashimoto Hideki , Yokoyama Nobuyuki , Takaki Shunsuke , Nakamura Kensuke
Published: August 2023

Background: Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome (PIICS) is known as a prolonged immunodeficiency that occurs after severe infection. Few studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between PIICS and physical dysfunction in post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). We herein investigated how each component of PICS was affected by the diagnosis of PIICS during hospitalization and examined the relationship between PIICS and PICS using PICS assessments performed at the Hitachi General Hospital PICS Clinic. Methods: The 273 patients who visited the PICS clinic at one month after discharge from the ICU at Hitachi General Hospital were included in the study. We used the diagnostic criteria for PIICS described in previous studies. At least two of the following blood test values on day 14 of hospitalization had to be met for a diagnosis of PIICS: C-reactive protein (CRP) > 2.0 mg/dL, albumin (Alb) < 3.0 g/dL, and lymphocytes (Lym) < 800/μL. Blood test values closest to day 14 out of 11–17 days of hospitalization were used. The primary outcome was a Barthel Index (BI) < 90, while secondary outcomes were the results of various PICS assessments, including mental and cognitive impairments, performed at the PICS clinic. We supplemented missing data with multiple imputations by chained equations. We performed a nominal logistic regression analysis with age, sex, BMI, SOFA, and the presence of PIICS as variables for BI < 90. Results: Forty-three out of two hundred seventy-three PICS outpatients met the diagnostic criteria for PIICS during hospitalization. In comparisons with non-PIICS patients, significantly higher severity scores for APACHE II and SOFA and a longer hospital stay were observed in PIICS patients, suggesting a higher clinical severity. The primary outcome, BI, was lower in the PIICS group (97.5 (58.5, 100) vs. 100 (95, 100), p = 0.008), as were the secondary outcomes (FSS-ICU: 35 (31, 35) vs. 35 (35, 35), MRC score: 55 (50.25, 58) vs. 58 (53, 60), grip strength: 16.45 (9.2, 25.47) vs. 20.4 (15.3, 27.7)). No significant differences were noted in mental or cognitive function assessments, such as HADS, IES-R, and SMQ. A multivariable analysis supplemented with missing data revealed that PIICS (odds ratio: 1.23 (1.08–1.40 p = 0.001) and age (odds ratio: 1.007 (1.004–1.01), p < 0.001) correlated with BI < 90, independent of clinical severity such as sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). Similar results were obtained in the sensitivity analysis excluding missing data. Conclusions: The present study revealed a strong relationship between PIICS and post-discharge PICS physical dysfunction in patients requiring intensive care.
Factors Influencing Properties of Spider Silk Coatings and Their Interactions within a Biological Environment
Authors: Trossmann Vanessa T. , Lentz Sarah , Scheibel Thomas
Published: August 2023

Biomaterials are an indispensable part of biomedical research. However, although many materials display suitable application-specific properties, they provide only poor biocompatibility when implanted into a human/animal body leading to inflammation and rejection reactions. Coatings made of spider silk proteins are promising alternatives for various applications since they are biocompatible, non-toxic and anti-inflammatory. Nevertheless, the biological response toward a spider silk coating cannot be generalized. The properties of spider silk coatings are influenced by many factors, including silk source, solvent, the substrate to be coated, pre- and post-treatments and the processing technique. All these factors consequently affect the biological response of the environment and the putative application of the appropriate silk coating. Here, we summarize recently identified factors to be considered before spider silk processing as well as physicochemical characterization methods. Furthermore, we highlight important results of biological evaluations to emphasize the importance of adjustability and adaption to a specific application. Finally, we provide an experimental matrix of parameters to be considered for a specific application and a guided biological response as exemplarily tested with two different fibroblast cell lines.
Tibiotarsal Arthrodesis with Retrograde Intramedullary Nail and RIA Graft: A Salvage Technique
Authors: Salvo Giancarlo , Bonfiglio Salvatore , Ganci Marco , Milazzo Salvo , Ortuso Rocco , Papotto Giacomo , Longo Gianfranco
Published: August 2023

Ankle arthrodesis is a commonly used salvage procedure in the management of post-traumatic ankle fractures, which often result in severe disability and may require the amputation of the distal third of the leg. Successful ankle arthrodesis relies on a thorough assessment of local and systemic risk factors to ensure optimal results. Failure to accurately assess these factors may lead to unsatisfactory results. High-energy trauma causing bone defects and soft tissue necrosis often results in osteomyelitis, a condition that poses a significant threat to the success of the arthrodesis procedure. It is important to apply a standardised surgical protocol to minimise the possibility of superficial and deep infection and limit damage to the neighbouring soft tissues. Therefore, it is critical to undertake surgical lavage and debridement and administer systemic and local antibiotic therapy, along with the use of a spacer, to eradicate infection prior to performing arthrodesis. In this study, we present our experience in the recovery of limbs with post-traumatic complications via tibio-astragalic or tibio-calcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail technique. The approach involves a multi-step procedure using a previous antibiotic spacer implant and an autologous bone graft (RIA). This study spanned a period from January 2014 to December 2021 and included 35 patients (12 women and 23 men) with a mean age of 47.8 ± 20.08 years (range: 22–85 years). Among the patients, 18 had osteomyelitis following AO 43 C3 fractures, and 9 of them had previous exposure and bone loss at the time of injury. The remaining cases included 10 patients with AO 44 C fracture outcomes and 7 patients with AO 44 B fracture outcomes. Our results emphasise the importance of the meticulous management of local and systemic risk factors in ankle arthrodesis procedures. The successful eradication of infection and subsequent arthrodesis can be achieved via the implementation of surgical lavage, debridement, and systemic and local antibiotic therapy using spacers. This surgical protocol implemented by us has yielded excellent results, saving affected limbs from post-traumatic complications and avoiding the need for amputation. Our study contributes to the existing knowledge supporting the use of retrograde arthrodesis with intramedullary nails in severe cases where limb salvage is the primary goal. However, further research and long-term follow-up studies are needed to validate these results and evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in a larger patient population.
A Novel Approach to Assessing Infant and Child Mental Rotation
Authors: Beckner Aaron G. , Katz Mary , Tompkins David N. , Voss Annika T. , Winebrake Deaven , LoBue Vanessa , Oakes Lisa M. , Casasola Marianella
Published: August 2023

Mental rotation is a critically important, early developing spatial skill that is related to other spatial cognitive abilities. Understanding the early development of this skill, however, requires a developmentally appropriate assessment that can be used with infants, toddlers, and young children. We present here a new eye-tracking task that uses a staircase procedure to assess mental rotation in 12-, 24-, and 36-month-old children (N = 41). To ensure that all children understood the task, the session began with training and practice, in which the children learned to fixate which of two houses a giraffe, facing either left or right, would approach. The adaptive two-up, one-down staircase procedure assessed the children’s ability to fixate the correct house when the giraffe was rotated in 30° (up) or 15° (down) increments. The procedure was successful, with most children showing evidence of mental rotation. In addition, the children were less likely to succeed as the angle of rotation increased, and the older children succeeded at higher angles of rotation than the younger children, replicating previous findings with other procedures. The present study contributes a new paradigm that can assess the development of mental rotation in young children and holds promise for yielding insights into individual differences in mental rotation.
YOLOv6-ESG: A Lightweight Seafood Detection Method
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Qianqian , Fang Zhiqiang , Zhou Xianglong , Tang Zhiwei , Han Yanling , Ma Zhenling
Published: August 2023

The rapid development of convolutional neural networks has significant implications for automated underwater fishing operations. Among these, object detection algorithms based on underwater robots have become a hot topic in both academic and applied research. Due to the complexity of underwater imaging environments, many studies have employed large network structures to enhance the model’s detection accuracy. However, such models contain many parameters and consume substantial memory, making them less suitable for small devices with limited memory and computing capabilities. To address these issues, a YOLOv6-based lightweight underwater object detection model, YOLOv6-ESG, is proposed to detect seafood, such as echinus, holothurian, starfish, and scallop. First, a more lightweight backbone network is designed by rebuilding the EfficientNetv2 with a lightweight ODConv module to reduce the number of parameters and floating-point operations. Then, this study improves the neck layer using lightweight GSConv and VoVGSCSP modules to enhance the network’s ability to detect small objects. Meanwhile, to improve the detection accuracy of small underwater objects with poor image quality and low resolution, the SPD-Conv module is also integrated into the two parts of the model. Finally, the Adan optimizer is utilized to speed up model convergence and further improve detection accuracy. To address the issue of interference objects in the URPC2022 dataset, data cleaning has been conducted, followed by experiments on the cleaned dataset. The proposed model achieves 86.6% mAP while the detection speed (batch size = 1) reaches 50.66 FPS. Compared to YOLOv6, the proposed model not only maintains almost the same level of detection accuracy but also achieves faster detection speed. Moreover, the number of parameters and floating-point operations reaches the minimum levels, with reductions of 75.44% and 79.64%, respectively. These results indicate the feasibility of the proposed model in the application of underwater detection tasks.
Upwellings and Downwellings Caused by Mesoscale Water Dynamics in the Coastal Zone of Northeastern Black Sea
Authors: Podymov Oleg I. , Ocherednik Vladimir V. , Silvestrova Ksenia P. , Zatsepin Andrei G.
Published: August 2023

The paper analyzes quasiperiodic upwellings and downwellings on the shelf and upper part of continental slope of the northeastern Black Sea. It is shown that these processes are related to changes in intensity and direction of alongshore current and the following geostrophic adjustment of the density field. The source of such changes is the meandering of the Black Sea Rim Current (RC). It leads to a quasiperiodic change in direction of the alongshore current, from northwestern (cyclonic RC meander) to southeastern (anticyclonic RC meander, or eddy). These cycles, or phases, have an average duration of about 10 days. During the northwestern phase, the permanent Black Sea pycnohalocline (hereafter pycnocline) and seasonal thermocline descend, their thickness increases, and so does the thickness of the upper mixed layer (UML). During the southeastern phase, both the pycnocline and seasonal thermocline ascend and become thinner, along with the UML, which also becomes thinner. In both phases, isopycnals in the pycnocline and isotherms in the thermocline demonstrate quasi-in-phase vertical oscillations, which have a good correlation with the speed and direction of the alongshore current. These correlations allow estimation of the magnitude of upwellings and downwellings in the shelf–slope area of the northeastern Black Sea using data series of current velocity profiles.
Adaptation of Existing Vessels in Accordance with Decarbonization Requirements—Case Study—Mediterranean Port
Authors: Bacalja Bašić Bruna , Krčum Maja , Gudelj Anita
Published: August 2023

This research investigates the application of photovoltaic (PV) systems on ship retrofits with the aim of reducing the emission of harmful gases. By using renewable energy resources, this research presents the potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving energy efficiency in maritime operations, specifically within the Split coastal area. Overcoming the space restrictions on ships, an innovative design is presented to maximize the installation area for solar power. The research is conducted for several cases based on the IHOGA simulator, for all ship phases, and it aims to minimize fuel consumption by the diesel generators, thus emphasizing the use of renewable energy resources. A model with two operational modes is designed: Mode 1 allows surplus power to charge batteries or supply the port network, while Mode 2 covers power deficits from alternative sources. The implementation of renewables results in carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emission reductions. Furthermore, during the ship hotelling phase, the load is supplied entirely by batteries, resulting in zero emissions at the port.
Species Diversity of Amanita Section Vaginatae in Eastern China, with a Description of Four New Species
Authors: Cui Yang-Yang , Hao Yan-Jia , Guo Ting , Yang Zhu L. , Cai Qing
Published: August 2023

Species of Amanita sect. Vaginatae (Fr.) Quél. are challenging to delimitate due to the morphological similarity or morphostasis among different taxa. In this study, a multi-locus (nuc rDNA region encompassing the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 with the 5.8S rDNA, the D1–D3 domains of nuc 28S rDNA, partial sequences of translation elongation factor 1-a, and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II) phylogeny was employed to investigate the species diversity of the section in eastern China. Sixteen species were recognized, including four new species; namely, A. circulata, A. multicingulata, A. orientalis, and A. sinofulva. They were documented with illustrated descriptions, ecological evidence, and comparisons with similar species. A key to the species of the section from eastern China is provided.
Organochlorine Compounds in the Amur (Heilong) River Basin (2000–2020): A Review
Authors: Donets Maksim M. , Tsygankov Vasiliy Yu.
Published: August 2023

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are well-known contaminants that raise serious concerns, even more than 20 years after they were banned. Their worldwide distribution and persistence necessitate continuous monitoring in all components of the environment. The most challenging issues of POP regulation are associated with international water resources because their solutions require international cooperation in environment protection. This review provides data on various POPs (DDT, HCH, endrin, dieldrin, and PCBs) and their concentrations in aquatic organisms inhabiting the Amur River basin, one of the most poorly explored regions of Northeast Asia. Most studies have been conducted in the Songhua River (China), a tributary of the Amur River, which indicates that large inland bodies of water, especially those of international importance, require more extensive research.